Boeing announced today an exclusive pilot training agreement with Thai Airways International (THAI) that will provide training for nearly 50 crews by the end of the year.

Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services, a business unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will provide flight training for THAI's 787-8 fleet at Boeing's Singapore campus.

"THAI's customers demand and deserve the highest quality service, which is why we chose Boeing Flight Services to train our pilots as we grow our 787 fleet," said Capt. Parinya Ounrean, Director, Flight Deck Crew Training, THAI.

Bangkok-based THAI took delivery of its sixth 787-8 in August with two 787-9s to be delivered in 2017.

"We are very pleased to provide THAI with the industry's best flight training as they expand their 787 fleet," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "Our Singapore campus is strategically located for airlines in the region to learn from our highly qualified instructors - some of the best in the business."

Boeing Flight Services provides integrated offerings to drive optimized performance, efficiency and safety through advanced flight, maintenance and cabin safety training as well as simulator support and services through a global network of campuses on six continents.

According to the 2015 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, an industry forecast of aviation personnel demand closely tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe, 226,000 new commercial airline pilots and 238,000 new technicians will be needed in the Asia-Pacific region through 2034.

The Asia region also leads the demand for new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years. By 2034, 14,330 new airplanes worth US$2.2 trillion will be needed, according to Boeing's 2015 Current Market Outlook.

By providing commercial aviation services, such as pilot training, Boeing provides customers a competitive advantage by solving real operational problems, enabling better decisions, maximizing efficiency and improving environmental performance.

Contributed by Boeing