The company’s 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) shows the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new professionals to support the growing commercial fleet and meet the long-term increase in air travel.

According to the latest PTO, commercial carriers will need the following new personnel through 2043 to sustain the global commercial fleet:

674,000 pilots

716,000 maintenance technicians

980,000 cabin crew members.

“Driven by aviation traffic trending above pre-pandemic levels, personnel attrition and commercial fleet growth, the demand for aviation personnel continues to rise,” said Chris Broom, vice president, commercial training solutions, Boeing Global Services.

“We are focused on being a reliable and innovative partner in the lifecycle of aviation training. Our offerings are rooted in competency-based training and assessment programmes to help ensure high quality aviation training starting in flight schools and in commercial operations while helping enhance aviation safety through immersive and virtual training solutions.”

The contract will see GANS provide training services to GCAA ab-initio air traffic controllers at its state-of-the-art Training Centre in Al Ain.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of GCAA said: “We are proud to establish this partnership with GANS to advance the training and development of our air traffic controllers. This agreement highlights our dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency within our airspace. By investing in world-class training, we are ensuring that our controllers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the complexities of modern air traffic management.”

Ahmed Al Jallaf, assistant director general of Air Navigation Services at the GCAA said: "This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate the quality of air traffic services in the UAE. The customized training programs provided by GANS will not only strengthen our operational capabilities but also support our strategic vision of being a global leader in aviation safety and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on our air navigation services."

Yahya Al Hammadi, CEO of GANs, added: “We are delighted to have signed this strategic contract, we see this contract as testament to the strength of the relationship we have established with the GCAA. We look forward to delivering this training contract in accordance with GCAA requirements and working together to improve the global Aviation industry through our many collaboration initiatives. I believe the partnership with the GCAA will create a new and effective model of collaboration in our industry.”

The agreement has identified the global requirement for qualified airworthiness, maintenance and teardown personnel, and consider the economic opportunities at secondary airports in Cameroon to establish these activities. 

Grégoire Lebigot, President of Vallair Group, comments: “CCAA has a world-class training facility for the development of skills and it is accredited by ICAO, ACI and IATA.  We have come together to combine Vallair’s worldwide reputation for aircraft maintenance and disassembly that maximises the life and value of aircraft, engines and components. Together we will impart knowledge and embark upon a far-reaching and innovative programme that will also see Vallair’s expertise being replicated in Cameroon.”

“The CCAA operates several domestic airports which provide a fertile ground for establishing economically beneficial and sustainable aircraft maintenance and disassembly operations. This partnership is an important opportunity to jointly study and implement a range of skills development activities,” said  Paule Avomo Assoumou epse Koki, director general of CCAA.

In addition, Vallair will be welcoming two students from Cameroon in September who are both studying to achieve a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance & Recycling (CAMRA). These students have already graduated and will continue their advanced training at Vallair.

The CAMRA diploma is the result of a partnership between the CCAA, via its training school, and the University of Yaoundé 1, via the National Advanced School of Engineering. It is designed to meet the aviation industry and authorities’ need for high-level aviation managers responsible for aircraft maintenance, continuing airworthiness management, and the management of end-of-life aircraft in compliance with safety & environmental protection standards and recommended practices.

The course is available on the INJAZ Campus digital education platform and aims to equip 4,000 high school and university students in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, and Oman with the relevant knowledge and skills to drive sustainability in the aviation industry.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, said: “Achieving commercial aviation’s net zero target by 2050 requires involving the next generation. Boeing is partnering with non-profits and academia to educate and inspire young talent who will eventually design, build, and operate zero-emissions aircraft or develop new pathways for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)”.

By fostering a better understanding of corporate social responsibility, sustainable operations, renewable energy transition including SAF, and more, the course will inspire students to pursue rewarding careers in aviation and sustainability.

Akef Aqrabawi, president and CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab, said: "We are thrilled to introduce our first-ever sustainable aviation course, marking a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with Boeing. INJAZ has always been dedicated to empowering young people to make positive changes in their lives and communities. With environmental concerns ranking among the world's top priorities today, we believe this course will serve as a gateway to building a professional sustainability-driven community."

The course is available both offline and online, offering flexibility to meet the specific needs of each participating country. It welcomes students registered within academic institutions in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, and Oman.

The curriculum comprises six comprehensive one-hour modules, covering various topics related to sustainability in aviation. Participants will engage in real-world case studies, gaining practical insights into the delicate balance between decarbonising aviation and preserving and growing the societal and economic benefits of it.

For over 15 years, INJAZ Al-Arab and Boeing have been working closely to upskill and empower the youth in the Middle East and North Africa.

Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India, said: “The FTO at Amravati will be a significant step towards making Indian aviation more self-reliant and offering more opportunities to the youth in India to fulfil their ambitions of flying as pilots. The young pilots coming out of this FTO will fuel Air India’s ambition of becoming a world-class airline, as it moves ahead in its transformation journey.”

“The FTO will be operational by Q1 FY26 and offer aspiring pilots an opportunity to undergo training with world-class curricula at par with best-in-class global schools. We are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets and to support the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat," said Sunil Bhaskaran, director, Aviation Academy, Air India

Swati Pandey, vice chairman & managing director, Maharashtra Airport Development Company added: “This collaborative initiative between MADC and Air India will not only boost the economy of Maharashtra by focusing on over 3,000 new employment opportunities within the aviation sector, but also create employment in multifarious allied activities in skilling, technical and small entrepreneurial ventures culminating in an impressive contribution of over Rs 1,000 crore to the state’s GDP over the next decade. The establishment of South Asia’s largest FTO will certainly encourage students in Maharashtra to pursue careers in aviation which would further instil a deep sense of inspiration and pride for the state of Maharashtra and the Indian citizenry."

At the FTO in Amravati, Air India will develop a state-of-the-art training institute over 10 acres, with digitally enabled classrooms, hostels at par with global academies, a digitised operations centre, and its own maintenance facility to elevate operational efficiency.

The students graduated after completing their Aircraft Maintenance On-the-Job Experience (OJE) Programme.

Etihad Engineering’s collaboration with VCATI is part of the company’s long-standing commitment to develop and nurture the next generation of aviation professionals by imparting valuable hands-on industry experience to young students at its state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Abu Dhabi.

The OJE programme is managed by Etihad Engineering Technical Training, the onsite training facility of the company which trains more than 10,000 aviation professionals through more than 600 courses every year.

“The aviation sector is booming and the demand for highly skilled and well-trained professionals is higher than ever in our MRO business,” says Adrian Guirey, senior manager of Etihad Engineering Technical Training.

“Our Aircraft Maintenance On the Job Experience (OJE) Programme with VCATI enables us to usher in the next generation of aviation professionals who will become qualified and highly competent aircraft engineers filling the talent gap in the industry,” he adds.

The OJE programme with VCATI was launched in December 2022 with the induction of the first batch of aviation students, and more batches have arrived at the facility since the first induction.

The UAE’s national airline will embark on an international roadshow to meet pilots who may wish to join the growing global airline, beginning in eight cities across Europe before expanding to many more global locations.

John Wright, chief operations and guest officer at Etihad Airways, said: “As we embark on this pilot recruitment roadshow, we’re proud to showcase everything that both Etihad and Abu Dhabi have to offer, and we are seeking pilots who share in our ambitions.

“We appreciate that pilots choose which airline to join for the length of their career, and as such we would like to highlight not only the career development and progression opportunities on offer at Etihad, but also the fantastic home and lifestyle that Abu Dhabi provides.”

Etihad is seeking pilots of all ranks and aircraft types from across the Etihad fleet including the Airbus A320, A350 and A380 as well as the Boeing 777 and 787, and Boeing 777 freighters. Pilots who do not yet fulfil the Etihad criteria but may wish to join Etihad in the future are also encouraged to attend the roadshow or register their interest online.

The year-long programme, initiated as part of Dubai Airports’ ongoing Emiratisation drive, is designed for the UAE's top university graduates. Emirati graduates participating in the programme undergo immersive training and mentorship across key airport functions including Human Resource Development, Technology & Infrastructure and Service & Operations.

Meshari Al Bannai, chief people officer of Dubai Airports, emphasised the importance of investing in the potential of young Emirati talent. "UAE nationals have a crucial role to play in shaping the future of our industry and our city," he stated. "Through programmes like Future Faces, we provide the necessary support, resources, and mentorship for them to discover their potential, thrive and emerge as tomorrow's leaders."

This is the eighth partnership for cadet pilot program by IndiGo in the last 13 years.

The 21-month course also includes three-month ground schooling at Garuda Aviation Academy training center in Gurugram, followed by 12-months of training at 43 Air School in South Africa, which has a track record of training 6000+ ab-initio pilots over the years. 

Over the past 13 years, IndiGo has inducted over 1000 pilots through these full training programmes, which include commercial pilot license and A320 type rating. These courses start right from cadet selection to induction into the airline as a pilot. 

Captain Ashim Mittra, senior vice president- flight operations, IndiGo said: “We are proud to announce our partnership with Garuda Aviation Academy to bolster our Cadet Pilot Programme. We believe that this 21-month duration course will successfully foster the next generation of skilled pilots who will continue to uphold IndiGo's commitment to providing safe, affordable, and hassle-free travel, for everyone. At IndiGo, we focus on the personal and professional growth of our pilots. This partnership will provide our people with unique learning opportunities and foster leadership skills, paving the way for a robust cadre of leaders within IndiGo.”

The graduates participated in the bespoke Commercial Ambassador Leadership Programme,

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Today’s graduation ceremony demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our UAE cadre of country managers who have skilfully honed their international relations, leadership, negotiation and diplomatic knowledge over the course of the last year. I’m proud to see 32 capable Emirati managers celebrate the culmination of all their efforts developed in partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) to represent the UAE and Emirates with distinction across our network.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy added: “We are immensely proud to congratulate the graduates of the Commercial Ambassador Leadership Programme. This milestone reflects the successful collaboration between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and Emirates Group. By equipping these talented managers with essential diplomatic and leadership skills, we are preparing them to be exemplary representatives of both Emirates and the UAE on the global stage. Their achievements underscore our shared vision of fostering a generation of leaders who will drive the UAE's strategic objectives and strengthen our nation's international presence.”