For months the world has been gripped by airline and airport delays. Now the reason is clear – workers under 40 have deserted the industry. But where did they go?
The airline crisis that has disrupted flights and travel plans of millions around the was caused by a massive staffing crisis.
Airlines have been forced to scrap thousands of flights as airports cancel schedules and ask airlines to cut back on flights.
Now there’s more data about exactly what caused it.
In Europe this summer, the staffing crisis was predominantly caused by younger workers who left the industry during the pandemic, with no plans to return.
Only about a third of the EU’s air transport workers were aged under 40 in the first quarter of the year, which is far lower than the number working before the pandemic.
The numbers who just how serious the task is for airlines to lure back workers to overcome massive delays.
The aviation industry has been caught flat footed this year, as millions return to the skies for so called “holiday revenge”, making up for lost time abroad over the last two years.
Many of the younger workers were employed as cleaners, security and ground handling.
But those hours are also unsociable and often low paid. Meaning workers who left the industry did so for bigger reasons than just the pandemic shutdown.
And now they’ve had time to think about why.
Long delays at airports around the world.
Hiring the air-side roles is made harder by requirements for extensive training and security checks which take time, so candidates end up looking for easier work elsewhere.
“Fundamental changes in the business model have to occur for aviation to remain a competitive career option,” said David Huttner at PA Consulting Group Ltd.
“The industry has always been susceptible to staffing issues within key skill sets, but not at this level.”
The economy has been remarkably resilient despite massive pressures – but is that about to change in 2024?
The US economy is in for a sharp slowdown in 2024 as a closely watched survey of top economists foresees stubbornly high inflation, a rise in unemployment and a 50% chance of recession.
A judge has ruled that Tesla’s insurance unit must face a lawsuit alleging “inflated” premiums.
The decision comes after policyholders claimed the electric car company’s insurance division overcharged them for coverage.
The lawsuit, which was filed by a group of Tesla policyholders, alleges that the premiums charged by Tesla’s insurance unit were significantly higher than market rates for similar coverage.
The plaintiffs argue that Tesla’s insurance division engaged in unfair pricing practices, leading to overpayment by policyholders.
Tesla has not yet commented on the judge’s decision, but the lawsuit raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the company’s insurance pricing.
It also highlights the growing scrutiny on how tech companies enter and compete in traditional industries like insurance.
Tech mogul Elon Musk couldn’t resist poking fun at Paris Hilton’s recent cookware ad campaign after her company suspended a mysterious “X” deal.
In a tweet that quickly went viral, Musk quipped that the ad “wasn’t super convincing.”
The tweet came shortly after Paris Hilton’s company, Hilton Home Collection, announced the suspension of an undisclosed partnership, leaving fans and followers speculating about the nature of the collaboration. While the reasons for the suspension remain unknown, Musk’s tweet added a humorous twist to the situation.
Musk’s lighthearted remark sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some users joining in on the jest and others expressing curiosity about the nature of the suspended deal. Meanwhile, Paris Hilton herself has yet to respond to Musk’s comment, leaving many wondering if there’s more to the story than meets the eye.