An advanced Boeing 787 maintenance training classroom. Photo: courtesy Boeing.
The commercial aviation industry will need more than one-million new pilots and technicians to support the expanding demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades, according to projects by Boeing.
The Boeing 2013 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects that by 2032 the world will require 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and 556,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.
“The urgent demand for competent aviation personnel is a global issue that is here now and is very real,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Flight Services. “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.”
The 2013 outlook 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 airplane deliveries, particularly single-aisle airplanes, and represents a global requirement for about 25,000 new pilots annually.
Global demand for technicians remains significant, at approximately 28,000 new technicians required annually. However, the introduction of more efficient and smarter airplanes will require fewer mechanics over time, as aging aircraft—which typically require more maintenance—are retired from service.
New airplane technologies featuring more advanced components are likely to lead in some areas to lower maintenance requirements and corresponding lower technician demand.
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
“This is a global issue that can only be addressed by industry-wide innovation and solutions,” said Carbary. “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.”
