
WASHINGTON (TVR) – An “extraordinary” worldwide pilot shortage has reached a critical stage, a new analysis finds, requiring “innovative solutions” to solve the hiring crisis before flight schedules and routes are affected.
The 2017 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook predicts 637,000 pilots will be needed within the next 20 years to keep up with soaring demand for commercial air travel.
-–>EVENT: Learn to Travel for Less with Travel Talk Events
In all, more than two million aviation jobs will need to be filled, including pilots, cabin crews, and maintenance technicians to keep fleets operational.
“Airlines across the globe are expanding their fleets and flight schedules to satisfy demand generated by global economic expansion,” Boeing’s report notes.
“New market opportunities are creating an increased demand for qualified, skilled, and experienced pilots.”
–>RELATED: Air Travel to Europe Surges; Iceland Visits Soar 42%
–>RELATED: After Viral Videos, Airline Bumping Hits Record Low
–>RELATED: American Tourists Warned of Tainted Alcohol in Mexico
Pilot Shortage Acute in Asia Pacific
The looming pilot shortage is most acutely felt in the Asia Pacific Region, the analysis found.
In all, 253,000 pilots will be needed in that part of the globe—more than double any other region worldwide.
North America will need 117,000 qualified people for cockpit crews, followed by 106,000 in Europe, 63,000 in the Middle East, 52,000 in Latin America, and 24,000 in Africa, Boeing calculates.
–->TIPS: Know Your Rights When Flying
–>VIDEO: How We Save 50%-80% Off Every Flight
–->SUPPORT: Help Support Our Journalism & Original Content