Farnborough: Boeing projects exponential growth in demand for airline pilots

Today at the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing released the 2012 Pilot and Technician Outlook - a respected industry forecast of aviation personnel.  

The Boeing outlook indicates that by 2031 the world will require: 

460,000 new commercial airline pilots 

601,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians 

“In many regions of the world, our customers are facing challenges in recruiting personnel due to pilot and technician shortages,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. “Boeing is committed to developing innovative solutions that address this critical need by leveraging our knowledge, expertise and experienced global team to give our customers and the industry the training advantage they need to succeed.” 

While overall demand for aviation personnel remains strong, the projected need for technicians has decreased from last year, due in part to improving airplane technology and maintenance efficiencies as well as older airplanes being retired sooner than average due to higher fuel prices. The result is better than expected reliability and longer maintenance check intervals. Demand for maintenance personnel, however, is still expected to grow in proportion to the expanding global fleet. 

Projected demand by region: 

Asia Pacific – 185,600 pilots and 243,500 technicians 

Europe – 100,900 pilots and 129,700 technicians 

North America – 69,000 pilots and 92,500 technicians 

“Meeting this exponential demand requires increased reliance on new, digital technology such as online and mobile computing,” said Carbary. “Boeing is expanding its training technologies and the reach of our partnerships and working to develop a global flight school network to better supply aviation talent for the future.”