The aviation industry is nothing if not eventful. Over the past few years, the sector has weathered disruption, demand surges, operational overhauls, and now a new kind of growth. Some in the workforce are thriving. Others are just hanging on.
We want to understand what that really looks like. So today, we're launching The Big Aviation Worklife Survey - a quick, anonymous survey designed to capture the reality of working in aviation in 2025.
We want this to be the largest workforce survey the industry has ever seen. Whether you work on the ground or in the air, in engineering, training, cabin crew, operations, or recruitment - your voice matters. Here's why we're asking for your input.
Life in Aviation: A Mixed Picture
It’s been a contradictory time to work in aviation.
On one hand, the industry is flying high again. Airlines are expanding. Hundreds of new aircraft are entering fleets. Major carriers are opening new routes and bases, and many are recruiting at record levels. Retirements, fleet renewals, and changing travel habits have created opportunities not seen in over a decade. For some professionals, this is the most exciting period of their careers.
But that’s not the whole story.
Many roles across aviation have come under pressure. After years of disruption and cost-cutting, teams are leaner than ever. The ramp-up in demand hasn’t always come with a corresponding increase in support. That’s led to longer hours, more fatigue, and fewer chances to rest, train, or grow.
Flight and cabin crew report higher levels of stress. Engineers say they’re struggling with workload. Some airport staff are operating with skeleton teams. And operational teams continue to be stretched, especially during peak periods.
At the same time, automation and AI are changing how work gets done. While these tools promise to improve efficiency, they also bring uncertainty and, in some areas, even more pressure. But despite the tech, one truth remains: aviation is still powered by people.
From first officers to flight planners, from ramp agents to recruitment managers - the whole system relies on people who know how to keep things moving. When that workforce is supported, the whole industry benefits.
The Big Aviation Worklife Survey is Now Live
It takes just three minutes to complete, and it’s completely anonymous - meaning you can be totally honest without worrying about how your answers might be seen or used.
We’re asking questions about:
- Salary and pay satisfaction
- Perks and benefits
- Fatigue and scheduling
- Rostering and time off
- Management and morale
- Career development opportunities
- What you like about your job - and what you don’t
This isn’t just for pilots or cabin crew. Whether you work in air traffic, HR, baggage handling, training, airline marketing, or maintenance, we want to hear from you.
We’re aiming to get thousands of responses so we can build a rich, accurate, and timely snapshot of what life in aviation really looks like right now. We’ll analyse the trends, highlight where things are improving - and where they’re not - and publish the results later this year.
Why We’re Doing It
At Aviation Job Search, we speak to thousands of aviation professionals every month. Some tell us how much they love where they work. Others tell us they’re exhausted, overlooked or actively planning to leave the industry. We’ve seen both ends of the spectrum - and we believe the full picture matters.
As one of the largest aviation job platforms in the world, we believe we have a responsibility to reflect the true state of the workforce. Doing that helps us match people to the right jobs - but it also helps employers, unions, regulators, and industry bodies understand where support is needed.
Anecdotes are powerful, but data drives change. The more responses we get, the more confidently we can say: this is what people are being paid. This is how fatigue is affecting staff. This is where talent is happy - and this is where it's being lost.
By taking part, you’ll be contributing to something bigger than a single job board. You’ll be helping shape one of the most comprehensive insights into aviation worklife available anywhere.
And yes - we will share the results. Everyone who takes part will get access to a free, downloadable guide when it’s ready. That report will include:
- Salary trends across job roles, regions, and seniority
- The most common perks and benefits
- The biggest pain points professionals are reporting
- Insights into roster control, rest, burnout, and motivation
- Key differences between departments, employers, and job types
It will be a resource for job seekers, hiring managers, HR teams, and anyone looking to better understand what it takes to thrive in aviation right now.
Help Us Build the Big Picture
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If you’ve ever looked at a job advert and wondered, “But what’s it really like to work there?” - This survey is for you.
If you’ve ever felt burnt out, underpaid, or ready to leave - this survey is for you.
And if you’re proud of your employer, respected by your team, and feeling positive about your future - this survey is for you too.
Every answer helps.
We can’t change the industry overnight. But we can build a clear picture of what’s working, what’s not, and where things are heading. And that starts with your experience.
Take the survey now. It only takes three minutes - but your insight could make a lasting difference.
If you’d like to receive the results when they’re ready, make sure you opt in at the end of the survey. We’ll send you the full report once it’s live. Let’s make this the most useful, honest, and impactful survey the aviation industry has ever seen.
Take the Survey – It’s quick, it’s anonymous, and in just minutes, you can help shape the future of aviation. Your voice matters.
http://tinyurl.com/ajs-survey
