"We find ourselves in one of the largest periods of expansion in Australian aviation history and with this an acute pilot shortage. Economic fundamentals should dictate an increase in pay and conditions purely based on supply and demand."
Now I do not hold an economics degree, but IMHO that statement should be ringing louder than a bell in the ear of every Airline manager and HR department head. The REX chief of staff in a recent press release stated that the domestic airlines would require 1800 pilots over the next 2 years! If those numbers are to be relied upon, then the only course of action for these expanding carriers would be to recruit virtually every available ATPL holder in the country. How many would that be? 1000? 1500?
I don't believe the numbers add up. What the major carriers do to secure this labour will be interesting in the extreme. One thing is for certain, If they are not able to attract sufficient drivers for their planned expansions, then guess what........reduced or no expansion!
Will this be an acceptable option for the architects of these plans. Will GD, AJ, BG etc....simply say, Oh well, not enough pilots, cancel that $15 billion order! OR......, will they embark on a wholesale competition for the remaining suitable candidates?
If 1800 extra pilots are required over the next 2 years, they'd better get on with it!