AMREF Air Ambulance Crash in Nairobi Kenya

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In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...

The World Will Need 2.4 Million Aviation Workers by 2044

Boeing, one of the biggest airplane manufacturers in the world, has just released a report predicting something massive: the aviation industry will need to hire nearly 2.4 million new people over the next 20 years.

That’s right millions of jobs are opening up for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and cabin crew (flight attendants) all over the globe.

But what’s causing this huge demand? Let’s break it down.

πŸš€ Why So Many Jobs?

There are a few reasons:

1. More People Are Flying

Air travel is increasing everywhere. More people can afford to fly, more routes are opening up, and new airlines are popping up especially in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

2. Older Workers Are Retiring

Many pilots, engineers, and flight attendants are reaching retirement age. The aviation industry needs a fresh wave of trained people to replace them.

3. Planes Need Constant Maintenance

Every airplane must be regularly checked and repaired to fly safely. This means airlines need more trained technicians and engineers on the ground.

4. Growth in Smaller, Single-Aisle Planes

Airlines are buying more of the smaller planes used on short to medium routes  and that means more crew needed to fly and maintain them.

πŸ“Š The Global Numbers (2025–2044)

Here’s what Boeing expects the world will need:

πŸ‘‰660,000 pilots

πŸ‘‰710,000 aircraft maintenance technicians

πŸ‘‰1,000,000 cabin crew members

That’s 2.37 million new aviation workers over two decades.

🌍 Fastest-Growing Regions for Aviation Jobs

According to Boeing’s forecast, some parts of the world are expected to see the highest demand for new aviation workers between now and 2044:

πŸš€Africa will need 74,000 new aviation professionals including 23,000 pilots, 24,000 maintenance technicians, and 27,000 cabin crew.

πŸš€China is expected to hire the most, with a total of 426,000 new personnel. That includes 124,000 pilots, 131,000 technicians, and 171,000 flight attendants.

πŸš€Southeast Asia will see its workforce needs more than triple, requiring 243,000 new workers: 62,000 pilots, 78,000 technicians, and 103,000 cabin crew.

πŸš€North America (which includes the U.S. and Canada) will need about 435,000 new aviation professionals, made up of 119,000 pilots, 123,000 technicians, and 193,000 flight attendants.

🧠 New Ways to Train

Training for aviation jobs is also changing. Boeing and other companies are now using virtual reality (VR), mixed reality, and AI-powered tools to make learning more interactive and hands-on.

This means future pilots and technicians might train in a digital environment that looks and feels like the real thing  helping them build skills faster and safer.

 Chris Broom, Boeing's Vice President of Training Solutions said 

“As commercial air traffic demand continues to outpace economic growth and the global fleet expands to meet demand, our industry will keep the fleet flying safely and efficiently by supporting workforce development for carriers worldwide,"

 “The industry is investing in technologies, including mixed reality— an immersive blend of physical and digital environments that enhances hands-on learning and situational awareness. Boeing is supporting customers with digitally advanced aviation training products and services to meet their needs. The bedrock of our approach remains competency-based training and assessment methodology to ensure high quality aviation training.”

 

πŸ§‘‍πŸ”§ What This Means for You

If you’re a student, recent graduate, or someone looking for a future-proof career  this is your sign. Aviation isn't just about flying planes. It's a massive industry full of opportunities:

⛭Become a pilot and see the world

⛭Train as an aircraft technician and keep planes safe

⛭Work as cabin crew and care for passengers in the skies

⛭Support operations on the ground  from logistics to safety

You don’t need to come from a wealthy background. With the right training, discipline, and passion, you can build a career in aviation.

And with Africa set to need over 74,000 new aviation workers, there’s a huge opportunity right here at home.

πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts

This forecast from Boeing isn’t just numbers  it’s a clear signal that the aviation industry is preparing for its next generation of workers. Whether you dream of flying, fixing, or managing aircraft, the skies are open.

πŸ›« The aviation future needs YOU.

πŸ“ Follow Aviation2Day for more updates, aviation career tips, and training opportunities.

Source:

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131568

Pilot and Technician outlook 2025-2044




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