Airbus expects global demand for aviation services supporting passenger aircraft with more than 100 seats and freighters above 10 tonnes to double from 2026 levels to more than US$420 billion annually by 2045. The forecast, released in Toulouse, covers a commercial fleet projected to reach 45,550 aircraft as passenger numbers rise to 10 billion a year.
Airbus’s Global Services Forecast 2026–2045 projects annual services-sector growth of 3.8% over the period. The expansion will generate cumulative demand for 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots and 1.05 million cabin crew, representing more than 2.44 million additional skilled workers.
Off-wing maintenance will remain the largest services segment, reaching US$217 billion in 2045, followed by maintenance operations support at US$104 billion and on-wing maintenance at US$36 billion. Digital and connectivity services are expected to grow fastest, at a 5.3% compound annual rate, to US$27 billion. Modifications and upgrades are forecast at US$21 billion, while training will reach US$17 billion.
Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, North America and China are expected to remain the largest markets by total demand. Asia is projected to record the fastest growth, with digital systems and connectivity supporting maintenance responsiveness, operational efficiency and passenger services.