IATA wants the pilot retirement age increased from the current 65 to 67 years. Under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pilot licensing rules, pilots who operate multi-pilot flights hang up their suits at 65.
However, a new recommendation to the ICAO assembly supports the amendment of this rule so that pilots get two more years of their licenses.
The condition however will be that one of the pilots in the cockpit must be under 65 years if the other is above that age.
The change will also require ‘stronger. Standardized medical oversight’ which will ensure that pilots have longer and healthier careers.
Pilots operating single-pilot flights will however continue under the 65 years old or under rule.
IATA will float the amendment during the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization that begins in Montreal today, September 23, up to October 3, 2025.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 350 airlines over 80% of global air traffic.
