Boeing projects USD 4.9tr aviation services market, 2.4m new personnel by 2045

Dhaka: Boeing has projected the global commercial aviation support and services market will be worth USD 4.9 trillion over the next two decades, driven by sustained growth in air travel, fleet expansion, and increasing demand for digital aviation solutions.

The aerospace manufacturer, in its latest 2026 Boeing Services Market Outlook and Pilot and Technician Outlook, also forecasts the industry will require more than 2.4 million new aviation professionals by 2045 to support expanding fleets and replace retiring workers.

According to Boeing, the sector will need approximately 674,000 pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians, and 1.02 million cabin crew members over the next 20 years. Around two-thirds of the demand will stem from workforce retirements, while the remaining one-third will be driven by fleet growth.

The company said global passenger traffic is expected to double over the period, with near-term market disruptions unlikely to alter the industry's long-term growth trajectory.

Boeing identified aircraft lifecycle management, digitalization, data-driven services, shifting regional demand, and workforce transformation as key trends shaping the aviation services market.

Regionally, Eurasia is projected to generate the largest services market at USD 1.19 trillion, followed by North America at USD 995 billion and China at USD 875 billion. South Asia is expected to account for a USD 220 billion services market while requiring around 150,000 new aviation personnel, including 48,000 pilots, 48,000 technicians, and 54,000 cabin crew.

Boeing said advances in immersive technologies and competency-based training will play a key role in addressing global shortages of pilots and maintenance technicians while improving aviation safety and operational efficiency.