The International Air Transport Association said passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific rose nearly 80% in the first nine months of the year from the same period last year. Which means the job market for pilots has intensified.
The International Civil Aviation Organization said the region has the capacity to train only 35% of its annual pilot requirements.
China alone needs thousands of new pilots in the next few years. Last month, China Southern Airlines, the country’s largest carrier, said it will start a fast-track pilot training program that will take only two-and-a-half years, instead of the usual four.
Voice of America reports Andrew Herdman, director-general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines which represents 17 international carriers, as saying, "Some airlines are growing at double digits, particularly in China and other places. They are the ones who are doing the hiring."