Delta to hire 1,000 pilots during âacceleratedâ recovery period By Catherine Park CDC greenlights domestic travel for fully vaccinated people The new guidelines say vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread the virus, but the CDC still recommends safety measures like wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing. ATLANTA - Delta plans to hire an additional 1,000 pilots by next summer during an "accelerated" recovery period for travel after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a company memo shared with FOX TV Stations. "The fact that we expect to record a profit in June – just 15 months after the sharpest decline in aviation history – is remarkable, and it’s a clear sign that Delta is leading the recovery. Another positive indicator is increased pilot hiring to welcome more than 1,000 pilots by next summer," the memo stated.