EasyJet is in the spotlight as they are offering lucrative salaries of up to £170,000 in the ongoing pilot recruitment battle at Gatwick Airport. The aviation industry is facing a shortage of air staff post-pandemic, prompting airlines like EasyJet and British Airways to compete for skilled pilots.
Both EasyJet and British Airways, the major operators at Gatwick, operate Airbus A320 commercial aircraft and are actively recruiting pilots who have undergone similar training programmes. With pilot training and hiring activities being put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic, the resurgence of passenger numbers has exposed the lack of air crew available to operate flights.
EasyJet’s enticing salary package includes a potential annual pay of up to £170,000 for experienced captains, while British Airways’ top salaries start at around £138,000. The airlines are ramping up their recruitment efforts to meet the increasing demand for flight crew as travel resumes.
According to industry sources, British Airways recently introduced its short-haul EuroFlyer division at Gatwick in March 2022, focusing on flights from the airport following a period of concentrating on operations at Heathrow. The airline is currently hiring pilots for this division with a starting salary of £61,648 plus additional allowances of approximately £14,000.
Management consulting firm Oliver Wyman has predicted a global shortage of nearly 80,000 pilots by 2032, highlighting the urgency for airlines to invest in pilot recruitment and training programmes. EasyJet has reopened applications for their 2024 Pilot Training Programme, aiming to recruit 1,000 new captains by 2028 and promote diversity by encouraging more women to pursue aviation careers.
In response to the ongoing recruitment drive, a spokesperson for EasyJet stated that the hiring and competitive salaries are part of the airline’s normal business growth strategy. British Airways’ Speedbird Pilot Academy has announced a £21 million investment to train 200 new pilots, reflecting the industry’s commitment to addressing the pilot shortage issue.
The competition between EasyJet and British Airways for skilled pilots at Gatwick is crucial for maintaining a robust air travel market at the airport. With EasyJet focusing on growth and British Airways aiming to enhance its competitive edge in the post-pandemic era, passengers can expect to benefit from a wider range of flight options and services.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent at The Independent, noted the significance of the rivalry between EasyJet and British Airways at Gatwick, emphasising the challenges faced by airlines in attracting and retaining flight crew amidst the pilot shortage. As the industry grapples with pilot recruitment challenges, initiatives like EasyJet’s Training Programme seek to attract diverse talent to meet the growing demand for skilled pilots.
The Independent has reached out to British Airways for comments on the ongoing pilot recruitment competition at Gatwick. Stay updated on the latest travel news and expert advice by tuning in to Simon Calder’s podcast for more insights.