Pilots in flight deck of airliner (Photo: Pixabay)
Jefferies, citing Oliver Wyman insight, believes a global pilot shortage could continue through 2032, with the shortfall hitting North America first. (Photo: Pixabay)
Flying

Pilot Shortage Expected To Continue Through Next Decade

Too few people are entering the profession to keep up with post-COVID demand, and North America will be affected most.

Kerry Lynch
|
January 2023

A global pilot shortage is anticipated to extend through at least 2032, with North America anticipated to feel the brunt of it as post-COVID demand exceeds new entrants, according to analyst Jefferies. Citing recent insight from Oliver Wyman Global Aerospace partner Geoff Murray, however, Jefferies reported that the number of retiring pilots is declining from 13,000 in 2020 to 6,000 in 2022. In addition, Jefferies added that the global supply of pilots is increasing.

Even so, that increase is surpassed by the surge in demand post-COVID, with an estimated shortage of 11,000 in 2024. That shortfall could increase to 60,000 globally by 2032 “if mitigating actions are not taken,” Jefferies further stated.

North America and Africa (albeit at a lesser magnitude) are the primary regions facing shortages. West Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Latin America will also experience shortages, but not to the same extent.

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