Commercial aviation grows, and therefore, industries inherent in it need adjustments, whether with airports announcing expansions or with companies closing deals with aircraft manufacturers. Such news often comes almost weekly, but one of these facets is little commented: the demand for pilots.

CAE is a pilot training company that recently released a study on commercial aviation demand for the next ten years. Using data on airline growth, pension projections and market trends, the report says that by 2027 an additional 255,000 aircraft commanders will be needed.

To achieve this, CAE used three main data: the number of passengers traveling (+1.6 billion between 2017 and 2027), cities connected in direct flights (+7 thousand) and commercial aircraft in activity (+12 thousand ). Add to this the number of pensions (105 thousand).

The number, according to the document, is greater than in any other decade in commercial aviation. According to the CAE, 180,000 first officers would need to become aircraft commanders and more: 50% of the pilots who will be in the air in ten years have not even begun their training.

CAE Group President Nick Leontidis says “The aviation industry will need 70 new pilots a day over the next 10 years to meet global demand.” “This record demand will challenge current recruitment channels for pilots and development programs. New and innovative career systems and programs will be needed to meet the ever-evolving standards of safety, competence and efficiency, “he concluded.