Introduction to the Pilot Shortage
Flying is simply not what it used to be. Long lines to go through security, cyber attacks on airport check-in systems, working strikes, lost bags, and cancellations are just a few of the issues plaguing the airline industry. Additionally, there is a global lack of pilots and airlines. During and after the Covid 19 pandemic, pilot training was put on hold in many places as companies waited to see what the pandemic would do to the travel industry. Nowadays, there is a training deficit as a breakdown of the flight and the schools have difficulty bringing new pilots up in the air.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Pilot Retirements
At the same time, the pandemic inspired many high-ranking pilots to retire unexpectedly early. More are waiting to hang up their wings, especially in North America. This leaves airlines with the double challenge of compensating for a wave of retirement and finding more pilots if the demand for air travel, in particular leisure travel, continues to grow.
How Many Pilots are Needed?
The current growth of the flight has surprised many airlines, said Christoph Klingenberg, an expert in airlines and airport management. "Since it takes several years to train pilots, normalization will take a few years," Klingenberg told reporters. How many pilots are needed varies depending on the source. The United States alone will have around 18,200 vacancies for airlines and trading pilots in the next decade, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Cost of Becoming a Pilot
Although experienced pilots can earn a lot, it is a long and expensive journey to get into the cockpit. In the United States, flight training can cost over $100,000, a discouraging amount that will probably prevent many from dreaming of an aviation job. In addition to other certifications and evaluations, the US Federal Aviation Administration requires all first officers of an airline that offers scheduled passenger air service to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. This means a further 1,500 hours of flight experience, a requirement that can take a year or two to meet for pilots who come from school.
Increasing Pilot Salaries
In recent times, many large and regional airlines have increased pilot wages to attract more applications and keep the existing pilots. "The biggest way to make a pilot job of a commercial airline more attractive is to increase the payment," said Dan Bubb, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who specializes in commercial aviation. In addition to higher basic salaries, some airlines also offer bonuses and other advantages to find and keep pilots. Others design better work plans for working life for flight crews. All costs that contribute to passenger card prices.
Mandatory Retirement Age
Two decades ago, international airlines had to retire at 60. With progress in healthcare, retirement age turned 65 in 2006. With regard to a lack of pilot and even higher health standards, some propose to increase retirement age to 67. "Flying experiences that are often associated with age correlates significantly with flight safety," US Senator Ted Cruz wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump. Whatever the economy behind it, the idea has met opposition from pilot unions.
What Else Are Airlines Doing to Lure Pilots?
In order to keep new pilots and those in the air, airlines have to increase their attitude efforts, expand training facilities, and hire pilots from other non-commercial airlines, Christoph Klingenberg argues. He also suspects that lifting the retirement age to 67 is "a step in the right direction". Some airlines all around the world set pilots with significantly fewer hours under their belts, offer large signing bonuses, and do without certain requirements.
More Automation in the Cockpit?
Could artificial intelligence (AI) or increased automation in the cockpit compensate for a lack of pilots? While many industries are sticking to the idea of using AI to rationalize work, airlines are initially in the cockpit and do not expect this to change a lot in the coming decades. AI will play an important role, but will not replace pilots. "I have no doubt that AI will make flight trip more efficient in terms of time and fuel burning, but not replaced people," said Bubb. With regard to more living pilots in the air, it really depends on how many are needed when the demand for air travel increases. "I assume that the situation will improve after 2030, so it could take five years before recovering," Klingenberg said. Bubb believes that the defect situation "remain moderate" and enables an opportunity for the industry. "It is an opportunity for airlines to plan in advance so that they are proactive instead of being reactive if pilots lack," he added.
