Pilot Training Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Airplane (Airbus 320, Boeing 737, and Others) and Helicopter), By License Type (Commercial Pilot License, Private Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot License, and Others), By Training Program (Commercial Pilot Training Program, Cadet Pilot Training Program, and Others), By Training Mode (Flight Training, Simulator Training, Ground Training, and Recurrent Training), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global pilot training market size was valued at USD 7.07 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 8.09 billion in 2023 to USD 20.02 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period.

Pilot training refers to the process of acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to operate and control an aircraft safely and efficiently. It is a comprehensive training program that encompasses theoretical instruction, practical flight training, and simulator-based exercises. Flight schools provide various types of training such as ground training, simulator training, flight training, and recurrent training.

Aviation authorities conduct exams for pilots to evaluate their knowledge, skills, and decision-making capabilities. By meeting the necessary flight hour requirements, pilots become eligible to obtain licenses such as Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and other types of licenses. The increasing shortage of pilots is anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Pandemic Severely Affected the Market Due to Declined Demand for Air Traffic Globally

The substantial decline in pilot recruitment and training was instigated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines curtailed their operations and implemented pilot layoffs. This, in turn, led to a reduced intake of new pilots and a consequent notable drop in the requirement for aircraft simulators and related training services. For instance, in June 2022, a report released by the Regional Airline Association, a business association based in the U.S. in North American, indicated that the pandemic impeded pilot training and considerably hindered the issuance of fresh certifications.

Amid pandemic, flight schools and training centers faced challenges in conducting flight training programs during lockdowns and travel restrictions. This led to a delay in the completion of training courses, affecting the influx of newly trained pilots into the industry. For instance, CAE, one of the global leaders in flight simulator training, cited in their annual report that the COVID-19 pandemic affected its revenues drastically due to reduced orders. However, the flight training institutes have started recovering in terms of revenue, infrastructure, and student capacity.

LATEST TRENDS

Mixed Reality (MR) Emerges as a Dominant Trend, Garnering Market Attention

Mixed reality combines elements of both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to create a blended environment that seamlessly integrates digital and physical elements. It augments the pilot's comprehension of the situation by superimposing critical essential data onto their field of vision and furnishes economical training alternatives, thereby diminishing the necessity for actual flight hours, and mitigating hazards. Moreover, the modifiable and versatile attribute of these technologies enable them to accommodate diverse aircraft models and setups. For instance, in November 2022, CAE unveiled its latest innovation in flight training called the CAE 700MXR Flight Simulator.

This cutting-edge simulator is specifically designed for the emerging eVTOL market and promises to transform flight training in intricate urban environments. The CAE 700MXR features a compact mini-motion platform and immersive 360⁰ field of view visuals, providing an incredibly realistic and physics-based simulation experience that caters to single-pilot operations. With its advanced capabilities, this simulator is set to revolutionize the way pilots are trained for complex urban settings. Moreover, pivotal market trends encompass strategic alliances and cooperative ventures, advancements in product offerings, and ongoing innovations.

DRIVING FACTORS

Emergence of New Airlines across the World Will Catalyze the Market Growth

The growth of new airlines across the globe is driving the growth of the market. The civil aviation industry is experiencing the emergence of several new airlines, particularly in emerging markets and regions with growing economic activity. For instance, in March 2023, Saudi Arabia revealed its plan to establish a new national airline called Riyadh Air, with the objective of transforming the city of Riyadh into a prominent global aviation hub, competing against other major regional players such as Dubai and Doha. Riyadh Air has set a target to commence operations to over 100 international destinations by 2030.

As more and more airlines emerge, there is an increasing need for pilots to manage their flight operations. The establishment of new airlines is coupled with increased air travel demand, expanding tourism sectors, and favorable government policies promoting aviation. As economies grow and disposable incomes increase, more people are opting for air transportation for business and leisure purposes. This has created a need for additional airline services which leads to the establishment of new carriers to meet the growing demand.

Pilot Shortage Propels Aviation Market Growth Prospects

A prevalent challenge encountered by numerous airlines and aviation enterprises globally is scarcity of pilots in the industry. The insufficiency is primarily due to the aging and subsequent retirement of a substantial number of pilots, coupled with inadequate recruitment initiatives annually. For instance, in June 2022, a report issued by the Regional Airline Association, a business association based in the U.S. representing seventeen regional airlines across North America, highlighted that the escalating dearth of pilots poses a significant jeopardy to the viability air services within small communities.

The report also highlighted that nearly half of the existing pool of qualified pilots are approaching the obligatory retirement age thus posing a substantial menace to the aviation sectors sustainability. Different groups such as airlines, government authorities, and aviation training organizations are taking action to tackle the shortage of pilots and avoid the collapse of air services in small communities. They are implementing plans to attract and train new pilots, enhancing strategies to keep existing pilots, and working together with educational institutions to create thorough training programs.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Complex Regulatory Environments and High Training Costs May Impede Industry Growth       

The complex regulatory environments in different countries and regions around the world create obstacles for flight training organizations. Aviation authorities impose strict regulations and certification requirements to ensure safety and standardization in flight training. Additionally, high training costs also act as a restraint for the industry. The expenses associated with training, including aircraft rental, fuel, instructor fees, simulator sessions, and licensing fees, can be significant.

These costs make training a considerable investment for individuals and can limit access to training programs for those who cannot afford it. For instance, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the cost of obtaining a commercial pilot license can range from USD 70,000 to 150,000 depending on the location and training program. This financial burden can deter potential candidates from pursuing a career in aviation.

SEGMENTATION

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Airplane Segment Dominates due to Increasing Demand of Pilots from Airlines Owing to Fleet Expansion

By aircraft type, the market is segmented into airplane and helicopter. Airplane segment refers to flight training specific to aircraft of the fixed wing category. This segment includes training for different airplane models such as Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and others.                   

The helicopter segment focuses on flight training for rotary wing aircraft. It covers specific skills and knowledge required for piloting helicopters, which include flight training, simulator training, ground training, and recurrent training. The advancement and modernization of helicopters is estimated to enhance the pilot training market growth.

By License Type Analysis

Massive Retirement of Pilots in Forecast Period to Bolster Commercial Pilot License

By license type, the market is divided into Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and others. CPL refers to the training programs and requirements for obtaining a commercial pilot license. This license allows pilots to operate aircraft for commercial purposes, such as flying for airlines or conducting charter flights. This segment leads the market and is projected to register fastest growth due to the increasing commercial air travel.

ATPL refers to training programs tailored for pilots who are aiming to obtain an airline transport pilot license. This license is the highest level of pilot certification and allows pilots to operate as captains or first officers in commercial airlines. Due to growing demand for passenger and cargo transport the segmented is projected to grow during the projected period.

By Training Mode Analysis

Flight Training Segment Leads Due to Stringent Regulations to Complete Mandatory Flight Hours

By training mode, the market is segmented into flight training, simulator training, ground training, and recurrent training. Flight training includes hands-on experience in operating an aircraft. Pilots learn maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, navigation, communication, and emergency procedures under the guidance of certified instructors. This segment dominates the market in the base year due to stringent regulations to complete the mandatory flight hours.

Recurrent training refers to a regularly scheduled training program that is required to maintain pilot proficiency and helps pilots to refresh their type-specific knowledge, ensuring that they keep their qualifications up-to-date and handle the aircraft they are licensed on with maintaining the safety standards. This segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment due to the rising demand of skilled pilots globally.

By Training Program Analysis

Owing to Increased Demand for Commercial Pilots all Around the Globe, Commercial Pilot Training Program Dominates the Market

By training program, the market is trifurcated into commercial pilot training program, cadet pilot training program, and others. Commercial pilot training program is a special educational program designed to provide pilots with the necessary knowledge to obtain a commercial pilot license. This segment is the dominating and is expected to register significant growth due to the increasing demand for commercial pilots.

The others segment refers to training programs that are necessary for actively recruited pilots to improve and enhance their skills. This segment is estimated to be the fastest growing during forecast due to growing demand for rising demand for skilled pilots.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Regionally, the market is segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World.

Europe dominated the pilot training market share and was valued at USD 2.31 billion in 2022. This growth is attributed to expansion of commercial airlines and the launch of new routes and destinations. For instance, in October 2022, the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) entered into a new open skies agreement, aiming to enhance and expand airline connections between the two regions. This agreement stands out as it encompasses not just two countries but rather two blocs of countries, with the EU consisting of 27 members and ASEAN consisting of 10 members.

Asia Pacific captured the second-largest market share in 2022 and is anticipated to be the fastest growing region. The region’s growth is owed to its increasing air traffic and expansion of airline fleets to meet increasing passenger demand. For instance, February 2023, Air India and Boeing have jointly announced a significant agreement, wherein the airline, owned by the Tata Group, will acquire a total of 220 aircraft from Boeing. The order comprises 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X aircraft, with a combined value of USD 34 billion at the list price.

North America held a significant share in 2022. The growth in this region is owed to rising demand for pilot in the aviation industry due to increasing retirement. Furthermore, multi pilot license, economical training, focus on security and threat mitigation are the other factors that contributed to the growth in the U.S.

The Middle East market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increase in air traffic due to tourism. Furthermore, increasing orders for new aircraft also catalyzes the market growth.

The rest of the world is expected to observe steady market growth throughout the projected duration. This Latin America and Africa aviation industry is expected to boost the market’s growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Aviation Industry Leaders Prioritize M&A, Emerging Markets, UAV Training, and Innovation

The global market is highly fragmented with key players such as CAE Inc., BAA Training, ATP Flight School, FlightSafety International Inc., Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH, and others. Prominent entities prioritize emerging markets, mergers & acquisitions, technological progress, UAV simulators and product innovation as focal strategies to augment their market presence. For instance, in August 2022, a 15-year partnership agreement was signed between CAE and the Qantas Group to establish and manage a brand-new flight training center in Sydney, Australia. The CAE Sydney Training Centre, spanning over 7,000 square meters, is scheduled to commence operations in early 2024. As part of the agreement, CAE will introduce a state-of-the-art A320 full flight simulator and acquire the Qantas Group's B787, A330, and B737NG full-flight simulators, along with their corresponding integrated procedures trainers, to be utilized at the new facility.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• CAE Inc. (Canada)


• BAA Training (Lithuania)


• ATP Flight School (U.S.)


• FlightSafety International Inc. (U.S.)


• Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH (Germany)


• L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)


• Pan AM Flight Academy (U.S.)


• Airbus Flight Academy (U.S.)


• Thrust Flight (U.S.)


• Indra Sistemas S.A. (Spain)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2023 - Airways Aviation, a UAE-based flight training provider collaborated with Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Limited (APFT), which is headquartered in India to provide prospective Indian students and airline cadets access to an innovative pilot pathway program.


• February 2023 - Gen24 Flybiz, an India-based emerging flight training company, has signed a contract with Avion for the procurement of eight Airbus A320 aircraft simulators after the acquisition of Avion Group and Avion Simulators. The establishment of their new training center with two Avion A320 simulators set to be transported to India and certified by the Indian civil aviation authority, DGCA.


• February 2023 - L3Harris Technologies got selected by All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd., Japan’s largest airlines to train its next generation pilots. The first batch is set to begin in March 2023, and will be trained on various single and multi-engine aircraft.


• February 2023 - RMIT- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, in Australia launched their RMIT Aviation academy with a fleet of about 24 aircraft to support growing demand for flight training and global aviation workforce training. RMIT University has been training aerospace engineers and pilots for over 80 years across flight training sites at regional Victoria (Bendigo) and Point Cook.


• July 2022 - Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) introduced Virtual Reality (VR) in its flight training program, resulting in a 30% reduction in training time. The VR allows the students to practice with less or no anxiety and confidence, decreasing the distraction encountered in flight training's initial stage.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed market analysis. It comprises all major aspects such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, the report offers insights into market forecast, market trends, regional analysis, porter’s five forces analysis, competitive landscape of various companies profiled with market competition, and primarily highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it mainly focuses on several factors that have contributed to the global market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation