Boeing Predicts 20-Year Demand For 649,000 Pilots

Boeing is predicting the aviation industry will need a staggering 2.3 million skilled workers over the next 20 years to meet the growing demand for air travel. The company said in its annual manpower forecast that 649,000 pilots, 690,000 technicians and 938,000 cabin crew will be needed as the current wave of retirements plays out and demand expands in newly developing markets, particularly Asia. Only about 20 percent of those jobs will be filled in North America.

To get those staffing numbers as the flow from traditional sources like the military, charter and regional carriers diminishes, many airlines are ramping up their in-house training. Boeing says it's doing its bit by creating training programs that are more efficient and effective. "With domestic air travel fully recovered and international traffic near pre-pandemic levels, demand for aviation personnel continues to increase," said Chris Broom, vice president, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. "Our competency-based training and assessment offerings will help ensure high quality training for future and current aviation professionals and continue enhancing aviation safety through immersive and virtual training solutions."