Aircraft maker Boeing in a fresh report projects that more than 500,000 new pilots and technicians will be needed in the Asia-Pacific to support the expanding demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades.
The “2016 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook” said the region has the highest need for aviation staff, where 248,000 new commercial airline pilots and 268,000 new technicians will be in demand through 2035.
“We are continuing to see a significant need for new pilots and maintenance technicians in the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services.
The outlook is closely tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe. The demand for pilots is primarily driven by new airplane deliveries and fleet mix, while technician demand is primarily driven by fleet growth.
Leading the region in projected demand for new aviation professionals is China, where a need is seen for 111,000 pilots and 119,000 technicians in the next 20 years. Southeast Asia follows, with a need for 62,000 pilots and 67,000 technicians.
South Asia has a projected long-term requirement for 41,000 pilots and 39,000 technicians; Northeast Asia for 21,000 pilots and 26,000 technicians; and Oceania region for 13,000 pilots and 17,000 technicians.
The Asia-Pacific region also leads the demand for new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years. The region comprises 40% of the global need due to fleet growth in the single-aisle market, driven by low-cost carriers.
According to Boeing’s “2016 Current Market Outlook,” 15,130 new airplanes, valued at US$2.35 trillion, will be needed in the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.
Across the globe, the “2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook” forecasts that between now and 2035, the aviation industry will have to supply nearly 1.3 million new aviation personnel—617,000 commercial airline pilots and 679,000 maintenance technicians.
For new pilots, North America will require 112,000; Europe 104,000; the Middle East 58,000; Latin America 51,000; the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)/Russia 22,000; and Africa 22,000.
For technical personnel, airlines in North America will require 127,000; Europe 118,000; the Middle East 66,000; Latin America 50,000; CIS/Russia 26,000, and Africa 24,000.
