newstodate.aero
Sep 27, 2017 (newstodate): The full-charter carrier Small Planet Airlines Germany is set to expand its aircraft fleet from currently four to 10 aircraft by Summer 2018.
One challenge in this plan is recruitment of sufficient flight-deck crews.
-There is a huge surge in the airline industry's demand for aircraft pilots leading to strong competition in recruitment, says Andreas Wobig, Small Planet Airlines Germany CEO.
-When we started operations in 2015, we did not have an own AOC and the name Small Planet Airlines Germany was little known. It was indeed a demanding task to recruit crews under these circumstances. We obtained our own AOG in summer 2016, consolidating our brand name and went from two to four aircraft in the fleet. Consequently, the recruitment process improved.
-With the new situation now approaching, we are engaging in a determined effort to recruit fresh pilots crews to our growing fleet, and all channels are exploited, including own advertising and use of agencies.
-In 2017 we have employed some 110 people, mostly flight crews as all administrative services, excepting of course the mandatory airline positions, are provided by our corporate Group HQs at Vilnius, Lithuania. And in 2018 we expect the total roster at Small Planet Airlines Germany to grow to about 350 staff.
-Besides offering a competitive package of remuneration and benefits, a key element in our efforts to attract pilots is offering an unlimited contract period while most other airlines offer only fixed-term contracts, says Mr Wobig.
One challenge in this plan is recruitment of sufficient flight-deck crews.
-There is a huge surge in the airline industry's demand for aircraft pilots leading to strong competition in recruitment, says Andreas Wobig, Small Planet Airlines Germany CEO.
-When we started operations in 2015, we did not have an own AOC and the name Small Planet Airlines Germany was little known. It was indeed a demanding task to recruit crews under these circumstances. We obtained our own AOG in summer 2016, consolidating our brand name and went from two to four aircraft in the fleet. Consequently, the recruitment process improved.
-With the new situation now approaching, we are engaging in a determined effort to recruit fresh pilots crews to our growing fleet, and all channels are exploited, including own advertising and use of agencies.
-In 2017 we have employed some 110 people, mostly flight crews as all administrative services, excepting of course the mandatory airline positions, are provided by our corporate Group HQs at Vilnius, Lithuania. And in 2018 we expect the total roster at Small Planet Airlines Germany to grow to about 350 staff.
-Besides offering a competitive package of remuneration and benefits, a key element in our efforts to attract pilots is offering an unlimited contract period while most other airlines offer only fixed-term contracts, says Mr Wobig.