(Neanderthal) Business groups have argued against the change
It is hardly as if the UK would be breaking new ground with this and other countries experiences have shown many positive results. No person should be forced to retire just because some number comes - and this includes pilots.
Older people have experience and, usually, patience, they tend to be reliable (and turn up on time), they don't need time off because a child is sick, their wisdom can be shared with younger newcomers. They can act as role models and mentors.
Minorities in other cultures treasure the knowledge of their elders instead of throwing them on the slag heap younger folk try to learn from them.
Older workers can be holiday or sick day relief. They can help out when there are need for skilled temporary workers when order books are overfilled.
As for the employer groups, their cousins across the Atlantic can fill them in and bring them out of the Ice Age.