As pilot labor supply remains constrained, airlines are increasingly seeking to recruit, develop, and train locally sourced pilots. Cadet programs that train aspiring pilots to be a qualified, competent, and operationally-ready first officer have increased in popularity as airlines look to fill future pilot pipelines. Airlines are also recognizing the significant cost burden for students, and bond programs have gained traction as another avenue for interested candidates.
An advantage of today's data-rich environment is the ability to assess knowledge gaps as they occur, enabling training solutions that produce more competent and qualified pilots. With the wealth of historical data available, evidence and competency-based training programs are increasingly being adopted to change how pilots are trained and assessed. Instruction is evolving to train pilots to proficiencies and competencies, rather than a standard syllabus. The goal is to ensure pilots are effectively trained on procedures to address today's most common operational risks and assessed based on key skills and competencies that all pilots should possess.
Over the next 20 years, the Asia Pacific region will lead the worldwide growth in demand for pilots, with a requirement for 266,000 new pilots. North America will require 212,000, Europe 148,000, the Middle East 68,000, Latin America 54,000, Africa 29,000 and Russia / Central Asia 27,000.