Aviation’s Recruiting Shift: Technicians and Cabin Crew Now in High Demand

Boeing’s recent Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) highlights a significant shift in aviation recruitment needs. The 2024 report, released last month, reveals an anticipated demand for 2.3 million new aviation personnel by 2043. This forecast emphasizes the evolving landscape of aviation hiring, with a notable shift in focus from pilots to technicians and cabin crew.

The PTO report breaks down the future demand into three key categories: 649,000 new pilots, 690,000 new technicians, and 938,000 new cabin crew members. This distribution underscores a growing emphasis on roles beyond the cockpit, reflecting changes driven by rising aviation traffic, personnel turnover, and expanding commercial fleets.

Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, explains the driving forces behind this demand. “Aviation traffic continues to trend above pre-pandemic levels, coupled with higher personnel attrition rates and fleet growth, fueling the increased need for aviation professionals,” Broom noted.

The forecast indicates that the demand for new aviation personnel will be predominantly driven by the need for single-aisle airplanes. However, in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, the demand will be more focused on widebody aircraft. This distinction is crucial for understanding the regional variations in personnel requirements.

Boeing’s outlook highlights that Greater Europe—now referred to as “Eurasia”—China, and North America will collectively account for over half of the new aviation personnel needed. Meanwhile, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa are projected to experience the fastest growth in personnel demand, with the numbers expected to more than triple within the next two decades.

The report also sheds light on the nature of this demand. Two-thirds of the new personnel required will be to replace retiring staff and address other forms of attrition. The remaining one-third will be dedicated to supporting the expansion of the commercial fleet.

This shift in recruitment focus from pilots to technicians and cabin crew reflects broader industry trends and operational needs. As aviation continues to recover and expand post-pandemic, the industry must adapt to these evolving requirements to ensure it meets future demands effectively.

The increasing demand for technicians and cabin crew underscores a critical area for industry investment and training. Addressing these needs will be essential for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting the growth of the global aviation sector.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, leehamnews.com