Press Release

Issued by AeroProfessional.

March 17, 2016

A leading aviation resourcing consultancy that provides business and VIP airlines with pilots, is spearheading a shake-up of the traditional method of recruitment. AeroProfessional is urging business airlines to adopt a longer-term strategy when it comes to hiring, rather than the typical 'quick fix' reactive approach.

Sam Sprules, a director at AeroProfessional, explains: “Recruitment is perhaps one of the most painful processes for a business airline, as they get inundated with CVs. VIP carriers are seen as more lucrative than commercial or low-cost airlines, with better pay and benefits, so finding the right candidate is a lengthy and stringent process, which can take months. Also, the key decision is often made by the aircraft owner, whose time is precious, so getting the right candidates, and quickly, at this stage is key.

"Leaving recruitment to the last minute does not help this process, and with the looming pilot shortage, the proactive airlines across, whether commercial or low cost, are snapping up the candidates, so business airlines need get ahead of the game.”

AeroProfessional recently published a report on the pilot skills shortage, taking in the views of over 700 pilots and many international airlines. The report further reinforced the importance of business airlines to be allocating time and budgeting for recruitment throughout the year to get the right candidates for the cockpit.

Sam concludes: “While we're still on hand to support airlines that have immediate vacancies to fill, we are increasingly partnering with carriers and assessing their overall resourcing needs. We advise on staff structures, if roles can be combined, and potential future gaps. Having placed 1,500 candidates with over 160 aviation companies, we can spot the trends, foresee market changes and advise airlines accordingly. The proactive airlines have embraced this strategy and got ahead of the race, and we're urging business airlines to do the same to stay in the game.”

AeroProfessional is well placed to provide a longer-term strategy, as many of its team have either worked as pilots or at airports, while the leadership team has over 50 years' experience working with airlines.