The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the air transport industry both in the UK and globally with the overall aviation workforce reducing by over 40% globally in 2020, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Organisations like BNU and Resilient Pilot have both played a key role throughout the pandemic in keeping professionals wishing to enter or re-enter the sector engaged, current and supported, by allowing them to upskill with new qualifications and training opportunities, maintain resilience through mentorship opportunities and support networks, and ensure any licensing requirements are kept up to date in readiness for the recovery.

Going forward, an essential ingredient for maintaining industry and professional resilience will be for professionals to learn more about the net zero transition in the aviation sector and how this will lead to shifting strategic priorities for aviation companies globally and, as a result, adapted requirements for an increasing number of aviation roles, including for commercial pilots.