The Boeing 2018 Pilot and Technical Outlook has revealed the company expects the Asia Pacific region will account for of the global need for pilots, 34 percent for technicians, and 36 percent for cabin crew over the next 20 years, coupled with the greatest demand for new civil aviation personnel. It also predicts that 40% of new passenger aircraft deliveries over the same period will be to the Asia Pacific region.
According to the Boeing outlook:
The 20-year demand for new commercial sector pilots in the region remains strong at 240,000. While demand decreased five percent, 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 five percent to 242,000. This is due to advancements in product development on the 737 MAX, which have resulted in increased maintenance efficiencies. Overall, maintenance hours required over the life of the airplane will be reduced. New commercial cabin crew demand increased three percent to 317,000 due to anticipated fleet mix, cabin configuration and regulatory requirements.
For the first time, the outlook included the helicopter and business aviation markets. The inclusion of these sectors increases the region’s demand to 261,000 pilots, 257,000 technicians and 321,000 cabin crew.
Leading the region in projected demand for new pilots, technicians and cabin crew:
China: 128,500 pilots; 126,750 technicians; 147,250 cabin crew
Southeast Asia: 48,500 pilots; 54,000 technicians; 76,250 cabin crew
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.”
