Some of the incentives include a 30% salary increase for new hires, plus a $5,000 bonus for completing the academy. Duffy also said the agency plans to add extra resources for students in an effort to boost their exam pass rates.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is hoping that bonuses for new recruits and controllers near retirement will speed efforts to reduce a 3,000-person shortfall.

Air traffic control is a demanding career. Only 57% to 73% of trainees graduate, but those who do can earn an average pay of $160,000, before bonuses.