Skills Shortage Looms for Bizav, Says Study

The business aviation industry needs to be aware of and prepared for a looming skills shortage, according to a recently published study by Korn Ferry Hay Group conducted with the support of Booz Allen Hamilton on behalf of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).

“This study is an advance warning that we need to raise awareness among our members and in the wider industry and find ways to attract more talent to the sector,” said EBAA CEO Brandon Mitchener. “This includes developing a compelling brand proposition for the sector, concerted talent marketing activities, initiatives to attract more women, and a sector-wide information plan.”

The study investigates whether there are skills shortages and examines the likelihood of future workforce shortages. It assesses the workforce situation on a regional basis, including a comparative study of Europe, North America, and Asia. In addition, the study gauges the attractiveness of a career in business aviation to students and graduates and appraises the validity of proposed solutions to workforce shortages within the segment.

The study concluded that there is little awareness of workforce shortages within business aviation, particularly for pilots and maintenance technicians; demand for highly skilled aviation professionals is increasing; and regional differences in demand for skilled aviation professionals will rapidly rise.

“Our consultants suggest a comprehensive strategy consisting of a number of initiatives to be taken to positively influence the workforce supply side of the problem, starting by making the industry wake up to the looming labor shortage,” said Christian Weiss, project director for Korn Ferry Hay Group.