Airline pilot market: recruitment, needs and outlook
Traffic growth, fleet renewal, retirements: the need for pilots will remain high in the coming years. But becoming an airline pilot still requires solid training and real preparation for selection.
Air transport will need the next generation of pilots
Boeing and Airbus reach the same conclusion: over the next twenty years, airlines will have to recruit on a large scale to keep pace with air traffic growth, fleet renewal and retirements.
674,000
new pilots neededGlobal forecast 2026–2045 
633,000
new pilots neededGlobal forecast 2025–2044
≈ 650,000new pilots needed worldwide over the next twenty years
Why is the need for pilots rising?
Pilot recruitment is driven by several factors: air traffic growth, fleet renewal, retirements, attrition and network changes. Needs vary by region, airline and type of operation.
Air traffic growth
More and more passengers travel each year, pushing airlines to recruit more pilots.
Fleet renewal and expansion
Airlines are modernising their aircraft and expanding their networks, creating new operational needs.
Retirements
A significant share of the pilots currently in post will gradually leave the profession in the years ahead.
Changing route networks
New routes, long-haul expansion, new regional bases: every network change creates new crew needs, often in new geographic areas.
Where will the need for pilots be greatest?
Needs vary by region. Air traffic growth, fleet renewal and retirements will support recruitment worldwide.
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+35,000
new pilots to recruit worldwide each year through 2045
Order of magnitude based on Boeing’s twenty-year global demand forecast.
A global demand, with different regional dynamics
Volumes vary by market, but no region is left out of the growing need for pilots. Opportunities will evolve depending on airlines, right-to-work status, licences held and local recruitment conditions.
Data sources
Frequency refers to the number of one-way flights scheduled in the airline’s timetables.
A buoyant market, but demanding selection
The need for pilots creates opportunities, but it does not replace preparation. Airlines look for candidates able to pass the tests, communicate in English and operate as part of a crew.
Boarding pass · selection
What airlines assess
Aviation English
Communicating clearly in English, on the radio and in the cockpit.
Aptitude tests
Logic, memory, coordination and multitasking.
Motivation interview
Understanding your goals, your background and your commitment.
Simulator assessment
Method, flight management and behaviour at the controls.
Crew teamwork
Communicating, sharing tasks and deciding as a two-pilot crew.
A solid training record
Licences, ratings, flight hours and a consistent record.
What airlines expect from a future pilot
Airlines don’t just recruit a CV or licences. They look for reliable people, able to work as a crew, follow strict procedures and make decisions in a demanding operational environment.
Rigour
Following procedures, preparation and reliability.
Composure
The ability to stay calm in unexpected situations.
Team spirit
The cockpit runs on communication and coordination.
English
An essential prerequisite to progress in an airline.
Lasting motivation
The training and career require long-term commitment.
Adaptability
Hours, bases, networks, aircraft types and airline cultures can change.
What opportunities for a qualified pilot?
After training, the first goal is usually to join an airline as a First Officer. Depending on your path, profile and the market, the opportunities can vary.
First goal
First Officer at an airline
Most young pilots aim for a first cockpit experience, usually as a First Officer, before progressing according to their path and the market.
Commercial aviation
Fly aircraft carrying passengers on scheduled routes, within national or international airlines. You can work on short-, medium- or long-haul networks and connect destinations around the world every day.
Business aviation
Fly private jets for professional or personal travel tailored to passengers’ needs. Missions, destinations and airports change regularly, within specialised companies and operators.
Cargo aviation
Carry goods, urgent freight or essential products across national and international networks. Cargo aviation directly supports trade and the functioning of global logistics.
Preparing for airlines with Astonfly
Astonfly trains airline pilots within an EASA framework, with two full-time 24-month programmes: Ryanair Future Flyer Academy, to aim for Ryanair, and Multi Airlines, to prepare for the selection processes of several airlines.
The market creates opportunities. Training and preparation are what let you seize them.
- Full-time training in 24 months
- 100% in English
- Airline selection preparation
- Astonjob access • Pilot jobs & alumni network
- Ryanair Future Flyer Academy
- Multi Airlines
Want to build your pilot career?
The market offers prospects, but the first step is still training. Discover our programmes or come and meet our teams at an open day.
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The steps, the prerequisites and how long the path takes.
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DiscoverThe EASA licence
The European framework, the licences, the ratings and the equivalences.
DiscoverEmployability
The employability results of Astonfly students.
DiscoverOur programmes
One training track for two programmes.
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