March 14, 2016: JetBlue Airways, once the “darling and poster airline” for low cost air travel with high customer service, has moved itself into full scale competition with big boy major air carriers — adding business class, international routes and a variety of add on fees — is said to be launching a major initiative to train and recruit new pilots. No prior flying experience needed — none — only requirement is a high education and training fee of $100,000 plus! Wannabe pilots will need to commit a full 4 years to the training program and still be required to pass FAA physical and pilot certification. Similar programs have been in place in Europe for years. With passenger loads high as are ticket prices and profits, the race is on to hire and train new pilots for all US carriers.
