2026 Global Aviation Workforce Forecast: Pilot, Engineer and Operations Insights by Brookfield Aviation
- Todd Skaggs
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Published on: 02 January 2026
Written by: Todd Skaggs
How workforce strategy will define success in aviation this year
The aviation industry enters 2026 with strong demand and tight capacity. The decisive factor will be people. Pilots, licensed engineers and operations professionals will shape performance, reliability and growth.
The Brookfield Aviation International Perspective
As the industry moves into 2026, airlines and MROs face a familiar constraint. Aircraft and technology are available. Skilled people are not. Demand for qualified pilots, licensed aircraft engineers and experienced operations professionals continues to outpace supply, making workforce strategy a defining factor for success.
Brookfield Aviation International partners with airlines and aviation professionals worldwide, giving us a clear view of the forces that will shape recruitment and staffing in the year ahead.
The Global Aviation Outlook for 2026
Passenger demand is expected to rise again in 2026, supported by fleet expansion and the continued introduction of next-generation aircraft. Airlines are investing in digital operations, sustainable aviation initiatives and operational resilience. The result is an increasingly competitive global aviation labour market.
Organisations that plan early and secure talent pipelines will outperform those reacting late. Professionals who align their skills with demand will find strong career opportunities across regions and fleets.
Pilot Recruitment Trends for 2026
For pilots, 2026 is one of the most favourable employment markets in recent years. Airlines are actively competing for experienced flight crew, offering improved remuneration, more predictable rosters and accelerated command and fleet transition pathways.
Demand is particularly strong for type-rated captains and first officers on A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX and widebody aircraft.
What Pilots Should Prioritise in 2026
Maintain current type ratings and consider additional approvals on high-demand aircraft
Strengthen leadership, CRM and decision-making skills valued in modern flight operations
Target operators that offer transparent progression and long-term stability
Brookfield Aviation continues to connect pilots with airlines that prioritise safety, career development and operational excellence.
Aircraft Engineers and Avionics Specialists
The shortage of licensed aircraft engineers remains acute. Ageing fleets, engine reliability challenges and heavy maintenance backlogs are sustaining demand across airlines and MROs. Engineers holding B1 and B2 licences, avionics specialists and those experienced on new-generation aircraft continue to command strong contract rates and attractive permanent opportunities.
Digital maintenance capability is increasingly important as operators adopt predictive maintenance and aircraft health monitoring.
What Engineers Should Prioritise in 2026
Maintain licences (EASA, FAA, UKCAA and ICAO) and secure type ratings on A320neo, 737 MAX, A350, 777X and 787
Build experience with digital maintenance systems and reliability analytics
Consider contract assignments supporting heavy checks and engine events to maximise earning potential
Brookfield Aviation provides global engineering resourcing solutions, supporting airlines and MROs with rapid mobilisation, compliance and fair market rates.
Flight Operations, Crew Control and Operational Staffing
Operations teams remain under pressure as airlines run high utilisation schedules with limited buffers. AI-assisted scheduling, disruption recovery tools and integrated turnaround platforms are now standard across many operators.
Professionals who combine operational experience with digital fluency are in high demand across crew control, flight dispatch and integrated operations roles.
What Operations Professionals Should Prioritise
Gain experience with modern operations and disruption management platforms
Crosstrain across crew control, maintenance coordination and dispatch
Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills for high-pressure environments
Brookfield Aviation supports airlines with tailored operations staffing that improves reliability, efficiency and on-time performance.
Workforce Strategy Priorities for Employers
Build aviation talent pipelines twelve to twenty-four months in advance
Streamline recruitment processes and improve candidate experience
Offer transparent pay structures and predictable rosters
Invest in training, progression and retention to secure long-term capability
Career Strategy Priorities for Professionals
Upskill in digital tools and sustainable aviation practices
Keep licences, medicals and certifications current
Pursue roles that offer stability, progression and international exposure
Sidebar: Top Five Skills for 2026
Pilots
Advanced avionics proficiency
Leadership and CRM excellence
Data-informed decision-making
Strong safety and compliance mindset
Engineers
Current B1 or B2 licence currency
Type ratings on A320neo, 737 MAX, 787, 777X or A350
Predictive maintenance and health monitoring
Avionics integration and troubleshooting
Understanding of sustainability and SAF impacts on maintenance
Operations
Competence with AI-assisted planning and recovery tools
Turnaround and OTP improvement skills
Cross-functional coordination with maintenance and crew control
Data literacy for operational dashboards and KPIs
Resilience and clear communication under pressure
Market Stats and Forecast Highlights
Passenger traffic and seat load factors are expected to remain at or near record highs in 2026
Aircraft and engine supply constraints will continue to keep capacity tight
MRO demand is set to grow, with long maintenance backlogs supporting engineer and avionics hiring
Airlines are prioritising predictable rosters, career development and transparent reward to attract pilots and engineers
Key Facts
Skilled workforce remains the biggest constraint in global aviation
Pilot and engineer demand is highest for next-generation aircraft
Digital fluency and sustainability expertise are critical for career growth
Workforce planning is essential for airline success in 2026
Related Articles
Planning growth, fleet changes or seasonal operations in 2026? Contact Brookfield to discuss your staffing and consultancy needs. Email: info@brookfieldav.com
Explore our full range of recruitment services, connecting aviation businesses with skilled pilots, aircraft engineers and industry professionals worldwide.
Author: Todd Skaggs Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
