As we step into Spring, a season of fresh starts and new opportunities.
This month, we’re exploring one of the most talked-about themes in the industry: AI and automation. Don’t miss our latest insight article ‘AI, Automation, and the Future of Aviation Jobs: Why Human Skills Still Matter’, where we examine how technology is reshaping the sector and why people remain at its core. We’re also looking ahead to the skies with news on flying taxis in China, expected as early as 2028.
Plus, we shine the spotlight on Aimee Simpson, Team Leader of Aviation at GOOSE Recruitment, as she shares her expert view on the aviation recruitment landscape and the trends shaping the future of hiring.
Read on...
Pulse of the Aviation Workforce – April 2025
We’re checking in with our global aviation network to understand how professionals are really feeling. Each month, we ask one question that gives real-time insight into the mood, priorities, and mindset of the workforce.
This month’s question is live, we’d love to hear your thoughts here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7JCY72V
Keep an eye out for the results in our next update.
AI, Automation, and the Future of Aviation Jobs
Why Human Skills Still Matter
AI is transforming the aviation industry at an unprecedented pace. However, as AI takes on more tasks, one question remains: what does this mean for human talent in aviation?
For C-suite leaders, the challenge isn’t whether to adopt AI, it is how to integrate it effectively while ensuring that human skills remain at the heart of the industry.
AI enhances, but people lead
AI excels at data processing and automation, but strategic aviation leadership remains uniquely human.
Adaptability and critical thinking: AI generates insights, but aviation operations require human judgment that algorithms can't yet replicate.
Emotional intelligence and relationship-building: In aviation, human intuition and empathy are essential for trust, collaboration, and leadership.
Ethical and strategic decision-making: AI suggests solutions, but leaders must balance these with company culture, values, and broader strategic considerations.
The future of aviation talent: a blended workforce
As AI adoption accelerates, aviation C-suite executives must rethink their workforce strategies. The most successful organisations will be those that:
Invest in upskilling & reskilling
Balance automation with human expertise
Rethink recruitment and talent retention
Meet Aimee Simpson, Team Leader at GOOSE Recruitment
Aimee Simpson is the Team Leader of Aviation Recruitment, overseeing our global MRO and Technical Services aviation team as well as our executive search offerings. With over 17 years of professional recruitment experience, she provides valuable insights into the job market and industry trends.
What are the top three technological advancements currently shaping the MRO and aviation industry, and how are they improving efficiency and operations?
Digital Records Management: Most airlines and MROs are now utilising Digital Records Management systems to digitise aircraft maintenance records, enabling access at the touch of a button, saving time, and improving efficiencies.
Inspection Robots and Drones: As the demand for licensed engineers remains an industry-wide concern, businesses are using inspection robots and drones to carry out visual inspections, freeing up engineers’ time for critical, complex tasks.
Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems (AHMS): AHMS are becoming increasingly popular for capturing real-time flight data to assist with predictive maintenance planning, reducing downtime, and improving aircraft reliability.
What are the top three market trends currently shaping the aviation industry, such as fleet expansions, retirements, or sustainability shifts?
Sustainability and Alternative Fuels: As with other industries, the aviation industry is striving to be more sustainable, with Sustainable Aviation Fuels and biofuels at the forefront of reducing its carbon footprint. While the technology for sustainable solutions, including fuels and electric propulsion, is developing quickly, the infrastructure and regulations must be in place before these become common and economically viable.
Global Fleet Expansion: Current predictions show the global commercial aircraft fleet will grow from 29,000 to 38,300 by 2035. However, with manufacturers falling short of production plans, airlines may struggle to obtain the aircraft needed to meet growing demand.
Operational Pressures from Aircraft Shortages: The shortage of new aircraft could force airlines to operate older fleets for longer, pushing back sustainability goals and increasing maintenance requirements in an already skill-short market.
What are the top three training programmes or professional development initiatives that MRO and aviation companies are investing in to upskill their workforce?
Apprenticeships for New Talent: With the demand for licensed engineers still a major issue, apprenticeships are essential for bringing young people into aircraft engineering. Unlike degree qualifications, apprenticeships provide employers with an extra pair of hands in the hangar while the apprentice learns.
Training Ex-Military Engineers: There is a growing trend of employers utilising ex-military engineers as a skilled talent pool. These individuals can be offered tailor-made courses to convert their licenses for civilian aircraft and bring valuable field experience compared to newly qualified engineers.
Virtual and AI-Based Training: Many airlines are exploring pioneering ways to upskill engineering teams using VR and AI for virtual classroom training. These innovative programmes allow engineers to work on virtual aircraft types, reducing the need for practical training hours and creating a more engaging learning experience.
What are the top three biggest changes you expect to see in the MRO and aviation industry over the next five years, and what key factors will drive these shifts?
Attracting and Retaining Engineers: I expect to see an increase in innovative ideas to attract and retain licensed engineers, including training and career development, more flexible shift patterns to suit individual needs, and a continued drive to make aircraft engineering an attractive career path for young people.
Advancements in AI and Robotics: There will be continued technological advancements utilising AI and robotics to take over certain tasks, freeing up engineers to focus on more complex work. Hopefully, these developments will ease the pressure on a skill-short market and help apprentices learn to work alongside new technologies.
Commitments to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): I expect we’ll see more organisations setting specific commitments to work with sustainable fuels—following the example of Delta, which aims to replace at least 10% of its jet fuel with SAF by 2030, and easyJet, which is incorporating SAF into its net zero strategy for 2050.
Please tell me something interesting about yourself that others may not know.
"I have recently started sailing and am planning a trip to the Channel Islands this summer – fingers crossed for good weather!"
Flying Taxis Could Take Off in China Within Three Years, Says EHang
EHang, a leading Chinese aviation company, anticipates that autonomous flying taxis will become operational in China's urban centres within the next three to five years.
This projection follows EHang's recent certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), authorising the commercial use of its pilotless aerial vehicles for passenger transport.
Initially, EHang plans to introduce these autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) for tourism purposes in cities such as Guangzhou and Hefei by mid-2025. As operations progress, the company aims to expand services to include air taxi operations in additional cities like Shenzhen. The EH216-S model, which received the CAAC certification, is a fully electric, two-seater AAV equipped with 16 propellers, capable of reaching speeds up to 130 kilometres per hour with a maximum range of 30 kilometres.
How does this impact Aviation employment?
The emergence of autonomous flying taxis is poised to significantly impact the aviation employment landscape.
The pilotless nature of these vehicles may reduce the demand for traditional pilots.
New employment opportunities are expected to arise, including AAV manufacturing, maintenance, air traffic management for low-altitude airspace, and regulatory compliance.
The development and oversight of infrastructure to support AAV operations will likely create jobs in urban planning and transportation logistics.
As the industry evolves, professionals in the aviation sector may need to acquire new skills related to autonomous flight systems, data analysis, and unmanned aircraft operations to remain competitive in this changing job market.
Source: CNBC
Charlotte Charman's Career Advancement to Principal Recruitment Consultant
Congratulations to Charlotte Charman on her well-deserved career advancement to Principal Recruitment Consultant at GOOSE Recruitment.
Charlotte’s dedication, hard work, and deep industry knowledge have not only earned her this milestone but have also made her one of the highest billers in the company.
Her proactive approach and commitment to excellence continue to set a standard for all of us.
Wishing Charlotte continued success as she takes on this exciting new chapter in her career.
What people say...
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