Air travel growth drives global demand for technical talent

Driven by emerging markets and shifts in fleet composition, Boeing projects continued demand for aviation personnel as the global commercial fleet adapts to meet travel demand. Boeing's 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) anticipates the industry will need nearly 2.4 million new aviation professionals through 2044 to meet the long-term increase in air travel.

Boeing, which presented its 20-year outlook at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, said commercial airlines will need substantial hiring and training to sustain the global commercial fleet, including:

660,000 pilots,
710,000 maintenance technicians, and
1 million cabin crew

“As commercial air traffic demand continues to outpace economic growth and the global fleet expands to meet that demand, our industry will keep the fleet flying safely and efficiently, supporting workforce development for airlines around the world,” said Chris Broom, vice president of Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “The industry is investing in technologies like mixed reality, an immersive combination of physical and digital environments that enhances hands-on learning and situational awareness. Boeing supports its customers with digitally advanced aviation training products and services to meet their needs. The foundation of our approach remains a competency-based training and assessment methodology to ensure high-quality aviation training.”

In the PTO, Boeing forecasts that, through 2044:

Two-thirds of the new personnel will cover rotational replacements, while one-third will support commercial fleet growth 

. Demand for new personnel is primarily driven by single-aisle aircraft.

As in previous years, Eurasia, China, and North America continue to drive demand for more than half of the industry's new personnel.

South and Southeast Asia are the fastest-growing personnel regions, with hiring demand expected to more than triple.

Source: Boeing.