Boeing forecasts need for nearly 2.4 million aviation professionals by 2044

At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Boeing unveiled its 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook, forecasting that the industry will require approximately 2.37 million new commercial aviation personnel over the next 20 years. That means…

How does that breakdown?

• 660,000 new pilots
• 710,000 maintenance technicians
• 1,000,000 cabin crew members

What’s driving the demand?

• About two-thirds of demand is driven by attrition and retirements, while the remainder supports fleet growth
• Demand is primarily linked to single-aisle aircraft expansion
• Eurasia, China, North America will account for more than half of the staffing needs
• South and Southeast Asia are expected to see their aviation workforce needs more than triple by 2044

“Effective training and sufficient personnel supply are critical to uphold the health, safety, and prosperity of the global aviation ecosystem,” said Chris Broom, Boeing’s VP of Commercial Training Solutions. Boeing emphasises that competency-based training, supported by mixed-reality and immersive learning tools, will be essential to preparing pilots and technicians for tomorrow’s challenges.

Boeing’s underlying message to the industry is clear. Unless significant investment is made in training infrastructure and workforce development, the global aviation ecosystem could face serious constraints. With two-thirds of the projected demand driven by retirements and attrition, and a surge in growth forecast, the challenge isn’t just about quantity — it’s about readiness. Boeing is urging airlines, regulators, and training providers to adopt more efficient, competency-based training models supported by emerging technologies such as virtual reality and immersive simulation, warning that the health and future of aviation depends on building the next generation of professionals now.

For more see The Boeing pilot and technician outlook report