A CRITICAL
WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
Aviation and skilled trades are facing a critical workforce shortage made worse by long-standing barriers that limit who is encouraged, trained, and welcomed into these careers.
AN INDUSTRY IN CRISIS
The aviation industry is facing a growing workforce challenge. As experienced aircraft mechanics retire, fewer new workers are entering the field to replace them, creating a widening gap between demand and available talent.
This shortage has real consequences. Fewer qualified mechanics can lead to reduced flight availability, increased delays and cancellations, and added strain on existing maintenance teams. Airlines and operators are already feeling the effects as they work to keep aircraft safe, reliable, and in service.
Without intervention, this gap is expected to grow. As air travel demand increases and the workforce continues to age, the need for skilled aviation maintenance professionals will only become more urgent. impacting not just the industry, but everyone who relies on it.
Graphic showing aviation mechanics working on a plane, fact that “1 in 4 aviation maintenance jobs will be empty by 2027”
Graphic showing an old mechanic and a young mechanic, “Experienced mechanics are retiring faster than they’re being replaced.”
Graphic showing crowd grumpy at an airport, “Mechanic shortage will lead to longer delays and more cancellations.”
THE CONTRIBUTION WOMEN MAKE TO
THE WORKFORCE OF THE UNITED STATES
AN INDUSTRY
IN CRISIS
Currently, only 2.6% of licensed aviation maintainers identify as female, a statistic even lower in general aviation. Although strides have been made in improving representation, progress remains sluggish.
“Fewer than 10% of licensed pilots are women and the percentage of women in maintenance fields is in the single digits.”
FAA Women in Aviation
Advisory Board
The projected aircraft maintenance worker shortage is expected to peak in 2027 with a deficit of more than 43,000 workers. This will likely lead to fewer flights and increased delays and cancellations.
Oliver Wyman
“Construction careers are attracting an increasing number of women. Yet, tradeswomen are only 4.3 percent of those who work with the tools in construction.”
Who's Your Mechanic?
Behind every shortage is untapped potential and missed opportunity. Removing barriers means opening doors to people who have long been overlooked.
Women In Aviation Advisory Board (WIAAB) Recommendations Report