Boeing predicts demand for 2.4 million aviation jobs by 2044

Boeing has projected that the aviation industry will need almost 2.4 million new professionals by 2044, with around two-thirds of this demand arising from the replacement of retiring workers. 

In its annual 20-year 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO), released at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on July 22, 2025, the manufacturer stated that “commercial carriers will need substantial hiring and training to sustain the global commercial fleet.”  

“As commercial air traffic demand continues to outpace economic growth and the global fleet expands to meet demand, our industry will keep the fleet flying safely and efficiently by supporting workforce development for carriers worldwide,” said Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services.  

In the PTO, Boeing has forecasted that by 2044, two-thirds of new personnel will address replacement due to attrition, while one-third will support the growth of the commercial fleet. The company said that the demand for new hires is mainly driven by single-aisle aircraft. 

As in past years, Eurasia, China and North America are expected to drive demand for more than half of new industry personnel, while South Asia and Southeast Asia are the fastest-growing areas, with staffing needs projected to more than triple. 

However, among the regions, Boeing anticipates that Eurasia will have the highest demand for new aviation professionals through 2044. 

How big is the workforce demand? 

The global pilot workforce is expected to increase from 315,000 in 2024 to 610,000 by 2044, representing a 94% rise. This growth indicates that 660,000 new pilots will be required between 2025 and 2044 to meet a 4.1% annual growth in demand. 

Meanwhile, Boeing stated that the aviation maintenance market “has continued to endure challenges that impact the labor market.” The manufacturer said that aviation technicians are leaving the workforce “through retirement and natural attrition.” 

The global aircraft technician workforce is projected to grow from 185,000 in 2024 to 320,000 by 2044, which is a 73% increase, with 710,000 new technicians needed to support an expected 3.9% annual growth in demand over the next 20 years. 

Finally, Boeing said that the cabin crew profession “remains an attractive career for those interested in aviation, travel, and customer service.”  

The global cabin crew workforce is expected to more than double from 335,000 in 2024 to 675,000 by 2044, which is a 101% increase, with 1,000,000 new cabin crew members needed between 2025 and 2044 to support a 3.2% annual growth in demand. The post Boeing predicts demand for 2.4 million aviation jobs by 2044 appeared first on AeroTime.

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