Boeing reports the Asia Pacific region will have the greatest global demand for new civil aviation personnel over the next 20 years.
The US aircraft manufacturer said the region is projected to account for 33 per cent of the global need for pilots, 34 per cent for technicians and 36 per cent for cabin crew.
The 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook is an industry forecast of new aviation personnel demand, which is closely tied to projections for new aircraft deliveries around the globe.
As with personnel demand, the Asia Pacific region leads demand for new commercial aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years. Forty per cent of all new passenger aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years will be delivered to airlines in the Asia Pacific region.
According to the report, the 20-year demand for new commercial pilots in the region remains strong at 240,000. While demand decreased five per cent, 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 per cent 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 aircraft will be reduced.
New commercial cabin crew demand increased three per cent 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.
Boeing says leading the region in projected demand for new pilots, technicians and cabin crew is China with 128,500 pilots; 126,750 technicians; and 147,250 cabin crew while Southeast Asia will need 48,500 pilots; 54,000 technicians; and 76,250 cabin crew and South Asia 42,750 pilots; 35,000 technicians; and 43,250 cabin crew.
Boeing Global Services vice president of training professional services, Keith Cooper said: “Strong demand for pilots in the region continues, and we expect that this will continue for the next several years.
“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.”
