Kenya too hit by shortage of pilots

Kenya’s fast growing aviation industry is facing a shortage of pilots.
The industry is currently struggling to train enough pilots to meet increasing demand, especially with the entry of new carriers in the past three years.
There are over 2,000 pilots in the country and according to industry sources, they do not come close to meeting demand.
Kenya Airways, which employs most pilots in the country, has been hit hard by the shortage. Speaking during a recent Press briefing, the airline’s managing director, Mr Titus Naikuni, said the airline was playing catch up ahead of expected new plane deliveries.
The airline, he said, needs up to 330 pilots to meet demand but has been able to recruit 301 to date.
One key issue leading to the shortage is the cost of training pilots. It takes up to Sh3 million to train a commercial pilot in the country. Training takes up to two years and is taken in various stages.
“If we had many training schools there would be increased competition and this could bring down the cost,” chief executive officer of Kenya Association of Air Operators, Eutychus Waithaka, said. There are four training schools in the country.
High taxes on the industry also make it expensive to train. “Schools are left with no extra money to subsidise the fees and the sector does not benefit from the industrial training levy, that is why many pilots are training abroad,” Mr Waithaka added.
Training in South Africa and the US has become more attractive due to the affordability. Once back in the country the pilot has to undergo tests to convert to a Kenyan license.
Jet link, a local carrier sends its pilots overseas for further training to meet the company’s standards and learn how to operate its aircraft which are mainly sourced from Canada.
Poaching of local staff, especially by Middle East carriers, has also dealt local carriers a blow. The country has been losing its talent to other countries. According to Mr Waithaka the starting salary of a commercial pilot is Sh50,000 excluding allowances.
The shortage is not unique to Kenya. It is currently a global concern as air travel continues to record positive growth. Japan, the US, China, India and countries in the Middle East are tying to deal with the shortage.
A recent report from India stated the industry had made a move to scout for talent abroad, just like China recently did, to meet increased demand for pilots.
Currently, there are over 3,000 pilots in India. Of these, 600 are foreigners, and with over 400 aircraft on order the country will need over 110,000 pilots by 2020.
13/11/07 Wangui Maina/Business Daily Africa, Kenya