After a remarkable career of more than 66 years, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, Joan Prince Crandall, prepares to retire. Starting her journey as a stewardess with Pacific Airlines in 1959, Joan has navigated many changes in the industry, from the glamour of 60s to the technology-driven operations of today.

Amid an ongoing debate on the legalisation of cannabis in various countries, a court in Canada upheld the policy implemented by Air Transat in 2018, banning the employees in “high-risk” positions, such as pilots, first officers and flight attendants, from using cannabis both on and off the clock. The ruling stated that, unlike with alcohol, the intensity and duration of the effects can vary greatly depending on many factors, and are therefore much harder to predict.

British Airways is currently looking for experienced Boeing 777 and 787 pilots for an unusual role. The company is offering up to $100,000 per year to move, but not to fly the aircraft. According to the job description, the company needs pilots to taxi aeroplanes between Terminals 5 and 3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

According to a report by McKinsey & Co., shortages of aviation maintenance technicians are projected to reach approximately 60,000 by 2029 and can cause severe consequences, including increased costs, longer aircraft turnaround times, and reduced aircraft reliability. In order to address the crisis, many leading MRO organisations are prioritising improving the productivity of their existing AMT workforce, rather than simply attracting more technicians in an already scarce job market.

Following a turbulent period, Spirit Airlines shut down its operations, stranding passengers and affecting thousands of employees. Soaring jet fuel costs dashed any hopes of recovery for the struggling airline, which declared its second bankruptcy in less than a year.

Starting a new career after retirement might be challenging for pilots. Despite that, valuable experience gained over the years in the industry is always in high demand. Flight Instructors, Charter Pilots, and Consultants are among the most common profession choices, together with a number of non-aviation opportunities.

Amid an ongoing travel disruption, Swiss Air has reportedly taken a drastic decision and is offering its 4,000 flight attendants $19,000 to voluntarily resign from their jobs. The company is hoping to avoid layoffs by resolving its staffing imbalance in an unusual manner by early 2027.

In a competitive aviation recruitment market, standing out as a pilot may seem challenging. Obtaining special ratings and endorsements is one way to differentiate yourself. Glider pilot add-ons, a high-altitude endorsement, a seaplane rating, and ground instructor certification are some examples of uncommon yet useful qualifications.

As part of the UK government’s plan to encourage more talent to enter the aviation industry, a project that helps inspire young women to develop a career in aviation, aerospace, and engineering has been awarded a government grant of nearly £100,000. The news follows the recent approval of plans for Gatwick and Luton airports, as well as the push for a third runway at Heathrow.

In a bold projection, some experts believe that up to 60,000 pilots will be needed to fuel the growth of urban air mobility by 2030, with key markets being the US, UAE, and Japan. Even though the industry has already shifted from prototypes to real-world testing and partnerships, several challenges remain, specifically in pilot training, airspace integration and vertiports.

In an interesting behind-the-scenes view, Utah State University is showcasing the training programs of future Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and other aviation professionals. Like with many other industries, the training is specifically designed around innovation and ensuring that the students are equipped with the necessary skills for the careers of tomorrow.

Over the past few years, many have questioned whether university degrees are truly worthwhile. Contrary to expectations, several airline careers do not require a university degree. Pathways to becoming a Pilot, Flight Attendant, A&P Mechanic, and Aircraft Dispatcher are open to everyone willing to complete specialized training programs.

As part of a significant modernisation effort, the Spanish Ministry of Defence is partnering with Airbus Defence and Space to update its fleet, both through the procurement of 100 Airbus helicopters and through its new Integrated Training System. The investment contributes to the creation of more than 300 high-skilled roles centred in its Albacete site in Spain.

Despite being one of the highest-paying industries with high demand for skills and specialisation, the aviation sector struggles to attract the next generation of talent due to its perceived image of being environmentally unsustainable, outdated, and opaque. Many agree that further work is needed to promote recent green initiatives, along with the major push in AI and other technologies, to attract top talent and change the sector's perspective.

In a major industry overhaul driven by AI, Lufthansa recently announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 4,000 jobs by 2030, leveraging the latest technology. In addition to its focus on AI, more than 230 new aircraft are committed to enter service by 2030.

In a notable article by AeroTime, effective communication, a positive customer mindset, and high emotional intelligence are identified as the key qualities that contribute to a successful career for a crew member. Such traits not only make the journey more enjoyable for everyone but also positively impact the safety of the passengers.

In a move to adopt a wider use of unmanned drones instead of manned aviation platforms, the U.S. Army unveiled plans to reduce the number of aviation jobs in its 30,000-strong branch by 6,500 over the next two years. The trend is likely to affect other Armed Forces across the globe as countries modernize their military in accordance with the latest technological advancements.

Highlighting one of the major issues facing the aviation industry in the near future, 83% of technicians are expected to retire or leave the profession globally over the next decade, resulting in a need for about 416,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians by 2034. While not being a glamorous or popular profession among the younger population, the salaries are very competitive, with a median compensation for these roles of around $79,000 in the US.

In response to the need to hire additional talent during times of skilled personnel shortages, many aviation companies are embracing technology-driven, scalable recruitment solutions tailored to meet rapid expansion targets driven, among other factors, by a surge in passenger demand.

Thanks to an unprecedented growth over the next two decades, total aviation-related jobs are projected to increase by 134% in the Middle East, the highest growth rate of any region globally. The aviation industry's contribution to regional GDP is expected to surge by more than 150% by 2043, reaching $730 billion, with more than 530 million passengers, twice the current number, traveling through the region.