A significant labour shortage is looming over the global aviation sector, according to Boeing’s recently published Pilot and Technician Outlook 2025. The company estimates that by 2044, the industry will need approximately 2.37 million new professionals worldwide to maintain and operate the commercial aircraft fleet in line with long-term air traffic growth.
Over the next two decades, demand is expected for 660,000 new pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1 million cabin crew members. About two-thirds of this workforce need will stem from retirements and natural turnover, while one-third will be driven by fleet expansion. Much of the demand is linked to the growth of single-aisle aircraft.
Regionally, China (426,000), North America (435,000), and Eurasia (550,000) together account for over half of the projected workforce needs. However, the fastest growth is expected in South and Southeast Asia, where demand for skilled professionals could more than triple over the next 20 years.
Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training at Boeing Global Services, emphasized that the industry continues to prioritize safety and efficiency, both of which rely on a well-trained workforce. Alongside traditional training methods, Boeing is increasingly investing in emerging technologies, such as mixed reality tools that combine physical and digital learning environments to enhance hands-on skills and situational awareness.
The company maintains that competency-based training and assessment remains the most effective approach to ensuring high-quality professional preparation for aviation personnel worldwide.
Boeing’s outlook highlights that in the coming decades, not only fleet expansion but also comprehensive development of human resource systems will be essential to enable international aviation to respond sustainably to the challenges of growing passenger traffic (eTurboNews).