Huge demand for air traffic controllers in coming decade

June 1st 2025

Print Friendly

Global training and simulation company, CAE, estimates 1.5 million civil aviation professionals will be needed worldwide by 2034. Read More » In its 2025 biennial Aviation Talent Forecast, CAE said there will be great demand for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew and, for the first time, air traffic controllers. It is predicted the global industry will need 71,000 air traffic controllers in the next 10 years.

CAE predicts aviation will require 1,292,000 commercial aviation professionals: 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians and 678,000 cabin crew. The largest percentage of this workforce will be necessary to accommodate accelerating Asia-Pacific demand.

In addition, 102,000 business aviation professionals must be recruited to the sector in the next decade: 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.

“The need for 1.5 million new aviation professionals by 2034 is driven by record demand for air travel and a significant wave of retirements that is expected across all categories,” CAE vice president strategy, performance, air traffic services & marketing, Marie-Christine Cloutier, said.

“With commercial and business aviation fleets expected to see double digit increases in the next decades, the industry must take action to attract, train and retain personnel.

“Highly skilled aviation professionals are not just a necessity for the safety of the air transport system; they are the foundation for the successful expansion and resilience of the global aviation sector.

“The industry needs to be proactive and creative. Adaptability and optimised training will be critical to supplying the demand.”