Global Airlines Propose Raising Retirement Age for International Pilots to 67

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3 weeks ago

A group representing international airlines has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, to raise the maximum age for commercial pilots to operate international flights from 65 to 67. The proposal comes amid growing demand for air travel that continues to outpace the availability of cockpit professionals.

A Decision Rests with ICAO

The proposal will be reviewed at the ICAO General Assembly, which begins on September 23. Current international regulations prohibit captains over the age of 65 from flying international routes, and countries such as the United States apply the same limit domestically.

This is not the first time this issue has been discussed. In 2006, ICAO had already extended the maximum age from 60 to 65, responding to industry needs and advances in medical and safety standards.

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IATA’s Arguments: Safety and Gradual Implementation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents some 350 airlines, defended the proposal, calling it a “prudent and reasonable step, consistent with safety.” In a document published on the ICAO website, the organization emphasized that the measure would include a key requirement: at least one pilot under the age of 65 must be present on each flight if the other pilot is older than 65.

Opposition from U.S. Unions

The proposal is not without controversy. Major pilot unions in the United States oppose raising the retirement age, citing safety risks. Dennis Tajer, spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and a pilot for American Airlines, stated: “We don’t gamble with safety that way.”

This resistance is not new. In 2023, labor associations already thwarted an attempt—supported by U.S. airlines—to get Congress to raise the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67.

Political Background

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Congress recently urged the administration of President Donald Trump to support international efforts aimed at extending pilots’ careers. Despite these calls, the proposal did not gain traction in the United States.