Global pilot shortage needs 650k new pilots in 20 years, says Efta

The aviation industry is currently grappling with a global pilot shortage, with an estimated 650,000 pilots required over the next two decades, as per data from the Emirates Flight Training Academy (Efta). The dearth of pilots is attributed to a scarcity of flight instructors worldwide, said Abdulla Al Hammadi, Efta’s vice president. The industry is highly competitive, with airlines recruiting instructors from private aviation schools, leading to fewer pilot graduates.

Significant events over the past few decades, such as the 9/11 attacks, the financial crisis of 2008, and the recent global pandemic, have dissuaded individuals from pursuing careers as pilots. Younger generations perceive the vocation as less prestigious than before, opting for professions that offer higher income. This shift in perspective has resulted in fewer…