Global 2025 Pilot Study Highlights Pay Gaps and Mobility Trends Across Regions

United Kingdom – Aviation recruitment consultancy AeroProfessional has released its 2025 Global Pilot Salary & Market Insights Report, revealing that 65% of commercial pilots based in the Middle East are open to changing airlines, despite the region offering some of the highest pilot salaries in the world. The findings underscore the growing challenge Middle Eastern carriers face in retaining experienced flight crew amid increasingly competitive global pilot labor dynamics.

• According to AeroProfessional’s data, 11.1% of Middle East-based pilots earn more than USD 18,000 per month, compared with just 4.7% in Europe, marking one of the highest pay brackets globally.

• However, over 40% of pilots in the region report flying between 70–89 hours per month, significantly higher than counterparts in South America (30.7%), Europe (29.1%), the UK (27.8%), and Asia-Pacific (26.8%).

• 61.1% of Middle East pilots also operate “as per flight limitations” with no fixed roster, compared with 58.3% in the UK, 50.5% in North America, 46.8% in APAC, and 36.3% in Europe, reflecting a less predictable work pattern that may contribute to job mobility trends.

Statement

• Sam Sprules, Managing Director at AeroProfessional, said: “These unique dynamics of the Middle East pilot market are plain to see in AeroProfessional’s research, with salaries among the highest globally, counterbalanced by longer hours and flexible rosters, driving many pilots to  consider career moves. For airlines, competitive pay alone is no longer enough and balancing financial rewards with operational and lifestyle considerations will be key to retaining the best talent.”

Source: AeroProfessional