The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, announced on Thursday (February 27) plans to increase recruitment efforts in response to the ongoing shortage of manpower in the American aviation industry. Concurrently, billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is urging retired air traffic controllers to return to their positions.
After visiting the Federal Aviation Administration Academy in Oklahoma City on Thursday, Duffy stated, “For over a decade, the personnel shortage has been a well-known challenge, and this administration is committed to addressing this issue. The new streamlined recruitment process is just the first step in realizing President Trump’s priority to ensure the safety of the American people and to modernize the federal government agenda.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation stated in a press release on Thursday that during the visit, Duffy emphasized the crucial role air traffic controllers play in ensuring the safety of the American people.
The statement mentioned that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will open a recruitment window from February 27 to March 17 “for the best and brightest in our nation to become air traffic controllers,” and is making the application process more efficient than ever before, allowing applicants to start training at a more affordable cost.
Furthermore, the Department of Transportation will increase the starting salary of air traffic controllers who enter the FAA Academy for training by 30% after passing assessments. Certified professional controllers have an average annual salary exceeding $160,000.
Prior to Duffy’s appeal and the department’s release of the statement, the U.S. experienced several aviation accidents in the past few weeks, including mid-air collisions and near misses, resulting in dozens of fatalities. The shortage of air traffic controllers has raised concerns accordingly.
Also on Thursday, Musk made a statement urging retired air traffic controllers to return to work.
The billionaire, currently leading efforts to downsize federal agencies for efficiency, posted on the social media platform X, “We are currently in need of top-tier air traffic controllers. If you have retired but are willing to return to work, please consider doing so.”