Boeing is forecasting demand for 2.3 million new commercial pilots, technicians and cabin crew in the next 20 years.

The company’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) projects that commercial carriers will need significant personnel through 2042 to support the global commercial fleet that Boeing also forecasts to double by the same year.

The (PTO) breaks down the need for aviation personnel as 649,000 pilots, 690,000 maintenance technicians, and 938,000 cabin crew members.

Chris Broom, vice president, commercial training solutions at Boeing Global Services, said: “With domestic air travel fully recovered and international traffic near pre-pandemic levels, demand for aviation personnel continues to increase.

“Our competency-based training and assessment offerings will help ensure high quality training for future and current aviation professionals and continue enhancing aviation safety through immersive and virtual training solutions.”

Through 2042, the PTO projects that China, Eurasia and North America will drive demand for more than half of new industry personnel, with requirements in China surpassing North America. It also states that the fastest-growing regions for personnel are Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia, with their regional demand expected to nearly double.

After omitting demand for Russia in last year’s PTO due to uncertainty in the region, this year’s forecast includes Russia in the Eurasia region, and it comprises three per cent of global demand for personnel.

The Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023-2042 can be found in full here.