Philippines flight school readies recruits as global travel sees brighter skies

Cadet Casey Abadilla, a flight student, operates a flight simulator while wearing a mask for protection against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at the Alpha Aviation Group campus in Clark, Pampanga province, Philippines, November 3, 2021. Picture taken November 3, 2021. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

PAMPANGA, Philippines (Reuters) - With travel demand expected to grow as countries rush to reopen to international visitors, an aviation school in the Philippines is stepping up its training to try to head off problems from a global pilot shortage.

Travel restrictions imposed to fight COVID-19 have caused major disruption to the aviation sector, with aircraft grounded worldwide and many pilots no longer flying, having been laid off, furloughed or forced to find employment elsewhere.