Boeing projects $4.9 trillion aviation services market through 2045
Boeing projects a $4.9 trillion commercial aviation services market through 2045, driven by traffic growth and fleet expansion. The outlook also indicates a need for 2.4 million new professionals to address retirements and industry expansion.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Boeing projects a $4.9 trillion commercial aviation support and services market over the next two decades, alongside a demand for more than 2.4 million new aviation professionals through 2045. The forecast, released in the Boeing Services Market Outlook and Pilot & Technician Outlook, anticipates sustained growth in commercial aviation with demand and traffic expected to double. The industry faces production, supply chain, and workforce constraints as digitalization and sustainability reshape aviation services.
Workforce Demand and Drivers
Boeing's 2026 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) projects an industry need for approximately 674,000 pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians, and 1,023,000 cabin crew members globally. This totals more than 2.4 million new personnel. Two-thirds of this demand will replace retiring personnel, while one-third will support fleet growth. Competency-based training and advancements in technologies are highlighted as key tools to enhance hands-on learning and address shortages.
Regional Breakdown of Demand
The following table details the projected demand for new personnel and the total services and support demand by region through 2045:
| Region | New Pilots | New Technicians | New Cabin Crew | Total New Personnel | Total Services and Support Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global | 674,000 | 728,000 | 1,023,000 | 2,425,000 | $4.9T |
| Africa | 22,000 | 25,000 | 28,000 | 75,000 | $140B |
| China | 123,000 | 131,000 | 171,000 | 425,000 | $875B |
| Eurasia | 153,000 | 169,000 | 249,000 | 571,000 | $1,185B |
| Latin America | 38,000 | 42,000 | 56,000 | 136,000 | $260B |
| Middle East | 67,000 | 65,000 | 104,000 | 236,000 | $475B |
| North America | 122,000 | 125,000 | 191,000 | 438,000 | $995B |
| Northeast Asia | 24,000 | 28,000 | 43,000 | 95,000 | $200B |
| Oceania | 11,000 | 12,000 | 18,000 | 41,000 | $85B |
| South Asia | 48,000 | 48,000 | 54,000 | 150,000 | $220B |
| Southeast Asia | 66,000 | 83,000 | 109,000 | 258,000 | $425B |
Market Trends and Strategic Focus
Key trends influencing the commercial aviation services market include efficiency initiatives focusing on aircraft lifecycle management, increased aircraft digitalization, and geographic shifts in service needs. Chris Raymond, president and CEO of Boeing Global Services, emphasized the need to digitally modernize the business and invest in skilled people to keep aircraft flying safely and efficiently. Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, noted that immersive technologies will support Competency-Based Training and Assessment approaches to ensure high-quality aviation training.
How will the industry address the immediate supply chain bottlenecks to meet the projected demand for new aircraft and services?
What role will sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and green technologies play in reshaping the $4.9 trillion services market?
How are training programs evolving to integrate immersive technologies and competency-based assessments at scale?
20
Access Market Heat-map & Insights 
Create, Save & Share your Screener 
Use 200+ Screening Filters 
