Flightpath Economics expects US airlines will face a shortage of pilots

Flightpath Economics aviation economist Dan Akins, speaking at the CAPA Americas Aviation Summit, predicted (28-Apr-2015) US airlines will face a shortage of pilots as there are insufficient cadets and trainees to meet future demand. Mr Akins said airlines are struggling to find qualified, "hireable" pilots and forecast a failure to produce enough new pilots in the medium to long-term. Mr Akins said airlines and unions need to dedicate more resources to increasing pilot numbers and the situation is likely to get worse before it improves. Allied Pilots Association government affairs committee chairman Bob Coffman said the pilot profession is not as attractive as it used to be.