MRO & Manufacturing
Airbus Forecasts Aviation Aftermarket Growth to 311 Billion by 2044
Airbus projects the aviation aftermarket to nearly double to $311 billion by 2044, driven by fleet expansion and digital innovation.
The aviation industry stands on the cusp of significant transformation, driven by evolving passenger demand, rapid technological advancements, and the need for sustainable operations. The Airbus Global Services Forecast (GSF) 2025-2044 offers a comprehensive outlook on the future of aviation aftermarket services, highlighting the sector’s anticipated growth and the key factors shaping its trajectory.
As the global commercial aircraft fleet expands and passenger numbers are set to double, aftermarket services, ranging from maintenance to digital solutions, are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting airline operations and ensuring safety, efficiency, and profitability. The GSF not only quantifies this growth but also categorizes it across five strategic pillars, offering industry stakeholders a roadmap for the coming two decades.
This analysis breaks down the GSF’s major projections, explores the drivers behind the burgeoning aviation services market, and examines the implications for airlines, maintenance providers, and the broader aerospace ecosystem.
According to the Airbus Global Services Forecast, the aviation aftermarket services sector is expected to nearly double in value by 2044, reaching an estimated US$311 billion. This growth is underpinned by a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% from 2025 to 2044, with a notable 10% year-over-year increase in demand anticipated in 2025 alone.
The expansion of the global commercial aircraft fleet is a primary driver of this surge. By 2044, the fleet is expected to grow to over 49,000 aircraft, nearly double its current size. This expansion is fueled by both the replacement of aging aircraft, 44% of new deliveries are expected to replace older models, and increased utilization rates as airlines respond to rebounding passenger traffic and evolving market needs.
Passenger numbers are forecasted to double, reaching 10 billion by 2044. This escalation in demand for air travel necessitates robust support in areas such as maintenance, crew training, digitalization, and operational efficiency. The services market, valued at US$159 billion in 2024, is thus set for significant expansion across all key segments.
“The aviation aftermarket is projected to reach US$311 billion by 2044, nearly doubling in value over two decades, as global passenger traffic and aircraft fleets expand.”
Several factors are converging to drive the growth of aviation aftermarket services. The modernization of fleets is a significant catalyst, with airlines investing in newer, more efficient aircraft to meet regulatory requirements, reduce emissions, and enhance passenger experience. This shift not only increases the demand for maintenance and upgrades but also for advanced digital solutions that optimize operations.
Increased aircraft utilization is another critical factor. As airlines maximize fleet deployment to capture rising passenger demand, the need for timely and effective maintenance, training, and operational support becomes more pronounced. This includes both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, as well as real-time monitoring and predictive analytics enabled by digital technologies. Finally, the evolving regulatory landscape and the push for sustainability are prompting airlines to invest in modifications and upgrades that improve fuel efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure compliance with international standards.
To provide a clear framework for understanding the aftermarket’s evolution, Airbus categorizes the services market into five main pillars: Off-Wing Maintenance, On-Wing Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades, Digital & Connectivity, and Training. Each pillar addresses distinct yet interconnected aspects of aircraft support and operational excellence.
Off-Wing Maintenance remains the largest segment of the aviation aftermarket. It encompasses essential services such as major component repairs, overhauls, and the supply of spare parts. This segment is projected to grow from US$107 billion in 2025 to US$218 billion by 2044, with material supply accounting for 85% of its value.
The longevity and reliability of aircraft are directly tied to the quality and availability of off-wing maintenance services. As fleets age and expand, the demand for high-quality parts and comprehensive overhaul solutions will continue to rise. This segment is fundamental to maintaining aircraft value and ensuring operational readiness over the long term.
Industry stakeholders are increasingly focusing on supply chain resilience, cost optimization, and leveraging partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet the growing needs of airlines worldwide.
On-Wing Maintenance, valued at US$21 billion in 2025 and forecast to reach US$34 billion by 2044, covers the spectrum of day-to-day line and base maintenance activities. These services are critical for ensuring high fleet availability and reliability, enabling airlines to maintain tight schedules and minimize operational disruptions.
The increasing complexity of modern aircraft, coupled with the need for rapid turnaround times, has elevated the importance of on-wing maintenance. Airlines are investing in advanced diagnostic tools, mobile maintenance solutions, and digital platforms to streamline these processes and enhance efficiency.
As the global fleet grows and utilization rates climb, the ability to perform timely and effective on-wing maintenance will be a key differentiator for airlines seeking to maintain a competitive edge. This sector, projected to be worth US$17 billion by 2044 (up from US$12 billion in 2025), focuses on cabin retrofits, systems upgrades, and enhancements designed to improve passenger experience, safety, and fuel efficiency. Airlines are increasingly turning to modifications and upgrades to differentiate their offerings and comply with evolving regulatory requirements.
Cabin retrofits, for instance, enable airlines to introduce new seating configurations, in-flight entertainment systems, and connectivity solutions, catering to changing passenger expectations. Systems upgrades, such as avionics enhancements and fuel-saving modifications, contribute to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The dynamic nature of this segment reflects the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation in response to technological innovation and market trends.
Digital & Connectivity is the fastest-growing pillar, expected to nearly triple in value from US$9 billion in 2025 to US$26 billion by 2044. The adoption of digital solutions, ranging from predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring to connected aircraft systems, offers significant potential for operational efficiencies.
Airbus projects that digital technologies could save airlines up to US$83 billion by 2044. The number of digitally connected aircraft is anticipated to increase from 11,000 to over 40,000 during this period, reflecting the industry’s embrace of data-driven decision-making and automation.
These advancements are not only enhancing safety and reliability but also enabling airlines to optimize costs, improve customer service, and respond proactively to maintenance and operational issues.
“The number of digitally connected aircraft is expected to rise from 11,000 to over 40,000 by 2044, underscoring the transformative impact of digitalization on aviation operations.”
The human element remains central to aviation’s future. The training segment is projected to grow from US$10 billion in 2025 to US$17 billion by 2044, driven by the need to recruit and train 2.35 million new professionals, including 633,000 pilots, 705,000 technicians, and 1.01 million cabin crew members.
This demand reflects both the expansion of the global fleet and the replacement of an aging workforce, particularly in mature markets. Training providers face the dual challenge of scaling capacity to meet rising demand and incorporating new technologies and methodologies to ensure effective learning outcomes. Emerging economies are expected to play a significant role in meeting this need, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the global aviation training ecosystem.
Beyond the five core pillars, Airbus identifies two additional areas of growing customer demand: maintenance operations support and ground operations. Maintenance operations support is projected to be worth US$100 billion by 2044, while ground operations are expected to reach US$74 billion.
These segments are integral to the broader aviation services ecosystem, supporting efficient fleet management, turnaround times, and overall operational performance. As airlines seek to optimize every aspect of their operations, the demand for comprehensive and integrated support solutions will continue to grow.
Geographically, the GSF highlights a pronounced shift in growth towards the east. By 2044, the Asia-Pacific, China, and South Asia regions are expected to account for approximately 45% of total services demand. South Asia is projected to experience the highest growth rate, while Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will represent the largest cumulative demand over the forecast period. The three largest services markets by 2044 are anticipated to be China, Europe & CIS, and North America.
“By 2044, Asia-Pacific, China, and South Asia will represent nearly half of the global demand for aviation services, signaling a significant shift in the industry’s geographic center of gravity.”
The Airbus Global Services Forecast 2025-2044 paints a picture of robust growth and transformation for the aviation aftermarket. As fleets expand and passenger numbers rise, the demand for high-quality, efficient, and innovative services will intensify across all segments of the market.
Industry stakeholders, airlines, maintenance providers, OEMs, and training institutions, must adapt to new realities, leveraging digital technologies, investing in workforce development, and building resilient supply chains. The next two decades will be defined by collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on operational excellence as aviation navigates an era of unprecedented change.
What is the Airbus Global Services Forecast (GSF)? How large is the aviation aftermarket expected to be by 2044? Which regions will drive the most growth in aviation services? What are the main segments of the aviation aftermarket? How will digitalization impact the aviation aftermarket?
Airbus Global Services Forecast 2025-2044: Navigating the Future of Aviation Aftermarket
Growth Projections and Market Dynamics
Key Market Drivers
The Five Pillars of Aviation Support
Off-Wing Maintenance
On-Wing Maintenance
Modifications & Upgrades
Digital & Connectivity
Training
Expanding Ecosystem and Regional Trends
Conclusion: Charting a Course for the Next Two Decades
FAQ
The GSF is an industry report published by Airbus that projects the growth and trends of the aviation aftermarket services sector over a 20-year period.
The aviation aftermarket is projected to reach a value of US$311 billion by 2044, nearly doubling its current size.
Asia-Pacific, China, and South Asia are expected to account for approximately 45% of global services demand by 2044.
The five main pillars are Off-Wing Maintenance, On-Wing Maintenance, Modifications & Upgrades, Digital & Connectivity, and Training.
Digital technologies are expected to deliver significant operational efficiencies, with the number of digitally connected aircraft projected to rise from 11,000 to over 40,000 by 2044.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
MRO & Manufacturing
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Expand US Service Network
Bombardier acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions, adding a Delaware facility and mobile repair units to enhance its U.S. aftermarket services.
On February 9, 2026, Bombardier announced the acquisition of Velocity Maintenance Solutions, a specialized provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services based in Wilmington, Delaware. The transaction, executed through Bombardier’s U.S. subsidiary Learjet Inc., represents a strategic expansion of the manufacturer’s aftermarket footprint in the high-traffic Northeast corridor.
The acquisition provides Bombardier with immediate access to a 35,000-square-foot facility at New Castle Airport (ILG) and a fleet of mobile repair units designed for rapid response. While financial terms of the deal remain confidential, the move aligns with the company’s stated objective to grow its services revenue and secure a stronger domestic presence in the United States.
According to the company’s official statement, the acquisition is designed to bolster support for Bombardier’s growing fleet of business jets, including the ultra-long-range Global 8000. By integrating Velocity Maintenance Solutions, Bombardier aims to capture more of the lifecycle maintenance market, a sector that offers stable margins compared to the cyclical nature of aircraft sales.
The deal includes significant physical and operational assets that will be integrated into Bombardier’s service network:
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice President of Bombardier Aftermarket Services, highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations in the press release.
“Velocity Maintenance Solutions’ capabilities and customer-focused culture make it an excellent fit for Bombardier… This acquisition is part of our commitment to continually elevate our service standards.”
Velocity Maintenance Solutions has established itself as an agile player in the MRO space since its emergence around 2021. As an FAA Part 145 Repair Station, the company is authorized to perform scheduled maintenance, structural repairs, and avionics upgrades.
Prior to the acquisition, Velocity serviced a diverse range of aircraft, including models from Embraer, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, and Textron, in addition to Bombardier jets. The facility is known for its 24/7 emergency support capabilities, a critical service for business jet operators requiring immediate dispatch reliability.
This acquisition arrives during a complex period for the aerospace industry, characterized by both consolidation and geopolitical friction. By executing the purchase through Learjet Inc., a heritage U.S. brand based in Wichita, Kansas, Bombardier reinforces its status as a significant U.S. employer. This distinction is increasingly vital as the company navigates trade tensions, including recent tariff threats from the U.S. administration regarding Canadian aerospace products.
Expanding physical infrastructure within the United States serves a dual purpose: it insulates the company’s service supply chain from potential cross-border friction and strengthens its eligibility for U.S. defense contracts. Furthermore, in an industry facing a chronic shortage of skilled labor, acquiring a “turnkey” operation with a certified workforce allows Bombardier to bypass the long lead times associated with recruiting and training new technicians. The location in Wilmington also places Bombardier in direct competition with other major service providers at New Castle Airport, including a Dassault Falcon service center, signaling an aggressive push to dominate the Northeast service market.
The acquisition was made by Learjet Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Bombardier.
The existing team of technicians and support staff at Velocity Maintenance Solutions will be retained and integrated into Bombardier’s workforce.
While the press release emphasizes support for Bombardier’s fleet, Velocity has historically serviced various manufacturers. OEMs often honor existing third-party contracts during transition periods, though the long-term focus typically shifts to the parent company’s products.
Bombardier Acquires Velocity Maintenance Solutions to Densify U.S. Service Network
Expanding the Aftermarket Ecosystem
Target Profile: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
AirPro News Analysis: Strategic and Political Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the acquiring entity?
What happens to the current workforce?
Will Velocity continue to service non-Bombardier aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: Velocity Maintenance Solutions
MRO & Manufacturing
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Satair and Joramco renew their 25-year supply agreement at MRO Middle East 2026, supporting Joramco’s maintenance operations and new contracts.
This article is based on an official press release from Satair and additional industry reporting regarding MRO Middle East 2026.
At the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, Satair, an Airbus Services company, and Joramco (Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Limited) officially announced the renewal of their long-standing Consumables and Expendables Supply Agreement. The deal marks the continuation of a strategic partnership that has spanned more than a quarter of a century, reinforcing the critical role of integrated supply chains in the growing Middle Eastern aviation maintenance sector.
According to the announcement, the renewed agreement is designed to secure a consistent flow of essential spare parts for Joramco’s base maintenance operations in Amman, Jordan. By locking in this supply chain solution, Joramco aims to minimize “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) risks and reduce the complexity of material management for its expanding customer base.
The partnership between Satair and Joramco is one of the most enduring in the region. For over 25 years, Satair has served as a primary provider of consumables and expendables, high-volume, low-cost parts essential for routine maintenance, to the Jordan-based MRO provider.
In the official release, the companies highlighted the operational benefits of the extension. The agreement allows Joramco to leverage Satair’s global distribution network, ensuring that parts are available precisely when needed. This “just-in-time” capability is vital for MROs (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers) striving to offer competitive turnaround times to airlines.
A primary focus of the renewal is the mitigation of supply chain disruptions. By outsourcing the management of consumables to Satair, Joramco can focus its internal resources on heavy maintenance and engineering tasks rather than logistics. The agreement reportedly covers a comprehensive range of Airbus and Boeing fleet requirements, aligning with Joramco’s diverse capabilities.
“This continued partnership with Satair ensures we have the right parts at the right time, allowing us to deliver superior turnaround times to our global customers.”
, Statement attributed to Joramco leadership regarding the renewal
The renewal comes amidst a flurry of activity at MRO Middle East 2026, where both companies have announced significant independent expansions. The event, held on February 4–5, 2026, has served as a platform for major industry shifts in the region. According to industry reporting from the event, Joramco has also secured a major five-year heavy maintenance agreement with the German leisure carrier Condor. This deal will see Joramco performing base maintenance on Condor’s entire Airbus fleet, including the A320ceo, A320neo, and A330neo. Additionally, Joramco celebrated the first graduates of its Structured On-the-Job Training (SOJT) program, a move aimed at addressing the global shortage of skilled aviation technicians.
Simultaneously, Satair has expanded its footprint in the sustainability sector. Reports from the event indicate Satair signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GAMECO (Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co.) to enter the Used Serviceable Material (USM) market, addressing the rising demand for cost-effective and sustainable parts solutions.
The renewal of the Satair-Joramco agreement highlights a critical trend in the post-2025 aviation landscape: the prioritization of supply chain resilience. In an era where global parts shortages have frequently grounded fleets, MRO providers are increasingly moving toward long-term, integrated agreements with major distributors rather than relying on spot-market purchasing.
Furthermore, the Middle East’s trajectory as a global MRO hub is evident in these announcements. Joramco’s ability to secure European contracts like the Condor deal, backed by a robust supply chain from Satair, suggests that regional players are successfully competing on a global scale by combining geographic advantages with high-grade logistical reliability.
Satair and Joramco Extend 25-Year Supply Chain Partnership at MRO Middle East 2026
Strengthening a Quarter-Century Alliance
Operational Efficiency and AOG Reduction
Broader Context: MRO Middle East 2026 Developments
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Satair
MRO & Manufacturing
Joramco Renews Maintenance Agreement with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Joramco extends its maintenance contract with Mexican cargo airline mas for heavy checks on Airbus A330 freighters throughout 2026 at its Amman facility.
This article is based on an official press release from Joramco.
Joramco, the Amman-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility and engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has officially announced the renewal of its maintenance agreement with mas (formerly MasAir), a prominent Mexican cargo airline. The agreement was finalized and signed during the MRO Middle East 2026 exhibition in Dubai, marking a continuation of the strategic partnership between the two entities.
Under the terms of the renewed contract, Joramco will perform heavy base maintenance checks on the mas fleet of Airbus A330 freighters. The work is scheduled to take place throughout 2026 at Joramco’s facility at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. This announcement underscores the MRO provider’s increasing traction in the global cargo sector and its ability to secure recurring business from international carriers outside its traditional regional stronghold.
According to the company’s announcement, the new deal focuses specifically on heavy base maintenance, often referred to as C-checks, for the carrier’s Airbus A330 fleet. These checks are critical for ensuring the continued airworthiness and operational reliability of the freighter aircraft, which are essential to mas’s global logistics network.
This renewal follows a successful initial collaboration established relatively recently. Joramco and mas first formalized their partnerships in October 2025 at the MRO Europe exhibition in London. That initial agreement covered maintenance checks that began in December 2025. The rapid renewal, signed just four months later, suggests a successful execution of the initial checks and a deepening of the business relationship.
In a statement regarding the renewal, Joramco’s leadership highlighted the significance of the repeat business.
“We are pleased to welcome more aircraft from mas at Joramco. This agreement reaffirms Joramco’s position as a trusted Global MRO provider of choice.”
, Adam Voss, CEO of Joramco
The agreement with mas aligns with Joramco’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. By securing a renewal with a Latin American carrier, the Jordan-based MRO is demonstrating its competitiveness on a global scale, attracting airframes from the Americas to the Middle-East for heavy maintenance. The timing of this renewal is notable within the wider context of the MRO industry’s capacity constraints. In late 2025, Joramco inaugurated “Hangar 7,” a significant infrastructure expansion that reportedly increased its capacity to 22 parallel maintenance lines. This expansion appears to be paying dividends, allowing the facility to accommodate the “more aircraft” referenced by CEO Adam Voss.
Furthermore, the cargo market remains a demanding sector requiring high asset utilization. For a specialized Cargo-Aircraft airline like mas, which operates a modernizing fleet of Airbus A330 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) aircraft, securing reliable MRO slots is a strategic priority. The quick transition from an initial contract in late 2025 to a full-year renewal for 2026 indicates that Joramco has successfully met the technical and turnaround time requirements demanded by the cargo carrier.
Joramco: A subsidiary of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Joramco has operated for over 60 years. Based in Amman, Jordan, it provides airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft.
mas: Headquartered in Mexico City, mas (formerly MasAir) is a specialized cargo airline operating scheduled and charter freight services across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The airline has been actively expanding its capacity with Airbus A330 freighters to support its international network.
Sources:
Joramco Extends Maintenance Partnership with mas Cargo Airline for 2026
Scope of the Renewed Agreement
Strategic Context and Capacity Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
About the Companies
Photo Credit: Joramco
-
Commercial Aviation4 days agoAirbus Nears Launch of Stretched A350 Variant to Compete with Boeing 777X
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries4 days agoHarbor Diversified Sells Air Wisconsin Assets for $113.2 Million
-
Defense & Military2 days agoApogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
-
MRO & Manufacturing5 days agoFedEx A300 Nose Gear Collapse During Maintenance at BWI Airport
-
Defense & Military5 days agoAirbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials