Boeing Outlook Projects Demand for More Than 1.4 Million Pilots and Aviation Technicians, Underscoring Urgent Workforce Training Need

Spartan Education Group Highlights Need to Expand Aviation Training Pipeline as Industry Prepares for Continued Global Growth 

September 1, 2026 – The newly released annual aviation workforce forecast from Boeing projects continued strong demand for qualified pilots and aviation maintenance technicians over the next two decades, reinforcing the need for sustained investment in aviation education, training and workforce development. 

According to Boeing’s 2026-2045 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the global commercial aviation industry will require approximately 674,000 new pilots and 728,000 new maintenance technicians through 2045. Combined, that represents a need for more than 1.4 million new pilots and technicians to support the global commercial aviation fleet.

In North America alone, Boeing projects demand for approximately 122,000 new pilots and 125,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. 

For Spartan Education Group (SEG), which operates aviation education and flight training organizations across the United States, the latest forecast reinforces the importance of developing accessible pathways that introduce individuals to aviation careers and prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. 

“Boeing’s latest outlook sends a clear message: developing the next generation of aviation professionals remains an urgent workforce priority,” said Rob Polston, CEO of Spartan Education Group. “Meeting the long-term needs of the aviation industry will require collaboration among educators, employers and industry partners to create strong training pipelines and introduce more people to opportunities in aviation. At Spartan, we are proud to play a role in that effort by providing aviation education and flight training opportunities across our network.” 

Boeing’s forecast comes as the commercial aviation industry prepares for significant long-term expansion. Boeing projects the global commercial airplane fleet will grow nearly 80 percent to more than 50,000 airplanes by 2045, with nearly 44,000 new airplanes expected to be delivered during the next two decades. 

Workforce replacement is also expected to be a major contributor to personnel demand. Boeing estimates approximately two-thirds of the industry's need for new aviation professionals will result from replacing personnel leaving the workforce, while approximately one-third will support growth of the global fleet. 

The latest projections represent an increase from Boeing’s 2025 outlook, which forecast demand for 660,000 pilots and 710,000 maintenance technicians through 2044. The updated outlook adds approximately 14,000 pilots and 18,000 technicians to Boeing’s 20-year global forecast. 

“Building the aviation workforce is not simply about responding to today's hiring environment, it is about preparing for decades of sustained industry demand,” Polston added. “Training organizations have an important opportunity to work alongside industry to help ensure the pipeline of skilled aviation professionals keeps pace with the future of flight.” 

Spartan Education Group’s network includes Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, as well as independent FAA flight training operations McAir Aviation, Illinois Aviation Academy and Spartan Flight Academy. Together, the organizations provide aviation education and flight training opportunities in key aviation markets across the United States. 

Spartan College traces its history to 1928 and has trained more than 100,000 pilots and technicians throughout its history. Today, SEG continues that aviation-focused legacy through education, flight training, workforce partnerships and industry collaborations designed to help prepare individuals for opportunities across the aviation sector. 

Boeing’s complete 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook is available through Boeing. 

About Spartan Education Group 
Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG) owns and operates Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, an accredited system of schools with campuses in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Broomfield, Colorado; Inglewood, California; and Riverside, California. Spartan College has more than 98 years of history and has trained more than 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians from the United States and over 40 countries. SEG also owns several independent FAA Part 141 flight training operations, including McAir Aviation, Illinois Aviation Academy, and Spartan Flight Academy. These schools provide non-Title IV flight training separate from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Federal student aid is not available for these flight training programs, and completion of training does not guarantee certification or employment. Administrative office: Spartan Education Group, LLC, 1 N. Franklin St., Suite 2125, Chicago, IL 60606.