If visitor numbers at Pilot Careers Live events can be taken as a measurement of interest in a pilot career, it seems that the profession has never been more popular. The events, which take place in eight cities across Europe, have seen as many as 17,000 visitors during the last five years, with attendee numbers increasing year on year.

However, despite this indication of increased interest in a pilot career, at least in the information-gathering stage, the past five years have seen a significant decrease in the amount of newly-trained airline pilots entering the industry. Research by BALPA has identified several key factors behind this decline, including the affordability and the appeal of the career.

As a result, airlines are already feeling the pinch. Flybe reported in its latest half-year financial review that its expansion plans are being held back by a shortage of trained pilots, while earlier this year, pilots at the airline Norwegian reported that a spate of delays and cancellations could be the result of a lack of pilots at the airline. The pilot skills shortage was also a key topic addressed at this year’s International Flight Crew Training Conference at the Royal Aeronautical Society, with many key players in the industry asking for more to be done to combat an impending dearth of experienced pilots.

Flight Crew Futures is a brand new, ‘drop in’ recruitment event, which will begin to tackle this challenge. Launched in partnership by Seager, the organisers of Pilot Careers Live, and BALPA, FCF aims to partner experienced pilots with new opportunities with carriers in the UK, Europe and beyond. As well as presentations from recruiters and airlines throughout the day, there will also be general presentations on topics relevant to current pilots.

Already, leading airlines confirmed to attend include Emirates, Etihad, Flybe, Cityjet, along with a number of third party pilot recruitment agencies. Each have a variety of pilot vacancies to discuss, from FOs through to Training Captains. This is an opportunity to discuss your next career move, directly with the airline recruiters.

Flight Crew Futures takes places on the 16th February 2017 (10.00 – 18.30) at the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick.

Registration for all pilot candidates is free, simply fill in the form at https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/flightcrew/, where you can also find more details on the event.

It’s strongly recommended that you check the experience requirements of the companies exhibiting before registering, to make sure the day is worth your time.