Aviation to Need 1.5M Pros in 10 Years

The global aviation industry is preparing to face a structural challenge in terms of human resources in the coming years. Rapid growth in passenger demand and the approach of retirement for personnel who have worked in the sector for decades are significantly increasing the need for qualified staff in aviation.

According to forecasts published by Canada-based aviation training and simulation company CAE, the industry will need a total of 1.465 million new professionals over the next ten years.

In its report titled The 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, CAE emphasizes that growth in global air transport continues at full speed. During 2024, 5.2 billion passengers worldwide chose air travel, representing a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Projections in the report indicate that in order to sustain the current growth momentum, the global commercial aircraft fleet will need to expand by around 35% by 2034. This would mean the total number of commercial aircraft worldwide reaching approximately 44,000.

Experts point out that in parallel with fleet growth, the need for qualified personnel will rise in many areas, especially pilots, cabin crew, maintenance and repair technicians, and ground handling staff. Strengthening training infrastructure and bringing new personnel into the sector more quickly are seen as critical factors for the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry.