AviationCV.com: a major step is required from airlines to overcome the global pilot shortage

Earlier this month Boeing issued a revised Current Market Overview containing an aviation industry forecast for the upcoming 19 years. The demand for new technicians during the past year decreased by almost 50 000, whilst the situation with regards to pilot shortage practically didn’t improve at all. This is yet another alarming notice for the industry, pointing towards the ineffectiveness of the current measures aimed at delivering a sufficient amount of skilful pilots.

‘Though currently there are hundreds of pilot training organizations around the world, the latest figures clearly indicate that it is not enough. Currently airlines are intensely re-shaping and renewing their fleets by ordering and delivering numerous amounts of aircraft. Besides, the current generation of pilots is rapidly approaching retirement.  Then there are the re-training issues to consider. For instance, the CIS region-based operators are replacing their Soviet era aircraft with no clear re-training program for the pilots of those aircraft types,’ commented the CEO of AviationCV.com Skaiste Knyzaite.

Though the number of new pilots required by 2031 remains the same – 460 000 – the latest research indicates very specific regional shifts in the demand. For instance, the overall demand in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the CIS has already increased by almost 14000 pilots, compared to the previous forecast. At the very same time, China, the Middle East and North America have alleviated their demand with minus 13 800 in North America alone.

‘One of the reasons why the demand for new pilots in China and the Middle East is decreasing is the successful implementation of global recruitment programs conducted on the behalf of the regional/local airlines. However, in order to maintain the upturn in figures, the global airline industry is required to make a major step towards improving the current cadet programs for both First Officers and Captains. Today there are a lot of skilful young pilots who will shape the aviation of tomorrow. Airlines from all over the world ought to take better responsibility in preparing those pilots for the carriers’ own sake. They should facilitate a smooth transition of the experience and expertise from the retiring generation to the upcoming one,’ commented the CEO of AviationCV.com Skaiste Knyzaite.