Regional Hotspots for Aviation Jobs in Europe: Where Engineers Should Look
Introduction
Aviation jobs in Europe remain in high demand, but hiring conditions for licensed aircraft engineers vary significantly across the continent. For job seekers, understanding where opportunities are most concentrated can make the difference between securing a well-supported role and struggling through competitive applications. Germany, Poland, France, and the UK each face distinct dynamics shaped by regulation, fleet strategy, and supply chain pressures. This blog explores those markets in depth, providing engineers with a clear picture of where jobs are growing fastest, where shortages are most acute, and how to position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving industry focused on safety and operational efficiency.
Europe’s aviation industry is facing structural shortages. CAE forecasts that 85,000 new commercial aviation technicians will be required across Europe in the next decade, driven by both attrition and fleet expansion. Even though Europe’s MRO market is considered more stagnant compared to faster-growing regions like Asia-Pacific, demand here is sustained by the need to extend aircraft lifecycles, clear maintenance backlogs, and replace a retiring workforce. For engineers, this means steady opportunities across both permanent and contract roles, with demand particularly strong in aircraft maintenance as operators work to keep fleets serviceable.
Germany: Stability with High-Volume Hiring
Germany remains one of Europe’s most reliable aviation job markets. The aerospace workforce grew by 10% in 2023, reaching approximately 115,000 employees, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Lufthansa Technik, Airbus facilities in Hamburg, cargo logistics and a strong network of independent MRO providers make Germany a major hub for both permanent and contract opportunities, with aviation security and regulatory compliance continuing to shape demand.
What This Means for Engineers
Job concentration: Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg are hotspots for line and base maintenance.
Compliance-driven hiring: Engineers with current EASA approvals and multiple type ratings are in high demand.
Mobility considerations: German language proficiency, while not always required, can improve access to permanent opportunities.
For job seekers, Germany offers stability and scale. Engineers willing to navigate strict compliance and language expectations can expect strong career prospects and competitive pay.
France: Expansion Amid Fleet Modernisation
France is experiencing sustained growth, driven by the Air France–KLM Group and the wider Airbus ecosystem in Toulouse. According to GIFAS, France’s aerospace workforce expanded by 7% recently, and another 25,000–30,000 hires are projected over the next year.
Opportunities for Engineers
Toulouse and Paris are the main hubs, offering roles linked to Airbus and national carriers.
Union influence shapes working conditions, often providing strong protections and benefits for permanent employees.
Fleet renewal programmes create opportunities in avionics, cabin modifications, and next-gen aircraft systems.
France is well-suited for engineers looking for long-term stability in a structured labour environment. However, contract mobility may be slower due to regulatory and union processes.
Poland and Eastern Europe: Growth in Outsourced Maintenance
Eastern Europe has emerged as a growth region for outsourced heavy checks and base maintenance. MRO providers in Poland and neighbouring countries attract contracts from Western European operators seeking cost-effective maintenance solutions. This creates openings for both local and cross-border engineers.
Advantages for Job Seekers
Faster logbook progression: Base maintenance environments provide excellent opportunities for early-career engineers to gain supervised experience.
Cross-border opportunities: Contractors from across Europe are frequently deployed to support peak capacity in Poland.
Lower living costs make these placements financially viable even when day rates are lower than in Western Europe.
For younger professionals, Poland offers one of the most accessible entry points into Europe’s maintenance market.
United Kingdom: Dual Licensing and Niche Opportunities
The UK aviation job market remains active, but post-Brexit licensing complexities create both challenges and opportunities. Engineers holding both UK CAA and EASA approvals are in especially high demand, as dual-licensed professionals can support operators across jurisdictions.
Market Insights
Salary potential: Licensed roles often range from £67,000 to £80,000 per annum, with contractors commanding competitive day rates.
Contract-heavy market: Many UK employers rely on flexible contract labour to navigate seasonal demand.
Licensing challenges: Engineers with only one approval (CAA or EASA) may face limited mobility compared to dual-licensed peers.
For engineers seeking premium pay and contract flexibility, the UK remains one of the most attractive markets. However, dual licensing is increasingly essential for mobility and employability.
Broader European Outlook
While Germany, France, Poland, and the UK are among the most visible hotspots, wider Europe presents additional opportunities:
Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol and KLM's MRO network drive steady demand.
Southern Europe: Younger workforce demographics are helping reduce shortages, but much of the work is seasonal and tied to charter operations.
Austria: Austria has developed a reputation for specialised maintenance, particularly in base maintenance for the Airbus A220. This niche capability supports both local carriers and international fleets, reinforcing the country’s role in Europe’s MRO ecosystem.
Baltics: The Baltic region is attracting more investment in aviation MRO capacity as operators look for cost-efficient outsourcing options. Latvia, in particular, hosts facilities in Riga that provide business aviation and FBO services, with the region expected to expand its role in heavy maintenance over the coming years.
Although Europe’s MRO sector is comparatively stagnant against more dynamic regions globally, the continent still represents a vital employment market. Operators are extending fleet lifecycles, investing in modifications, and keeping older aircraft in service while new deliveries lag. For engineers, this translates into sustained but selective demand.
Global forecasts show that 416,000 new maintenance technicians will be required by 2034, with Europe accounting for 85,000 of these.
Key Takeaways for Engineers
Target high-demand hubs: Germany and France offer scale and long-term career pathways, while the UK provides premium opportunities for dual-licensed professionals.
Leverage Eastern Europe: Poland and its neighbours provide accessible entry points for early-career engineers to build logbook hours.
Stay compliant and current: Type ratings and dual licensing significantly increase mobility and employability across Europe.
Plan mobility carefully: Consider language skills, rostering expectations, and the regulatory environment when pursuing cross-border roles.
Conclusion
Europe’s aviation job market is not uniform. Each region presents unique opportunities shaped by regulation, fleet strategy, and demographics. Engineers who understand these dynamics can make more informed career choices, whether that means seeking stability in Germany, long-term growth in France, fast experience in Poland, or premium contracts in the UK.
Chevron Recruitment connects aviation talent with the right opportunities across Europe. Whether you are a B1 or B2 professional looking to advance your career, or a technician aiming to build logbook experience, we can help you in your search to identify the right role in the right market.
Ready for your next aviation role? Let’s connect your ambition to Europe’s most in-demand opportunities.