ICAO blocks plan to raise global pilot retirement age
The push by the aviation industry to extend the global mandatory retirement age for pilots beyond 65 has been grounded. At a recent International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) meeting in Canada, delegates rejected a proposal backed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to enable pilots to fly internationally past the age of 65. The decision, aimed at addressing a growing global pilot shortage, instead called for more medical evidence before any change could be considered.
Industry leaders and pilots welcomed the outcome. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents about 80,000 pilots, said the move to keep the current retirement age aligns with the best available medical science. “The current medical science and available data does not support an increase in the pilot retirement age,” Ambrosi stated. He argued that delaying retirement is not a guaranteed fix for capacity issues and could distract from more urgent priorities, such as modernising air traffic control systems.
Where does the world stand on the 65-year rule?
Australia is among a small group of countries that allow pilots to fly domestically beyond 65. New Zealand and Japan permit pilots to continue into their 70s, provided they pass rigorous medical checks every six months. In contrast, the United States enforces a 65-year retirement age for pilots, even for domestic routes. These divergent policies underscore the complexity of balancing safety, workforce needs, and mobility in aviation.
Industry concerns about safety and medical evidence
Steven Cornell, vice president of the Australian and International Pilots Association, said the union supported lifting the retirement age but only with robust safety and medical backing. “Long-haul international flying brings unique challenges: circadian disruption, extended wakefulness across time zones, and sleep problems in varying zones,” he noted. The debate highlights a central tension: experienced pilots bring valuable expertise, but the industry seeks assurance that aging does not compromise safety.
A pilot’s perspective on experience and safety
Captain Dave Holt, a 63-year-old veteran flying Qantas 787s to Europe, the United States, and Asia, reflects the broader sentiment. With only 18 months to the current mandatory retirement, he believes fitness and ongoing medical checks should determine if a pilot continues to fly internationally. “As long as you’re fit and healthy and meet the standard, you shouldn’t be precluded from flying. It’s just a number. My gut says 67 is about right,” Holt said. He emphasised that well-trained, healthy, and experienced pilots can contribute to safer operations and cost savings for airlines through retained expertise.
Why the shortage persists—and what it means for travelers
A global shortage of pilots is a central driver behind calls for policy adjustments. Boeing’s industry outlook estimates a need for around 660,000 new pilots over the next two decades, along with 710,000 maintenance technicians and a million cabin crew. The shortfall can translate into delayed flights, increased cancellations, and higher airfares as airlines try to maintain schedules with smaller flying crews.
In Australia, the aviation white paper notes shortages across pilots, instructors, and maintenance engineers are contributing to delays. Retention challenges also complicate the issue: some airlines have faced industrial-relations tensions that drive pilots to seek opportunities overseas, where pay and conditions may be more favorable. This volatility makes long-term policy decisions like raising the retirement age even more complex.
What does the future hold for flying careers?
For seasoned pilots like Holt, the path may hinge on more than merely extending careers. The industry needs a balanced approach that preserves safety while expanding opportunities for newcomers. Captain Holt’s personal story—his son William becoming a Qantas pilot—illustrates the importance of sustaining a pipeline of aspiring pilots who can eventually assume senior roles. As Captain Cornell puts it, the profession must remain attractive and viable for new entrants, while recognizing the value of experience in the cockpit.
With the ICAO decision reaffirming the 65-year retirement rule for now, airlines, regulators, and crews will likely push forward with parallel measures. These could include smarter recruitment, more robust medical screening, better airline profitability, and targeted retention strategies to bridge the gap between supply and demand without compromising safety.
