Boeing sees rising demand for aviation jobs, including more than 600,000 pilots

Boeing Co. on Monday released its 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook, forecasting demand for 2.1 million new aviation professionals over the next 20 years “to safely support the recovery in commercial air travel and meet rising long-term growth.” For commercial airlines, the long-term forecast says that 602,000 pilots, 610,000 maintenance technicians and 899,000 cabin crew members will be needed globally, as the worldwide commercial fleet is expected to nearly double to 47,080 airplanes by 2041, Boeing said. China, Europe and North America represent more than half of the total new personnel demand, with the fastest growing regions being Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia, Boeing said. Summer travel has been disrupted this year as staffing levels, including lack of pilots, are partly to blame as airlines deal with a surge in air travel after pandemic-related travel restrictions and requirements were lifted. Shares of Boeing fell 0.8% in midday trading Monday, and are down 22% this year, compared with losses of 17% for the S&P 500 index.

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