Boeing's bullish forecast

Jobs might be disappearing in some occupations but the aviation industry is set to be a rich source of employment for at least the next two decades.

US plane-maker Boeing is projecting the world will need 617,000 new commercial airline pilots, 679,000 new maintenance technicians and 814,000 new cabin crew to fly and maintain the global fleet to 2035.

The Asia-Pacific will lead the industry with the need for 248,000 new pilots and 268,000 new technicians over the period.

This will include 111,000 pilots and 119,000 technicians in China while Southeast Asia will require 62,000 pilots and 67,000 technicians.

“We are continuing to see a significant need for new pilots and maintenance technicians in the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe,’’ said Boeing

Flight Services vice president Sherry Carbary. “This translates into exciting career opportunities for those interested in the aerospace industry.’’

Boeing’s forecast sees 13,000 pilots and 17,000 technicians needed in Oceania, 21,000 pilots and 26,000 technicians in Northeast Asia and 41,000 pilots and 39,000 technicians in South Asia.

This compares with 112,000 pilots and 127,000 technicians in North America, 104,000 pilots and 118,000 technicians in Europe and 58,000 pilots and 66,000 technicians in the Middle East.

The demand for personnel demand to the demand for new aircraft, where the Asia-Pacific is also a market leader and will account for 40 per cent of the global need.

Boeing predicts 15,136 planes  worth $US2.35 trillion will be needed in the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.