Boeing forcasts hug global demand for pilots and techicians over the next 20 years

Boeing has projected a global demand for 1.1 million new airline pilots and technicians over next 20 years, according to its 2014 Pilot and Technician Outlook. The report projects that between 2014 and 2033 there will be a global demand 533,000 new commercial airline pilots, up 7% year-over-year, and 584,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians, up just over 5% compared to 2013.

The report also noted the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are showing the strongest demand and most rapid growth. “Pilot demand in the Asia-Pacific region now comprises 41% of the world’s need, and the Middle East region saw significant growth since last year’s outlook due to increased airline capacity and orders for wide-body models which require more crew members,” the outlook stated.

Projected demand for new pilots and technicians, broken down by global region, comprises: Asia Pacific-216,000 pilots and 224,000 technicians; Europe-94,000 pilots and 102,000 technicians; North America-88,000 pilots and 109,000 technicians; Latin America-45,000 pilots and 44,000 technicians; Middle East-55,000 pilots and 62,000 technicians; Africa-17,000 pilots and 19,000 technicians; and Russia and CIS-18,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians.

“The challenge of meeting the global demand for airline professionals cannot be solved by one company or in one region of the world,” Boeing Flight services VP Sherry Carbary said. “This is a global issue that can only be solved by all of the parties involved—airlines, aircraft and training equipment manufacturers, training delivery organizations, regulatory agencies and educational institutions around the world.”

(Linda Blachly - ATWOnline News)