Boeing Forecasts Demand for 153,000 Pilots Across Eurasia Through 2045

Global – US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has released a regional aviation workforce and services outlook for Eurasia, forecasting continued demand for commercial pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew between 2026 and 2045. The projections cover Europe, Russia and Central Asia and identify opportunities for flight training organisations, simulator training centers and aviation maintenance training providers as airlines expand and modernise their fleets.

• Boeing forecasts that Eurasia will require approximately 571,000 new commercial aviation professionals through 2045, comprising:
  • 153,000 pilots
  • 169,000 maintenance technicians
  • 249,000 cabin crew members
• The manufacturer also projects approximately US$1.2 trillion in commercial aviation services demand across Eurasia over the 20-year period, covering maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aircraft modifications, parts distribution, digital services, and training and pilot services.
• Boeing attributes the workforce requirement to a combination of commercial fleet expansion, increasing aircraft utilisation and the replacement of personnel leaving the industry. Its global 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook estimates that approximately two-thirds of new personnel demand will address workforce replacement, with the remaining third supporting fleet growth.
• For pilot training providers, Boeing identifies expanding training pipelines, increasing instructor capacity, strengthening certification pathways and implementing competency-based training as priorities for meeting long-term personnel requirements. The company also highlights technology-enabled training as aircraft operations become more digitally integrated.
• Aviation maintenance training organisations are expected to face similar capacity requirements, with the projected technician demand driven by fleet expansion, more advanced aircraft systems and the increasing use of connected maintenance technologies. Boeing identifies the development of regional training and technical support capabilities as a factor in meeting these workforce requirements.
• The forecast also highlights opportunities for airlines and training providers to develop localised training infrastructure, reducing dependence on distant training and technical support facilities. These requirements may support additional investment in ab initio flight training, airline type rating capacity, instructor development and aircraft maintenance education.
• AFM previously reported that Boeing's 2026 global Pilot and Technician Outlook projected demand for 674,000 new commercial pilots worldwide through 2045, alongside US$195 billion in global training and pilot services demand. The latest Eurasia assessment places the region's workforce requirements within a broader commercial aviation services market forecast.
• Boeing's personnel methodology covers commercial passenger and freight aircraft with more than 30 seats, using assumptions for fleet growth and replacement, utilisation, attrition and regional crewing practices. Business aviation and civil helicopter operations are excluded from the workforce projections.

Statements

• “Eurasia’s aviation sector is entering a period in which growth will depend not only on fleet expansion, but also on the region’s ability to build skilled workforces and resilient support networks. Investment across the industry in training, maintenance capacity, parts availability, and digital capability is essential to help operators improve aircraft readiness and capture the benefits of long-term market growth,” said Chris Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Global Services.

About Boeing
Boeing is a US aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, producing commercial aircraft, defense systems and space technologies for customers worldwide. Through Boeing Global Services, the company provides commercial pilot and maintenance training, flight simulation solutions, technical services, aircraft support and digital aviation products, and publishes annual commercial aviation market and workforce forecasts.

Source: Boeing Global Services