466,000 pilots required.
Yes, that's the amazing figure quoted in this weeks Flight International, of the requirement for New Pilots over the next 20 years. That is just over twice the number existing at present.
The article is actually about the problems that flight training organisations are facing at the moment, but the figures were researched by Boeing.
Even more surprising is the prediction that growth in the sandbox, which is causing enough of a stir already, will only account for 7% of that, with nearly a quarter of the new pilots being required in North America, which is on it's arse in terms of the job market right now. Dust off those C.V.s
I'm reminded of the famous exchange:
"Birdseed 123, you are number 12 in traffic, reduce to minimum".
"Number 12!? What's going to happen in a few years when there's twice as much traffic?"
"You will be number 24".