Market Intelligence: Africa

CAE Shares 2025 Aviation Talent Demand Forecast – 300,000 New Pilots Required by 2034

Global – An estimated 1.5 million civil aviation professionals will be needed worldwide by 2034, according to CAE’s biennial Aviation Talent Forecast, released today at the Paris International Air Show. The comprehensive 2025 edition of the forecast analyzes the need for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and, for the first time, air traffic controllers, predicting that 71,000 controllers will be needed globally over the next 10 years.

The 2025 CAE Aviation Talent Forecast reports that 1,292,000 commercial aviation professionals will be needed – 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew – with the largest percentage required to meet rapidly rising demand in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, 102,000 business aviation professionals are expected to be needed worldwide over the next 10 years, including 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.

“The need for 1.5 million new aviation professionals by 2034 is being driven by record demand for air travel and a significant wave of retirements that is expected across all categories. With commercial and business aviation fleets expected to see double digit increases over the next 10 years, the industry must take action to attract, train, and retain personnel. Highly skilled aviation professionals are not just a necessity for the safety of the air transport system, they are the foundation for the successful expansion and resilience of the global aviation sector,” explains Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice-President – Strategy, Performance, Air Traffic Services & Marketing at CAE.

“To meet the demand, the industry needs to be proactive and creative. Adaptability and optimized training will be key to supplying the demand,” she says.

Attracting talent is one challenge. Another is ensuring qualified candidates make it through graduation and into the workforce. Across all professions covered in the report, dropout and failure rates are higher than they should be. For example, in the United States alone, a staggering 30% of paid air traffic control students do not complete their training, according to the National Airspace System Safety Review Team.

“We need a comprehensive training environment that caters to the way new generations learn and thrive. At CAE, part of our solution is investing significantly in innovation and technology. Some of our latest advancements include CAE’s immersive pilot training app using Apple Vision Pro, and the CAE Prodigy Image Generator, our ultra-realistic 3D visual system using gaming technology,” Cloutier explains.

The Aviation Talent Forecast is a strategic tool for stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem which analyzes the upcoming talent demand, the drivers behind that demand, and actionable strategies the industry can adopt to attract and retain talent. The report also offers insightful perspectives on the industry’s transformation through advanced training, sustainable practices, and diverse talent acquisition. It also underscores how technology, sustainability, and diversity are shaping the future of the industry and strengthening the talent pipeline.

Check out the detailed CAE talent forecast here.

Source: CAE

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Airbus GMF 2025: India, Asia Drive Long-Term Demand as Global Fleet Set to Double

Global – Airbus has released its 2025 Global Market Forecast (GMF), projecting demand for 43,420 new aircraft by 2044, underpinned by steady long-term passenger traffic growth of 3.6% annually. The forecast, released alongside the Paris Air Show 2025, outlines key shifts in fleet composition and market trends over the next two decades.

  • Of the 43,420 projected new aircraft, 34,250 will be single-aisle aircraft, while 9,170 will be widebodies. About 44% of deliveries (18,930 units) will replace older, less fuel-efficient aircraft.

  • The global fleet is expected to more than double, surpassing 49,000 aircraft by 2044.

  • Growth is driven by long-term macro trends:

    • Global GDP expansion at +2.5% per year

    • 1.5 billion-person increase in the middle class, the demographic most likely to fly

  • Operational and Sustainability Highlights:

    • 34% of the current fleet comprises latest-generation aircraft delivering up to 25% better fuel efficiency

    • Average aircraft utilization has increased by 2 hours per day over 20 years (from 8.2 hours in 2004 to 10.2 hours in 2024)

    • 2024 marked a record global load factor of 83.5% and USD 61.9 billion in gross operating profit for the airline industry

Find the complete GMF here.

Source: Airbus

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FFS Training Center Operator Simaero Expands Johannesburg Center in 2025 With E190 FFS

South Africa – Simaero celebrated the arrival of a new Embraer E190 full-flight simulator at its Johannesburg training center, further enhancing its capacity to serve as a premier hub for aviation training in Africa. The CAE level D device arrivedin May and is currently in installation process with a target RFT in the second half of 2025.

This follows another announcement in May that Simaero had added a Bombardier CRJ200/700 full flight simulator to its training center in Johannesburg and that the device has now obtained certification from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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Stick n Throttle Aviation Enhances its Training with a New ALSIM ALX Simulator

South Africa – flight simulator manufacturer ALSIM is delighted to share that Stick n Throttle Aviation, a flight training school in South Africa, has recently invested in an ALSIM ALX simulator.

The ALSIM ALX provides up to 4 classes of aircraft–from single-engine piston, twin engine piston, twin turbine up to medium category twin jet. The device is designed and approved for ATPL, CPL, MCC in compliance with all current regulatory standards. The ALX offers advanced technology simulation equipment tailored to all specific training requirements. In addition, it has a proven track record for cost-effectiveness and helps save numerous aircraft hours.

Etienne BEKKER, Director & Head of Training at Stick n Throttle Aviation, says “The ALSIM ALX is a natural choice for the multi-faceted options it offers in a single generic simulator. In addition, ALSIM is well represented in South Africa, with satisfactory performance for qualification within the SACAA. The product works and performs as required for SACAA qualification and is supported by well-known factory assistance throughout the process.

Stick n Throttle Aviation is proud to be linked to the ALSIM team. From the start of our experience, it has only been a breeze with adequate information supplied as required. Support from the sales team to the current dispatch and upcoming staff training has been well-informed and ahead of time. We are confident the installation will be a pleasurable experience when it all arrives.”

Leonardo RODRIGUES, Sales Manager at ALSIM, adds: “We are delighted to support Stick n Throttle Aviation in enhancing their training capabilities with the addition of the ALSIM ALX, and would like to thank them for their confidence.”

About Stick n Throttle Aviation
Stick n Throttle Aviation is a flight training school based at Morningstar Airfield in the Western Cape, South Africa. Located within the well-known Morningstar Flying Club, it offers an ideal environment for flight training, just five minutes from both Cape Town International Airport and the General Flying Area, with Table Mountain as the key reference point for VFR operations. The school delivers high-quality training from NPL through CPL, including night, instrument, and instructor ratings. Ground school is led by specialists who ensure that all instruction material is understoodand applied. Facilities include modern classrooms and an approved SACAA PPL exam center. From October 2025, Stick n Throttle will integrate a new ALSIM ALX simulator, expanding its training capabilities to include MCC,JOC, PBN (GNSS), FMC, and turbine introduction courses. With a diverse fleet from the Sling 2 to the Piper Turbo Arrow, Stick n Throttle combines professional instruction with personalized aviation training.

About ALSIM
ALSIM has been developing and manufacturing FAA & EASA certified FNPT II, FNPT II MCC and AATD flight simulators. ALSIM is well recognized for its experience and know-how since 1994. We’re proud to say our hardware & software is made 100% in house, which means peace of mind for our customers. ALSIM’s main objective relies on innovation: we aim to anticipate our clients’ needs and remain at the cutting edge of technology. Today, we have more than 450 devices installed and certified in over 60 countries, with over 400 clients.

Source: ALSIM
Photo Credit: ALSIM

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eLearning Pilot Training Solution Provider Announces Partnership with Simaero

Johannesburg, South Africa – Simaero South Africa, a full flight simulator training center and certified Approved Training Organization (ATO), has partnered with Avsoft International to modernize and expand its e-learning capabilities for pilot training. Under this new collaboration, Simaero will implement Avsoft’s Learning Management System (avLMS) to deliver a comprehensive suite of aircraft systems and general subject courses.

This strategic transition enhances Simaero’s digital training infrastructure, supporting a wide range of full flight simulator programs and theoretical instruction aligned with international aviation standards.

  • Simaero Training will deploy Avsoft’s avLMS platform for streamlined online course delivery and progress tracking.

  • The course suite includes aircraft systems training for:

    • CRJ-200, CRJ-700

    • ATR 42-500, ATR 72-500

    • ERJ-145, ERJ-190

    • Dash 8 Q100, Dash 8 Q300

  • General subject courses include:

    • Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)

    • Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT)

    • Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) 7.1

  • The avLMS system features administrator reporting tools, user-friendly UI, and branding customization.

Source: Avsoft

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South Africa-based Flight Training Group 43 Air School Enhances Simulator Fleet with ALSIM ALX

Port Alfred, South Africa – 43 Air School has expanded its advanced training capabilities with the delivery of a new ALSIM ALX flight simulator, significantly enhancing the academy’s capacity to deliver high-quality pilot training from Private Pilot License (PPL) through to Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC).

The ALSIM ALX is designed with modular cockpit configurations and dual Garmin avionics, making it suitable for multiple stages of pilot development. It is certified under both EASA and FAA regulations, offering flexibility and compatibility with international training standards.

“This addition will improve cost-effectiveness and enhance our Airline Pilot bridging training in addition to our expanding needs,” says Attie Niemann the Executive Chairman of 43 Air School.

Source: 43 Air School
Photo Credit: 43 Air School

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Air Botswana Seeks Head of Flight Operations to Lead National Airline’s Growth in 2025

Botswana – Air Botswana is seeking a seasoned aviation professional to fill a key executive leadership position as Head of Flight Operations. This strategic role is central to advancing the national carrier’s operational performance and regulatory compliance, and offers the opportunity to shape the future of flight operations within Botswana’s flagship airline.

For more information check out Air Botswana’s Career Page.

Air Botswana currently operates ATR72-600s and ERJ170.

Source: Air Botswana
Photo Credit: Air Botswana

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