Zenon Aviation Recruitment, a leading UK recruitment company that supports corporate jet operators throughout the Middle East, has reported an ever increasing shortage of pilots in the region, giving rise to a consequential increase in demand for their services.

Zenon has experienced an unprecedented 22% increase in the demand for qualified type-rated crews during the past twelve months. The requirements have been for both long and short range corporate jet aircraft and result from a combination of expansion by existing operators and the arrival of new start-up organisations.

The shortage has created operational issues for some of Zenon's clients who are having to attract pilots from outside the region by offering improved benefits.

Research has shown that when recruiting expatriate pilots for the Middle East, the pilot’s quality of life is now weighted higher in their decision-making than the salary offered. For example, pilots who are working 2 months on and 1 month off are now being offered a more attractive rotation (e.g. 1 month on, 1 month off) as it is more favourable to the pilot when compared to a higher salary. Similarly, benefits such as health insurance and furnished accommodation (or a 4/5 start hotel) are now major considerations.

Zenon experienced a 15% increase in salaries for corporate jet Captains and First Officers during 2014 and predicts a further increase as pilot demand continues to exceed availability in 2015.

Zenon Aviation Recruitment's Managing Director, Andrew Middleton, comments: "Aircraft operators need to be aware that with the increase in competition brought about by the scarcity of skilled and qualified crews in the Middle East, they will have to consider improving their employment offering - not only in attracting new personnel but, more importantly, retaining their existing crews who may consider moving on for more favourable offers from the competition."