(Fourth time this image has appeared on the forums)
Mainichi: Airlines in Japan struggle to find pilots as baby-boomers retire
Airlines in Japan are struggling to secure enough pilots as baby-boomers have begun to retire and the demand for flights is showing signs of growing, say industry insiders. Approximately 6,200 pilots -- captains and co-pilots -- are currently working at airlines in Japan. However, baby-boomers began to retire in the business year of 2007. Over the next five years, about 200 pilots are expected to annually reach the mandatory retirement age. Considering the potential increase in demand for flights, airlines will be required to hire a combined 400 to 450 new pilots a year over the next five years...Newly launched airlines are having difficulties in securing enough pilots as they cannot afford to pay the same high wages as major airlines like JAL and ANA. In June this year, the resignation of two captains from Skymark Airlines forced it to cancel more than 600 flights...more...
