Qatar to need 1,200 pilots in next four years

“Qatar Airway is expecting delivery of 182 aircraft by 2013 bringing the total number of operating aircraft to 250," said Agarwal. He said that delivery of around 500 new aircraft may be expected by airline companies in the region in the next four years. "Deliveries of aircraft to airline companies around the world are on hold because of shortage of pilots."

Agarwal said one factor in increased pilot demand comes from domestic airlines expanding internationally and also regional airlines concentrating more on domestic routes.

Retirement of captains and commanders is also another factor for the dearth of pilots, he said, noting that around 500 to 1,000 pilots retire every year.