Airlines Struggle with Global Pilot Shortage
SYDNEY/BANGKOK/MONTREAL (Reuters) - A growing shortage of airline pilots is putting the industry’s recent growth at risk as planes sit idle, higher salaries cut into profits and unions across the globe push for more benefits.
Carriers such as Emirates and Australia’s Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) have poured resources into hiring, but struggled in recent months to use their jets as often as their business plans dictate because of training bottlenecks.
Pilots at Ireland’s Ryanair (RYA.I) are forming unions across Europe seeking better working conditions, and those at Air France (AIRF.PA) are striking over pay.