Facing a decadeslong shortage, the FAA has now hired more than 2,000 air traffic controllers after its campaign recruiting Gen Z video gamers

Recent reports reveal the U.S. Transportation Department and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have hired more than 2,000 air traffic controllers after launching a campaign to recruit Gen Z video gamers. The April campaign saw the administration use social media platforms such as YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) to promote the hiring, highlighting the role's lucrative pay of at least $155,000 after three years of service.

The push came as the aviation sector grappled with a shortage of skilled employees, with the number of air traffic controllers falling 6% over the past decade. The shortage has gained attention following a series of deadly plane crashes, including an Air Canada jet striking a fire truck on a runway at LaGuardia Airport, killing two people.

Experts note that while gaming can improve skills like multitasking and spatial awareness, it doesn't fully replicate the life-or-death nature of actual air traffic control work. The Transportation Department aims to recruit 2,300 controllers in the next year, but the certification process, which can take two to five years, means even increased recruitment could take years to replenish the air traffic control workforce.