The Asia Pacific region will have the greatest global demand for new civil aviation personnel over the next 20 years, according to Boeing, with the region projected to account for 33% of the global need for pilots, 34% for technicians and 36% for cabin crew.
The 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook is closely tied to the projections for new aircraft deliveries, with the Asia Pacific region expected to lead demand for new deliveries over the next 20 years.
The outlook forecasts the 20 year demand for new commercial sector pilots in the region will remain strong at 240,000. While demand decreased 5% Boeing suggests this was “Driven by regional trends that indicate a peak in pilot retirements in the first decade of the forecast and a softening of replacement demand in the later years, due to a younger generation entering the pilot ranks long before reaching mandatory retirement age.”
New commercial technician demand decreased 5% to 242,000, which Boeing accounted to advancements in product development on the 737 MAX “which have resulted in increased maintenance efficiencies.”
However, commercial cabin crew demand increased 3% to 317,000 due to anticipated fleet mix, cabin configuration and regulatory requirements.
Boeing’s forecasts suggests China will lead the region in projected demand for 128,500 pilots, 126,750 technicians, and 147,250 cabin crew, followed by Southeast Asia (48,500 pilots, 54,000 technicians, 76,250 cabin crew) and South Asia (42,750 pilots, 35,000 technicians, 43,250 cabin crew).
“Strong demand for pilots in the region continues, and we expect that this will continue for the next several years,” said Keith Cooper, vice-president of training & professional services for Boeing Global Services. “Through our pilot training solutions, including the Pilot Development Program, we are helping to ensure a pipeline of pilots is ready to meet the industry’s demand.”
Written by: Kimberley Young
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