The Best Ever Time to be an Aviation Maintenance Engineer?

The Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook 2018-2037, forecast that more than 42.000 new aeroplanes will enter service, which will increase the demand of pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew like never before in history.

As far as it concerns AMMTEs (Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics, Technicians and Engineers), the largest demand will be in the Asia Pacific region, where it is forecast will need 257.000 new engineers. Airlines in North America will require 189.000, Europe 132,000, the Middle East 66.000, Latin America 55,000, Africa 28.000, and Russia / Central Asia 27.000.

Despite this promising context, it seems the industry is not ready to meet these requirements. Just in the United States it is predicted a gap between the demand of engineers and its supply will be 9% by 2027 (See figure1).

Reducing this gap will require a lot of work, considering the speed of leaving the industry is faster than the speed of getting into it. In the matter, a student whose aim is to start a career as an aircraft engineer must begin by undertaking theoretical training of two years and four months with one year of practical training to get a “License CAT A” which allows technicians to realise some basic tasks. To achieve the second level in the hierarchy: “License CAT B”, it is required to complete all B1 modules and additional two years of practical experience. Eventually, to reach the position of supervisor: “License CAT C” it is needed to complete 7 years of certified experience.

Figure 1. Forecasted demand of AMMTEs for the next ten years in US

On the other hand, the average age of aircraft engineers is 51 years and the retirement age varies between 62 and 66 years depending on the country and the individual conditions. It means that over the coming years several thousands of engineers will leave the industry while their successors are still under training.

Additionally, when we think about the expansion of the training programme. The situation gets even more critical. The rapidly evolution of aviation is demanding the current and future AMMTEs to familiarise with the sophisticated avionics systems and the handling of new composites instead of the traditional sheet metal in the aircraft structure. The development of these new skills demands more time and dedication from the students.

David George, CEO at Brookfield Aviation International said: “There has not been a better time to start a career in aircraft maintenance. However it is vital that any student of aeronautical engineering is trained on an internationally recognised course and in the best available facility. There is no place in this industry for a 70% proficient engineer. Lives are at stake.” During the last twelve months it has been noticed that an increase in the demand for AMMTEs worldwide connects to airlines which are expanding their benefits and its salaries aiming to attract the best talents.

In this way from Brookfield aviation, we extend an invitation to the new generations to start up a career in aeronautic engineering. We welcome applications from engineers at all levels – experienced and supervisory, or entry level. We have interesting worldwide professional contracts and the very best training opportunities for newcomers.