Boeing Says Number Of Pilots Will Double By 2037

    Posted On: July 26, 2018

    Boeing recently released its 2018 Pilot & Technician Outlook for the years 2018 to 2037, and the company says worldwide demand for civil aviation pilots will double within 20 years. (Photo courtesy of Boeing.)

    In its recently released 2018 Pilot & Technician Outlook for the years 2018 to 2037, aviation manufacturer Boeing is forecasting a demand for 790,000 new civil aviation pilots globally, which would double the current workforce. Boeing is also projecting that 754,000 new maintenance technicians and 890,000 new cabin crew will be required over the next two decades to operate and maintain the global fleet. Boeing’s forecast covers the commercial aviation, business aviation, and civil helicopter industries.

    Driving Demand

    Boeing says the anticipated doubling of the global commercial aircraft fleet, record air travel demand, and a tightening labor supply are driving demand for more pilots. Also driving demand, Boeing states, are retirements and attrition, which will require “proactive planning and collaboration within the global aviation industry” to address.

    "Despite strong global air traffic growth, the aviation industry continues to face a pilot labor supply challenge, raising concern about the existence of a global pilot shortage in the near-term," says Keith Cooper, Boeing Global Services vice president of training and professional services. To mitigate this, Cooper says, developing a new generation of pilots is vital. For its part, Boeing operates a network of training campuses, maintains relationships with global flight schools, and partners with customers, governments, and educational institutions.


    Boeing’s forecast projects a demand for 790,000 additional civil aviation pilots globally over the next 20 years, including 96,000 new business aviation pilots. (Image courtesy of Boeing.)

    Helping Operators

    Boeing points to its Pilot Development Program, described as an “accelerated training program that guides future pilots from early stage ab-initio training through type rating as a first officer,” as one way to help meet pilot demand. The company also offers tools to help operators enhance crew efficiency.

    While demand for new commercial airline pilots increases, Boeing is forecasting a dip in demand for airline maintenance technicians from 648,000 to 622,000, “primarily due to longer maintenance intervals for new aircraft.” The business aviation and civil helicopter sectors combined, however, will require 132,000 more technicians and 155,000 more pilots. Boeing also estimates 32,000 new cabin crew will be need in the business aviation sector.

    You will find a wide range of new and used Boeing aircraft for sale on Controller.com, including 727s, 737s, 757s, 777s, 747s, and Boeing Business Jet aircraft.

    Source: Boeing

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