The projections were released with Boeing’s Services Market Outlook and Pilot & Technician Outlook. They point to a long expansion in aircraft support, training, maintenance and digital services as global traffic and fleet demand continue to grow.
Boeing said commercial aviation demand and traffic are expected to double over the next two decades. It also said near-term disruptions are not expected to alter the sector’s long-term growth trajectory.
The services market will be shaped by aircraft lifecycle management, increased aircraft digitalization and data-driven support, Boeing said. Regional shifts, workforce transformation and retirements are also expected to affect demand.
“As we look toward the future, we see strong demand for services across the portfolio, new opportunities as fleets become more digitally enabled and a growing need for a skilled workforce,” said Chris Raymond, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services. “To meet those needs we will continue to digitally modernize our business and invest in skilled people and customer-focused improvements to keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently for years to come.”
Boeing projects demand for 674,000 new pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians and 1,023,000 cabin crew members through 2045. About two-thirds of that demand will replace retiring personnel, while one-third will support fleet growth.
Eurasia represents the largest regional workforce requirement, with 571,000 new aviation professionals and $1.185 trillion in services and support demand. North America is forecast at 438,000 new personnel and $995 billion in services demand, while China is projected at 425,000 personnel and $875 billion.
The Middle East is expected to need 236,000 new aviation professionals and $475 billion in services demand. Southeast Asia is forecast at 258,000 personnel and $425 billion, reflecting continued growth in major travel markets.
Boeing said competency-based training and new technologies will be central to addressing shortages of pilots and technicians. The company said immersive tools can improve hands-on learning and situational awareness.
“Our industry will keep the expanding global fleet flying safely and efficiently by investing in workforce development worldwide,” said Chris Broom, Vice President, Commercial Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “Immersive technologies will enhance training, supporting Competency-Based Training and Assessment approaches to ensure the highest quality aviation training.”
For Boeing, the forecast highlights the growing importance of services revenue as airlines manage larger and more digitally connected fleets. For the wider aviation industry, the data shows that workforce supply may become as important as aircraft production in sustaining long-term growth.
