DeepSummary
The episode discusses the pilot shortage facing the airline industry in North America, with a projected gap of 8,000 pilots currently and an estimated 30,000 by the end of the decade. Contributing factors include retiring baby boomer pilots, fewer military pilots transitioning to commercial airlines, and pilots taking early retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The episode features interviews with Captain Beth Powell, a Black woman pilot with American Airlines, who shares her journey of becoming a pilot and the challenges she faced as a minority in a predominantly white male industry. She also discusses the organization Sisters of the Skies, which aims to support and mentor women of color in aviation.
Eric Hendrick, Delta Air Lines' first Director of Pilot Outreach, discusses the barriers to entry in the piloting industry, particularly the high costs associated with civilian flight training. He also highlights Delta's efforts to diversify the pilot pipeline through programs like Propel, partnerships with universities, and community outreach initiatives.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The airline industry is facing a significant pilot shortage, with a projected gap of 8,000 pilots currently and an estimated 30,000 by the end of the decade.
- Contributing factors to the pilot shortage include retiring baby boomer pilots, fewer military pilots transitioning to commercial airlines, and pilots taking early retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The piloting profession has traditionally been dominated by white males, with significant barriers to entry for women and minorities, including lack of exposure, representation, and financial resources.
- Organizations like Sisters of the Skies and initiatives by airlines like Delta's Propel program aim to increase diversity in the cockpit by providing mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- Representation of women and minorities in the piloting profession is crucial for inspiring and motivating younger generations to pursue careers in aviation.
- Addressing the high costs associated with civilian flight training and providing financial assistance is a key factor in making the piloting profession more accessible to underserved communities.
- Community outreach and engagement programs targeting middle and high school students are essential for exposing underrepresented groups to aviation careers and fostering early interest.
- Collaboration between airlines, universities, and industry organizations is crucial in creating a more diverse and inclusive piloting pipeline.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Many times you were one of few, if not the only one. And so when there was a challenge, you would wish to have support from someone who looked like you. And you also question sometimes, what am I doing? Do I belong?“ by Beth Powell
- “The visibility is amazing. A black female pilot is a unicorn. Okay? It's a unicorn.“ by Eric Hendrick
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Episode Information
Access and Opportunity
Morgan Stanley
8/4/23
A 2022 analysis issued by consulting firm Oliver Wyman found a shortfall of 8,000 pilots in North America, or 11% of the total workforce. That gap is estimated to grow to nearly 30,000 by the end of the decade. In their pursuits to staff up and meet new hiring goals, there is an opportunity for commercial airlines in the United States to diversify an industry that has a legacy of being overtly white and male by breaking down the barriers to entry.
On this episode, we’re exploring how the aviation industry is helping people from as many communities as possible to access roles within the industry. First, we hear from American Airlines pilot Captain Beth Powell about her journey to become one of just a few Black women holding high rank in the cockpit of commercial flights across America. Then, host Carla Harris sits down with Eric Hendrick, Delta Air Lines’ first Director of Pilot Outreach, to discuss the industry-wide endeavor to get more women and people of color involved into piloting. Come on and join us for the ride.
https://www.morganstanley.com/what-we-do/inclusive-innovation-and-opportunity
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