Pilots Shortage: no short-term solution on the horizon for the U.S.

The American Airlines, for example, expects more than 5,000 of its 15,000 pilot to retire in the next seven years.

"In response to the regional pilot shortage affecting the airline industry, American Airlines has made the difficult decision to end service in Islip and Ithaca, N.Y., and Toledo, Ohio, effective Sept. 7,” the company told Fortune in a statement. “We’re extremely grateful for the care and service our team members provided to our customers in Islip, Ithaca, and Toledo, and are working closely with them during this time. We’ll proactively reach out to customers scheduled to travel after this date to offer alternate arrangements.”

CAPTAIN MARCELO SOARES BRANDÃO

PILOTS: MASSIVE SHORTAGE

Captain Marcelo Soares Brandão started his career as a co-pilot back in 1997 on a Regional Airline in Brazil, flying Embraer 120 Turboprop. He later moved to ERJ145, where he completed his command and became an instructor. In 2006, Marcelo moved overseas to fly the Airbus 320 in Macau, China, and in 2008 decided to move to the UAE seeking a better career path in a major airline.

Since then, Marcelo has flown a large global network on Airbus 320 family, Airbus 330 passenger and Freight aircraft, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. In 2016 I joined the recruitment and command upgrade team assessing senior first officers eligible for command.

“ Keep living the dream “, Captain Marcelo Brandao said at the beginning of our conversation.

What were your first steps to becoming an international pilot, Captain Marcelo?

I was initially driven overseas in 2004/2006 when the airline I worked for went bankrupt. The international aviation market was opening back then, with many Brazil pilots moving to China, India, and Taiwan.

After observing the market trend and opportunities, I decided that an international career as a pilot would be beneficial. Once I figured this was the path I wanted to proceed, the following steps were checking all the requirements, looking for chances to convert my pilot license, and preparing myself for the interviews.Was it always the goal?

Like most the pilots starting a career, my goal was to become a Captain on a wide-body aircraft flying International routes in my home country. At the time, aviation was not globalized and there were very few opportunities to follow a path to fly overseas. So, I joined a regional airline and got pretty comfortable in a working environment, which I loved.

But, having lived abroad at a younger age, I knew the benefits of living abroad. It wasn’t hard to imagine myself overseas when I saw opportunities opening up in 2004. I gradually started to prepare myself mentally and professionally to dive into an international career. I applied to a few airlines and chose to join Air Macau in China.

The first one: Marcelo Soares Brandão started his career as a co-pilot back in 1997, on a Regional Airline in Brazil, flying Embraer 120 Turboprop

The process was easy as a broker took care of the license conversion and aircraft type rating in the United States. That step in my career allowed me to later on move to a major airline in the Middle East, where I had become a Captain flying wide-body worldwide.

Which skills and qualities do successful commercial pilots share?

A professional pilot needs to be highly driven, and motivated, career-oriented, knowledgeable, have good communication skills, be a good listener, committed to following company and safety standards and procedures, be resilient, open-minded, and have good leadership skills.

Can you describe the most challenging aspect you faced in transitioning from Brazil to UAE?

That transition was easy as I lived in Germany as a child and moved to Macau, China, before heading to the UAE. To live abroad was never an issue for me. In addition, most pilots have colleagues who live in other countries and can give good information on what to expect and how to prepare for this change. The UAE has a fairly western culture. It’s safe, holds good working conditions, and is very welcoming. I can’t say it was challenging at all.

In your opinion, what skills and traits must pilots have to succeed in UAE?

I have lived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with my family for over 13 years.Pilots coming to the UAE need to be openminded, have good communication skills, good aviation technical background, be multicultural, and respect other cultures and religions.

Which opportunities do you see for those willing to consider this path?

Nowadays, there are still some opportunities opening up. Airlines started hiring again, and there is a good indication that the market will strongly recover and expand to a larger scale than pre-pandemic.

What's the best piece of flying advice given to you?

To keep me continuously updated, constantly studying, and with an eye on the aviation market for better opportunities.

Your green card has recently been approved. Can you share any insights and or market perspectives with aspiring pilots willing to foster their international careers in the U.S.?

The U.S. market is facing a massive shortage of pilots; there are plenty of opportunities, and companies are hiring. Regional, Charter, Cargo, and Major airlines are all in need of experienced pilots.

I honestly believe it's perfect timing for this move as U.S. airlines will expand and grow stronger. I see a bright future ahead for those who seek to move to the U.S. as a pilot.

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E-mail: hc@hw.im

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