Continued investments in these technologies will likely lead to a long-term fundamental shift in how training is conducted. Immersive technologies, adaptive learning and flexible distance learning methods have allowed the training pipeline to remain intact while evolving how training is delivered. Many training providers have transitioned their offerings to online and virtual formats where possible, allowing students to continue their learning safely and remotely. To address challenges created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the training industry is adopting increasingly innovative solutions. Those in this industry who emerge from market downturns have historically resumed their growth trajectory through collaboration, adaptation, and innovation. Opportunity for aspiring aviators will abound while operators will face stiff competition in recruiting and retaining top tier talent.
The global aviation industry will need to keep a sharp focus and engage in collective efforts to build a robust, diverse talent pipeline through more educational outreach and recruitment, development of new pathways to aviation careers, investment in early-career learning opportunities, and deployment and adoption of more efficient learning methods.
Meeting projected pilot, aircraft mechanic and flight attendant demand is wholly dependent on industry’s investment in a steady pipeline of newly qualified personnel to replace those who have left or will soon exit the industry through mandatory retirement, early retirement, recent layoffs and furloughs, and ongoing attrition. Long-term demand for newly qualified aviation personnel remains strong, as 612,000 new pilots, 626,000 new maintenance technicians and 886,000 new cabin crew members are needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.
As the commercial aviation industry navigates an uneven global recovery from the recent market downturn caused by COVID-19effective training and an adequate supply of personnel remain critical to maintaining the health, safety and prosperity of the aviation ecosystem.