Aviation industry at risk of a major EU regional pilot shortage, says AeroProfessional.

Tuesday 22nd May 2018

The latest research from UK-based aviation recruitment specialists, AeroProfessional, states that little collaborative action has taken place in the last two years to address the pilot skills crisis, specifically in the EU.

The White Paper - which follows up on a previous report and is titled 'Grounded before take-off: EU regional pilot shortage perspective two years on' - states that with 95,000 new commercial pilots required in Europe by 2034, the increasing number of staffing issues and shortfalls within airlines is only going to get worse.

Furthermore, 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.

Training costs, type ratings, pay and conditions are all cited as major barriers to solving the skills shortage, with the report suggesting that the fundamental changes required to combat the crisis are still some way off.

Describing how different types of airline have been affected by the skills shortage, AeroProfessional's white paper reveals that legacy and flag carriers are the least likely to suffer, at least in the short term. This is due to them offering the best packages in terms of salaries and benefits, but also the fact that many administer their own cadet schemes.

However, low-cost carriers (LCCs), as well as regional and even corporate aviation suppliers are starting to follow suit in terms of the benefits they offer.

64.6% of pilots believe it is positive to work outside the EU

Other key factors contributing towards the skills shortage include the issue of mandatory retirement and EU workforce migration, with 64.6% of pilots believing it is a good idea to work outside the EU.

Providing an insight as to how airlines can tackle the skills shortage, AeroProfessional 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.

To receive a full copy of the free industry white paper, please contact AeroProfessional's Communications and Marketing Manager

Jade Haase by emailing:   jade.haase@aeroprofessional.com

About AeroProfessional

AeroProfessional is an international consultancy that specialises in developing and delivering high-impact people strategies and resourcing solutions in aviation. With expertise across a range of services, AeroProfessional recruits individual aviation professionals all the way from First Officers and Captains to the Chief Executives for aviation companies of all shapes and sizes.

Aeroprofessional also offers end-to-end high-volume campaign management and compliance engagement services - current examples are its management of the flight attendant assessments and recruitment programme for Qantas as well as the employment and management of expanding LCC's Norwegian's 300+ short haul cabin crew at London Gatwick.

AeroProfessional is a proud member of the REC, the professional body for the recruitment and staffing industry.

www.aeroprofessional.com