Friday, July 13, 2012

Kansas students are hoping to fill a growing need in the aviation industry.

Boeing’s 2012 pilot and technician outlook is projecting a need for about 1 million new commercial airline pilots and maintenance technicians over the next 20 years.

The news is encouraging for students at the K-State campus in Salina.

"It definitely justifies all the hard work, time we have to put in, money so we have more of an opportunity to get a job,” said Kelly Brenner, pilot student.

Juan Guardado, student, said he hopes to fly commercial airlines to Central America.

“That means I’ll have a job,” Guardado said. “And I won't wait too long for that."

Boeing predicts the greatest needs will be in Asia Pacific region, followed by Europe and North America.

Teachers at the aeronautical university said the shortage is encouraging for students looking for a career in aviation.

"It's encouraging to have some of that data to go with as students come on visits with their parents and those questions do come up obviously,” said Tom Karcz, assistant professor.

Boeing predicts 460,000 new airline pilots will be needed by 2031.