Global Aviation Faces 1.5 Million Talent Shortfall: APATS 2025 to Address Recruitment Crisis

The global civil aviation sector is on the brink of an unprecedented talent crisis, with an estimated 1.5 million new professionals needed worldwide by 2034, according to CAE’s Aviation Talent Forecast, unveiled at the Paris International Air Show..

The 2025 edition of the comprehensive forecast identifies the demand for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and, for the first time, air traffic controllers globally over the next decade.

Specifically, the report details that 1,292,000 commercial aviation professionals will be required - comprising 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, 678,000 cabin crew and 71,000 controllers. 

"With commercial and business aviation fleets expected to see double-digit increases over the next 10 years, the industry must take action to attract, train, and retain personnel," said Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice-President of Strategy, Performance, Air Traffic Services & Marketing at CAE. 

Read The Full Report

"The industry needs to be proactive and creative. Adaptability and optimised training will be key," she added, with the report citing retirements and training drop outs for the crisis.

The largest proportion of this commercial demand is anticipated in the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific region.

Which is why the burning issue of recruitment and retention will take centre stage at the upcoming Asia Pacific Aviation Training Summit (APATS) 2025 in Singapore.

Halldale is delighted to have Chris Ranganathan, Chief Learning Officer at CAE, speaking in our opening session in Singapore as part of a panel discussion titled: "Skies of Change: Evolving Crew Training for Modern Aviation in Asia-Pacific and Beyond."

Register for APATS 2025!

As the Asia-Pacific region's largest aviation training event, APATS is designed by and for aviation professionals. It convenes the entire training community, from airline training academies, universities, and airlines to regulators and suppliers. 

APATS 2025 will feature dedicated conference streams for Pilot, Cabin Crew, Maintenance, and ATO (Ab Initio) training, alongside a comprehensive exhibition.

APATS directly addresses current and future training issues impacting businesses, and.offers an unrivalled opportunity for attendees to meet key decision-makers from the region.

We look forward to welcoming you to Singapore!