IATA Urges Raising Pilot Retirement Age to 67
The International Air Transport Association is calling for the retirement age of commercial pilots undertaking multi-pilot international operations to be raised from 65 to 67 years. The proposal, which has been accepted as a working paper for consideration at the upcoming ICAO 42nd Assembly in Montreal, comes amid growing concern about a global pilot shortage projected to reach 600,000 by 2030.
IATA notes that ICAO already raised the age limit for these operations from 60 to 65 in 2006, following extensive medical and safety evaluations. Building on nearly two decades of data, the association argues that an increase to 67 is a cautious but reasonable step consistent with maintaining safety standards while supporting the viability of commercial air transport.
Allowing qualified pilots to work two additional years would help airlines retain experienced crews and ease recruitment pressures as the aviation industry expands. IATA, representing about 350 airlines accounting for over 80% of global air traffic, says this change would mirror practices in countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which have no upper age limit for pilots engaged in commercial air transport and have reported no increase in safety incidents involving pilots over 65.
IATA emphasizes that any extension should be implemented within a framework of additional safety assurance measures, similar to the approach taken in 2006. This includes rigorous medical oversight to ensure that older pilots meet the same performance and health standards as their younger colleagues.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, msn.com