Beyond Boeing and Airbus: Our Favourite Commercial Aircraft

As aerospace recruiters, we often discuss aircraft beyond the usual Boeing and Airbus models with our candidates. These conversations reveal fascinating insights into the broader aviation industry and highlight opportunities that many professionals might overlook.

The Embraer E195-E2 consistently emerges as a favourite in our discussions with aviation professionals. This aircraft represents significant career opportunities, particularly in regions where Embraer has strong maintenance and operational bases. The innovative technology aboard the E195-E2 demands specialised skills, creating unique positions for both engineers and maintenance technicians.

The legacy of McDonnell Douglas still influences the industry today. Many senior engineers we place began their careers working on the MD-80 series, and this experience remains valuable, especially when developing new regional aircraft programmes. The engineering principles behind the 'Mad Dog' continue to inform modern aviation design.

Regional aircraft manufacturers offer particularly interesting career paths. The ATR 72-600 programme, for instance, provides opportunities in specialised areas like turboprop technology and short-haul operations. Similarly, the De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter represents a niche market where expertise is highly valued, especially in regions requiring robust, versatile aircraft.

Looking towards emerging markets, we're seeing increasing demand for professionals with experience in new aircraft programmes. The COMAC C929 project, for example, represents significant opportunities for aerospace professionals willing to work internationally. These developing programmes often offer rapid career advancement and the chance to shape future aviation technology.

The Ilyushin Il-76 and other Soviet-era aircraft have created a unique subset of expertise in the industry. Engineers with experience on these platforms often bring valuable perspectives to modern aircraft development, particularly in cargo operations and robust design principles.

From a recruitment perspective, professionals with experience on diverse aircraft types often stand out. Whether it's maintenance expertise on the Dornier 228 or systems knowledge from the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, this broader understanding of aviation technology proves invaluable across the industry.

What's particularly exciting for us as recruiters is how these various aircraft programmes create distinct career paths in the aerospace sector. While Boeing and Airbus might dominate the headlines, these alternative manufacturers offer fascinating opportunities for aerospace professionals looking to carve out unique career trajectories.

The next generation of commercial aircraft will require expertise from across the industry spectrum, making experience with diverse aircraft types increasingly valuable. This diversity in the commercial aviation sector continues to create exciting opportunities for aerospace professionals at all career stages.