Demand for pilots rebounds in new Boeing forecast

The report, which tracks the need for personnel among commercial airlines and commercial freight, said domestic air travel has returned to pre-pandemic levels and international travel is expected to return by 2024. Chris Broom, vice president of commercial training solutions, cited growth in emerging markets and retirements and attrition in the North American market as factors in growing demand for pilots and other aviation personnel.

“The challenge for North American airlines will continue to be inspiring, developing, and training the next generation of pilots to fill the gap left by retirements and attrition,” he said. More than a quarter of the commercial pilot workforce will reach mandatory retirement age in the next decade, according to Boeing.

The need to train and recruit more pilots has driven an increase in pilot cadet programs and flow-through programs at flight schools, business and general aviation operators, regional airlines, and major airlines, Broom said. Boeing supports flight schools and universities with training curricula and is investing in early career training materials, Broom said. The company is also supporting science, technology, engineering, and math education to spark an interest in aviation careers.

“For us, diversity is not only the right thing to do. It’s a business imperative,” he said. “We have to cast a wider net to meet this pilot demand in the future.”

On July 24, the company announced $500,000 in scholarships to be administered through AOPA, the Latino Pilots Association, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, and Women in Aviation International. An additional $450,000 will go to Fly Compton, a California nonprofit that introduces minority youth to career opportunities in aerospace.