Why Pilot Retention is Key?

‘Navigating The Pilot Shortage’

Based on a poll question we posted in linkedIn: “What topic do you want us to cover next?”, 55% of the votes were asking for a topic on Pilots Shortage. Although, this topic was somewhat scratched in a previous article; Why The StRuGgLe?, here we are covering another dimension of the Pilot Shortage topic.

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The airline industry is highly reliant on the talent and expertise of its pilots. As airline operations and growth continue to soar, the pilot shortage has become a major challenge and a struggle for the airline industry. Did you know that implementing quick retention strategies are the key to overcoming this challenge? By investing in your pilot workforce and their development, you can retain your top talent and ensure the sustainability of your airline.

The pilot shortage is not just a temporary problem – it’s a long-term challenge that requires a strategic approach. By focusing on retention strategies, you can create a culture that retains your current pilots and attracts and top talent. From offering competitive packages and benefits to providing opportunities for career growth and development, there are many ways to invest in your pilots and ensure their long-term loyalty.

Imagine a team of pilots who are all committed to the success of your airline, working together seamlessly to deliver the highest level of safety and efficiency standards. With retention strategies, this can be a reality. By investing in your pilot workforce and their development, you can create a team that is prepared for any challenge and can navigate the skies with confidence. When your pilots feel valued, they will support your operations to eliminate or at least minimise disruptions.

The quick recovery and growth as airline operations comes back to ‘normal’ post COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant pilots shortage that may lead to significant disruption in the industry. We are witnessing the migration of pilots around the world.

This is not the only problem. Globally, the shortage is foreseen to increase and therefore, retaining all your employees is becoming a critical factor. Retention strategies have been proven to be effective and therefore, airlines can reduce turnover, improve safety, and increase efficiency. In fact, studies have shown that airlines with strong retention strategies have a competitive advantage in the industry.

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Before that, let’s quickly highlight a book titled: “Retaining Staff” by Patricia Scudamore & Hilary Boyd, published under the Teach Yourself brand. The book focuses on the importance of retaining employees and provides strategies to improve staff retention in organisation.

The book covers topics such as the cost of staff turnover, the reasons why employees leave their jobs, and the benefits of retaining staff. It investigates practical and effective ways to identify; and manage high-performing employees, as well as how to create a positive work culture that encourages employee engagement and loyalty. This includes, recruiting practices, employee benefits, and work-life balance.

How to recognise why employees leave?

Here are some examples of the common reasons why employees might leave an organisation;

• Lack of recognition
• Poor relationships with superiors
• Increasing level of uncertainty
• Favouritism in appointing positions & promotions
• Unclear expectations & growth
• Lack of succession planning

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The Cost of Losing Pilots

Losing pilots can be costly for airlines. When a pilot leaves, the airline must recruit and train a new pilot to replace him/her. This process can take several months and can cost the airline a significant amount of money. The cost of recruiting and training a new pilot can range from $100,000 to $150,000, depending on the airline and the type of aircraft. In addition to the cost, losing pilots can also affect the airline’s operations and safety. New pilots may not be as familiar with the airline’s procedures and culture, which can lead to errors and accidents.

Why retaining pilots is important?

Pilots are the backbone of the aviation industry, and their importance cannot be overstated. They are responsible for the safety of passengers and crew, and their skills and experience are critical to the success of any airline. Retaining pilots is essential for airlines for several reasons:

👉 Cost: The cost of training and recruiting new pilots is high, and retaining pilots can save airlines a significant amount of money. According to a study by the Air Line Pilots Association, the cost of training a new pilot can range from $100,000 to $150,000. Retaining pilots can help airlines avoid these costs and reduce their overall operating expenses.

👉 Experience and Expertise: Experienced pilots bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to an airline. They are familiar with the airline’s operations, procedures, and culture, and can provide valuable insights and feedback. Retaining experienced pilots can help airlines improve their operations and maintain a high level of safety.

👉 Reputation: Airlines with a high turnover rate of pilots can develop a negative reputation in the industry. This can make it difficult for them to attract new pilots and can also affect their relationship with customers. Retaining pilots can help airlines maintain a positive reputation and attract new talent.

Although, almost everything is about money!, retaining experienced pilots helps to ensure flight safety. Experienced pilots (who are knowledgeable in the airline’s operation manuals, policies and procedures, network routes and structure; as well as the company culture) are able to navigate challenging various conditions and deal with potential technical difficulties in a calm and professional manner. Losing experienced pilots can therefore increase the likelihood of incidents and accidents: therefore, decrease passenger confidence in the airline.

Another important reason why airlines should retain their pilots is to maintain operational efficiency. Pilots who are familiar with the aircrafts and routes are able to complete flights more efficiently and effectively. Losing such pilots can therefore result in operation disruptions, which may lead to more financial losses for an airline.

So, how can airlines retain their pilots during tough times?

• One strategy is to offer competitive salaries and benefits, including a proper retirement scheme and health insurance. Offering such benefits can demonstrate to pilots that the airline values and prioritises their wellbeing and financial stability. This, in turn, can increase the loyalty of pilots to the airline, making them more likely to remain with the company in the long run, especially in regions of high competition.
• You may also offer proper career development and training opportunities such as; support in any education and academic programs, trainer certifications, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development programs. Providing such career advancement and support opportunities can demonstrate to pilots that the airline is committed to their professional growth and success.
• Airlines must also consider creating a positive and supportive work environment for pilots. This includes offering proper welfare, flexible work schedules or swaps that are fair and systematic including the chance to bid for flights or off-days. In addition, providing opportunities for pilots to provide honest feedback or suggestion to management without taking it personal. Creating such a healthy work environment can help pilots feel appreciated and understood, making them more likely to remain with the airline.

By prioritising and investing in their pilots, airlines can ensure that their flights are operated safely and efficiently, and can continue to grow and thrive even in difficult times.

Don’t wait – take action today to ensure the long-term success of your airline.

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Greetings from #Jakarta!