As travel and tourism thrive, the UAE’s aviation industry faces a growing pilot shortage, prompting some airlines to compromise on quality to bridge the gap. Boeing’s 2023 projection estimates that around 650,000 new pilots will be required globally over the next 20 years, with 58,000 needed in the Middle East alone. This equates to an annual demand of 32,500 pilots, which starkly contrasts the 4,500 pilots trained annually in the past two decades.
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Capt Abhishek Nadkarni, CEO of Sharjah-based Pier Seven pilot training academy, noted that the demand for pilots is nearly seven times greater than current supply, and the aviation training industry is struggling to keep pace. “The aviation training industry is not moving at the same speed as the rising demand,” he said, pointing out the high costs and complexity of pilot training. Historically, only 20% of trained pilots make it to flying planes, with the rest falling out of the pipeline. “Now, airlines are recruiting people with lower caliber due to the severe shortage,” Nadkarni added.
To address this, Nadkarni stressed the importance of airlines sponsoring young talent for pilot training programs, as many are reluctant to invest in costly training without guaranteed job prospects. Despite these hurdles, Pier Seven has trained 500 pilots in the last three years and plans to expand its operations with 14 new flight simulators by 2026.
Efforts to tackle the shortage include initiatives like the Middle East Aviation Career Zone (MEAC), introduced at Air Expo 2024. This event, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), brings together 50 airlines, 40 training academies, and thousands of aspiring aviation professionals. “We aim to inspire youth to explore all aviation roles, from ground operations to the skies,” said Didier Mary, CEO of Air Expo.
Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) also reported a surge in pilot training demand, with a 250% increase in enrollment. “We’ve trained many professionals returning to aviation post-pandemic,” said EAT CEO Paolo La Cava. He emphasized the variety of roles available in aviation beyond piloting and cabin crew, including careers in engineering and ground operations.
Aerospace engineering company Sanad, based in Abu Dhabi, is contributing to the solution by offering aviation jobs and training. Omar Al Jefri, an Emirati engineer at Sanad, shared his journey from intern to repair capability engineer, highlighting the growing interest in aviation careers among youth.
Despite the challenges, the aviation industry continues to offer rewarding opportunities for those passionate about its dynamic and evolving landscape.
