Without action, the next pilot shortage in the Middle East is all but inevitable May 17, 2021 Michael Wette, transportation and services partner at Oliver Wyman DUBAI — The COVID-19 pandemic has stalled a historical global pilot shortage but steps already need to be taken by airlines to ensure pilot supply does not fall short again, according to findings by Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting. Until 2020, securing a pipeline of new pilots has been a primary concern for airlines around the world due to rising retirements, high financial barriers to entry and rapid airline capacity growth amongst others, according to Oliver Wyman.