31/08/2026
Across the global aviation industry, the pilot shortage is real. So why are so many newly qualified pilots still finding it difficult to secure their first airline role? ✈️
The answer is more complex than the headline numbers suggest.
While Boeing forecasts that commercial aviation will need 674,000 new pilots over the next two decades, today’s recruitment market is shaped by aircraft delivery delays, regional demand, fleet types, experience levels, and increasingly demanding airline selection criteria.
For aspiring First Officers, this means that earning a CPL (Commercial Pilot License) is an important milestone - but it is not the finish line.
Airlines are increasingly looking for candidates who can demonstrate not only technical flying skills, but also the competencies required to operate successfully in a modern multi-crew airline environment.
Stian Hajem Skaar, Head of Training at BAA Training, explains, “Ultimately, our goal isn't simply to graduate licensed pilots. It's to help them become pilots who are ready to succeed in an airline recruitment process, transition confidently into commercial operations, and ensure overall aviation safety and standards.” 👨🏻✈️
In our latest article, we explore why the long-term pilot shortage can exist alongside intense competition for entry-level First Officer positions, where demand is strongest today, and what aspiring pilots can do to stand out.
Read the full story 👉 https://tinyurl.com/by5s6chd