Spain will need up to 13,000 aircraft maintenance technicians over the next decade. Today, there are 5,288 active EASA Part-66 licences. The gap between those two figures is one of the biggest career opportunities in the sector, and technicians holding B1 and B2 licences are among the most sought-after profiles.
If you’re considering training or taking the next step in your career, this article covers what the 2026 data says, where the demand is, and what you need to take advantage of it.
Demand in Spain: more aircraft, more flights, too few licensed technicians
Synergie Spain’s 2026 Aerospace Employment Report puts numbers to something the industry has been saying for years:
- There aren’t enough technicians. Spain will need between 8,000 and 13,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians over the next ten years, compared with the 5,288 active EASA Part-66 licences today.
- Air traffic keeps growing. Spain reached a record 1.76 million commercial flights, and every aircraft in service needs certified maintenance.
- The sector is expanding. Defence, security, aeronautics and space generated €16.153 billion in revenue, up 16.2% year on year, making Spain Europe’s fourth-largest aerospace power by sales and employment.
The report places B1/B2 licensed technicians among the most in-demand profiles, alongside structures and composites mechanics, avionics engineers and quality specialists. The main cause of the shortage isn’t a lack of candidates. It’s a lack of candidates with official ratings and certifications.
Global demand: 728,000 technicians in 20 years
This isn’t just a Spanish phenomenon. The major manufacturers’ forecasts agree:
- Boeing (Pilot and Technician Outlook, July 2026) estimates commercial aviation will need 728,000 new maintenance technicians between 2026 and 2045, including 42,000 in Latin America.
- Airbus (Global Services Forecast, October 2025) projects 705,000 new technicians through 2044.
- Oliver Wyman (February 2026) expects the global fleet to grow from 30,046 aircraft to 41,135 by 2036, with maintenance (MRO) spending surpassing $190 billion over that period, up from $136 billion in 2025.
On top of that comes a generational shift. According to the same Oliver Wyman report, 41% of certified mechanics in the US are over 60, and around 45,000 will retire in the next decade. Airlines and MROs need to replace them, and there aren’t enough trained technicians to do so.
For a deeper look at how this shortage plays out globally, read Aviation Maintenance Staff Shortage.
What employers look for: a licence, not just experience
This is the key point for any technician. Employers aren’t simply looking for people who want to work in aviation. They need EASA Part-66 licensed technicians, because the licence is what allows them to sign off maintenance work and certify that an aircraft is fit to fly.
- B1 licence: airframe, engines, and mechanical and electrical systems.
- B2 licence: avionics, and electrical and electronic systems.
- Holding both is among the profiles MROs value most. Find out why in Why the B1 and B2 License Is the Most In-Demand Credential in Global MRO.
Hangar experience is a great starting point, but without the licence there are roles, responsibilities and salaries that remain out of reach. And because the EASA licence is recognised across Europe and in many other markets, it also broadens your options. We explain this in Which Countries Can I Work in With My Licence.
How to take advantage of the demand without leaving your job
The good news is that you can now prepare for the licence without putting your life on hold. At 360 Aviation Life, we train aircraft maintenance technicians with a model designed for people who already work:
- 100% online training on our own platform, at your own pace.
- Aerobot, our assistant, supporting you through every module.
- Personalised support from our team throughout your preparation.
- In-person exams at sites in major cities, with security protocols that guarantee their validity.
We have more than 7 years of experience in the sector and have supported more than 1,000 technicians from 6 countries on their path to the EASA Part-66 licence.
Earning the licence is a process: it involves studying the modules, passing the exams and completing the practical experience the regulations require. That’s why the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be ready to take advantage of this demand. To see what comes next, read What Happens After Your EASA Part-66 License.
Conclusion
The 2026 data is clear: aircraft maintenance jobs exist, and demand will keep growing. What’s scarce is licensed technicians. Spain has 5,288 active licences against a need for up to 13,000 new professionals, and the world will need more than 700,000 technicians over the next 20 years. The question is no longer whether there will be demand, but whether you’ll be ready to meet it.
Want to know which modules you need and the best path for your profile? Message us on WhatsApp for free, no-commitment advice, or explore our EASA Part-66 B1/B2 aircraft maintenance licence course.
Sources: Synergie Spain, 2026 Aerospace Employment Report (via Aragón Digital); Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2026; Airbus Global Services Forecast 2025; Oliver Wyman, Global Fleet and MRO Market Forecast 2026–2036.
