WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior official at the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday the agency met its goal of hiring 2,000 air traffic controllers in the 12 months ending Sept. 30 and aims to hire 2,200 next year.

Deputy FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau announced the hiring figures at an industry conference.

A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights and many are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks. The FAA is about 3,500 air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels. Congress approved $12.5 billion in July to overhaul aging air traffic control systems and boost controller hiring.