Charting the Skies Ahead: Durban Summit to Tackle Global Aviation Workforce Crisis
Written By Maxine Ansah
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In a bid to confront one of the aviation sector’s most pressing challenges, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will bring together global aviation leaders in Durban next month. The 3rd Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit 2025, scheduled from 12 to 14 August, aims to shape the future of aviation by building a skilled, inclusive and future-ready workforce.
Forecasts paint a stark picture. By 2037, aviation will need over 665,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, 554,000 pilots, 922,000 cabin crew members and 106,000 air traffic controllers to keep pace with projected growth, according to ICAO estimates. These figures capture only part of the human resources challenge across a rapidly evolving sector that is critical to global connectivity and economic development.
South Africa is playing an active role on the continent, notably through its participation in the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This African Union initiative seeks to establish a unified air transport market across Africa and is projected to create nearly 600,000 jobs across the continent. The Honourable Barbara Creecy, Minister of Transport of South Africa, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive and environmentally conscious aviation future.
“South Africa, alongside its African partners, has always been dedicated to ensuring that the future of aviation is safe and secure, while also addressing other global concerns such as job creation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring environmental protection,” Minister Creecy said.
Under the theme “The Flight Plan for Future Aviation Talent: Innovate, Educate, Inspire, Building the Workforce for the Skies Ahead,” the summit will explore innovative training methods, technology-enabled learning, and pathways to sustainable aviation careers, especially for young people in emerging and lesser developed markets.
Ms Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation at SACAA, expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to create meaningful dialogue.
“I am certain that there will be a lot of insights and recommendations that the sector will take forward from the various 2025 NGAP Summit deliberations,” she noted.
She also highlighted South Africa’s role as a leading voice in ICAO platforms and its commitment to advancing workforce development globally.
The summit aligns with ICAO’s broader NGAP Strategy, which focuses on advocacy and knowledge-sharing, workforce monitoring and forecasting, education and training, and capacity building and outreach. The ultimate goal is to harmonise qualifications, close emerging skills gaps and promote diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry.
“Every State has an interest in securing the talent required for a safe and resilient future for international civil aviation,” said Mr Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council. “This is particularly vital for youth and communities in parts of the world where aviation can be a powerful catalyst for sustainable development”.
ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar underscored the importance of partnerships, stating, “ICAO is working with partners around the world to build the infrastructure, training capacity, and education partnerships needed to develop tomorrow’s aviation professionals, especially in countries where investment in people can drive broader transformation”.
Beyond immediate workforce needs, the NGAP Global Summit 2025 supports ICAO’s Strategic Plan 2026–2050, which places human development at the heart of efforts to ensure safety, innovation and sustainability in aviation. Outcomes from the summit are also expected to inform discussions at the upcoming 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in September, where States will debate and adopt key resolutions on aviation workforce development and related areas.
As the world prepares to meet the soaring demand for aviation professionals, Durban will serve as an important venue to shape policies and forge collaborations that could determine the future of flight for decades to come.