As airline life gets set to return to normal - are there enough pilots?

Australia's airlines are preparing to meet increased demand when the borders gradually re-open. International flights are due to return next month and some of the states and territories are promising to lift their border restrictions once vaccination targets are met. But a union representing thousands of pilots is warning the airlines could find it difficult to source enough pilots if there's pent-up demand for flights.

A lineup of Qantas planes at Brisbane domestic airport. Source: AAP

SBS News spoke to a Qantas pilot who didn't want to be identified and he says it would take a minimum of three months and up to six months for a pilot who had not flown for more than 90 days to do all the necessary training to enable them to get back in the skies.

He also highlighted a pilot shortage which he says had already affected Qantas operations even before the onset of the pandemic.

After reducing fleet sizes and getting rid of thousands of pilots and flight attendants, US carriers had to cancel thousands of flights during the American summer due to staff shortages and higher than forecast demand for seats.    

 

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