Which Aviation Skills Are Most in Demand Right Now?
The aviation industry is not just recovering, it is evolving. As fleets modernise and operations ramp up worldwide, demand for skilled aviation professionals continues to grow across engineering, maintenance, compliance and operational roles. For licensed engineers, technicians and aviation specialists, this presents real opportunities to secure stronger contracts, progress your career or move onto more in-demand aircraft types.
At Bostonair Group, we work directly with aviation professionals every day, supporting both permanent and contract placements with operators across the globe. By analysing current vacancies, fleet developments and regulatory changes, we have identified the aviation skills and aircraft type ratings that are currently most sought after, and where candidates are seeing the greatest demand.
Licensed Aircraft Engineers (Part-66)
Licensed aircraft engineers remain one of the most sought-after profiles in the aviation sector, particularly those who are type rated and current.
High-demand profiles include:
- B1 Licensed Engineers and B2 Licensed Engineers
- Dual EASA and UK CAA licence holders
- Engineers with recent line or base maintenance experience
- Engineers available for short-notice contract deployment
Operators are increasingly prioritising engineers who can integrate quickly into active maintenance environments while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Aircraft Type Ratings Currently in Demand:
Aircraft type ratings continue to play a critical role in recruitment decisions, especially where operational continuity and minimal downtime are essential.
Narrowbody Aircraft Type Ratings:
The highest demand continues to sit within narrowbody fleets, driven by high utilisation and short-haul recovery.
In-demand types include:
- Airbus A320 Family (CEO & NEO)
- Boeing 737 Classic, NG and MAX
Engineers holding these type ratings are consistently required across both line and base maintenance operations throughout Europe and beyond.
Widebody Aircraft Type Ratings:
Long-haul operations, fleet reactivations and heavy maintenance programmes are driving renewed demand for widebody expertise.
Commonly requested type ratings include:
- Airbus A330 and A350
- Boeing 777 and 787
Widebody engineers with recent experience are particularly valuable for base maintenance, checks, modifications and AOG recovery support.
Regional and Business Aviation Types:
Regional and business aviation fleets also continue to require specialist skills, particularly for operators with smaller, high-utilisation fleets.
In-demand types include:
- Embraer E-Jet family (E170/E190)
- ATR 42/72
- Bombardier business aircraft
Bostonair supports recruitment across both commercial and business aviation operations, sourcing engineers with the right approvals and aircraft exposure.
Aircraft Mechanics and Structural Specialists
The shortage of experienced aircraft mechanics remains a key challenge across the industry, especially during peak maintenance periods.
High-demand skills include:
- Aircraft mechanics with live aircraft experience
- Sheet metal workers and structural repair specialists
- Composite repair technicians
- Engineers supporting modifications and heavy checks
Bostonair regularly supplies skilled mechanics to support planned maintenance, base inputs and urgent operational requirements.
Avionics and Electrical Engineers
As aircraft systems become more advanced and digitally integrated, avionics engineers are in particularly high demand.
Key skills include:
- Avionics troubleshooting and fault isolation
- Navigation, communication and flight management systems
- Electrical system maintenance and modification
- Experience on modern, glass cockpit aircraft
Bostonair recruits avionics specialists for both contract and permanent roles across a wide range of aircraft types.
Safety, Compliance and SMS Professionals
Ongoing regulatory change continues to drive demand for professionals with strong safety and compliance expertise.
In-demand areas include:
- Safety Management System (SMS) implementation and oversight
- Aviation compliance auditing and quality assurance
- Ground handling safety and operational compliance
- Knowledge of EASA, UK CAA and international regulatory frameworks
Bostonair’s recruitment services are supported by our wider safety and compliance expertise, allowing us to place professionals who understand both regulation and real-world aviation operations.
Ground Handling and Operational Specialists
With new EASA Ground Handling regulations and mandatory SMS requirements approaching, demand for experienced ground operations personnel is increasing.
High-demand roles include:
- Ground handling supervisors and managers
- Ramp safety and airside operations specialists
- Load controllers and flight dispatchers
- Operational staff with SMS and audit experience
Bostonair supports recruitment across ground handling and operational roles, helping organisations prepare for regulatory change while maintaining safe and efficient operations.
Technical Services and AOG Specialists
Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events remain one of the most operationally critical challenges for operators, placing high value on experienced, mobile engineering support.
In-demand skills include:
- Engineers with proven AOG recovery experience
- Fuel tank safety and structural repair specialists
- Multi-type engineers with rapid deployment capability
- Engineers experienced in high-pressure operational environments
Bostonair’s recruitment capability works closely alongside our BFAST AOG services, enabling us to source engineers who are experienced in urgent, time-critical scenarios.
Why These Skills and Type Ratings Are in Short Supply
Several factors continue to drive aviation skills shortages:
- Workforce attrition and retirements following the pandemic
- Increasing regulatory and compliance requirements
- Fleet growth, aircraft reactivation and new deliveries
- A limited pipeline of newly qualified engineers
As a result, targeted aviation recruitment and access to pre-vetted, experienced professionals is more important than ever.
How Bostonair Supports Your Aviation Career
At Bostonair Group, we don’t just help you find your next job, we support your career every step of the way. Whether you’re an engineer, technician, avionics specialist or operations professional, our team is dedicated to helping you secure roles that align with your skills, ambitions and lifestyle.
We support candidates with:
Access to exclusive aviation opportunities worldwide — from contract and temporary assignments to permanent roles and executive positions.
Personalised support throughout the recruitment journey, including CV feedback, interview preparation, and help navigating security, travel, relocation and accommodation logistics.
A dedicated account manager who understands your career goals, advocating on your behalf and matching you with roles that fit your experience and aspirations.
In-job and post-placement support, including help with payroll, tax queries, training opportunities, and preparing for your next move.
Guidance on upskilling and professional development, with access to Part-147 type training and online compliance courses to help you expand your qualifications and stay competitive.
Our recruitment specialists combine deep aviation industry experience with a commitment to candidate care. We take time to understand your background, your priorities and your goals so we can steer you toward opportunities where your skills are valued, often roles you won’t find on standard job boards.
Whether you’re gearing up for your next move, exploring type training options, or navigating relocation details, Bostonair is here to support your aviation career from application to onboarding and beyond.
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