Airbus expects global demand for aviation services to double to more than $420 billion by 2045, driven by an expanding and ageing fleet of passenger aircraft with at least 100 seats and relevant freighters. The manufacturer’s Global Services Forecast 2026–2045 projects annual growth of 3.8%, with the worldwide fleet reaching 45,550 aircraft and passenger numbers doubling to 10 billion annually.
The forecast points to a cumulative requirement for more than 2.44 million additional skilled workers over the next two decades: 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots and 1.05 million cabin-crew members. The workforce expansion will support maintenance, parts supply, operational services, digital connectivity, aircraft modifications and training as traffic grows.
Off-wing maintenance is expected to remain the largest segment, reaching $217 billion in 2045, while maintenance-operations support is projected at $104 billion. Digital and connectivity services are forecast to grow fastest, at an average 5.3% annually, reaching $27 billion. Modifications and upgrades are expected to reach $21 billion, on-wing maintenance $36 billion and training $17 billion.
Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, North America and China are expected to remain the largest markets by total demand. Asia, including Asia-Pacific, China and South Asia, is projected to record the strongest growth.