With demand for air travel
increasing, and the pipeline of commercial pilots dwindling, today’s cockpit
captains are sitting comfortably when it comes to their job security, according
to new research by PrivateFly.
The private aviation booking
platform surveyed over 1,000 pilots across the aviation spectrum, including
airlines, private aviation, cargo and military. The survey asked how they were
feeling about their jobs, how much they earn, what inspires them and about their
travel habits.
Key findings include:
-
87% of working pilots
report feeling secure in their job (of which 42% feel “very secure”). This
is an increase against the 72% seen in a similar survey in 2012.
-
The most common earning
band for pilots is £40,000 - £70,000, in line with a London tube driver.
-
A global shortage of
pilots is the biggest challenge the aviation industry faces in the next five
years, according to the survey.
-
Just 3% of the pilots
taking part were female, in line with industry averages.
-
76% say they have wanted
to fly since childhood.
-
The average pilot has
visited 25 countries, with Australia and New Zealand as their favourites.
-
Pilots tell PrivateFly
what they most love about their job, ranging from the philosophical to the
practical.
Adam Twidell,
CEO of PrivateFly and himself a former RAF and private jet pilot commented on
the findings:
“The global pipeline of
qualified pilots is slowing, with shrinking military pools, and rising costs for
those funding their own training. Our survey shows that this is a big industry
concern. But those already in the job are experiencing high levels of job
security – possibly due to their rarity - and this has increased since our 2012
survey.
“Nevertheless it’s clear
that pilots are not in, or attracted to, the job for the money. This is a
vocation that most have dreamed of since childhood, with earnings not as high as
many people might expect.
“With other findings about
travel habits and flight bag must-haves, the results of PrivateFly’s Pilot
Survey give a fascinating snapshot of today’s pilot.”
Request a copy of the Survey |