African Aviation Strangled By Brain Drain

Brain drain may claim yet another victim in Africa—the continental airline industry. A recent conference held by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) emphasized the degree to which the loss of highly trained pilots, mechanics and other workers is taking a serious toll on the industry. African air companies invest heavily in education and training for employees, only to see their workforce flee for opportunities abroad. Without skilled labor forces to maintain and eventually expand airline service within the continent, millions of dollars are lost, in replacing and re-training workers and to non-African carriers that offer service to African markets. AFRAA has asked individual governments and the African Union to help them combat the problem, which might retard what has otherwise been swift growth within this industry. –YaleGlobal