(OSHKOSH) Boeing’s latest forecast, released at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in late July 2025, shows the world will need almost 2.4 million new aviation professionals by 2044. This urgent demand includes 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1,000,000 cabin crew members. The announcement highlights a major challenge for the aviation industry as it prepares for steady growth and a wave of retirements.
The 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO)
The 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO), published on July 18, 2025, is Boeing’s most current and trusted projection. It covers only commercial aviation—both passenger and freight—for planes with more than 30 seats. The report does not include business jets, helicopters, or new urban air mobility vehicles. Boeing’s forecast is widely seen as the industry’s main guide for workforce planning and is closely watched by airlines, training schools, and government agencies.
Why the Demand Is So High
The need for so many new aviation professionals comes from several factors. First, airlines around the world are adding more planes to their fleets. Second, many current workers, especially baby boomers, are retiring. Third, the industry faces normal turnover as people leave for other jobs or retire early. Boeing’s report stresses that replacing retiring workers and passing on their skills to new hires is a top priority.
Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Marketing, Mark Allen, explained at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,
“The global aviation industry is growing, and we must prepare for the future by training the next generation of pilots, technicians, and cabin crew. The need is urgent, especially as many experienced professionals are set to retire in the coming years.”
Regional Differences in Demand
The forecast breaks down the need for aviation professionals by region. North America, which includes the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, will need about 123,000 new maintenance technicians by 2044. While North America’s fleet growth is slower than some other regions—about 1.3% per year—it will still have the world’s second-largest fleet by 2044.
China and Eurasia are expected to see the fastest growth. China alone will need 131,000 new technicians, while Eurasia will require 165,000. These numbers reflect booming air travel in Asia and the expansion of airlines in those regions. Other parts of the world, such as the Middle East and Latin America, will also see strong demand, but the biggest increases will be in Asia.
Key Numbers from the 2025 PTO
| Profession | Number Needed |
|---|---|
| Pilots | 660,000 |
| Maintenance Technicians | 710,000 |
| Cabin Crew | 1,000,000 |
| Total Aviation Professionals | 2,370,000 |
These numbers are based on the latest data and trends as of August 5, 2025. They show a slight drop in the need for technicians compared to last year’s forecast, but the need for pilots and cabin crew remains strong.
What’s Driving the Shortage?
Several trends are pushing the demand for aviation professionals higher:
- ✈️ Fleet Growth: Airlines are buying more planes to meet rising passenger and cargo demand.
- 👴 Retirements: Many experienced workers are reaching retirement age, especially in North America and Europe.
- 🔄 Attrition: Some workers leave the industry for other jobs or personal reasons.
- 🛠️ Technology Changes: New aircraft and systems require updated skills and training.
Boeing’s report also points out that the industry must act quickly to attract younger workers and make aviation careers more appealing. This includes modernizing training programs, using new technology like virtual reality, and reaching out to students early.
Training and Education: The Biggest Challenge
One of the biggest hurdles is making sure enough people are trained and ready to fill these jobs. The aviation industry must expand training centers, update courses, and use new tools to teach skills faster and better. Training providers and aviation schools are already using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and advanced simulators to help students learn.
Industry groups like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) agree with Boeing’s call for more investment in training. They say that early career programs, science and math outreach, and partnerships between schools and airlines are key to solving the skills gap.
Diversity and Inclusion Still a Priority
Although the 2025 PTO does not give detailed numbers on gender or diversity, past reports and experts stress the need for more women and people from different backgrounds in aviation. Airlines and training schools are working to make their programs more welcoming and to encourage a wider range of people to consider aviation careers.
What This Means for Aspiring Aviation Professionals
For people thinking about a career in aviation, the outlook is very positive. The need for pilots, technicians, and cabin crew will stay strong for at least the next two decades. Those who start training now or in the next few years will have good job prospects, especially as airlines compete for skilled workers.
If you want to become a pilot, maintenance technician, or cabin crew member, now is a great time to start. Many airlines and training schools offer scholarships, apprenticeships, and fast-track programs to help new students get started. The industry is also working to make training more flexible and affordable.
Advice for Employers and Training Organizations
Airlines, maintenance companies, and training centers must act now to attract and keep the best workers. This means:
- 📋 Investing in recruitment: Reaching out to schools, colleges, and communities to find new talent.
- 📋 Upskilling current staff: Offering ongoing training to help workers learn new skills and keep up with technology.
- 📋 Retention strategies: Creating good working conditions, offering career growth, and supporting work-life balance.
Employers who do not invest in their people may struggle to fill key roles as the labor market tightens.
Role of Governments and Immigration Policy
Governments play a big part in helping the aviation industry meet its workforce needs. They can:
- 📋 Support training programs: Fund aviation schools and help students pay for training.
- 📋 Make visas easier: Allow skilled aviation professionals from other countries to work where they are needed most.
- 📋 Align education with industry needs: Work with airlines and training centers to make sure courses teach the right skills.
For example, countries like the United States 🇺🇸 have special visa programs for skilled workers, including those in aviation. Information about these programs can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
Looking Ahead: What Could Change
Boeing’s forecast does not include possible changes like single-pilot commercial flights, which could reduce the need for pilots in the future. However, the company is watching these trends and will update its outlook if needed. The forecast also assumes that air travel demand will keep growing, but events like pandemics or political problems could cause short-term drops.
Training methods are expected to keep changing, with more use of digital tools and remote learning. This will help the industry train more people quickly and make learning more flexible for students around the world.
Official Resources and Further Information
For those who want to read the full report or get more details, Boeing’s official Pilot and Technician Outlook (2025-2044) is available on their website. The full 2025 PTO PDF can also be downloaded for a deeper look at the data and trends.
What Industry Experts Are Saying
Industry leaders agree that the challenge is big, but not impossible. As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts believe that with the right investment in people and training, the aviation industry can meet its workforce needs and keep growing. They stress the importance of starting early—reaching out to students in high school or even younger to spark interest in aviation careers.
Practical Steps for Interested Individuals
If you are thinking about a career in aviation, here are some steps you can take:
- ✅ Research training programs: Look for accredited pilot schools, maintenance programs, or cabin crew courses.
- ✅ Check scholarship options: Many organizations offer financial help for students entering aviation.
- ✅ Stay informed: Follow industry news and updates from Boeing and other major players.
- ✅ Network: Attend events like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to meet professionals and learn more about the field.
Conclusion: A Time of Opportunity
The next 20 years will bring big changes and chances for those interested in aviation. With almost 2.4 million new jobs expected, the industry needs people from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you want to fly planes, fix them, or help passengers, now is the time to get started. Airlines, training schools, and governments are all working together to make sure the next generation of aviation professionals is ready for takeoff.
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