1,292,000

New commercial aviation professionals needed by 2034

Download full report (8.7MB)

Let’s stay ahead of the demand

The commercial aviation sector will require 1,292,000 new professionals over the next decade due to fleet growth, increasing travel demand, and significant retirement rates.

This demand includes 347,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians, 267,000 new pilots and 678,000 new cabin crew, with notable growth in the Asia-Pacific region, including India and China, driven by demographic and economic trends.

To meet this demand, we must join forces as an industry to actively promote aviation careers, recruit and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.

ACTIVE
GROW
REPLACE
REMAIN ACTIVE
ACTIVE
GROW
REPLACE
REMAIN ACTIVE
ACTIVE
GROW
REPLACE
REMAIN ACTIVE
ACTIVE
GROW
REPLACE
REMAIN ACTIVE

Commercial aviation talent demand by region

Pilots
Aircraft maintenance technicians
Cabin crew
35%
Commercial aviation fleet growth
(Source: Aviation Week)
33K 44K
2025 2034
Commercial Aircraft In Service
CAGR:3.25%

Key insights

1/3 of the total demand will be in Asia-Pacific, especially China and India (Source: CAE)

1/3
of the total demand will be in Asia-Pacific, especially China and India
(Source: CAE)

34% of commercial pilots will retire or leave the flight deck in the next 10 years(Source: CAE)

of commercial pilots will retire or leave the flight deck in the next 10 years
(Source: CAE)

6.7% increase in airline passengers from 2024 to 2025(Source: IATA)

6.7%
increase in airline passengers from 2024 to 2025
(Source: IATA)

Hear from those whose careers took flight

Nicola NiRiada
Air Traffic Controller, AirNav Ireland
An amazing, dynamic sector with so much opportunity
"I always wanted to join the aviation sector, inspired by my dad who was a controller. It's the best job in the world, connecting people and places while keeping the public safe. Every day is different, and you work with the best people. Safety is the top priority, and having enough staff is crucial for managing fatigue and well-being. The sector is growing, and we need to keep up with the demand. My advice: Go for it! It's an amazing, dynamic sector with plenty of opportunities."
Carl Zoch, Pilot
Lear 60/60XR Instructor/SFE/TCE, CAE
Follow your passion and the rewards will follow
"In my 33-year career I have never seen a demand for pilots and aircrews as high as I have today. I would encourage candidates to consider all options of flying, from airline to corporate, firefighting to medevac, commercial to private. As the old saying goes, follow your passion and the rewards will follow. And the office view isn’t bad either!"
Zoe McCurry, Cabin Crew
General Manager – Cadet Support Europe, CAE
A journey of personal and professional growth
"Being a cabin crew member is an incredibly rewarding role and more than just a job; it’s a journey of personal and professional growth. The skills and experiences I’ve gained have been invaluable, providing me with the foundations to build my aviation career."
Andrew Vaisar, Maintenance Technician
Leader
Maintenance Training Operations, CAE
Embrace the unknown and let your experiences guide you
"Passion for aviation has been my driving force in this field. The evolution of aircraft over a century is truly remarkable. Starting with a desire to explore the world, my 20-year journey in aviation has brought me invaluable experiences, challenges, rewards, and enduring relationships. In pursuing opportunities, remember that the best ones may not always be obvious. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unique experiences that propel your career forward."
Raquel Mora, Cabin Crew
Group Leader, Cabin Training, CAE
My temporary job became my passion
"I started my career as a cabin crew by chance, seeking a temporary summer job while in university. What began as a 6-month stint turned into a 25-year passion and lifestyle. This role has allowed me to develop skills like empathy and resilience, experience diverse cultures, and work in dynamic environments."
Andrew Barnett
Product Marketing Manager, CAE
Keep an open mind and enjoy the journey
"I was fortunate enough to obtain my private pilot license in high school and continue flight training throughout university. My passion for aviation has led to an amazing career from planning and designing airports to marketing complex aerospace products globally. I encourage anyone with an interest and curiosity in aviation to simply start, keep an open mind, learn as much as you can and enjoy the journey."

400 New hires needed each day to meet worldwide aviation personnel demand by 2034

0
New hires needed each day to meet worldwide aviation personnel demand by 2034
Download full report (8.7MB)

We’ll make sure all your training needs are covered

Get in touch