INDIA could become a global outsourcing centre for pilots according to Hemant Shah, MD, Winnipeg Aviation, Toronto. Many Indian pilots are joining airlines in Canada, North America, China and Middle East to alleviate serious shortages.

“The current pilot shortage will be replaced by an excess which will become evident in the next 12-18 months,” said Capt R S Shekhawat, technical and development pilot, Spicejet.

Experts believe the shortage will be short lived as young professionals take to flying because of the financial incentives. The industry is expecting a sudden surge in applications for commercial pilots licenses in 2008 from those who went overseas in late 2006 and 2007.

However the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation estimates the pilot shortage will reach 2,000 by the end of 2010 and some 20,000 by 2020. “This includes those needed for cargo airlines and general aviation,” says Kapil Kaul, CEO, Indian subcontinent and Middle East, CAPA.