Saudi Arabia’s new luxury airline, Riyadh Air, is intensifying competition for aviation talent by attracting British pilots.
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) reports that recruitment efforts by Riyadh Air, along with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, are impacting UK carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet.
The aviation industry is grappling with a pilot shortage due to the mass retirements during the Covid pandemic, leading to fierce competition for experienced captains and first officers.
Amy Leversidge, Balpa’s general secretary, noted that Gulf carriers are luring British pilots with attractive salaries and benefits, making retention challenging for UK airlines.
She stated, “Middle Eastern airlines are actively recruiting, not just Riyadh Air. We hear of events aimed at enticing pilots to relocate.”
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have all recently conducted UK roadshows to attract British pilots with lucrative offers.
Riyadh Air is particularly aggressive in its recruitment as it builds its airline from scratch, a project initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy.
The airline, led by British aviation veteran Tony Douglas, has received 15,000 pilot applications globally, signaling high interest.
Riyadh Air’s pilot team includes a former chief pilot from Virgin, and the airline recently signed a cooperation pact with Virgin after announcing a new route to Riyadh.
The company has hired 29 management and instructor pilots and plans large-scale recruitment by the end of 2024, aiming to have 700 flight crew within three years and potentially 1,000 more for a 200-jet fleet in five years.
In response, British Airways and Virgin have held their own recruitment events in the Gulf, but these have seen low turnout due to the region’s appealing tax regimes.
Leversidge warned that UK airlines must work harder to retain staff, suggesting they focus on early warning signs of dissatisfaction, like employee-engagement survey results.
She emphasized, “Airlines need to prioritize retention, which we stress in negotiations. They must address issues like scheduling, fatigue, and work-life balance.”
Balpa has secured three-year pay deals with BA, Virgin, easyJet, Ryanair, and Tui since early 2023. While these agreements offer some stability, Leversidge urged airlines to provide additional incentives and greater flexibility to retain pilots.
She concluded, “It’s not just about pay; family life and other factors are also important. Employers need to consider these aspects to maintain a satisfied workforce.”