Airlines will need more than one million new pilots and technicians to support the expanding demand for new aircraft deliveries over the next two decades, Boeing predicts.
The manufacturer believes that 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and 556,000 maintenance technicians will be needed by 2032.
Boeing projects significant increases in pilot demand – compared to previous forecasts – in all regions except Europe, which declined slightly over last year’s outlook.
Overall, the demand is driven by steadily increasing aircraft deliveries, particularly single-aisle models, and represents a global requirement for about 25,000 new pilots a year and 28,000 technicians.
However, new aircraft technologies featuring more advanced components are likely to lead to lower maintenance requirements in some areas and corresponding lower technician demand, according to Boeing.
Boeing Flight Services vice president Sherry Carbary said: “The urgent demand for competent aviation personnel is a global issue that is here now and is very real.
“The key to closing the pilot and technician gap in our industry is enhancing our training with the latest, cutting-edge technologies to attract and retain young people interested in careers in aviation.”
She was speaking at the launch of 787 flight training at the company’s Flight Services campus in Miami.
“This is a global issue that can only be addressed by industry-wide innovation and solutions,” Carbary said.
“We need to attract more young people to careers in aviation by continually looking at innovative ways to train pilots and technicians, moving away from paper and chalkboard-based learning to incorporate tablets, eBooks, gaming technology and three-dimensional models. Aviation is a great field to be in – we have a responsibility to make sure it’s a viable career option for the world’s youth.”
Boeing’s projected demand for new pilots and technicians by global region:
• Asia Pacific: 192,300 pilots and 215,300 technicians
• Europe: 99,700 pilots and 108,200 technicians
• North America: 85,700 pilots and 97,900 technicians
• Latin America: 48,600 pilots and 47,600 technicians
• Middle East: 40,000 pilots and 53,100 technicians
• Africa: 16,500 pilots and 15,900 technicians
• Russia and CIS: 15,200 pilots and 18,000 technicians