With their promise of cheaper fares and no unnecessary frills, a flurry of so-called discount airlines has burst onto the Canadian scene in the last few years.
But experts say the low-cost airline model is exacerbating an already existing pilot shortage that could become an even bigger problem for this country's aviation industry in the years to come.
The jury is still out on which, if any, of these upstart airlines will survive in a crowded field. However, experts say the rapid proliferation of new flights and routes is putting pressure on the aviation labour market — including for pilots. A pilot shortage has been brewing in Canada for years, based on a variety of factors including an aging workforce, pandemic-related layoffs and early retirements, and spiralling training costs. .spate of holiday season flight disruptions and cancellations
However, Perry said there are real labour challenges in the aviation industry. He said flight schools, northern and regional airlines in particular are struggling to recruit certified pilots, in part because new carriers are hiring pilots who otherwise would have gone to work at some of these smaller operators. And because discount carriers don't pay as well as Air Canada or WestJet, lower-cost airlines also struggle with retention.
None of the airlines contacted by The Canadian Press were willing to speak about the current state of the pilot labour market, nor was the National Airlines Council of Canada industry group. He added that some small airlines are already lowering their hiring standards — reducing the amount of flying hours they would normally require a pilot to have, or considering applicants who don't have university degrees — in order to be competitive in the labour market.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Surge of discount airlines making Canada's pilot shortage worse, experts sayExperts say the low-cost airline model is exacerbating an already existing pilot shortage that could become an even bigger problem for this country's aviation industry in the years to come.
Read more »
Surge of discount airlines making Canada's pilot shortage worse: experts - BNN BloombergWith their promise of cheaper fares and no unnecessary frills, a flurry of so-called 'discount airlines' have burst onto the Canadian scene in the last few years.
Read more »
Canada sending 200 Canadian-made armoured vehicles as defence minister visits UkraineCanada is sending another 200 armoured vehicles to help with the defence of Ukraine, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced Wednesday.
Read more »
London Public Library calls on community to spread love with Valentines for Vets - London | Globalnews.caEach year, Veterans Affairs Canada invites Canadian schools, individuals and organizations to make Valentines for Vets.
Read more »
Severe weather in Canada caused $3.1 billion in insured damages in 2022Insurance Bureau of Canada says 2022 the third worst year for insured losses in Canadian history
Read more »
The United States is getting more dangerous—and Canada is enabling itThe Canadian Indo-Pacific Strategy establishes Canada as a compliant extension of American power, parroting American propaganda and distortions, in order to ensure Canadian access to the U.S. economy.
Read more »