Global Airlines Push to Raise International Pilot Retirement Age to 67
A coalition representing the world’s airlines is urging the United Nations’ aviation agency to raise the mandatory international retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, citing mounting concerns over a shortage of qualified aviators as global air travel demand surges.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents nearly 350 airlines worldwide, submitted the proposal ahead of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly scheduled for September 23. ICAO, a specialized U.N. agency, sets international standards for aviation safety and regulations.
IATA’s Case for Change
IATA argues that extending the pilot retirement age by two years is a “cautious but reasonable step consistent with safety” and necessary to address workforce pressures as airlines ramp up capacity post-pandemic. The group emphasized that safety protocols would remain intact under the proposed changes. For example, each flight would still require at least two pilots, with one pilot under the age of 65 if the other is older.
The proposal comes nearly two decades after ICAO last adjusted the age limit, raising it from 60 to 65 in 2006. Since then, airlines have experienced a sharp rise in passenger demand, compounded by pilot shortages in several regions, including North America and parts of Asia.
Opposition From U.S. Pilot Unions
While airline leaders stress the change is needed to maintain operational capacity, U.S. pilot unions have voiced strong opposition, citing safety risks.
Dennis Tajer, spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents American Airlines pilots, said there is insufficient data to fully assess the risks of extending the retirement age. “We don’t gamble with safety that way,” Tajer said.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association have also resisted efforts to raise the retirement threshold, though they did not immediately comment on IATA’s latest proposal.
The unions point to potential health-related risks associated with aging pilots, including fatigue and medical complications, which could affect flight safety.
Previous U.S. Efforts Fell Short
In 2023, U.S. airlines backed an unsuccessful push in Congress to raise the domestic pilot retirement age to 67. Pilot unions lobbied heavily against the measure, which ultimately failed to pass.
Most countries currently align with ICAO’s standard, limiting commercial pilots to age 65 for both domestic and international operations. The United States follows the same rule, meaning the ICAO decision will have broad global implications.
What Comes Next
ICAO delegates are expected to debate the proposal when the General Assembly convenes later this month in Montreal. If adopted, the new rule could extend careers for thousands of experienced pilots worldwide and help airlines address mounting staffing shortages.
Still, the fierce opposition from pilot unions highlights the tension between safety and workforce demands. As the debate unfolds, the outcome may shape not only the careers of veteran pilots but also the ability of airlines to keep pace with booming demand for international travel.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=IATA, https://airguide.info/?s=ICAO
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com