industry C&L GROUP'S AMT SCHOLARSHIP STRENGTHENS ACADEMIC PIPELINE STORY BY ROB MARK he 2022 Boeing Pilot/Technician Outlook forecasts a global need for more than 2 million new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew to balance the demands of industry growth against the retirement of thousands of baby boomers. The Boeing Outlook also says the shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians - hovering around 134,000 in North America - is even greater than the demand for pilots. The latest Pipeline Report published last year by the Aviation Technician Education Council said the industry has T 28 avionics news * february 2023 not yet completely recovered from the employee shortage created by the COVID-19 pandemic. " When considering the loss of momentum going into 2019, ATEC estimates the pandemic cost industry 5,000 new aircraft mechanics. That loss will continue to mount until certification rates surpass pre-pandemic levels. " The report said 25% of all new aircraft maintenance technicians were hired by the airlines, adding additional pressure on U.S. shops and MROs that serve business and general aviation. The " mechanic pipeline needs to increase production by at least 20% in order to