Focusing more long-term, though, airlines are boosting training programs to unprecedented levels and trying to attract a younger and more diverse next generation of aviators. That formula has been adopted by regional airlines, too, such as Mesa Air Group , Republic, Envoy, Cape Air and SkyWest . The regionals have always been an entry point for the mainline airlines' pilots, providing them the requisite number of hours of flight time needed before advancing. "The pilot shortage has abated to some extent," Murray said, "but at the expense of lower frequencies and fewer connection opportunities for travelers." Regional airline Republic has its own flight school, the Leadership in Flight Training Academy, in Indianapolis.

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