With travel and tourism booming over the past three years, the UAE's aviation industry is grappling with a pilot shortage, forcing some airlines to compromise on quality to address the gap.

Boeing projected last year that approximately 650,000 new pilots will be required globally over the next two decades, with 58,000 needed in the Middle East alone. This translates to an annual demand of 32,500 pilots, a stark contrast to the 4,500 pilots who entered the field annually over the past 20 years.

“The demand is almost seven times more than what’s available. The aviation training industry is not moving at the same pace as the rising demand,” said Capt Abhishek Nadkarni, CEO of Sharjah-based pilot training academy Pier Seven.

He highlighted that pilot training is expensive and highly complex. “In the past, only 20% of trained pilots made it to airplanes; the remaining 80% don’t make it. But now airlines are recruiting people with lower calibre because there aren’t enough pilots to meet the demand.”

Nadkarni emphasized the need for airlines to sponsor young talent for aviation schools, as many are hesitant to invest in costly training programs without guaranteed career prospects. Despite these challenges, Pier Seven has seen a rise in demand, having trained 500 pilots in the past three years. The academy plans to expand its operations by adding 14 flight simulators by 2026.

“We train pilots who have already finished their initial pilot training on specialised aircraft.” Since its inception in 2014, it has trained over 1,500 pilots, specializing in advanced training for those who have completed their initial certification.

Efforts to address this shortage are underway. At the Air Expo 2024, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Middle East Aviation Career Zone (MEAC) was introduced to connect aspiring aviation professionals with opportunities. The three-day event brings together 50 airlines, 40 training academies, hundreds of students, and is expected to draw 20,000 visitors.

"We aim to use Air Expo 2024 as a platform to inspire youth to explore all aviation roles, from ground operations to the skies,” said Didier Mary, CEO and Founder of Air Expo. He noted the aviation industry’s remarkable recovery post-COVID-19, with the global fleet now 10% larger than pre-pandemic levels. For instance, Emirates Airlines rebounded from pandemic losses within six months, significantly expanding its fleet in the past year, mirroring trends worldwide.

Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) also reported a 250% increase in pilot training demand recently. “We’ve trained numerous professionals returning to the aviation sector post-pandemic,” said EAT CEO Paolo La Cava. He emphasized that aviation careers extend beyond piloting and cabin crew, offering roles in engineering and ground operations. Collaborative efforts between airlines, training institutions, and tech firms are helping the industry adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Abu Dhabi-based aerospace engineering company Sanad is among those offering a range of aviation jobs and training programs. Omar Al Jefri, a 29-year-old Emirati graduate of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), began his career at Sanad as an intern and now works as a repair capability engineer.

“I’ve always been fascinated by aerospace, even though my five brothers pursued other engineering fields. Aviation engineering is unique and demands true passion to succeed,” he shared, noting a growing interest in the sector among youth.

Despite the challenges, the aviation industry presents rewarding opportunities for individuals drawn to its dynamic and evolving landscape.