Training & Certification
Global Aviation Workforce Needs 1.5 Million New Professionals by 2034
CAE report projects critical demand for aviation roles across regions, driven by retirements and fleet growth, with tech-driven training as key solution.
Introduction: The Aviation Talent Crunch
The global aviation industry is on the brink of a workforce transformation. According to CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, the sector will require 1.5 million new civil aviation professionals by 2034. This projection underscores a critical challenge: how to meet surging demand for pilots, technicians, cabin crew, and air traffic controllers amidst a backdrop of accelerated fleet growth, retirements, and evolving training paradigms.
The civil aviation sector, a linchpin of global connectivity and commerce, is experiencing a structural talent shortage exacerbated by post-pandemic shifts and demographic changes. The forecast, released at the 2025 Paris Air Show, serves as a wake-up call to stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem. It not only quantifies the impending gap but also provides strategic insights into how educational institutions, regulators, and industry leaders can respond.
Forecasted Demand and Regional Disparities
CAE’s report breaks down the 1.5 million professionals needed into specific categories: 300,000 pilots, 416,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, 678,000 cabin crew, and 71,000 air traffic controllers. Of these, 1.29 million are required for commercial aviation, while 102,000 will be needed in business aviation. The forecast attributes 71% of this demand to replacing retiring personnel, with the remaining 29% driven by fleet expansion and increased air travel demand.
The Asia-Pacific region emerges as the epicenter of demand, accounting for 38% of the projected workforce. India’s domestic air traffic is growing at 8.9% annually, and China’s fleet is expected to reach 9,520 aircraft by 2043. In contrast, North America faces acute attrition among maintenance technicians and air traffic controllers, with a reported 11.5% technician attrition rate in 2024. Europe, meanwhile, must contend with the unique challenge of replacing 71,000 air traffic controllers amid fragmented airspace management.
Business aviation, although smaller in scale, is not immune. The sector requires 33,000 new pilots and 69,000 technicians, a 58% increase over previous projections. This surge aligns with increased private jet utilization, which exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18% in 2024, putting additional pressure on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.
Commercial vs. Business Aviation Workforce Needs
Commercial aviation dominates the demand landscape, needing 267,000 pilots, 347,000 maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew. These figures reflect both the scale and complexity of airline operations, where safety, efficiency, and customer experience hinge on skilled personnel. Business aviation, though smaller, faces a more acute shortage in maintenance expertise, driven by higher utilization rates and a fragmented training pipeline.
Oliver Wyman’s MRO forecast supports this trend, projecting a $124 billion market by 2034 with labor costs rising 5.8% annually. Without adequate staffing, these costs could balloon further, affecting operational readiness and safety margins.
As the industry diversifies its offerings, from ultra-long-haul routes to regional connectivity, the required skill sets are also evolving. For instance, next-generation aircraft demand technicians proficient in software diagnostics and sustainable fuel systems, adding another layer of complexity to workforce planning.
“With commercial and business aviation fleets expected to see double-digit increases over the next 10 years, the industry must take action to attract, train, and retain personnel.”
— Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE
Geographic Hotspots and Policy Responses
In Asia-Pacific, government initiatives such as India’s UDAN scheme offer $15,000 subsidies for rural pilot trainees, helping bridge the talent gap. Meanwhile, China’s civil aviation authority is expanding partnerships with technical schools to standardize training across provinces. These proactive policies are crucial in regions where demand is outpacing supply.
North America’s challenge lies in mitigating attrition. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 30% drop in aviation maintenance enrollments between 2019 and 2023. Moreover, the FAA’s 2025 requirement of 1,500 flight hours for commercial pilots could delay 12,000 certifications annually, further straining the pipeline.
Europe, facing a wave of retirements among air traffic controllers, is investing in simulator-based training and cross-border certification programs. However, progress is uneven, particularly in Eastern European markets where infrastructure and funding remain limited.
Training Innovations and Technological Solutions
To address the talent shortfall, CAE and other stakeholders are investing heavily in training innovation. CAE’s immersive pilot training app, developed for Apple Vision Pro, reduces simulator time by 22% by using mixed-reality scenarios. This not only accelerates learning but also cuts training costs significantly.
Another breakthrough is the CAE Prodigy Image Generator, a photorealistic 3D visual system that enhances situational awareness. Built on gaming technology, it allows trainees to experience high-stress scenarios in a controlled environment, improving retention and decision-making.
Just-in-Time training modules for maintenance technicians are also gaining traction. These allow professionals to learn specific tasks, such as composite material repair or avionics troubleshooting, on demand. Early results show a 34% improvement in knowledge retention compared to traditional classroom methods.
Industry-Wide Training Initiatives
Boeing’s 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook highlights the shift toward competency-based training, especially for cabin crew. Virtual reality modules have reduced training costs by $12,000 per student, while also improving engagement and performance metrics. Airbus, on the other hand, is collaborating with 140 technical schools across 40 countries to standardize maintenance training for the A320neo.
These initiatives reflect a broader trend: the integration of technology not just as a tool, but as a cornerstone of aviation education. With younger generations favoring interactive and personalized learning environments, the industry must adapt or risk losing potential talent to other sectors.
Beyond technology, partnerships with educational institutions and governments are proving effective. CAE’s collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) led to an 18% increase in female technician enrollments, showcasing the power of targeted outreach.
“We need a comprehensive training environment that caters to the way new generations learn and thrive.”
— Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE
Systemic Challenges: Attrition and Diversity
High dropout rates remain a persistent issue. In the U.S., 30% of air traffic control students fail to complete training. In the EU, 25% of maintenance trainees exit programs before certification. These figures suggest a misalignment between training methodologies and learner needs.
Diversity is another critical gap. IATA’s 2023 survey found that women make up only 5% of aircraft technicians and 9% of pilots globally. While some progress has been made, systemic barriers, such as lack of mentorship and financial support, continue to limit participation from underrepresented groups.
To address this, some countries are implementing binding quotas. Norway, for example, has mandated 40% female enrollment in aviation technical schools by 2027. Such policies, combined with inclusive recruitment campaigns, could help diversify the talent pipeline and enhance organizational resilience.
Conclusion: Building a Resilient Aviation Workforce
CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast offers more than just numbers, it provides a strategic blueprint for navigating one of the most pressing challenges facing the aviation industry. Meeting the projected demand for 1.5 million professionals will require a multi-pronged approach, combining technological innovation, policy reform, and inclusive training practices.
As the aviation sector continues to recover and expand, workforce development must be prioritized at every level. From immersive training tools to regional subsidies and diversity initiatives, the solutions are within reach, but only if stakeholders act collaboratively and decisively. In the words of CAE’s Marie-Christine Cloutier, “The talent pipeline must become as agile as the aircraft we build.”
FAQ
What is CAE’s 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast? It’s a comprehensive report analyzing the global need for aviation professionals over the next decade, projecting a demand for 1.5 million new workers by 2034.
Which aviation roles are most in demand? Cabin crew (678,000), aircraft maintenance technicians (416,000), pilots (300,000), and air traffic controllers (71,000) are the most needed roles globally.
What regions are facing the highest demand? Asia-Pacific leads with 38% of the global demand, followed by North America and Europe, each facing unique workforce challenges.
How is the industry addressing training challenges? Through immersive technologies like VR/AR, modular learning platforms, and partnerships with educational institutions to modernize and scale training programs.
What are the main barriers to workforce development? High attrition rates, lack of diversity, outdated training methods, and regulatory hurdles are key challenges highlighted in the report.
Sources: CAE 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast, Oliver Wyman MRO Forecast, IATA 2023 Diversity Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook 2024, Airbus Global Market Forecast
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
CAE Adds Four Business Jet Simulators Across the Americas
CAE deploys four full-flight simulators in the Americas for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 amid talent shortage.
Canadian training provider CAE announced the deployment of four additional full-flight simulators across the Americas on October 20, 2026, expanding localized training capacity for high-demand business jets.
Revealed during the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the expansion targets a projected long-term shortage of aviation professionals. In a press release, the company stated the new hardware will support training for the Bombardier Global 6500, Embraer Praetor 600, Pilatus PC-24, and Cessna Citation CJ4.
Expanding localized training capacity
The addition of the four simulators is designed to align CAE’s global training network with growing customer and fleet demand. By placing training hardware closer to where operators require it, the company aims to reduce the need for flight crews to travel long distances for initial and recurrent training.
While the specific cities or training center locations for the four new simulators within the Americas region were not detailed in the October 20 announcement, the deployment fits into a broader strategy of regionalized training hubs.
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted the importance of localized access for operators.
“These simulator deployments expand access to high-quality training on the aircraft our customers fly, where they need it, while delivering the quality and experience they expect from CAE. It’s about helping crews stay ready, perform at their best and fly safely.”
Addressing the aviation talent shortage
The business aviation sector is experiencing sustained growth, driving a long-term need for qualified personnel. According to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, the industry will require 102,000 new business aviation professionals worldwide by 2034.
That projection comprises 33,000 new business aviation pilots and 69,000 maintenance technicians. Prévost stated that as business aviation demand grows, the company is strengthening its global training network to meet the evolving needs of operators facing these workforce pressures.
CAE’s decade of business aviation growth
Over the past decade, CAE has nearly doubled its business aviation training capacity. The company’s global business aviation training network now includes more than 130 full-flight simulators.
To support this infrastructure, CAE employs approximately 1,000 instructors worldwide. Together, this network delivers more than 300,000 hours of training annually across both pilot and maintenance disciplines.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to deploy simulators for the Global 6500, Praetor 600, PC-24, and CJ4 reflects the current delivery mix and utilization rates in the Americas. By distributing simulator capacity regionally rather than centralizing it, training providers are directly addressing operator concerns about crew downtime. In a tight labor market where 33,000 new business aviation pilots are needed over the next decade, minimizing the days crews spend traveling to training events becomes a competitive advantage for both the operators and the training providers they select.
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
Bombardier Opens Wichita Training Center in $50M Investment
Bombardier inaugurated its North American Learning Center in Wichita, Kansas, training 250 mechanics annually as part of a $50M site expansion.
Bombardier Inc. inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development facility for United States aircraft technicians on October 15, 2026, anchoring an approximately $50 million investment in its Wichita, Kansas, operations.
The North American Learning Center and an expanded wheel and tire shop are designed to address industry-wide skilled labor constraints by internalizing mechanic training and boosting component repair capacity. In a press release issued on October 15, the Canadian manufacturer stated the investment ensures a steady pipeline of qualified personnel to support its growing network of 10 American service centers.
Training infrastructure and capacity
The newly opened North American Learning Center represents a strategic shift for Bombardier in how it prepares its aftermarket workforce. The facility features a retired Bombardier Global 5000 fuselage mounted on jack stands. This setup allows students to practice maintenance procedures on an actual airframe without the risk of damaging a customer aircraft.
According to reporting by Aviation International News and the Wichita Business Journal, the center will host two-week training courses for cohorts of up to 40 students. Over the next 12 months, Bombardier expects approximately 250 newly hired aircraft technicians and mechanics to pass through the curriculum.
The facility also incorporates dedicated back shops where trainees practice foundational aviation maintenance skills, including sheet metal fabrication, safety wire twisting, and digital manual navigation. Bombardier plans to expand the curriculum in the future to include advanced maintenance training and interior removal and installation courses.
Component repair expansion
Alongside the training center, the $50 million investment funded a significant modernization of the Wichita site’s wheel and tire shop. The upgraded facility is projected to double its throughput from 2,300 units last year to 5,000 units this year.
Once fully ramped up, the expanded shop will have the capacity to service 15,000 wheels and tires annually. This increased Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) capability is intended to directly support the company’s distributed service network across the country.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the dual focus of the investment.
“Our approximately $50 million investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations,” Sislian said. “This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while position the site for continued growth.”
Transitioning the Air Capital footprint
The October 15, 2026, inauguration marks the latest phase in Bombardier’s repositioning of its Wichita footprint. Known historically as the “Air Capital of the World,” the city was the manufacturing home of the Learjet program for six decades.
Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production on February 11, 2021, to focus resources on its more profitable Challenger and Global aircraft families. The final Learjet 75 rolled off the Wichita assembly line on March 28, 2022.
Rather than drawing down its presence following the end of aircraft manufacturing at the site, Bombardier designated the one-million-square-foot facility as its United States headquarters on April 19, 2022. The location also became the base for the newly launched Bombardier Defense division, alongside an existing major service center and flight test center.
Today, Bombardier employs 1,500 people in Kansas out of a total United States workforce of 3,500. The company reports an annual supplier spend of $2.5 billion across the country.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the inauguration alongside Lieutenant Governor David Toland, noted the state’s ongoing relationship with the manufacturer.
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s U.S. headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” Kelly said.
AirPro News analysis
The aviation aftermarket is currently constrained by a severe shortage of skilled labor. By moving technician training in-house and simultaneously expanding component repair capacity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Bombardier are acknowledging that physical hangar space is no longer the primary bottleneck to aftermarket growth. We view this $50 million investment as a defensive strategy to protect service revenue. If an OEM cannot guarantee a steady supply of qualified mechanics and overhauled components, its expanded service centers cannot operate at capacity. Internalizing the training pipeline reduces reliance on third-party technical schools and ensures new hires are immediately productive on specific airframes like the Global 5000.
Photo Credit: Bombardier Inc.
Training & Certification
FAA Approves First US G600 G700 Convertible Simulator
FAA certifies FlightSafety International’s Gulfstream G600/G700 convertible Level D simulator in Long Beach, CA.
The FAA has approved FlightSafety International’s new Gulfstream G600 and G700 convertible Level D Full-Flight Simulator, establishing the first dual-configuration training device for the aircraft types in the United States.
Announced in a company press release on October 1, 2026, the approval allows the training provider to serve operators of both the Gulfstream GVII and GVIII platforms from a single device at its Long Beach, California, facility. The certification addresses a growing domestic requirement for pilot training capacity as the G700 fleet expands.
Expanding domestic training capacity
The new simulator was engineered and manufactured at FlightSafety International’s facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, before installation at the Long Beach Learning Center. The convertible design allows the device to switch between G600 and G700 configurations, optimizing scheduling for type-rated pilots.
Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International, stated that the new convertible simulator reflects the company’s commitment to providing innovative training solutions.
“By enabling multiple aircraft configurations within a single device, we are helping customers optimize training access while maintaining the highest standards of fidelity and safety,” Carter said.
The Long Beach approval follows a similar certification in Asia. In August 2026, the FAA certified the company’s other G600 and G700 convertible device in Singapore for G600 training, which currently serves regional operators.
Technical specifications and capabilities
The Long Beach device is certified as a Level D Full-Flight Simulator, the highest level of flight simulator qualification, requiring a comprehensive aerodynamic model and a full motion platform.
The simulator is equipped with the company’s proprietary VITAL 1150 image generator and a 42-inch electric motion base. The system supports advanced training requirements, specifically including steep approach operations for the G600.
Gulfstream fleet expansion and training demand
The introduction of the convertible simulator aligns with the operational growth of Gulfstream’s ultra-long-range business jet portfolio. The G600 entered service in August 2019, establishing a mature operator base requiring recurrent training.
Demand for G700 training is currently accelerating following the aircraft’s recent entry into service. The FAA granted type certification for the G700 on March 29, 2024, and Gulfstream commenced customer deliveries on April 23, 2024.
FlightSafety International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 1996, is marking its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company provides training to aviation professionals from more than 170 countries and operates one of the largest global fleets of advanced flight simulators.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of convertible simulators as a necessary capital efficiency strategy for training providers managing the transition between aircraft generations. Because the G700 fleet is still in its early delivery phase, a dedicated G700 simulator might experience lower utilization rates in the near term. By combining GVII and GVIII configurations into a single Level D device, FlightSafety International can maintain high utilization through the established G600 market while simultaneously absorbing the growing wave of initial type-rating demand for the G700.
Photo Credit: FlightSafety International
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