Boeing 787_Dreamliner_simulator

Boeing predicts that the demand for aviation personnel in the commercial airline industry will increase substantially in the Asia-Pacific region over the next two decades, to support fleet modernisation and air travel growth.

The 2012 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook stated that about 12,030 new airplanes will be required by 2031, while 185,600 new pilots and 243,500 new technicians will have to be hired in the region through to 2030.

According to the forecast, demand in the Asia Pacific region over the next two decades will be led by China, which will require 71,300 pilots and 99,400 technicians.

The north east region of Asia will require 18,800 pilots and 26,500 technicians; South East Asia will require 51,500 pilots and 67,400 technicians; the Oceania region will need 12,900 pilots and 17,100 technicians; and South West Asia will see a demand for 31,000 pilots and 33,100 technicians.

Bob Bellitto, Boeing Flight Services global sales director, said the need for aviation personnel is a global issue, but it is hitting the Asia Pacific region particularly hard as surging economies in the region are driving travel demand.

"Airlines and training providers need new and more engaging ways to fill the pipeline of pilots and technicians for the future," Bellitto added.

In order to meet the projected demand, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation in June 2012 to hold aviation training programmes.

Boeing is also building partnerships across the globe to develop a flight school network which will enable it to hire qualified aviation personnel.

Image: A pilot training on the 787 Dreamliner full-flight simulator. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.