1Million New Pilots and Technicians needed in AVIATION by 2033 says Boeing

1m new pilots and technicians needed in aviation by 2033 says Boeing

Boeing says the world’s burgeoning aviation industry will require a vast number of new aviation professionals between now and 2033. The airline has forecast the commercial aviation industry will need more than one million new pilots and technicians to support fast-growing demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades.

Projected pilot demand is increasing worldwide, as is demand for technicians in some regions. Boeing says 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 important too, at approximately 28,000 new technicians required annually.

At an event marking the launch of 787 flight training at the Boeing Flight Services campus in Miami, the company released the 2013 Pilot and Technician Outlook – a respected industry forecast of aviation personnel. This outlook document indicates that by 2032 the world will require 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and as many as 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 largest projected growth in pilot demand is in the Asia Pacific region, with a requirement for 192,300 new pilots over the next 20 years. China will generate the largest share of the region’s demand, with a need for 77,400 pilots. Europe will require 99,700 pilots, North America 85,700, Latin America 48,600, the Middle East 40,000, Africa 16,500, and the Commonwealth of Independent States 15,200.

On a less positive note, 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.

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.”

She added: “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.”