Boeing unveiled its 2016 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook for the Asia-Pacific region, projecting that more than 500,000 new pilots and technicians will be needed to support the expanding demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades.
The outlook, a leading industry forecast of aviation personnel demand, anticipates the need for 248,000 new commercial airline pilots and 268,000 new technicians 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. “This translates into exciting career opportunities for those interested in the aerospace industry. We recognize that to attract a new generation of pilots and technicians, we need to inspire and train them in new ways and that’s why Boeing continues to work closely with airlines, regulators, flight schools and other industry groups to develop innovative training methods and courseware.”
Leading the region in projected demand for new pilots and technicians:
- China – 111,000 pilots; 119,000 technicians
- Southeast Asia – 62,000 pilots; 67,000 technicians
Other parts of the region will also continue to see long-term demand in the tens of thousands of pilots and technicians:
- South Asia – 41,000 pilots; 39,000 technicians
- Northeast Asia – 21,000 pilots; 26,000 technicians
- Oceania region – 13,000 pilots; 17,000 technicians
To support the future growth of training, Boeing has been investing in the development of augmented reality and virtual reality-based training solutions.
“When combined with Boeing’s proven training expertise, augmented reality and virtual reality are certainly promising technologies that can provide both instructor and student with an immersive learning environment,” said Michael Edwards, general manager of Boeing Research & Technology – Australia.
The Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook is closely tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe. The demand for new pilots is primarily driven by new airplane deliveries and fleet mix, while new technician demand is primarily driven by fleet growth.
As with personnel demand, the Asia-Pacific region also leads the demand for new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years. The region comprises 40 percent 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 $2.35 trillion, will be needed in the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.