Analysis of the Boeing 2019 Pilot Outlook and WingX data by London-based pre-owned private aircraft marketing, resale and purchase specialist Colibri Aircraft indicates that between now and 2038, the UK will need to find around 2,500 new business aviation pilots to meet the growing demand to fly privately.

The company warns that a shortage of pilots is creating operational challenges for current owners and risking the sale of some private jet types, and advises clients that this is a real threat if they decide to only hire one full-time pilot and rely on contract crew.

Colibri Aircraft is also warning that business aviation pilots are increasingly leaving the sector to fly commercial aircraft as airlines offer them more predictable schedules. It believes the commercial aviation sector's focus on recruiting business aviation pilots will intensify because the world's passenger and freight aircraft fleet is set to more than double over the next 19 years. During this period, the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2019 - 2038 has estimated that the world needs to find 645,000 new commercial pilots.

Colibri managing director Oliver Stone says: “The world needs some 98,000 new business aviation pilots between now and 2038 to meet growing demand. However, the business aviation sector is struggling to compete with airlines in recruiting pilots. This means commercial airlines are not only recruiting existing business aviation pilots, they are also getting the pick of newly qualified pilots. This issue is increasingly impacting the sale of some private jets, and we expect it to continue.”