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Middle East airlines will face an "inevitable" shortage of pilots in the post-pandemic travel era if they do not start taking action now, according to a new report.
Though the pilot shortage in the region is not likely to emerge until 2024, it is expected to steadily grow again through to 2029, management consultancy Oliver Wyman said in a report. As a net importer of pilots, growth in this region may also affect supply in other regions, it said.
"While airlines are understandably focused on addressing the immediate impacts of the global pandemic, preparing for the impending pilot shortage will be essential in re-growing and rebuilding operations in the coming years,” Michael Wette, head of India, Middle East and Africa transportation and services at Oliver Wyman, said. "Due to the pivotal role that air transport plays in the economy, the industry will recover – and with it the demand for pilots."