One million new pilots,technicians needed in 10 years: Boeing

WASHINGTON: Boeing has projected a demand of one million new pilots and technicians to support the expanding demand for new airplane deliveries over the next two decades.

According to the "2013 Pilot and Technician Outlook" released by Boeing, by 2032 the world will require 498,000 new commercial airline pilots and 556,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.

Of this maximum numbers of 192,300 pilots and 215,300 technicians are likely to be required in the Asia Pacific region.

The country specific figures would be released by Boeing on September 16 in Singapore.

"The urgent demand for competent aviation personnel is a global issue that is here now and is very real," said Sherry Carbary, vice president of Boeing Flight Services yesterday.

"The key to closing the pilot and technician gap in our industry is enhancing our training with the latest, cutting-edge technologies to attract and retain young people interested in careers in aviation," he said.

The 2013 outlook projects significant increases in pilot demand -- compared to previous forecasts -- in all regions except Europe, which declined slightly over last year's outlook.

Overall, the demand is driven by steadily increasing airplane deliveries, particularly single-aisle airplanes, and represents a global requirement for about 25,000 new pilots annually.

Global demand for technicians remains significant, at approximately 28,000 new technicians required annually.

However, the introduction of more efficient and smarter airplanes will require fewer mechanics over time, as aging aircraft--which typically require more maintenance--are retired from service.

New airplane technologies featuring more advanced components are likely to lead in some areas to lower maintenance requirements and corresponding lower technician demand.

"This is a global issue that can only be addressed by industry-wide innovation and solutions," said Carbary.

"We need to attract more young people to careers in aviation by continually looking at innovative ways to train pilots and technicians, moving away from paper and chalkboard-based learning to incorporate tablets, eBooks, gaming technology and three-dimensional models," Carbary said.