Struggling to Fill Licensed Engineer Roles? Here’s What Airlines Are Doing Differently

It’s no longer just a recruitment challenge

If you are struggling to fill licensed engineer roles right now, you are far from alone. Across the UK and Europe, airlines and MROs are facing the same pressure, with fewer engineers available, rising demand, and roles taking longer to fill than they did even a few years ago.

What has really changed, though, is the impact. This is no longer just about recruitment pipelines or time to hire. When roles remain open, it begins to affect aircraft availability, maintenance schedules, and the overall stability of operations. Teams are stretched, planning becomes reactive, and maintaining compliance under increasing pressure becomes more difficult.

Why licensed engineer roles are harder to fill

There is no single reason behind the shortage, but rather a combination of factors that have built up over time. The available talent pool is smaller than it once was, with some engineers having left the industry and others moving into different sectors, while the pipeline of new talent is still catching up.

At the same time, demand has returned strongly. Increased flying hours, ongoing maintenance requirements, and fleet activity across Europe mean that more operators are competing for the same group of licensed engineers. Even when candidates are available, it is not always straightforward, as licences, type ratings, and recency all need to align before someone can step into a role.

On top of this, the pace of the market has changed. Skilled engineers are often only available for a short period, and if hiring processes take too long, those candidates are quickly secured elsewhere.

What airlines are doing differently

The airlines that are managing this situation most effectively have not simply increased hiring efforts. Instead, they have adapted their approach to better reflect how the market now works.

Planning ahead rather than reacting late

Rather than waiting for gaps to appear, many operators are maintaining ongoing relationships with engineers and building active talent pipelines. This allows them to respond more quickly when demand increases, without having to start from scratch every time a role opens.

Using contract engineers to stay flexible

Contract resource has become a core part of workforce planning, offering a practical way to respond to fluctuating demand. Whether supporting heavy maintenance, short term projects, or unexpected operational challenges, contract engineers allow operators to scale up quickly without committing to long term headcount increases.

Streamlining hiring processes

Speed has become a critical factor. Operators that are successfully securing engineers tend to have clear, efficient hiring processes, where decisions are made quickly and onboarding is straightforward. In a competitive market, this often makes the difference between securing the right person or losing them to another operator.

Working with aviation specialists

Recruitment in aviation requires a detailed understanding of licensing, type ratings, and regulatory requirements. By working with partners who specialise in the sector, operators can reduce delays, improve candidate quality, and ensure engineers are genuinely ready to deploy.

Taking a more joined up approach

Perhaps the most noticeable shift is the move towards a more connected way of thinking. Recruitment is increasingly being considered alongside training and compliance, rather than as a separate function. After all, having an engineer available is only part of the solution. Ensuring they are current, qualified, and able to step into the role without delay is what really supports operational continuity.

Where Bostonair adds value

This is where a more integrated approach becomes important. At Bostonair, recruitment sits alongside training, compliance, and operational support, which allows airlines and MROs to manage workforce challenges in a more practical and coordinated way.

Rather than focusing purely on filling roles, the emphasis is on ensuring engineers are ready to contribute from the moment they arrive. This can include providing licensed engineers for both contract and permanent requirements, supporting type training to maintain currency and expand capability, delivering safety and compliance services, and responding quickly to urgent situations through AOG support.

Support typically includes:

• Licensed engineers for contract and permanent requirements
• Part 147 approved type training to support currency and upskilling
• Safety and compliance services, including audits and consultancy
• AOG response support when urgent situations arise

By bringing these elements together, operators can reduce delays, maintain compliance, and keep operations running more smoothly without relying on multiple disconnected suppliers.

View all our services designed to support the aviation industry…

A more realistic way to manage the shortage

The shortage of licensed engineers is not something that will disappear in the short term, but the way it is managed can make a significant difference. Operators that are seeing better results tend to plan ahead, remain flexible in how they resource their teams, move quickly when the right candidates become available, and take a more connected approach across recruitment, training, and compliance.

If this sounds familiar…

If roles are staying open longer than expected or your teams are starting to feel the pressure, it may be worth looking at things slightly differently.

Bostonair works with airlines and MROs to provide recruitment and wider operational support that reflects the realities of today’s aviation environment. If you would like to explore how that could work for your organisation, the team is always open to a conversation.

Visit our recruitment page and find out more… 

Speak to our expert recruitment team to find out how we can help you: info@bostonair.co.uk

FAQs

Why are licensed aircraft engineers in short supply?
The shortage is driven by reduced workforce availability, increased demand, and strict licensing and experience requirements.

How can airlines improve aviation recruitment?
By building talent pipelines, streamlining hiring processes, and working with specialist aviation partners.

Are contract engineers a long term solution?
They are increasingly used as part of a flexible workforce strategy, helping operators respond to changing demand.

How does Bostonair support airlines and MROs?
Bostonair provides recruitment, training, compliance, and AOG support to help operators maintain safe and efficient operations.
Visit our services page to find out more…