The Aviation Industry Faces Shortage of Maintenance Workers in the United States
The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of maintenance workers in the aviation industry, exacerbated by factors such as baby boomers retiring and job changes during the pandemic.
Projected Growth in the Aviation Sector
A recent study by consulting firm Oliver Wyman indicates that the global fleet of commercial aircraft is expected to increase by a third by 2034, totaling over 36,400 vessels. As a result, spending in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul market is projected to grow by almost 20 percent by 2034.
Challenges in Manpower and Talent Pipeline
Despite the sector’s growth prospects, there is a significant shortfall of qualified manpower and an inadequate pipeline of talent. North America currently lacks around 24,000 aviation maintenance technicians, a number that is expected to rise to nearly 40,000 by 2028 according to Oliver Wyman.
The renowned Aviation High School in Long Island, one of the 28 schools certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), plays a crucial role in training future aviation maintenance technicians. However, with cohorts totaling 2,000 students, the school faces challenges in meeting the increasing demand for skilled workers in the industry.
Efforts to Address the Manpower Shortage
To address the shortage of maintenance technicians, efforts are being made to accelerate training programs. In 2018, Congress passed legislation enabling the FAA to provide grants to schools for training programs. Recently, $13.5 million was awarded to 32 schools, with a focus on training maintenance professionals.
Despite the industry’s growth potential, ongoing shortages in aviation jobs could limit its expansion. Quality control issues have also been highlighted, with disruptions in the transfer of knowledge between experienced and new technicians.
Industry Challenges and Future Outlook
Boeing forecasts a strong long-term demand for newly qualified aviation personnel, with a need for 690,000 new maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. The maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector is facing capacity challenges, with high demand for hangar maintenance slots.
As aircraft manufacturers face delivery delays and airlines increase orders for fuel-efficient fleets, the pressure to maintain aircraft and ensure safety standards remains high. Recent incidents and quality-control issues have prompted industry stakeholders to reevaluate training programs and safety procedures to meet the growing demands of the aviation sector.