Pilot demand ticks up in Boeing forecast

The 2026 edition of the Pilot and Technician Outlook predicts the industry will need to fill 2.4 million jobs in the coming two decades, including 728,000 maintenance technicians and more than 1 million cabin crewmembers. Attrition including replacement of retirees accounts for two-thirds of the total, with the remaining third to support fleet expansion. Boeing expects that advanced training technology and competency-based assessment tools will "transform aviation training," according to a news release.

“Our industry will keep the expanding global fleet flying safely and efficiently by investing in workforce development worldwide,” said Chris Broom, vice president of commercial training solutions at Boeing Global Services. “Immersive technologies will enhance training, supporting Competency-Based Training and Assessment approaches to ensure the highest quality aviation training.”

The company noted that efficiency will also increase as aircraft systems are increasingly digitized, and shifts in demand for aviation services globally will drive demand for new personnel.

The forecast, traditionally released during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, was published July 18 leading up to the Farnborough International Airshow taking place during the same week this year.