Global pilot shortage hits Australia

[codash1099]

I cannot believe that the industry is so busy concentrating on today's profitability that it didn't see this coming.

Airline passengers face a 'perfect storm' as global pilot shortage starts to bite

 

[Scarlett]

Probably because they’re all using the same theory that it’s easier to get your pilots already trained from elsewhere... except for when the music stops!

From the article: nice whinging by Rex. They could just choose to pay more, as clearly the rest of the market is doing.

 

[jb747]

In the case of Rex, paying more won't really solve the problem. Most pilots (though not all), simply don't want to be stuck on a turboprop aircraft for their whole careers.

This is more than a issue they didn't see coming. In many ways the airlines have caused the shortage. Basically an own goal.

 

[AviatorInsight]

From the article: nice whinging by Rex. They could just choose to pay more, as clearly the rest of the market is doing.

As JB said there's more to Rex than just paying more. Also they refer to the majors as "poaching" their pilots. This statement suggests that Qantas/Virgin are actively going out to get Rex's pilots. This is definitely not true. A pilot will apply to an airline, go through the process and then if successful will be offered a position.

 

[drron]

Mrsdrron reports that the pilot and FO on the QF link flight MCY-SYD yesterday were both older Americans.Had a good talk to the Captain when they went through security together.
Is this part of the solution-Americans wanting to finish their career here?

 

[AviatorInsight]

Mrsdrron reports that the pilot and FO on the QF link flight MCY-SYD yesterday were both older Americans.Had a good talk to the Captain when they went through security together.
Is this part of the solution-Americans wanting to finish their career here?

I know Qlink were actively seeking Hawaii Island Air pilots for a while when their company went bankrupt last year. They had a fleet of DHC8s and Q400s.

 

[eastwest101]

I know Qlink were actively seeking Hawaii Island Air pilots for a while when their company went bankrupt last year. They had a fleet of DHC8s and Q400s.

QF, VA, JQ and TT will have to recruit from overseas as well as train more and hope that Rex continue to train more pilots that are then poached by the majors. Given the high cost of living in Australia and the fact that experienced pilots are in demand worldwide, the head in the sand tactics will stop soon, the only levers they have to pull are increased salaries and attracting pilots from overseas. No point having the shiniest most efficient fleet if its sitting on the tarmac.

Long term demographic time bomb, overblown IR tactics and lack of training meets short term management KPI's - most likely that the people who made these decisions have already moved on and won't have to deal with the consequences.