Flight into the Future: Aviation in the Coming Decades

Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just a painter of world historical talent—he was a visionary engineer. Creating the world’s first flying device was one of his greatest passions. Yet even a genius of his caliber couldn’t quite grasp the future of aviation.

Today, changes happen on an accelerated scale. And although aviation is a mature industry, it is still poised to undergo some serious changes in the coming decades. This evolution will impact recruiting companies, executives, and those working in the industry.

Here is a look at how this industry may transform in the next few years and what these changes mean for aviation firms.

The Future of Flight

Although jets may look more or less the same as they did a few decades ago, there are some very real interior changes. The move to full wireless connectivity promises to upend traditional expectations of the in-flight experience. One such example is personalized entertainment. Instead of struggling through a movie aimed for everyone, air travelers will enjoy personal entertainment options. The technology to link a passenger’s mobile device to an onboard entertainment system is already in place. Some carriers are also offering the ability to stream personalized content. In the coming years, we can expect a full array of mobile-based onboard services.

What about more radical departures? The technology to support floating airports is available. In fact, several firms planes that can “heal themselves” while flying by fixing cracks; seaplanes that would hover directly over the ocean during transatlantic flights, and even “spaceliners” that can travel at hypersonic speeds, traveling from London to Australia in 90 minutes.

Job Evolution in Aviation

Future changes in aviation employment will impact recruiting companies, executives and pilots in the field. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, aviation jobs are expected to grow at a rate of five percent between now and 2024. And one of the most significant personnel trends in this sector is the continued shift toward lower cost and regional carriers.

Commercial pilots and airline executives will face additional competition for positions at major airlines. But they will also have more opportunities to work for smaller carriers. Overall, the economic outlook for the industry is strong, as low fuel costs and strong demand have allowed carriers to record exceptional profits.

At IMSA, we understand that the future of the aerospace and aviation industry will require global thinking on recruitment solutions. We look forward to helping organizations identify the key players in this field across national boundaries.