Article from BTNews 28 MAY 2018
'Lack of action' in pilot crisis
New concerns over pilot shortages were raised last week in a new report from UK-based aviation recruitment specialist AeroProfessional saying too little collaborative action was being taken, specifically in the EU, to address the crisis.
The report, Grounded before take-off: EU regional pilot shortage perspective two years on, says with 95,000 new commercial pilots needed in Europe by 2034, staffing issues and shortfalls within airlines can only worsen.
AeroProfessonal also points out with industry demand growing in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Europe’s pilot skills shortage will be further exacerbated by increasing rates of staff poaching and operational disruptions.
The report, introduced by AP director Sam Sprules, cites training costs, type ratings, pay and conditions as major barriers to solving the skills shortage, with the “fundamental changes required to combat the crisis still some way off”.
It also notes different types of airline have been affected differently, with legacy and flag carriers least likely to suffer due to them offering the best salary and benefits packages and many administering their own cadet schemes.
The company highlights cost-effective training, innovative cadet schemes, enhanced inclusion and diversity and strategic recruitment planning as ways for airlines to stay ahead in “an increasingly competitive job market”.
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