Boeing expands pilot training in China

BEIJING - Okay Airways is to join Boeing's pilot development program, according to Boeing China Sunday.

Boeing will oversee screening, selection and training of 100 Okay Airways pilot cadets over the next five years in its commercial pilot development program (PDP), according to Boeing China.

Okay Airways, a Beijing-based private airline, is the third Chinese company in the program following Kunming Airlines and YTO Airlines.

The PDP is a part of Boeing Global Services Group. Through the program, Boeing works with flight schools to provide airlines with training.

The market for training in Asia is forecast to reach $3.2 trillion by 2036, with annual average growth of 5.3 percent.

According to Boeing's latest market outlook, China is expected to need 7,240 new aircraft over the next 20 years. Pilot shortage will be the top issue.

"The commercial aviation market is experiencing an unprecedented demand for pilots, and we anticipate this to continue," said Keith Cooper, vice-president of Training and Professional Services of Boeing Global Services. "We're committed to supporting the full lifecycle of an aircraft. Through the training business, we're helping to ensure that our airline customers have pilots available to fly them."

Boeing launched Boeing Global Services as its third major business after Commercial Airplanes and Defense, Space and Security in July 2017.