Flight Dept 2.qxp_Finance 19/07/2022 08:47 Page 1
FLIGHT DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT
AVBUYER.com
Balance Demand with Pilot Wellbeing: The Pressures With demand on pilots flying business aircraft currently being high, and with experienced pilots in short supply, how can operators of business jets strike the right balance between passenger service and pilot wellbeing? Mario Pierobon explores…
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n today’s environment of increased flying hours and high demand for business aircraft, it is of utmost importance for flight departments to know how to balance excellent service with a positive working environment for flight crews. Following, we’ll review the state of the industry and some inhibiting factors that flight departments can find themselves up against.
State of the Industry
Business Aviation is under significant pressure currently, according to a safety consultant operating within the industry, who wished to remain anonymous. “The big picture is very simple, the General Aviation 76 ❘ Vol 26 Issue 8 2022 ❘ AVBUYER MAGAZINE
aircraft fleet has not grown in number over the past two or three years. “The GA fleet, especially in Europe, has perhaps shrunk a little given that not many aircraft have been delivered in the last two years. Conversely, more aircraft have been sold in the US where demand has also increased. We can say that the number of airplanes is about the same or perhaps a little less [than a couple of years back].” So, the fact that more hours have been flown means that the use of the airplanes comprising the fleet has been rising. “If airplanes in Business Aviation fly more, it means their crews are flying more.” Another thing that’s also impacted is maintenance, www.AVBUYER.com
