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With the world's jet airliner fleet expected to double during the next 20 years, the global aviation industry is facing a shortage of qualified airline pilots. Alteon Training, a subsidiary of Boeing, estimates that more than 17,000 new pilots a year will be needed to crew new aircraft up to 2025. This number does not include additional pilots needed to replace retiring pilots.

According to Alteon's forecast:

• India has fewer than 3000 pilots today, but will need more than 15,000 by 2025.

• China will need 12,500 pilots by 2010, and more than 43,000 by 2025.

• Central and South America will need 1344 new pilots a year. South America has fewer than 10,000 commercial airline pilots today. It will need an additional 10,000 pilots by 2015, and almost 27,000 by 2025.

• Europe will need an average of 3747 new pilots a year, or nearly 75,000 by 2025.

• The Middle East and Africa will need an average of 1205 pilots a year.

The US and Canada have about 64,000 airline pilots today, but will need more than 128,000 by 2025.

Recruiting and retaining pilots

The pilot shortage has led to increased competition between airlines to recruit and retain suitably qualified personnel. Some airlines have introduced incentive based systems to attract pilots, including profit sharing, bonus schemes, and more attractive ‘lifestyle' provisions. While admitting salaries are a big incentive, Captain Mohammed Ahmed, director of operations at low cost airline Air Arabia, insists pilots are equally keen to work in a relaxed environment.

Air Arabia's recruitment policy is based on hiring people with the ‘right attitude'. Elsewhere, the airline has introduced training programmes to develop talent in-house. The scheme helped a former baggage handler develop into a First Officer after he received extensive pilot training.

In some countries, local laws restrict the airlines' ability to import pilots. In India, each two-person cockpit crew must include at least one Indian citizen. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of China has clamped down on poaching by restricting pilot movements between airlines. Carriers that lose pilots now receive compensation based on the pilot's years of service and experience.

Pilot shortage

For India, China and the Middle East, three of the world's fastest growing regions, addressing the pilot shortage is essential. These countries' airlines have placed large orders for new commercial aircraft. Airlines in India have ordered nearly 500 new aircraft, with 5000 new pilots required. Similarly, airlines in the Middle East have ordered more than 300 new aircraft, which will need at least 3000 new pilots.

However, the world's training organisations are unable to meet the demand for new pilots. Although India has more than 30 approved flight training organisations, only 120 new pilots emerge each year. China requires 12,500 pilots by 2010, but its flight training organisations will produce less than 1500 pilots during the same period. The story is similar in other regions with expanding airline markets.

The shortage has forced airlines to review current training programmes and implement strategies to recruit new-hire pilots. The high training costs, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, has proved a significant barrier for budding pilots. Consequently, many airlines are once again establishing or expanding fully sponsored cadet training programmes to attract more recruits.

In the Middle East, at least six new training facilities will be opened in the coming years. Each of these facilities is planned to accommodate at least 250 trainees per year, with some planning for upwards of 500 trainees every 12 months. Some airlines have established their own institutes to guarantee a steady stream of pilots. The others will provide recruits to companies across the industry.

Multi-Crew Pilot License

With fewer pilots available, commercial airlines are turning to less experienced fliers. To address this issue, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently introduced the Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL). The new pilot qualification provides an educational framework using modern training flight devices and simulators.

The MPL is considered a more efficient approach to training co-pilots for multi-crew airline operations. Historically, pilot training was governed by few standards, particularly for multi-crew operations.

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