By Richard T. Lewis A.M.R.Ae.S. M.B.A.C., Owner, Managing Director, Marlborough b.v.b.a.
SubscribeIn 2006, the Arab world continued for the fourth year in succession to lead the world regions’ traffic growth achieving an impressive increase of 12.9% in passenger numbers and 12.3% in cargo according to AACO, the regional association of Arab airlines.
To put this in perspective, this growth is about three times the global average and the results in already this year suggests that this trend is not about to slow down.
In March 2007, according to OAG, the Middle East far outstripped any other part of the world in attracting international passengers, with growth of 20.4 percent. According to Peter Harbison, the executive chairman of the influential Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation: "Middle East aviation is tipped to grow by just under 7 percent per annum for the rest of this decade - that means doubling every 10 years".
The challenge for this region will be to manage profitable growth and to ensure that the right talent is available to see this expansion come to fruition. Already companies are finding it increasingly hard to manage their resourcing requirements and with growth for most airlines and airports surging at more than 20% per annum the market for experienced talent is becoming increasingly competitive.
Investment is the driver for Growth
The massive investment in infrastructure is the driving force in attracting the increased passenger numbers as governments see aviation as a driver to diversify oil-based economies. In total there is at least US$38 billion sunk in infrastructure investments across the region over the next two years.
Furthermore, because of its ideal geographic placement, the Middle East is now considered to be an ideal hub for the Europe-Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific-Africa routes. Add to that the surge both in leisure tourism and business-related travel. According to Reed Travel Exhibitions, Middle East countries are expected to invest USD 3 trillion in tourism projects by 2020; in the process building 200 new hotels, growing visitor numbers to over 150 million and will increasing the size of its aircraft fleet by over 150% by 2020.
Bridging the Talent Gap
With such rapid growth and limited availability of specialist skills many are predicting a greater war for talent. This will not be limited by geography any longer and the successful companies will be those that have HR policies and recruitment strategies focused on being able to find the right staff, wherever they are.
Candidates from the EU, US, Australasia and Indian sub-continent are currently meeting some of the demand but still it's not enough. So far, local 'gentlemen's agreements' between companies are preventing full scale poaching between regional competitors, which is a relief since the alternative doesn't encourage development or good inter-company relations.
Put simply, an advert into a trade journal or magazine no longer works. Instead, companies are turning instead to the services of executive search firms who target candidates with the specific experience required by the company and present a short list of suitably qualified people. Recruitment is a specialised skill and by outsourcing this key area companies eliminate the hit and miss element. This means a more targeted choice of candidates who are better matched to both the role in question and the company culture, and importantly, all within agreed timescales.
For any leading International airport or airline to maintain and develop its market position it must hire and retain the best quality people. In a market growing as rapidly as the Middle East and, as a consequence with a limited talent pool, the role of the specialist recruiter will become ever more so critical if the region is to meet its ambitious targets.
For further information regarding Marlborough, visit us at www.marlborough.aero or contact us direct on +32 2 711 4474
