As 2024 drew to a close, the aviation industry faced ongoing challenges from geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, and evolving regulations. Key trends such as advancements in sustainable technology and digital transformation reshaped the sector and its workforce. This article explores these developments, along with the upcoming 2025 hiring trends that are set to redefine the industry and enhance experiences for passengers, candidates, and stakeholders.
Hiring trends
In 2024, hiring trends in the aviation industry are evolving as candidates reassess their personal and professional priorities. In response, airlines are re-evaluating their offerings and brand appeal to attract talent. Here are the key trends of 2024, which are also expected to carry on into 2025.
Efforts to appeal to the new generation
The new generation of aviation candidates tend to favour airlines that provide clear opportunities for learning and career advancement. Recent trends show that new talent prioritises engaging in meaningful and varied work that broadens their skills, expands their role, and allows them to make a positive impact. Airlines have responded to these needs by offering attractive incentives, such as lifestyle-friendly roster patterns for pilots, and funded training.
33% of our candidates prioritise work-life balance in their job search
There has been a significant shift in candidate preferences when making job decisions, moving beyond compensation and benefits. Here’s a snapshot of our candidate network’s top preferences across the EMEA, Americas and APAC regions, taken from our recent workforce intelligence survey.
Compensation and benefits remain crucial
While work-life balance has become a critical factor for candidates, compensation and benefits continue to play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining talent. Offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits not only demonstrates an organisation's commitment to valuing its employees but also provides tangible incentives for individuals exploring career opportunities.
A well-structured compensation and benefits framework, when paired with work-life balance initiatives, creates a holistic employment proposition that appeals to top talent in the aviation sector. As candidates increasingly seek financial security, career growth, and recognition for their skills and expertise, without compromising personal time, this trend will remain a top priority for employers in 2025.
Building long-term employee loyalty
Engaging and retaining top talent is essential, particularly for the new generation of aviation professionals who prioritise purpose-driven work. This trend underscores the importance of implementing effective retention strategies to minimise turnover costs, and create competitive compensation packages that attract and retain top talent. Recruitment consultancies provide airlines with essential market intelligence and benchmarking to understand evolving industry standards and employee expectations, enabling targeted strategies to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
What does 2025 hold for aviation recruitment?
In 2025, despite supply chain and geopolitical challenges, airlines are set to transport nearly 5 billion passengers, generating record revenues of US$1 trillion. This rebound in air travel creates abundant job opportunities, as airlines invest more in technology and enhance customer experience. This highlights significant growth prospects within the industry. Here are some of the trends we expect to see.
New focus on soft skills
While skills-based hiring will still be prioritised, the emphasis on soft skills will increase, alongside the focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Soft skills such as time management, critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and creativity will be highly sought after by airlines, especially in leadership and customer service roles. Companies will likely emphasise candidates' practical and theoretical competencies, as these foundational abilities are essential for applying soft skills effectively in real-world situations to meet the evolving demands of the sector.
AI to enhance hiring and professional development
AI’s potential is still unfolding, and aviation recruitment is one of the many areas where it will likely be incorporated to maximise and streamline outcomes. While 70% of candidates in the UK prefer human interactions during the recruitment process, AI will not replace the human touch; rather, it will enhance it, making processes more efficient. In addition, AI will actively contribute to candidates’ ongoing professional development as they leverage smart technology to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Expansion investments to reshape the aviation industry
Despite numerous challenges, the aviation industry is headed for remarkable growth and expansion. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%, it is expected to reach an astounding valuation of approximately US$1,723.91 billion by the end of 2034. Investments in infrastructure, modernisation of airports through improved facilities, and the creation of more terminals and runways will also contribute to this growth by enabling the handling of more aircraft and flights. This will enhance the passenger experience, reduce costs, improve current employees' experiences, and create opportunities for aspiring aviation candidates.
SAF trained candidates to be in high demand
With the emergence of new SAF technologies and increased investments in sustainability, there will be a growing demand for specialist skills in this area, creating numerous opportunities for aviation professionals around the world. Sustainability goals are driving demand for expertise in green technologies, such as alternative fuels and eco-friendly aircraft design.
Demand for digital skills in aviation go even further
One prominent trend is the increasing demand for skilled professionals in digital based aviation roles, particularly related to data analysis, cybersecurity, and automation. As airlines and airports increasingly incorporate advanced technologies, there will be a strong need for teams who can manage and interpret complex data systems, and ensure secure digital operations.
Other key trends and aviation events of 2024
Geopolitical tensions continued
The Russia-Ukraine war approaches its third year, causing volatile fuel prices, disrupted supply chains, and airspace restrictions.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Israel and Gaza is prompting airlines to change routes and suspend services in the region due to safety concerns amid rising uncertainties.
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These challenges highlight broader societal issues like human displacement and economic instability, with the aviation sector also being significantly affected. Its influence on humanitarian aid, evacuation plans, economic stability, environmental challenges, and accessibility reveals the opportunities and vulnerabilities of global air transport, particularly during conflicts.
Jet fuel prices decreased but new highs are expected
Jet fuel accounts for approximately 31%Â of aviation's operational costs. Fuel prices have become increasingly volatile due to conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East.
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From September 2023 to September 2024, the weekly average fuel price decreased by 32%.
January and June 2024 experienced price hikes due to new EU sanctions on Russia.
OPEC+ cut oil production by 2.2 million barrels per day until the end of Q3 2024. As a result, oil prices stabilised at US$2.10 per gallon as of September 2024.
EU sanctions reduced Russian oil supply, leading Europe to strengthen ties with other producers Norway, the US, and Qatar to mitigate price hikes temporarily.
SAF investments set the stage for new sustainable projects & jobs
The US Department of Energy announced nearly $3 billion in conditional loan guarantees for SAF projects in October 2024. Â
The European Union is also advancing its net-zero goals through the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation. This aims to establish a 2% SAF target for airport fuel suppliers, set to rise to 6% by 2030. Â
The EU Taxonomy Regulation requires passenger and freight aircraft to use at least 15% SAF by 2030, increasing by 2% annually thereafter.
New SAF mandate announced by the UK government
In April 2024, the UK government announced a SAF mandate starting in January 2025, requiring airlines to blend 2% SAF in jet fuel, increasing to 10% by 2030. Producers must meet regulatory standards and work with airlines on production, certification, and logistics. Despite the push for low-carbon aviation fuel, high production costs and limited availability pose challenges to broader SAF adoption.
Global supply chain issues expected to continue until 2026
At the World Air Transport Summit in June 2024, IATA's Director General Willie Walsh highlighted the ongoing global supply chain challenges in aviation which are expected to persist until 2026. Here are the key points:
Spike in post-pandemic travel has led airlines to retain older planes due to supply chain instability.
Urgent need for increased investment in aviation infrastructure to alleviate supply chain issues.
Increased problems due to unapproved or counterfeit parts entering the supply chain, posing safety risks.
Companies like GE Aerospace are tightening supplier vetting, enhancing aftermarket services to ensure reliable supply of certified components.
Projected demand for aviation safety specialists may increase in 2025.
Americas and Europe cargo revenues decline amid rate drops
Airline cargo revenues in the Americas and Europe were down this year. Here are the details by region:Â
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North America:
4% increase in cargo weight
15% drop in rates
12% revenue decrease
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Europe:
8% rise in cargo weight
22% rate drop
16% revenue decline
In contrast:
Regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and Asia Pacific saw revenue growth.
Growth attributed to increased cargo volume and pricing.
E-commerce has been a major driver, boosting general cargo growth.
Air cargo driven by emerging markets
According to Boeing, as of 2024, the air cargo industry is experiencing robust growth.
Global air cargo traffic has increased by 4%. Growth is largely attributed to rising demand in emerging Asian markets.
By 2043, the global air cargo fleet is expected to grow to 3,900 aircraft. This represents a two-thirds increase from the 2,340 freighters in operation in 2023.
For 2025, the industry is anticipated to continue expanding. Significant contributions expected from advancements in technology.
Increasing e-commerce activities are also a factor in the growth.
Air travel boom - Record demand at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport welcomed approximately 30.7 million passengers from June to September 2024, marking record travel demand.Â
As international travel rebounds, Heathrow is lobbying the UK government to support the aviation sector amid economic uncertainties and rising costs.
The airport is seeking an enhanced aviation framework to promote resilience and growth, boosting consumer and employee confidence.
Global passenger demand is projected to reach around 9.5 billion, achieving 104% of 2019 levels.
How can we help?
At AeroProfessional, we can help airlines create targeted recruitment strategies that enhance brand visibility, and attract quality candidates. By partnering with us, your 2025 strategy will leverage modern technology and data-driven insights to streamline the hiring process, ensuring that you connect with top talent while positioning your airline as a leader in the industry.
Make 2025 a thriving year! Contact us to solve your hiring challenges and provide the expert support you need to build a scalable and reliable strategy for 2025.
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