Europe will need 122,000 pilots over next 20 years, says Boeing – more than 6,000 a year – to cope with the recovery of aviation and long-term growth.
The US aircraft manufacturer said the demand for air travel also means 207,000 new cabin crew will required by 2041 – 10,350 a year – as well as 120,000 maintenance technicians.
Globally, 2.1 million new commercial aviation personnel will be needed, according to Boeing’s forecast.
More: Boeing to take $1bn hit from 787 Dreamliner problems
More than half of demand will be in China, Europe and North America, while the fastest growing regions are Africa, southeast Asia and south Asia.
The worldwide fleet is expected to nearly double and grow to 47,080 airplanes by 2041, according to Boeing’s recently released Commercial Market Outlook.
Chris Broom, vice-president for commercial training solutions at Boeing Global Services, said: “As the commercial aviation industry recovers from the pandemic and plans for long-term growth, we anticipate a steady and increasing demand for aviation personnel, as well as the ongoing need for highly effective training.”
The forecast came as the company revealed its second-quarter results, with revenue of $16.7 billion, down 2% year-on-year.
Its core operating profit was $490 million, down 35% year-on-year.
Dave Calhoun, Boeing president and chief executive, said: “We made important progress across key programs in the second quarter and are building momentum in our turnaround.
“As we begin to hit key milestones, we were able to generate positive operating cash flow this quarter and remain on track to achieve positive free cash flow for 2022.”
Boeing has nearly completed the global safe return to service of the 737 Max and the 737 production rate increased to 31 aircraft per month during the quarter.
It is continuing to work with the Federal Aviation Authority on its 787 Dreamliner programme, deliveries of which were halted last year amid safety concerns.
“The program is producing at a very low rate and will continue to do so until deliveries resume, with an expected gradual return to five per month over time,” said Boeing.
“The company still anticipates 787 abnormal costs of approximately $2 billion, with most being incurred by the end of 2023, including $283 million recorded in the quarter.”