Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook
It’s no secret that the aviation industry has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the airline industry has had to adjust and adapt as air travel demand remains significantly lower than past years. The current state of the industry may seem discouraging with what appears to be a surplus of pilots and technicians as you’re hearing of furloughs and early retirements in the media. The airline industry is resilient, though, and the timing of taking the initial steps to becoming a pilot may never be better as there will be a significant need for new pilots and aviation maintenance technicians in the coming years.
Not sure about that? Take a look at what the experts have to say about pilot and technician demand as a response to COVID-19.
This past October, The Boeing Company, who designs, manufactures and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment and missiles worldwide, released its updated 2020 Pilot and Technician Outlook report. Throughout the report, Boeing stresses the remaining long-term demand for pilots. In fact, the report projects that 763,000 pilots will be needed over the next 20 years. Boeing explains this long-term demand as a result of many pilots approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. Additionally, the report mentions that the lack of personnel entering the industry in recent years, which will be intensified by COVID-19 as well as fleet growth will also impact long-term demand. Combine that with the number of pilots and technicians who are retiring early as a result of the pandemic and the need for skilled aviators may return sooner than we anticipate today!
Boeing’s report even mentions, “it generally takes two or more years for an aspiring pilot to achieve a commercial pilot license. Aspiring aviators who begin their training today will be well positioned to take advantage of new job opportunities as the industry recovers.” Travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 will eventually end, and the airlines will recover. Boeing’s report reminds us that there will still be a need for more pilots.
The aviation industry remains as exciting and promising as ever for our next generation of pilots and technicians. Looking ahead and taking advantage of your time now is crucial to getting ahead of the looming talent gap.
