China will need almost 100,000 new commercial airline pilots over the next 20 years to keep up with demand for new domestic and international routes, according to a new Boeing industry report.
It says China will need to hire 98,000 more pilots and 101,000 maintenance technicians, according to the 2014 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook.
For the Asia Pacific region as a whole, 216,000 pilots and 224,000 technicians will be needed to keep pace with airline growth.
The Asia Pacific region will account for 39% of global demand for new maintenance personnel between now and 2033, more than in Europe and North America combined.
"The Asia Pacific region is seeing tremendous economic growth and is set to become the largest air travel market in the world," said Bob Bellitto, director of Customer Group, Boeing Flight Services.
This will mean "booming career opportunities" for people interested in working in aviation, he added.
The numbers underscore just how quickly the Asia aviation business is set to grow.
Boeing also says Asia Pacific airlines will lead worldwide demand for new aircraft over the same period, with more than 13, 000 new aircraft needed.
