Aviation expert sounds warning on pilot shortage

IRISH airlines will find it “challenging” to recruit enough pilots to meet demand for flights in the coming years, an expert has warned.

With the world facing a pilot shortage, the three Irish-based air companies will need up to 570 pilots next year alone, according to the chief executive of the Waterford-based Pilot Training College of Ireland.

“It’s going to be quite challenging to be able to fill the numbers,” said Mike Edgeworth, speaking at the launch of the college’s new flight simulator centre at Waterford Airport Business Park.