Are pilot shortage claims being overstated?

Claims of a worldwide pilot shortage are "unfounded and not backed up by independent analysis nor evidence", according to a pilot union. The British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA) said in 2023 it had seen increased recruitment across a large portion of UK and European airlines, but that the positive hiring situation should not be exaggerated. “This recruitment need is predominantly being met by experienced pilots, however, we are delighted to see a proportion of those jobs being filled by