Training provider CAE has forecast that the aviation sector needs to recruit an additional 71,000 air traffic controllers by 2034.
The 71,000 figure was published in CAE’s biennial Aviation Talent Forecast at the Paris Air Show this week, which predicts that the civil aviation sector will require a total of 1.5 million more professionals over the next ten years. The number accounts for the sector growing at a rate of 5% year-on-year in the next ten years, and people leaving the industry through retirement.
The report found that there is currently a global shortage of 7,000 air traffic controllers (ATCOs). Of the total active global workforce of around 96,000 ATCOs today, by 2034 just 50,000 of these will still be active. The total number of ATCOs needed in 2034 will be 121,000, the report predicts.
Most of the growth and need for ATCOs will be in Europe, which will need 27,000, followed by Asia-Pacific at 19,000 and North America which will require an additional 15,000 over the next ten years.
The analysis accounts for new technology such as AI, machine learning and other digital technologies being introduced, but does not explore any links to pay and compensation.
Speaking at the launch of the report at the Paris Air Show, Marie-Christine Cloutier, vice president – strategy, performance, air traffic services and marketing at CAE said, “In our study, mostly what we look at is turnover, rates, empowerment, attrition. We found that there was a need to address the high levels of stress related to the job and the difficult work-life balance that working shifts presents.”
The report also found that lengthy and complex training process presents another barrier to filling positions, while mandatory retirement ages, which range from 56 to 65 depending on the region, cause a steady outflow of experienced personnel.
The Forecast reports that 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew - with the largest percentage required to meet rapidly rising demand in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, 102,000 business aviation professionals are expected to be needed worldwide over the next 10 years, including 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.
“To meet the demand, the industry needs to be proactive and creative. Adaptability and optimized training will be key to supplying the demand,” Cloutier said.
“We need a comprehensive training environment that caters to the way new generations learn and thrive. At CAE, part of our solution is investing significantly in innovation and technology. Some of our latest advancements include CAE’s immersive pilot training app using Apple Vision Pro, and the CAE Prodigy Image Generator, our ultra-realistic 3D visual system using gaming technology,” Cloutier explains.
Read the 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast.