Africa acknowledges aviation professional shortage

Africa's aviation authorities have acknowledged there is a shortage of qualified personnel on the continent, after a study revealed the global need for pilots and maintenance staff will reach 1.0 million in the next 20 years (BuaNews, 27-Jul-2011). A study by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) East & Southern African Office stated that Africa needs to train about 1500 aviation operators, 600 aircraft maintenance personnel and 4000 airport operators urgently. Currently 67% of training centres in Africa have less than 10 instructors, while only four institutions have a staff number over 40 instructors. Delegates at the Pan-African Civil Aviation Training Organisation conference decided to adopt criteria on how to recognise qualifications and establish a Centre of Excellence board to combat the problem.