Aviation experts have identified the rising cost of pilot training and controversial bonding agreements as major factors fueling contract breaches between airlines, pilots and engineers in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking at the second edition of Fireside Chat with African Aviators with the theme, ‘Building Capacity Through Pragmatic Mentorship and Institutional Leadership,’ in Lagos over the weekend, participants said the increasing financial burden of type-rating pilots had forced airlines into strict bonding arrangements, often leading to disputes when pilots exit prematurely.

This is coming as statistics provided by Boeing Aircraft Manufacturing projected that the globe would require about 660,000 new pilots in the next 20 years, with Nigeria among the countries with inadequate type-rated pilots.

Captain Ibironke Olajide of Air Peace, in her comment, explained that the sharp depreciation of the naira had significantly increased training costs, making it difficult for airlines to absorb such expenses without strict agreements.

According to her, while a Boeing 737 type-rating cost about $7,000 when the exchange rate hovered around N160 to the dollar in 2012–2013, current costs have surged dramatically.

She noted that type-rating on aircraft such as the Embraer E190 or E195 now exceeds $20,000, with the naira trading at over N1,300 to the dollar.

She explained that conflicts often arise when better-paying opportunities emerge, prompting pilots to leave before completing their bond period.

She said: “This is why airlines insist on bonding pilots. It’s a commitment to recover the huge investment made in training, but some of these bonds, like six-year agreements, can be excessive.

“It becomes a legal issue. The airline feels betrayed after investing heavily, while the pilot is chasing better remuneration. That’s where breach of contract cases come in.”

She pointed out that the situation had led many airlines to change their hiring policies by preferring pilots who already possess type-rating certifications to a fresh graduate without work experience or type-rating. She said this enables the airlines to reduce financial risks.

Also, Customer Service Manager for Africa and the Middle East, Embraer, Debo Adewolu, stressed the importance of strengthening other critical areas of aviation, particularly supply chain management.

He noted that even with trained pilots and engineers, operations could be grounded without access to aircraft spare parts.

He, therefore, canvassed for expertise in logistics and aircraft component sourcing within the highly regulated aviation environment.

Adewolu further explained that aircraft manufacturers like Embraer provided comprehensive support packages, including training, engineering assistance and spare parts logistics to airlines purchasing new aircraft, ensuring seamless entry into service.

He added that efforts are underway to support local airlines in developing in-house maintenance capabilities, which would reduce reliance on foreign facilities and create more jobs for Nigerian aviation professionals.

Similarly, Captain Calistus Ifeanyi, also of Air Peace, urged aspiring pilots to approach their careers strategically, particularly regarding type-rating.

He warned against rushing into expensive type-rating programmes without securing employment, noting that such certifications could expire if not utilised promptly.

He also called for greater government intervention in sponsoring aviation training, describing the industry as highly capital-intensive and beyond the reach of many aspiring parents and students.

Ifeanyi agreed that while airlines must protect their investments, a balance must be struck to ensure fair labour practices, improved remuneration and sustainable career growth for aviation personnel.

He pointed out that pilot training was an essential aspect of the aviation industry that provides aspiring pilots with the necessary skills and knowledge to become professional pilots.

Earlier, the convener of the summit, Chidozie Uzoezie, said the programme was established for the purpose of grooming the younger ones to choose their paths in the industry.

According to him, it was necessary for students and aspiring aviation professionals to develop passion for the jobs and impact the upcoming ones.