MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - A lack of aircraft mechanics has become a concern for international air traffic. According to Allianz, the shortage of aircraft mechanics that was feared a few years ago has now become a reality. This could not only extend repair times, write the experts from Allianz Commercial, a subsidiary specializing in industrial and corporate customers, in a recent report. One "obvious concern", according to the report, is that the shortage of skilled workers will lead to an accident, despite the control systems in aviation.

Five-figure shortage of mechanics in North America alone

Allianz refers, among other things, to estimates that there is a shortage of 12,000 to 18,000 aircraft mechanics in North America alone. In the past two years, the shortage of pilots has been more of an issue because many airlines have also reduced their flying staff during the pandemic. According to Allianz, many airlines have now hired new pilots, but there is now a shortage of technicians on the ground. This is due to the unexpectedly strong recovery in air traffic following the end of the coronavirus pandemic in light of the weak global economy. Allianz economists assume that global passenger numbers could reach a new record this year.

Crashes have become rare

"Accident" is not synonymous with crash. Last year, not a single passenger plane crashed worldwide. According to the insurer's data, almost two thirds of aviation claims are "collisions". However, this includes not only collisions and crashes, but also bird strikes and unsuccessful landings beyond the end of the runway.

According to the company, the authors of the analysis evaluated more than 32,000 aviation damages from 2019 to 2024, which amounted to around 14 billion euros. Quality and technical defects (22%) ranked second behind collisions and related accidents with a share of 63%.

Repair costs skyrocket

Apart from the lack of mechanics, according to Allianz Commercial, repair costs for aircraft have also risen sharply over the past two years, comparable to the trend in car repairs. As an example, the authors cite the Boeing 787, whose fuselage and wings are largely made of carbon fiber and other composite materials. According to Allianz Commercial, repairs are around four times more expensive than for aircraft with traditional metal components./cho/DP/ngu