In a sector as fast paced as business aviation, non-operational activities like inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals can easily fall by the wayside.
Most of the time these activities may seem like a ‘nice-to-have’ but they are essential for ensuring the survival and success of the sector.
For the last decade, the aviation industry has faced an increasing shortage of skilled labour, which has been exacerbated by an ageing population, the Covid-19 pandemic and an industry-wide image problem.
Put simply, in the coming years more skilled professionals will retire from the industry than join.
This will cause a gap in knowledge transfer – and business aviation in particular will suffer from this challenge because the next generation is becoming increasingly socially aware.
It is clear that the industry requires a whole new image. This means highlighting the economic value of business aviation, case studies of how the sector can be a force for good and giving examples of how it is working hard to minimise environmental impact by pushing the use of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and carbon offsetting.
Without changing the narrative, business aviation is at risk of seeing turbulent times in the coming years.
Without a steady flow of new recruits, organisations are at risk of becoming short staffed-and under-skilled which could lead to safety implications, poor customer service and organisations ceasing to exist.
Despite the challenging times ahead, business aviation is starting to open up with organisations of all sizes offering apprenticeships and arranging activities which engage local communities.
Perhaps even more powerful is the work of Steve Varsano of The Jet Business fame.
Varsano produces a series of videos to give insight into his work as a business jet broker as well as the sector more broadly. Engaging with youth on their own terms is fundamental.
Business aviation is a sector that is based on people – and inspiring the next generation should be seen as a vital activity and not a ‘nice-to-have’, because without people, there is no sector and no future.