Boeing has released its 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event. In the PTO Boeing forecasts that the aviation industry will need nearly 2.4 million new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew members over the next two decades, driven by rising air travel demand and shifts in global fleet composition. The projection was published in
The report anticipates that commercial airlines worldwide will require 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians and one million cabin crew members by 2044. Boeing stated that this demand is fuelled by emerging markets, evolving fleet mix and the continuing growth of commercial air traffic, which is expected to outpace economic expansion.
“As commercial air traffic demand continues to outpace economic growth and the global fleet expands to meet demand, our industry will keep the fleet flying safely and efficiently by supporting workforce development for carriers worldwide,” said Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. He noted that airlines are increasingly investing in advanced training technologies, including mixed reality – an immersive combination of physical and digital environments designed to enhance hands-on learning and situational awareness.
Boeing also emphasised its continued focus on digitally advanced training solutions and competency-based training methods to maintain high safety and operational standards.
According to the PTO, approximately two-thirds of new personnel demand will replace retiring workers, while one-third will support fleet growth, particularly for single-aisle aircraft. Eurasia, China and North America will generate over half of the demand, while South Asia and Southeast Asia are expected to see personnel requirements more than triple, making them the fastest-growing regions for aviation staffing.
