US airlines are looking to scoop up skilled South African pilots as the local industry sees half its domestic airlines shut down and a significant reduction in capacity in the national carrier, SAA.
The NIW visa is based on merit; hence, even pilots without degrees or diplomas can still be eligible, said Migliore. Unlike other visas, pilots on this program are not dependent on a prior job offer and can live and work anywhere they like in the US once they obtain access, he said. According to Migliore, pilots on the program need to meet only three of the usual seven immigration criteria. They include:Evidence of special or noteworthy training and/or experience, and“As reported by management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, securing a pipeline of new pilots has been a primary concern for airlines worldwide over the past few years. Their poll of flight operations leaders in 2019 highlighted that a shortage of qualified pilots was a critical risk to the industry.
Mbalula said at the time that the government and local industry need to work to protect the skills and keep the aviation sector alive. A year later, the industry was hit with high-profile liquidations, in a near worst-case scenario for the sector.