Airline Industry Needs 92,000 Cabin Crew, 58,000 Pilots, Middle East Alone Requires 200,000 Aviation Jobs

Airlines in the UAE and the rest of the Middle East will require an additional 200,000 personnel to support the growing demand for new aircraft deliveries over the next two decades, according to Boeing.

The US planemaker announced in its report on Wednesday that the region’s commercial aviation industry will need about 92,000 cabin crew, 58,000 pilots and 66,000 technicians alone. The recruitment of aviation personnel will be one of the largest in the world.

“We are continuing to see significant need for new pilots and maintenance technicians. This translates into exciting career opportunities for those interested in the aerospace industry,” said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services.

UAE-based carriers continued to hire additional staff this year as they look to expand their fleet and introduce new destinations. Etihad, which expects its fleet to expand from 123 to 179 aircraft between 2016 and 2025, started recruiting pilots across Europe in November. Emirates Group had earlier projected to hire about 400 to 500 pilots, or a total of 10,000 new employees in 2016.

Across the globe, the total number of new aviation personnel required between 2016 and 2035 will touch 2.1 million, according to the 2016-2035 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook. The aircraft manufacturer said its forecast is tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe.

“The demand for new pilots is primarily driven by new airplane deliveries and fleet mix, while new technician demand is primarily driven by fleet growth.”

Overall, the Asia-Pacific region will lead the recruitment activity, with more than 500,000 new pilots and technicians.

China alone is expected to require 111,000 pilots and 119,000 technicians; Southeast Asia 62,000 pilots and 67,000 technicians; South Asia 41,000 pilots and 39,000 technicians and Oceanic region 13,000 pilots and 17,000 technicians.