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Chapter six of this green paper covers industry skills and productivity. The Australian aviation industry employs almost 50,000 workers with a diverse range of skill sets and qualifications. Recent years of rapid airline expansion, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, has contributed to a situation where aviation employers have been experiencing difficulties in attracting, recruiting and retaining key staff. Shortages of aircraft pilots, flight instructors, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers and security screeners have been experienced. While highly skilled and well trained personnel have been needed to meet recent demand, any contraction of the industry resulting from the global financial crisis may lead to a reduction in demand for workers. Despite this, workforce planning issues must be addressed to ensure the aviation industry is able to meet its future workforce needs in times of growth.