Airbus projects global passenger air traffic will more than double over the next 20 years, reaching 10 billion annually by 2045 with a 3.9% average growth rate. This surge stems from urbanisation shifting toward smaller cities, which are growing nearly triple the rate of larger urban centers, creating new economically viable city pairings. The forecast attributes expansion to global GDP growth of 2.6%, rising urban populations by 1.3 billion, and an expanding middle class. Operators will require 42,060 new aircraft by 2045, a slight decrease of 390 planes from the prior forecast, reflecting cautious optimism. Asia-Pacific, led by China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, will drive the majority of demand, fueled by rising GDPs and leisure travel to visit family.