Boeing is dedicating funds to scholarships and nonprofits to increase diversity and fill the gap in the demand for commercial pilots.
A total of $500,000 will support 25 scholarships across five major aviation organizations, while $450,000 is directed to Fly Compton, catering to the minority youth in aerospace.
Over the next two decades, the demand for pilots is projected to soar, with Boeing estimating a need for 602,000 new pilots globally.
ARLINGTON — In a move to meet the significant future demand for commercial airplane pilots and boost diversity in the sector, Boeing has announced an investment of $950,000. Out of this, $500,000 will finance scholarships in partnership with five significant aviation bodies: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Latino Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, and Women in Aviation International.
Further enhancing its commitment to aerospace's future, Boeing is directing $450,000 to Fly Compton, a Los Angeles-based initiative. This endeavor seeks to expose minority youth in L.A.’s Compton region to the vast prospects within the aerospace realm. The funding will notably amplify flight training sessions and broaden the introduction to careers in airplane and drone design, creation, and maintenance.
Ziad Ojakli, Boeing’s Executive Vice President of Government Operations, highlighted the industry's burgeoning demand for diverse pilots. "Access to requisite training is often the major roadblock for many aspiring pilots. Our collaboration with these organizations aims to usher in a new era of pilots, especially from communities historically sidelined in aviation," Ojakli remarked.
Boeing's forthcoming Pilot and Technician Outlook, scheduled for release on July 25, predicts the aviation world will require an astounding 602,000 new pilots over the forthcoming 20 years to operate and upkeep the worldwide commercial fleet.
Chris Broom, VP of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, emphasized the rising number of women and diverse individuals choosing piloting as their career. He credited mentorship programs offered by aviation organizations for this shift. "The proactive steps these organizations are taking to eliminate socio-economic hindrances are commendable and indispensable," he added.
Since 2019, Boeing has channeled over $8.5 million into pilot training schemes, specifically targeting underserved groups in various U.S. communities.
