Rising Demand

The demand for pilots is on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry will need to hire over 800,000 new pilots by 2037 to keep up with growing passenger demand.

This demand is driven by several factors, including the expansion of low-cost carriers and the increasing popularity of air travel in emerging markets. As more people are able to afford to fly, airlines will need to hire more pilots to meet the growing demand for flights.

In addition to the demand for new pilots, the industry is also facing a shortage of experienced pilots as many of them reach retirement age. This is leading to a higher demand for pilots with experience, as airlines seek to fill the gap left by retiring pilots.

The demand for pilots is not limited to commercial airlines. There is also a growing demand for pilots in the military, cargo, and private aviation sectors. This diversification of the pilot workforce means that there are opportunities for pilots with a range of skills and experience.

Overall, the demand for pilots is expected to remain strong in the coming years, and those with the necessary training and experience will have a good chance of finding rewarding and well-paying jobs. If you are considering a career as a pilot, now is a great time to start pursuing your dream. So, if you are passionate about flying and have the necessary skills and dedication, a career as a pilot could be the right choice for you.

80,000 Airline Pilots Are Retiring

Over the next 20 years, 80,000 airline pilots are retiring. United Airlines alone estimates half of their 12,500 pilots will retire over the next ten years, and they will need to hire an additional 10,000 pilots over that period to keep pace with growth. American Airlines has similar projections, with 7,200 of their 15,000 pilots set to retire over the next decade.

Post-Pandemic Pilot Shortage

Early retirements during the coronavirus pandemic have accelerated the demand for new pilots to enter the industry and begin training. According to Oliver Wyman, “With the lifting of COVID-19-related sanctions on air travel, demand rebounded more quickly in North America than elsewhere. As a result, the region already has an acute pilot shortage, equivalent to 11% of pilot supply, or about 8,000 pilots, and this gap will only widen throughout the decade… we expect that North America will be short nearly 30,000 pilots by 2032.”

Boeing Forecast

In its 2022-2042 Aerospace Forecast, the FAA cites the airline pilot shortage as an ongoing issue and one that is likely to persist. Boeing’s Pilot & Technician Outlook projects that 128,000 pilots are needed in North America.

The major contributing factors fueling the global pilot shortage include:

• Airline pilot retirements versus pilots training to replace them.
• Increasing demand for air travel with record numbers of passengers.

Trusted by more than 100 aviation regulatory agencies worldwide, the current Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook concludes that the aviation industry will need to supply more than 602,000 commercial airline pilots worldwide over the next 20 years. Boeing’s Current Market Outlook forecasts a market value of $7.2 trillion for new airplane deliveries, with the global fleet increasing by 80% through 2041 compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

Airbus Forecast

Airbus, an international manufacturer of passenger aircraft ranging in size from 100-seat jetliners to the 850-passenger double-deck A380, states in their Global Market Forecast that airline traffic is forecast to double in size in the next 20 years. Airbus states there will be a demand for 39,500 new passenger & freighter aircraft over 2022-2041, with 60% growth.

Embraer Forecast

Embraer is one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers. It has produced more than 5,000 aircraft and is the market leader for commercial jets with up to 150 seats. Embraer’s Market Outlook foresees world demand for 10,950 new aircraft with up to 150 seats over the next 20 years with a market value of $650 billion. Embraer foresees worldwide demand for air transport, increasing an average of 3.2% annually through 2041.

 

Taking Advantage of the Rising Demand

If you are interested in taking advantage of the rising demand for pilots, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for a successful career in the aviation industry:

Earn a private pilot license (PPL) or an airline transport pilot license (ATPL) from an aviation school. This typically requires a combination of ground school classes, flight training, and passing written and flight exams.

Meet the medical requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the equivalent aviation authority in your country. Pilots must pass a medical exam every annually to ensure they are physically fit to fly.

Build up your flight hours. Many airlines have minimum flight hour requirements for new hires, so it’s important to get as much experience as possible. Consider joining a flying club or working as a flight instructor to build up your hours.

Stay current with industry developments and advancements. As a pilot, it’s important to stay up-to-date with new technologies and techniques in the aviation industry. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending industry conferences to stay current.

Network and make connections in the industry. Building relationships with other pilots and industry professionals can help you stay informed about job openings and opportunities. Consider joining a professional pilot association or attending industry events to make connections.

By taking these steps and demonstrating your commitment to a career as a pilot, you will be well-prepared to take advantage of the rising demand for pilots and land a rewarding and fulfilling job in the aviation industry.

 

Apply Now

If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, now is a great time to apply to Venture West Aviation. Our experienced instructors will provide you with the training and knowledge necessary to become a confident and skilled pilot. We offer a wide range of courses, from private pilot training to advanced certifications, and our state-of-the-art facilities and aircraft are equipped with the latest technology.

Flight training is rigorous and demanding, but with hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to earn your wings and begin an exciting new career. To apply, simply click the ‘Apply Now’ button above and fill out the application. One of our admissions representatives will be in touch with you soon to discuss the next steps in the enrollment process. We look forward to helping you achieve your dream of becoming a pilot.