Airbus Forecasts $138.7 Billion for Asia-Pacific Air Services by 2044
In its latest Global Services Forecast (GSF), Airbus projects a 5.2% annual growth in air services in the Asia-Pacific region until 2044, elevating the regional market to $138.7 billion. This expansion will be supported by the growth of air traffic and fleet, with the region accounting for 46% of the global demand for new passenger aircraft.
Central Role of Asia-Pacific in Global Air Transport
In its sector forecasts published on February 5, 2026, Airbus confirms the central role of the Asia-Pacific in the evolution of global air transport. Over the next twenty years, the region is expected to remain the fastest-growing market, with passenger traffic projected to increase by an average of 4.4% per year, significantly above the global average estimated at 3.6%. This sustained momentum will translate into a need for 19,560 new passenger aircraft by 2044, reflecting the rise of the middle classes, the intensification of regional flows, and the strengthening of Asian hubs.
Significant Growth in Associated Aeronautical Services
Beyond aircraft delivery, Airbus highlights marked growth in all associated aeronautical services. Off-wing maintenance is expected to nearly triple, rising from $37.1 billion in 2025 to $100 billion in 2044, in a context marked by persistent supply chain tensions and a shortage of skilled labor. On-wing maintenance will follow a similar trajectory, with the market expanding from $6 billion to $14 billion, driven by significant investments in regional infrastructure, particularly in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Activities related to modifications and upgrades will progress from $3.8 billion to $6.2 billion, while services related to digital and connectivity will experience one of the fastest growths, from $2.9 billion to $11.2 billion. The market for aeronautical training will also double in size, moving from $3.2 billion to $7.7 billion by 2044. Additionally, Airbus estimates that support for maintenance operations will reach $46.4 billion, and ground operations will represent a market of $31 billion.
Human Resource Needs in the Sector
This ramp-up in the sector is accompanied by considerable human resource needs. Airbus estimates that more than 1.06 million new professionals will be needed in the Asia-Pacific by 2044, including 282,000 pilots, 302,000 technicians, and 473,000 cabin crew members. To address these pressures, the sector is accelerating the deployment of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), while airlines and maintenance providers are intensifying the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics. These technologies aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance predictive maintenance, and mitigate the impact of labor shortages through automation.
