OREANDA-NEWS.  Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Singapore-based SilkAir announced a five-year exclusive pilot training agreement today. The training agreement will support SilkAir's fleet transition to Boeing airplanes.

"SilkAir pilots will soon train with the most experienced 737 instructors," said Leslie Thng, SilkAir Chief Executive. "The experience and expertise at Boeing will ensure a smooth transition when we take delivery of our first new 737 next year."

In November 2012, SilkAir finalized an order for 23 Next-Generation 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s, the largest order in the airline's history.

Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will provide flight training at Boeing's Singapore training campus for the airline's new 737 fleet.

The 2012 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, a respected industry forecast of required aviation personnel, cites a demand for 185,600 new commercial airline pilots and 243,500 new technicians in the Asia Pacific region through 2030. The South East Asia region, which includes Singapore, will require 51,500 pilots and 67,400 technicians.

"We are pleased to provide training to SilkAir, and through the knowledge and expertise of our team, provide this important customer with the Boeing Edge in their markets," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "We are very proud to support SilkAir as they launch their new Boeing 737 fleet."

SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. SilkAir currently flies more than 300 flights a week to 42 destinations across 12 countries.