Boeing has announced that approximately 2.4 million new aviation personnel will be needed over the next 20 years, driven by global industry growth and emerging technologies. Presented at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event, the 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) report highlights the need for 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1 million cabin crew members.
According to Boeing, two-thirds of this demand will come from the need to replace retiring or departing personnel, while the remaining one-third will support growth in the global commercial fleet.
Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, stated:
“The industry is investing in technologies such as mixed reality — an immersive blend of physical and digital environments — that enhance hands-on learning and situational awareness. Boeing supports its customers with competency-based methodology and digitally enabled training products to ensure high-quality education.”
AI and VR Are Shaping the Future of Training
Boeing emphasizes that technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) will fundamentally transform aviation training. These innovations will enable more efficient, flexible, and realistic training scenarios.
Regional Demand for Personnel
By 2044, the highest demand for aviation personnel will be in China, North America, and Eurasia. South Asia and Southeast Asia are expected to be among the fastest-growing regions in terms of workforce demand.
Boeing’s Projected Personnel Demand by 2044 (Selected Regions):
-
China: 426,000 personnel
-
Eurasia: 550,000 personnel
-
North America: 435,000 personnel
-
Southeast Asia: 243,000 personnel
-
Middle East: 234,000 personnel
Is the Industry Ready for the Future?
The report highlights that shortages of pilots and technicians could impact the long-term sustainability of the aviation sector. Boeing notes that overcoming this challenge will require innovative training methods, advanced simulation systems, and comprehensive career development programs.
About Boeing
Boeing is a global aerospace leader operating in over 150 countries. The company designs and manufactures commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technologies, while also providing aviation training solutions on a global scale. Boeing prioritizes safety, quality, and sustainability as its core values.
