SAS pilot shortage and recruitment.
 

News out today that SAS are cancelling 766 flights over the next 4 months. They were to be operated by SAS owned Cimber on the CRJ900. Cancellations are due to pilot shortage.

http://www.check-in.dk/sas-aflyser-766-flyafgange#.VqCLcUXqHCR
(In Danish)

This is combination of delays in training and SAS having to pull pilots into their main operation from Cimber.

Both SAS and Cimber are hiring separately. However it seems they are not getting the numbers they were hoping for.

From a reliable source I've heard that SAS are currently negotiating new terms and conditions for new hires as they realize that the current offer is not competitive. Can anyone confirm this?

I know many qualified pilots around the world waiting to go back to Scandinavia, but who find the current package unacceptable.

Lack of investment in people
 

The lack of investment in pilot training has resulted in a big skill shortage, all the big players are recruiting and those who's remuneration package falls below par are seeing pilots moving on to those who are giving the rewards in pay or lifestyle.

The Scandinavian airlines have been particularly slow to see the change in the market, SAS and others are having to sub in capacity.

To give an example of the difference in remuneration one European 787 operator is offering pilots a 14% pension contribution and a Scandinavian operator of the same type 1% pension contribution.

A major part of the problem is this insistance by all to be type rated. Pay for the rating if you can't find rated guys!
I know dozens of very experienced, good pilots who are tearing their hair out trying to find work but don't have the correct rating. What to do?
The lack of investment in aviation personel is historic. It has just got worse over time. My sympathies lie with the pilots, not one tear for the operators who deserve every cancelled flight (not) going. You brought it upon yourselves.

New pay scale negotiations
 

I have the info about new pay scale negotiations from a friend.

Can any current SAS employees confirm this?

Looking at Cimber on PPJN (as far as these figures are correct) I think it looks all right. Certainly better pay and roster than what I have been doing the last couple of years. However, when I have applied via their website some time ago and not heard anything since, I must say they bring it on themselves...

I wonder if SAS will ever change the language requirement. A long haul BGO base would be very nice :D

Sorry guys, but it's just a planning mistake.
All CRJ900 were flown by SAS pilots, then SAS bought Cimber and transferred all CRJ900. All the cabin crew and pilots are still employed by SAS and have the right to "come back" when there is need for them in SAS. So for every new pilot they need in Copenhagen they have to take one from Cimber, and then employ a new one in Cimber. Together with a 25% expansion of Long Haul this winter the training department couldn't cope. Actually this has been planned for a few months now.

Negotiating will take place this year. Contract ends March/April.

Cimber has dropped the Scandinavian language requirement. It is now considered a competitive advantage, not a requirement. Hiring non-type rated directly in to the left seat.

Hello NEDude,

Thanks for your information.
Could you please post a link where you found the information of the Scandinavian language requirement?
I have been on the SAS and Cimber websites but I haven't found anything saying the Scandinavian language is no more a requirement.

Thanks again.

Certainly. Here is the link for the direct entry captains:

https://candidate.hr-manager.net/App...4023&MediaId=5

From the page itself:

Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of one of the Scandinavian languages will be a competitive advantage

Thank you NEDude for the quick reply!
I was looking for NTR FO.
For the FO recruitment, the knowledge of one Scandinavian language seems to remain...
Tell us if I'm wrong.
Happy landings!

Yep, just checked the FO job board site and it does appear the Scandinavian language requirement remains for the FO position.

Must be harder for them to find captains.