Aviation Australia CEO: High costs for new pilots in Australia must be overcome

Aviation Australia CEO Glenn Ryan, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, stated (28-Jul-2026) "The sheer desire to be in the industry is an amazing, passionate drawcard" supporting pilot recruitment and training efforts in Australia. Mr Ryan continued: "Having said that, I think a cost of AUD160,000 (USD111,599) just to get in the door [for new pilots]… is something that we've really got to overcome".