 |
Boeing has recently announced a comprehensive global training solution that provides all the training a pilot needs, from basic theory through qualification as a commercial jet first officer, the ‘right seat’ in the flight deck.
Leveraging the proven experience of Boeing and Jeppesen, the Boeing Pilot Development Programme is designed to provide the essential training an airline needs to help meet the rising demand for qualified pilots. The programme takes cadet pilots through initial screening, ab initio (basic classroom and flight instruction), jet bridge and type rating training at Boeing training facilities around the world to ensure an efficient, consistent and effective pipeline for airlines to secure qualified first officers.
“Approximately 5,33,000 new commercial airline pilots are needed to support the global fleet over the next 20 years,” says David Wright, director, Boeing Pilot Development Programme. “Boeing has been talking about this demand for years – the Pilot Development Programme is our answer, and an investment in the future of aviation personnel,” he mentions.
Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen provides initial screening and ab initio training through its robust training network, including a competence evaluation in Aviation English, foundational aviation knowledge and migration from practical ground and flight training to an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Boeing and Jeppesen developed a jet-bridge course, providing high-performance jet theory, with fixed- and full-motion simulation – all from an airline operations perspective.
“The Boeing Pilot Development Programme brings the experience and knowledge associated with two leaders in aviation, Boeing and Jeppesen, to provide a comprehensive programme designed to train operationally ready pilots,” says Wright. “But no single company can close the gap in demand. This is an industry issue, and can only be solved by innovative, industry-wide solutions,” he adds.
The sky is the limit
Boeing is forecasting continued strong growth in demand for commercial aviation pilots and maintenance technicians as the global fleet expands over the next 20 years.
Boeing’s 2014 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects that between 2014 and 2033, the world’s aviation system will require 533,000 new commercial airline pilots and 584,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.
“The challenge of meeting the global demand for airline professionals cannot be solved by one company or in one region of the world,” says Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. “This is a global issue that can only be solved by all of the parties involved – airlines, aircraft and training equipment manufacturers, training delivery organizations, regulatory agencies and educational institutions around the world,” says Carbary. The 2014 outlook projects continued increases in pilot demand, which is up approximately seven per cent compared to 2013 and in maintenance training, which increased just over five per cent.
Pilot demand in the Asia Pacific region now comprises 41 per cent of the world’s need, and the Middle East region saw significant growth since last year’s outlook due to increased airline capacity and orders for wide-body models which require more crew members.
Overall, the global demand is driven by steadily increasing airplane deliveries, particularly wide-body airplanes, and represents a global requirement for about 27,000 new pilots and 29,000 new technicians annually.
Projected demand for new pilots and technicians by global region:
- Asia Pacific – 216,000 pilots and 224,000 technicians;
- Europe – 94,000 pilots and 102,000 technicians;
- North America – 88,000 pilots and 109,000 technicians;
- Latin America – 45,000 pilots and 44,000 technicians;
- Middle East – 55,000 pilots and 62,000 technicians;
- Africa – 17,000 pilots and 19,000 technicians; and
- Russia and CIS – 18,000 pilots and 24,000 technicians.
