Aviation careers coach Kirsty Ferguson told Nine.com.au that she had received 70 inquiries in the last two weeks from pilots considering a move to the US.
She said the US airlines GoJet and SkyWest are currently holding interviews in Australia and she had received more than 70 inquiries from Australian pilots.
A potential pilot shortage adds to concerns the Australian aviation sector recovery from COVID-19 is lagging other countries.
While flight levels have returned to 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels globally, Australia is seeing just 26 per cent of flights seen previously.
Louise Pole, president of the Australian Federation of Air Pilots, told a Senate inquiry into the aviation sector that many of its 5500 members no longer hold current qualifications.
“Up to 25 per cent of our pilot members are no longer current and are without recent experience that is required to maintain their licences.”
Ms Pole said Australian airlines would have to retrain existing pilots to make up a shortfall.
“What will happen is that the demand will return and the airlines will be keen to be able to assist with that demand, but they won’t be able to train fast enough,” she said.
Murray Butt, president of the Australian and International Pilots Association told 4BC radio that aviation staff…