This comes as the global fleet of commercial aircraft is set to balloon a third by 2034, involving more than 36,400 vessels, according to a recent study by consulting firm Oliver Wyman.In its wake, spending in the maintenance, repair and overhaul market is projected to grow almost 20 percent by 2034.But the sector suffers from a shortfall of qualified manpower — and an inadequate pipeline of talent.
To boost the attractiveness of aviation maintenance, Congress passed legislation in 2018 enabling the FAA to provide ad hoc grants.As a result, $13.5 million was awarded in March to 32 schools, 20 of which would especially help with training maintenance professionals.'Because so many aviation jobs are critical to operations, any ongoing shortage can eventually result in the industry's growth being limited,' Oliver Wyman noted in an earlier report.