The International Air Transport Association has proposed raising the pilot retirement age from 65 to 67. The United Nations’ aviation agency will review this during its General Assembly. U.S. pilot unions oppose the change, citing safety concerns, but global demand for pilots remains high.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging the U.N.’s aviation arm to consider extending the maximum age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, as the aviation sector grapples with a shortage of pilots amidst growing air travel demand.
The U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is set to review the proposal, though it faces opposition from major U.S. pilot unions over safety worries. Current global regulations disallow pilots over 65 from flying international flights, a rule observed by many countries, including the U.S.
Proponents argue increasing the age limit is a prudent move that aligns with safety measures, as there would still be a requirement of having at least one pilot below 65 on board. However, detractors maintain that there’s insufficient evidence to ensure it won’t compromise safety.
