This issue has the ripple effect of fewer women in the profession. Despite plenty of breaks and significant time off than others, it might require working on any day of the year – for instance, Christmas Day or weekends – which means one might miss out on family celebrations. This profession with its 24/7/365 nature finds it very challenging to cater to that. Secondly, younger generations value a good work-life balance much more than older generations. However, tower controllers represent the minority of air traffic controllers with the majority working in a control centre controlling aircrafts. Some of the main issues are that vast majority of the public still think air traffic controllers work solely at an airport in the control tower. We currently suffer from a shortage of air traffic controllers worldwide. President and chief executive officer at Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers (GATCO) Luis Barbero (LB): Our research shows that jobs in retail and health were at least four times more likely to be discussed in formal career interviews with young people so it’s an issue impacting the whole aviation industry. The shortage of controllers and global growth in demand for flights is leading to concerns about staffing levels and safety in both mature and rapidly expanding air transport markets.Īlso, more widely, air traffic control is the invisible infrastructure that sits behind a lot of very successful businesses around the UK – but because it isn’t seen, NATS often doesn’t get the visibility it needs among the industry. There is also the perception that air traffic controlling is a demanding and stressful job which is only suited to particular types of people.Īccording to the International Federation of Air Traffic Control Associations (IFATCA), there is a global shortage of controllers by 10% while another 15% are needed to transition to SESAR and NextGen. It’s often said that people cannot be what they cannot see and so lack of awareness of the role is hindering recruitment. Head professors of MSc Air Transport Management at De Montfort University, Lucy Budd and Stephen Ison (LB & SI) :Ī key challenge is that the role of an air traffic controller is not very visible as they are usually hidden from public view in control centres and air traffic control (ATC) towers. Varsha Saraogi: What are the recruitment challenges facing air traffic controllers?
0 kommentar(er)
