While airlines in Canada say they are struggling to find pilots, the world’s largest pilots’ union argues that the problem is not a staff shortage but rather working conditions and pay policies.
As airlines in Canada struggle to meet rising flight demand, the debate over an alleged pilot shortage in the country has flared up once again. While airlines say they cannot find enough pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) stresses that the issue is not the number of pilots, but the nature of the jobs being offered.
According to industry experts, the global increase in demand for business and passenger flights has outpaced the number of new pilots entering aviation. However, unions argue that describing this situation as a “pilot shortage” does not reflect reality.
“This Is Not a Shortage, It’s a Market Problem”
ALPA Canada President Captain Tim Perry said that some airlines are failing to offer competitive working conditions to attract and retain pilots.
Perry stated: “Calling what is happening in Canada a pilot shortage is an oversimplification of a very complex issue. The real problem is an unwillingness or inability to recognise the evolving market for pilots.”
ALPA represents more than 13,500 pilots working at 21 airlines across Canada. This figure corresponds to around 95% of all pilots in the country.
Academics: The Real Issue Is Recruitment and Retention
Steven Tufts, a labour geographer at York University in Toronto, said that while Canadian airlines are facing genuine staffing challenges, it would be more accurate to describe the situation as a recruitment and employee retention problem.
Tufts commented: “When any sector complains about a labour shortage, it usually means it cannot find workers at the wage level it is willing to pay.”
What Do the Numbers Say?
Montreal-based flight simulator manufacturer CAE predicted in its 2025 “Aviation Talent Forecast” report that the number of commercial aircraft in service will increase by 35% over the next 10 years, reaching 44,000.
According to the report:
- There are currently around 382,000 active pilots
- Of these, 253,000 will still be in service in 2034
- To meet global demand, 267,000 new pilots will be needed
Specifically for Canada, WorkBC data shows that more than 2,700 pilots are employed in British Columbia, with 1,410 new job opportunities projected by 2035.
Foreign Pilot Recruitment Is Increasing
Data from Employment and Social Development Canada shows that some airlines are turning overseas to meet their pilot needs.
Between January and September 2025:
- 42 airlines
- received Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval
- for 136 pilot positions
In the same period in 2024, 40 airlines received LMIA approval for 114 pilot positions.
Training and Cost Barriers
Gerry Egan, Associate Dean of the School of Aviation Technology at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, pointed out that one of the main reasons behind the pilot shortage debate is the high cost of training.
According to Egan, the 250 flight hours required for a commercial pilot licence can cost candidates up to USD 120,000. It is also noted that it takes around five years for newly qualified pilots to reach well-paid positions.
According to WorkBC data, pilots:
- earn between USD 29 and 100 per hour
- have an average annual income of around USD 120,000 in British Columbia
“Pilots Are Moving to Better Conditions”
According to ALPA, airlines that offer market-aligned wages and sign fair collective agreements are not experiencing pilot shortages.
Perry said: “The problem is not that there are no pilots. Pilots are moving to jobs that offer better conditions.”
Steven Tufts added that the debate could have not only sectoral but also political consequences, stating: “This is a battle over narrative, and it directly affects government immigration, education and employment policies.”
