The right stuff?
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) has released a report stating that while airline pilot recruitment is looking positive for 2024, it now harbours concerns that the training industry may be experiencing capacity issues and could soon be struggling to meet demand. Having previously warned new entrants to the industry that a surplus of experienced pilots laid off during the pandemic meant that new pilot graduates would...
New general secretary for BALPA
Amy Leversidge has been elected as the general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA). Leversidge was nominated by the National Executive Council (NEC) and will take up her post in January becoming the first woman to be elected as General Secretary in BALPA’s 86-year history. Amy Leversidge, is currently the assistant general secretary at the FDA and will bring her substantial experience in industrial relations...
BALPA’s scepticism about the global pilot shortage and upfront training fees
The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) has issued a statement advising prospective pilots to be wary of current claims that there is an emerging worldwide pilot shortage. Broadly, BALPA’s view is that airline pilot recruitment is currently buoyant and may remain so for the foreseeable future, but at the same time any claims of a pending global pilot shortage are to be viewed with a strong dose of scepticism. “In 2023 we have...
Landmark win for ‘self-employed’ pilot
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) says it’s delighted with a court win for one of its members that will likely have wider implications in the industry in terms of the employment status and rights of so called ‘self-employed’ pilots and agency workers. BALPA has funded former Ryanair pilot Jason Lutz’s employment tribunal and supported him throughout his claim against MCG Aviation Limited and Ryanair relating to his...
First Officer Pilot Apprenticeships Given Clearance
The Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB) has launched the UK’s first ever industry-led First Officer pilot apprenticeships scheme, providing aspiring pilots with a financially supported route to a First Officer position with a UK airline. The AISB sub-group which developed the apprenticeship framework was made up of UK airline representatives from British Airways, Flybe, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and TUI UK, which chaired the...
