Just 18 short months ago, pilots chasing an airline job had a nearly bottomless well of opportunities to draw from. Industry experts compared the scarcity of experienced cockpit crewmembers to the 1960s—when the major airlines were so needy, they actually subsidized pilot training. As 2019 drew to a close, it was fairly common for regional airlines to pay substantial hiring bonuses for the right pilot and then add another lump sum once they’d completed training.
Should You Consider Becoming an Airline Pilot?
Key Takeaways:
- The airline industry, which previously faced a severe pilot shortage and high demand for pilots, experienced an unprecedented downturn due to COVID-19, leading to widespread furloughs, early retirements, and a halt in hiring.
- Despite the drastic pandemic-induced slump, the industry is showing signs of recovery, with freight carriers, low-cost airlines, and regional carriers slowly resuming pilot recruitment and increased activity.
- Industry experts predict a significant global pilot shortage will rapidly re-emerge by 2023-2025 due to an aging workforce and mandatory retirements, advising aspiring pilots to remain patient and continue their training as the long-term outlook is positive.
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