Most In-Demand Aviation Roles for 2026
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
The aviation industry continues its upward trajectory this year. Many of the in-demand aviation roles identified in 2025 remain firmly in place, supported by fleet expansion, sustained passenger demand, and long-term workforce planning across multiple regions.
Based on our ongoing recruitment activity and market insight, we’ve identified the 10 aviation roles set to remain strongest this year. While the list remains broadly consistent with 2025, the scale and urgency of hiring have shifted in response to operational growth, retirements, and increasing competition for experienced talent.
For aviation professionals across flight crew, engineering, and operations functions, the 2026 hiring market remains competitive, with clear opportunities aligned to experience and aircraft type.
Our 2026 forecast highlights the following in-demand aviation roles:
A320 Crew
As narrowbody aircraft continue to form the backbone of short and medium-haul operations worldwide, the A320 remains one of the most widely operated commercial aircraft families globally. Its popularity across low-cost, charter, and full-service carriers makes it a core fleet type for many airlines. As a result, demand for Type-Rated and experienced A320 pilots remains consistently strong, supporting both domestic networks and high-frequency international routes.
Factors driving demand: Migration of experienced crew to the Middle and Far East, rapid expansion of low-cost carriers, and continued growth in the ACMI sector are driving the need for more A320 pilots.
B737 Crew
Similar to the A320, the B737 remains a highly prevalent aircraft, particularly favoured by major airlines worldwide. This makes B737 pilots highly sought-after for their expertise in operating one of the most established narrowbody aircraft in global service. With its continued focus on short and medium-haul operations, B737 roles remain structurally important across global networks.
Factors driving demand: Robust air travel demand, airline growth, and the need to replace retiring pilots contribute to the high demand for B737 pilots.
B1 Engineers
With the growing complexity of modern aircraft, which incorporate highly advanced mechanical systems, the need for skilled maintenance professionals remains critical. B1 Engineers, certified to work on airframes and powerplants, play a vital role in maintaining aircraft safety and regulatory compliance.
Factors driving demand: Aging aircraft fleets require regular maintenance, and the rapid growth of the industry is necessitating a larger pool of qualified B1 Engineers. Recent worldwide supply chain issues, as well as engine defects grounding large proportions of some fleets put further emphasis on engineering departments.
The industry is still experiencing a skills shortage across the entirety of engineering and technical roles, which you can read more about in our ‘Engineer Skills Shortage: The Risk to Aviation's Future’ whitepaper here.
B747 Crew
While the “Queen of the Skies,” the B747, may no longer be as common as narrowbody aircraft in passenger service, it continues to play a significant role primarily in long-haul cargo operations. This means B747 pilots remain highly sought-after, with their experience and specialist expertise considered valuable assets for operators flying these iconic aircraft.
Factors driving demand: The global supply chain relies heavily on air cargo, and experienced B747 pilots are essential for maintaining these vital operations. A lack of newly Type-Rated crew being supplied to market causes greater demand for experienced crew.
Operations/ Crewing roles
Efficient airline operations depend on a robust and well-coordinated ground team. As a fundamental part of any airline’s operational structure, operations and crewing professionals play a crucial role in flight scheduling, crew allocation, and maintaining day-to-day operational continuity. This area continues to play a critical role in airline stability, particularly as networks expand and crew planning complexity increases.
Factors driving demand: Industry and fleet growth, advancements in technology, a heightened focus on crew welfare, and fierce competition for top talent are just some of the factors driving increased demand for crewing and operations roles.
B767 Crew
The B767 continues to hold a unique position in the market thanks to its versatile capability in both passenger and freight operations. This flexibility sustains ongoing demand for experienced B767 crew, particularly as operators deploy the aircraft across a mix of regional, long-haul, and cargo routes worldwide.
Factors driving demand: Growing demand for both passenger and cargo transport, coupled with the retirement of experienced B767 pilots, is driving the need for new, qualified crew.
Cabin Crew
Passenger safety and onboard experience remain central to every airline’s operation, making cabin crew an essential part of the flight. Their role goes far beyond service, combining safety responsibility with customer care throughout every stage of the journey. As a result, demand remains strong for individuals with excellent communication skills, a service-driven mindset, and a strong focus on safety.
Factors driving demand: Increased air travel and airline expansion are contributing to the high demand for this role. Compared to 2025, hiring volumes remain broadly consistent, particularly among expanding European and Middle Eastern operators.
B2 Engineers
With modern aircraft increasingly dependent on advanced avionics, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems, the role of B2 Engineers has become even more pivotal in 2026, with a clear increase in demand from 2025 as fleets incorporate more technologically advanced aircraft. Airlines are relying heavily on their expertise to maintain the integrity, reliability, and performance of these developing and complex electronic systems. As avionics systems become increasingly sophisticated, demand for B2 Engineers continues to strengthen across both legacy and next-generation fleets.
Factors driving demand: The high demand for B2 Engineers stems from the increasing complexity of modern aircraft avionics, the need to maintain aging fleets, a surge in air travel, stringent safety regulations, and a limited supply of qualified professionals with the specialised skills and expertise required to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair these critical systems.
VIP Flight Attendants
The rise of private aviation, combined with increasing traveller affluence, has driven greater demand for highly personalised and luxurious in-flight experiences. VIP Flight Attendant roles have grown as a result, with these professionals providing tailored service and ensuring the highest standards of comfort and care aboard private jets.
Factors driving demand: The expansion of the private aviation sector, the growing demand for exclusive travel experiences, and the need for highly trained and discreet professionals are driving the demand for VIP Flight Attendants.
E190 Crew
The Embraer 190 has seen a significant rise in operations across regional and short-haul networks, driving growing demand for experienced E190 flight crew. Unlike 2025, when this role did not feature among the most in-demand aviation roles, 2026 has seen a notable surge in opportunities for pilots and cabin crew alike. Airlines value crew with type experience to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality service on these versatile regional jets, making E190 positions an increasingly important career pathway within the aviation sector.
Factors driving demand: The growing use of the Embraer 190 on high-frequency routes, airlines expanding their regional networks, and the need for crew familiar with its unique systems and performance are driving the surge in demand for E190 flight crew.
The next stage of your aviation career starts here
Whether you're a seasoned pilot, a skilled engineer, or an aspiring cabin crew member, now is the time to explore exciting opportunities. The aviation hiring market remains active in 2026, with demand concentrated in specific aircraft types and technical disciplines.
At AeroProfessional, we connect top talent with leading airlines and aviation businesses globally. Explore our opportunities page, where you’ll gain access to a wide range of exciting roles, including in-demand positions for pilots, engineers, cabin crew, operations, and more.
Our team of experienced recruiters will support you through the entire recruitment process, ensuring you find the perfect role to match your skills, lifestyle, and aspirations.
The time to take the leap in your career is now.
