With Saudi airlines scaling up operations and boosting regional connectivity, and a surge in narrowbody aircraft orders, a new challenge is emerging for the region. This expansion is coming with a significant workforce gap, and a looming shortage of trained pilots.
Not just a Middle East issue
According to Boeing, the Middle East will need more than 58,000 new pilots over the next 20 years, with Saudi Arabia expected to account for a substantial share.
The pressure is not limited to one region. Data from CAE shows North America could require over 130,000 pilots by 2032, while the Asia-Pacific demand may exceed 250,000. This global surge is intensifying competition for training capacity.
Thousands of hours in training needed
Industry leaders warn that infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Training those 58,000 pilots would require an estimated 11.6 million flight hours. By comparison, a typical academy with 10 aircraft produces only 12,000 to 15,000 hours annually.
Simulator demand adds another layer of strain. Around 1.1 million hours of simulator training will be needed, yet each full-flight simulator delivers just 5,000 to 6,000 hours per year.
Martynas Mazeika of BAA Training said airlines must rapidly scale training through global partnerships to sustain growth. As Saudi carriers expand fleets, demand for type rating and recurrent training is also rising, making access to international training networks critical to keeping planes, and pilots, in the air.
