Aircraft maintenance technician forecast
Secure skies need skilled technicians
With the aviation industry rebounding from the pandemic and operators expanding their fleet, the demand for skilled aircraft technicians is surging. Additionally, as much of the current workforce nears the age of retirement, there is a need for a new generation of technicians to step up and fill the gap. This presents an opportunity for an exciting career path for individuals who are passionate about aviation and enjoy hands-on technicial work.
402,000
new aircraft maintenance technicians needed over the next 10 years
New aircraft maintenance technicians needed per region
328K new commercial aircraft maintenance
technicians needed over the next 10 years
technicians needed over the next 10 years
Active
2023
193K
Remain active
33K
Replacement
160K
Growth
168K
2032
361K
Active
193k
2023
361k
168k
160k
33k
Growth
Replacement
Remain active
2032
74K new business aircraft maintenance technicians needed over the next 10 years
Active
2023
61K
Remain active
17K
Replacement
44K
Growth
30K
2032
90K
Active
91k
2023
90k
30k
44k
17k
Growth
Replacement
Remain active
2032
Tomorrow’s technicians needed today
While the pilot supply issue has gotten significant attention in the last year or so, the aircraft maintenance technician talent pool is likewise constrained. The overall maintenance technician workforce is older than the broader workforce and many technicians are reaching ages where retirement is an option. While newer aircraft require less maintenance than older generations, the growth of the fleet is putting increasing demands on maintenance technicians.
38% of the mechanic
population is 60 or older
population is 60 or older
Source: FAA Airmen Certification Branch
Looking for the next generation of aircraft technicians
The industry is engaging in more modern training techniques to tap into the younger pool of talent. Now, students are receiving better training with tools like a virtual simulator, emulators or interactive schematics that offer an engaging approach to cockpit familiarization. Hybrid classrooms, which include a mix of physically present students and others attending virtually, provide the best of both worlds and boost student engagement.
78% growth
in aircraft maintenance technician demand from 2023 to 2032
452K
active aircraft maintenance technicians forecasted for 2032
361K
commercial aircraft maintenance technicians
91K
business aircraft maintenance technician
Diversifying the workforce
There is tremendous opportunity for the industry by forging a path for fresh, innovative minds to enter the industry. Bringing diversity to aviation is important to the industry. Talented people are not limited to one gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; therefore, we should encourage and welcome people from all genders and background to consider a career as an aircraft maintenance technician.
Currently, only 3% of the 337,000 FAA registered mechanics and repair personnel in the United States are women
Source: FAA
Hear from those whose careers took flight...
What you can do today
1.
Explore CAE’s immersive training programs and solutions for aircraft maintenance technicians
2.
Find out about professional development programs offered
at CAE and within your own organization:
at CAE and within your own organization:
3.
Discover current job opportunities
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