USA Today - Travel
David Shepardson
16 Feb 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Feb. 13 that all U.S. airlines must certify they are conducting merit-based hiring for pilots or face a federal investigation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the action was to address "allegations of airlines hiring based on race and sex," and added under the directive "all U.S. carriers will be required to certify this practice is terminated."
Shortly after taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump issued sweeping executive orders to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the United States and pressured the private sector to join the initiative.
There is no evidence that any U.S. airline is employing unqualified pilots. The FAA notice Friday said airlines must "ensure pilot hiring is exclusively merit-based to fulfill its duty to provide the highest possible degree of safety."..
FAA mandates merit-based pilot hiring after Trump's DEI orders - US Today - Travel - 16 Feb 2026
