Shared by Aerviva

While many are looking forward to the opportunities the new year brings, the aviation sector is bracing for a serious skills shortage. According to the Global Services Forecast, by 2041, the industry will need as many as 585,000 new pilots, and judging by the current recruitment pace, airlines begin to worry that such numbers may not be easy to reach, if possible at all. These concerns can be felt across other areas of operation too — the deficit of aviation mechanics, for example, in the United States alone stands at 24,000 and is projected to only widen in the year to come. Post-pandemic recovery, technological advancements, and sustainability pressures are the key contributors to this challenge, raising the question of how could we approach it differently in 2025?

A shortage of skills, not demand

It’s no secret that the aviation industry’s workforce gap is compounded by rising demand for air travel. As passenger numbers are set to return to (or even surpass) pre-pandemic levels in the near future, the industry is preparing for an even greater surge in demand, especially in emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil.

In China, for instance, having introduced new aircraft like the COMAC C919, the domestic market has never been so competitive, beginning to challenge the dominance of the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Similarly, the U.S. domestic airline market is seeing a 6% increase in passenger traffic year-on-year, which, again, points to the growing need for skilled professionals.

“As the pool of qualified candidates shrinks, competition among recruiting entities is becoming rather fierce,” explains Abdelmagid Bouzougarh, CEO of Aerviva. “In regions like the UK, where a shortage of trained staff has left airlines struggling to meet European and international traffic needs, airlines are developing new strategies to address the issue, such as offering retired pilots to return as either flight crew or training instructors, which illustrates the urgency of the situation.”

Rethinking training efforts

To tackle the skills shortage, aviation companies are having to rethink how they train and develop their teams — a historical shift in the broader corporate learning and development (L&D) landscape. Now, instead of blindly following traditional, also known as ‘one-size-fits-all’, training models, organisations are discovering the value of personalised learning paths.
“We’ve noticed that a more tailored approach is key to increasing staff engagement, proven to empower individuals to grow in ways that align with both personal and organisational goals. In fact, companies prioritising personalised learning initiatives are experiencing lower turnover rates,” notes Bouzougarh.

According to Flying Magazine, while the largest carriers seem to be picking up a pace in terms of post-pandemic recovery, regional airlines continue to struggle with staffing challenges, with some still having to offer substantial sign-up bonuses to lure new pilots. Smaller airlines, despite limited resources compared to their larger counterparts, are also taking active steps to address the skills shortage by forming strategic partnerships with training providers, offering personalised learning paths and encouraging a more diverse range of candidates to pursue a career in aviation. These cost-effective approaches can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled talent, which is especially relevant to smaller players facing budgeting limits, seasonality challenges, and other constraints.

Other factors like technological advances or ambitious sustainability plans also play into higher demand for innovative technical training solutions. In order to keep up with the operational changes, pilots and maintenance professionals must deepen their knowledge in managing energy-efficient aircraft.Regarding cabin crew upskilling, due to rising safety concerns and disruptive passenger incidents, it is advised to pay more attention to safety and conflict-resolution skills. However, the complex and rapidly evolving regulatory environment further complicates the need for continuous re-training.

From automation to upskilling

Lengthy qualification timelines (e.g. two years for basic pilot training in the UK and up to four years for air traffic controllers) are yet another contributor to the bottleneck in the aviation talent pipeline. Luckily, automation and AI are here to ease some pressures. Flight simulators, for instance, speed up the training process and give the opportunity to gain practical experience without the risks associated with piloting an actual aircraft. Additionally, predictive maintenance tools are a great help in reducing workloads for technicians, while AI-driven scheduling improves operational efficiency.

These modern solutions also remind us that there are two strands to the skills shortage issue: one is about responding to immediate needs, and then there are certain roles that are not getting the attention they deserve. “Today’s market is not just about aerospace engineers or pilots — let’s not forget we need data analysts to optimise maintenance schedules and flight operations, software developers to create advanced flight management systems, and cybersecurity experts to protect those systems from external threats,” comments Bouzougarh.
As roles continue to evolve alongside innovations and technology trends, the only way forward is for airlines to invest in training, ensuring their workforce is prepared for the future. Findings from the ‘How the STEM World Works’ study show that almost half of all STEM specialists would rather learn the latest skills than make more money. Thus, not only do new recruits need to be trained to meet the demands of modern aviation, but existing teams also require constant support for their professional development to stay ahead of regulatory and technological changes.

In addition to technical expertise, soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are becoming more desirable than ever before. Bouzougarh adds: “Industry leaders are calling for a greater emphasis on soft skills training, recognising that even though technical proficiency remains crucial, human-centric skills will drive performance and safety.”

It’s important to understand that while technology continues to advance, full automation of daily operations remains a distant prospect. Human expertise is still indispensable, particularly for pilots, crew members, and manual ground operations.

The need for flexibility tops all trends

Looking ahead to 2025, the aviation industry’s approach to workforce development must align with broader global trends. The World Economic Forum’s Reskilling Revolution initiative, for example, aims to provide better skills and economic opportunities to one billion people by 2030. This initiative highlights the vital role of reskilling and upskilling in addressing labour shortages across industries, including aviation.

As Bouzougarh’sinsights continue to stress, embracing a culture of continuous learning and innovation is essential for overcoming current challenges. Organisations that align their L&D strategies with the evolving needs of their workforce will not only navigate these challenges more effectively but also set themselves up for long-term success.

About Aerviva:
Aerviva is a Dubai-based international consultancy, specializing in aviation recruitment and document management. The consultancy seeks to develop bespoke solutions for clients’ specific needs, guiding them with their global expertise as well as deep understanding and experience in the aviation industry.