Global pilot shortage prompts partnership between NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy and UCOL

UCOL chief executive Leeza Boyce and New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy chief executive Phill Bedford at the flight school. Photo / Stuart Munro

A new Whanganui education initiative is taking a long-term view of the careers of commercial pilots as a worldwide shortage of pilots starts to bite.

There is a current shortage of 250,000 pilots worldwide and it is predicted to grow.

Whanganui-based New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) and tertiary education institute UCOL have signed a memorandum of understanding to roll out a new programme. It aims to keep retired commercial pilots in the industry by arming them with a business degree from UCOL as well as their aviation qualification from NZICPA.

"With the average mandatory retirement age of commercial pilots at 62, the global shortage will only get worse with demand for international travel forecasted to increase," Dr Arthur Chin, UCOL executive director for business development, said.

"With a business qualification, experienced pilots would be able to continue contributing to the industry of their choice, effectively providing them with a second career."

NZICPA chief executive Phill Bedford said studying at UCOL at the same time as completing their aviation qualification would be attractive to the academy's students.

"We are putting ourselves on the world stage in terms of the level and quality of training available here in Whanganui," Bedford said.

"We are delighted to explore these opportunities with UCOL. NZICPA is experiencing growth in enrolments with the next intake of students programmed to arrive in July."

UCOL chief executive Leeza Boyce said UCOL had more than 6000 students of about 57 nationalities.

"We are delighted to showcase the education opportunities available in Whanganui and grow international education," Boyce said.

"It makes sense to collaborate and to have strong and innovative academic offerings that will ultimately result in better employment outcomes for graduates of both organisations."

Whanganui District Council Holdings chair Annette Main (left) and UCOL director of education and applied research Dr Jerry Shearman (right) witness Phill Bedford and Leeza Boyce sign the agreement. Photo / Stuart Munro

The memorandum provides a pathway agreement for aviation students to carry out study initially in their home country and later in Whanganui. Potential pathway options include English language, business and management qualifications.

It also paves the way to explore international educational opportunities in China. The aim is to promote the joint initiative to all prospective international students by the end of 2018.