Why does Airbus predict a $138.7 Billion Asia-Pacific aviation services market by 2044?

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 6, 2026 at 12:51 PM UTC, 3 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Why does Airbus predict a $138.7 Billion Asia-Pacific aviation services market by 2044?

Airbus's Global Services Forecast projects the Asia-Pacific aviation services market will surge to $138.7 billion by 2044, driven by massive air traffic and fleet expansion.

Key Takeaways

  • Airbus forecasts the Asia-Pacific aviation services market will reach US$138.7 Billion by 2044, growing at a 5.2% CAGR.
  • Growth is driven by Asia-Pacific air traffic rising at 4.4% annually and the need for 19,560 new passenger aircraft.
  • The region will require over 1.06 million new aviation professionals, including 282,000 pilots and 302,000 technicians, by 2044.
  • Off-Wing Maintenance is the largest segment, projected to hit $100 billion, but faces constraints from supply chain and labor shortages.

Airbus has released its latest Global Services Forecast (GSF).

The report details significant growth for the Asia-Pacific aviation services market. This market is expected to reach US$138.7 Billion by 2044. This represents a 5.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2044. This sustained expansion is driven by regional air traffic and substantial aviation fleet growth. The forecast highlights the critical need for robust support systems.

Market Drivers and Growth Segments

The Asia-Pacific region is the world's fastest-growing air travel market. Passenger traffic is projected to rise at 4.4% annually. This rate is well above the global average of 3.6%. This trend requires 19,560 new passenger aircraft over the next two decades. This accounts for 46% of total global demand. The Airbus Global Services Forecast breaks the market into core segments.

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)

Commercial aircraft maintenance is the largest segment by value. Off-Wing Maintenance alone is forecast to reach $100 billion by 2044. This segment includes engine, component, and airframe services. The Off-Wing sector faces constraints from supply chain challenges. Labor shortages also impact the MRO segment. Substantial capital investment is flowing into MRO infrastructure. New base maintenance hangars are under construction in key markets. This strengthens regional maintenance capabilities.

Training and Manpower

The expanding fleet requires a massive influx of new personnel. Pilot and technician training is a vital market component. The region will need over 1.06 million new aviation professionals by 2044. This total includes 282,000 pilots and 302,000 technicians. The training segment is forecast to reach $7.7 billion by 2044. Airbus is focusing on digital tools and competency-based training. This ensures a steady supply of qualified talent.

Digital and Connectivity Services

Digital aviation services are a rapidly growing area. This segment is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2044. Airlines are accelerating the adoption of AI and data analytics. These technologies support predictive maintenance. They also help mitigate labor shortages through automation. This improves efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Industry Challenges and Outlook

The US$138.7 Billion by 2044 valuation presents significant opportunities. However, service providers face major challenges. Recruiting and retaining skilled technical talent is difficult. Airlines must invest in future maintenance capacity. Organizations like IATA stress the need for industry standardization. This ensures safe and efficient operations across the growing Asia-Pacific air traffic network. The forecast confirms the region's central role in the global aviation industry outlook.

From airline operations to fleet updates, commercial aviation news lives at flying.flights. From aircraft production to supply chains, commercial aviation manufacturing news is covered at flying.flights/manufacturing.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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