Outlook: Pilot, tech demand rising

Boeing is forecasting continued strong growth in demand for commercial pilots and maintenance technicians as the global fleet expands over the next 20 years. Boeing's 2014 Pilot and Technician Outlook says that between 2014 and 2033, there will be a need for 533,000 new commercial airline pilots and 584,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians. Pilot demand is up about 7 percent compared to 2013 and maintenance demand is up just over 5 percent. North America is projected to need 88,000 pilots and 109,000 technicians. (Source: Boeing, 07/30/14) Gulf Coast note: Workforce development experts and educators in the region are developing new aviation training programs to meet the growth of aerospace activities in the Gulf Coast region.