A recent study by worldwide aviation personnel specialist AeroProfessional has revealed that airlines need to create a talent pipeline to manage shortages, as the industry will require an extra half a million commercial pilots in the next 20 years.
AeroProfessional has carried out the survey with more than 700 pilots and airlines, highlighting a widespread lack of skills and concerns relating to recruiting new pilots.
The report showed that airlines prefer more experienced candidates but, with experienced pilots retiring, the gap in expertise is broadening.
Most experienced pilots had their training subsidised by an airline and lead roles with that carrie but modern pilots must pay for their own development without the security of a job upon completion.
For the majority of direct entry first officer roles, new pilots must also accumulate 1,500 hours of flight time to qualify. Some airlines offer pay-to-fly (P2F) schemes for this, where they can invest in their career.
The report reveals that the methods of recruitment have hardly changed over the last decade so do not reflect today’s aviation market.
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By GlobalDataAbout 29% or nearly a third of pilots having experience of more than ten years stated that they applied for their first job through an advertisement.
Additionally, 33% of pilots with work experience of less than a year have to apply for jobs through advertisements.
The survey showed that 15% of respondents were qualified but without the necessary training to progress. 11% are yet to find their first role as pilots.
AeroProfessional director Sam Sprules said: "The aviation industry is braced for dramatic growth, with an extra half a million commercial pilots required in the next 20 years.
"Airlines need to evolve accordingly, because without skilled pilots to supply this demand, the industry will suffer."
Without an effective filtering process, airlines are finding it hard to select appropriate candidates.
About 55% of airline respondents said that the quality of applications lack suitability, and 5% of airline respondents said they receive few applicants.
