Source: ABC News Author: 03/28/2008
Subject Concerned: Opinion Aircrew Airlines
There is concern a pilot shortage in Australia is reaching crisis point with pilots having their holidays cancelled and being told to work longer hours.
Some regional airlines have been forced to cancel flights because they do not have enough staff to fly them.
The Australian and International Pilots' Association (AIPA) warns that the staff shortages are getting worse.
The Association's president, captain Ian Woods, says the expansion of some metropolitan and international services means there will be more cuts to regional centres.
"The delivery of new aircraft to Virgin Blue and the expansion of Jetstar will put increased pressure on the likes of Rex and SkyWest and QantasLink," he said.
"That'll just further exacerbate the difficult situation we have at the moment."