Boeing predicts the Asia-Pacific region will require more than 400,000 new commercial airline pilots and technicians over the next 20 years to support airline fleet modernization and the rapid growth of air travel. The 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook calls for 182,300 new pilots and 247,400 new technicians in the Asia-Pacific region through 2030. The greatest need is in China, which will require 72,700 pilots and 108,300 technicians over the next 20 years. How that will affect a business aviation community that has seen declining enrollments in aviation training programs, particularly maintenance, remains to be seen. An NBAA spokesman told AIN, “We’re still trying to determine the specifics of what’s involved, and what can, should or is being done to address [the challenges this demand will present to business aviation].” 

The report also notes that Northeast Asia will need 20,800 pilots and 30,200 technicians over the next 20 years. Southeast Asia will require 47,100 pilots and 60,600 technicians. The Oceania region will need 13,600 pilots and 15,600 technicians, and Southwest Asia will need 28,100 pilots and 32,700 technicians.

“The demand for aviation personnel is evident today. In Asia we’re already beginning to see some delays and operational disruptions due to a shortage of pilots,” said Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer for Boeing Flight Services. “To ensure the success of our industry as travel demands grows, it is critical that we continue to foster a talent pipeline of capable and well trained aviation personnel.”

According to the report, by order of demand after China, North America is predicted to need 134,800 maintenance personnel; Europe 129,600; the Middle East 53,000; Latin America 52,500; Africa 19,200; and the CIS 13,500.