A Landline bus operating for United Airlines. Photograph courtesy of United Airlines.
Airlines are starting to replace jets with buses on shorter domestic routes. The Minneapolis-based Sun Country Airlines began its partnership with the upcoming bus provider, Landline, in 2019. American and United Airlines are following suit amid the pilot shortage. The pilot staffing crisis is forcing airlines to think outside the box to continue transporting passengers during the shortage.
Landline provides shuttle service from several Minnesota and Wisconsin cities to Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport for Sun Country Airlines. Graphic courtesy of Sun Country Airlines.
The aviation industry has been preparing for a pilot shortage since 2013 when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began requiring 1,500 hours to become an airline pilot. Most countries mandate far fewer hours for airline pilots. Some foreign airlines have 300-hour pilots flying as first officers. Fueling the shortage further is the FAA-mandated retirement at the age of 65. This is taking thousands of pilots out of the airline workforce every year. ATP Flight School stated that 4,100 domestic pilots are hitting the age of 65 annually. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the pilot shortage. Many airlines offered early retirement packages to reduce payroll and to keep finances afloat during the financial struggles brought on by the pandemic.
Several airlines are turning to a shuttle service provided by a company called Landline to reduce the pilot staffing troubles. Landline was founded in 2018 with the goal of creating the “airport of the future” by establishing a shuttle service to airport hubs. Landline Portals are in select cities and provide passenger and baggage screening prior to boarding the bus. The shuttle then takes the passengers to a gate at the hub, bypassing further security screening.
United Airlines started using Landline at their Denver hub last spring. Landline provides a daily shuttle service from Denver International Airport to Breckenridge and Fort Collins. American Airlines plans to begin service on June 3rd at its Philadelphia hub. Landline will provide service from Atlantic City and Allentown to Philadelphia.
Booking connections with Landline is streamlined into the existing reservation systems that Sun Country, American, and United Airlines utilize. The reservation system will advise which routes are operated by Landline. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi and entertainment while onboard a Landline shuttle. Snacks and refreshments are not provided but are always welcome. The leather seats can recline and there are electrical outlets in each row. Landline makes traveling easy and convenient for their passengers.
Interior of a Landline shuttle. Photography courtesy of Sun Country Airlines.
Landline is the solution many airlines are utilizing to cope with the pilot shortage. Airlines across the country are struggling to staff their routes. Contracting shorter routes to Landline will allow the airlines to staff their longer routes. Time will tell if buses are a short-term mend for the pilot shortage or are a long-term, more economical solution for cities within driving distance of a hub.
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