Boeing forecasts global demand for nearly 2.3 million new commercial aviation personnel

With the global commercial airplane fleet expected to double by 2042, Boeing’s recently released 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) forecasts demand for nearly 2.3 million new aviation personnel over the next 20 years to support the recovery in commercial air travel and meet rising long-term growth.  

The long-term forecast shows that 649,000 pilots, 690,000 maintenance technicians, and 938,000 cabin crew members will be needed to support the global commercial fleet over the next two decades. 

“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.” 

Through 2042, the PTO projects: 

• China, Eurasia and North America drive demand for more than half of new industry personnel, with requirements in China surpassing North America.
• The fastest-growing regions for personnel are Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, with their regional demand expected to nearly double.
• After omitting demand for Russia in last year's PTO due to uncertainty in the region, this year's forecast includes Russia in the Eurasia region, and it comprises 3% of global demand for personnel.

Learn more about the Pilot and Technician Outlook.