Aviation giant Boeing has forecast the Asia Pacific region will require hundreds of thousands of new commercial airline pilots and technicians over the next 20 years to support airline fleet modernisation and the rapid growth of air travel.

The 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook calls for 182,300 new pilots and 247,400 new technicians in the Asia Pacific region through 2030.

The greatest need is in China, which will require 72,700 pilots and 108,300 technicians over the next 20 years.

“The demand for aviation personnel is evident today,” said Roei Ganzarski, chief customer officer, Boeing Flight Services.

“In Asia we are already beginning to see some delays and operational disruptions due to a shortage of pilots.

“To ensure the success of our industry as travel demands grows, it is critical that we continue to foster a talent pipeline of capable and well-trained aviation personnel.”

North East Asia will need 20,800 pilots and 30,200 technicians over the next 20 years.

South East Asia will require 47,100 pilots and 60,600 technicians. The Oceania region will need 13,600 pilots and 15,600 technicians and South West Asia will need 28,100 pilots and 32,700 technicians, Boeing found.

“As an industry we must make a concentrated effort to get younger generations excited about careers in aviation,” added Ganzarski.

“We are competing for talent with alluring hi-tech companies and we need to do a better job showcasing our industry as a global, technological, multi-faceted environment where individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines can make a significant impact.”

More information on the 2011 Pilot & Technician Outlook is available here.