This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Airbus Forecasts Asia-Pacific Aviation Services Market to Hit $138.7 Billion by 2044

During the Singapore Airshow in February 2026, Airbus unveiled its latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) for the Asia-Pacific region, projecting a massive expansion in the aviation services sector. According to the manufacturer, the market value for aviation services in the region, which includes China and India, is expected to reach US$138.7 billion by 2044.

This projection represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2025 levels. Airbus identifies the Asia-Pacific region as the world’s fastest-growing market for these services, driven by a surge in passenger traffic and a critical need for fleet modernization. The forecast anticipates that the region will require 19,560 new aircraft over the next two decades, a figure that accounts for 46% of total global demand.

Maintenance and Digitalization Driving Growth

The Airbus report breaks down the market into five key segments, highlighting where the capital investment is likely to flow over the next 20 years. The largest contributor to this valuation is the “Off-Wing Maintenance” sector, which includes engine and component overhauls.

According to the press release, the Off-Wing Maintenance segment is projected to grow from an estimated US$37.1 billion in 2025 to US$100 billion by 2044. This growth is necessitated by the expansion of regional fleets and the aging of current aircraft inventories.

While maintenance holds the highest value, the “Digital & Connectivity” segment is identified as the fastest-growing area. Airbus forecasts this sector will nearly quadruple in value, rising from US$2.9 billion to US$11.2 billion. This surge is attributed to the increasing adoption of AI-based predictive maintenance and the rising expectations for passenger connectivity.

“The Asia-Pacific region will see the largest volume of growth and activity in terms of aftermarket services… especially digital solutions are becoming real multipliers, enabling operators to scale up without compromising on reliability or cost.”

— Cristina Aguilar Grieder, SVP Customer Services, Airbus

Additional Market Segments

The forecast outlines three other critical areas of development:

• On-Wing Maintenance: Expected to grow to US$14 billion, supported by heavy infrastructure investment in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
• Modifications & Upgrades: Projected to reach US$6.2 billion, focusing on cabin modernization and premium retrofits.
• Training: Forecast to hit US$7.7 billion as the industry shifts toward competency-based training methods.

Workforce Demand: A Critical Challenge

To support this unprecedented growth, the Asia-Pacific region faces a significant human resources challenge. Airbus estimates a total requirement for 1.06 million new aviation professionals by 2044. This demand represents nearly half of the global requirement for skilled aviation labor.

The breakdown of this workforce demand includes:

• Pilots: Approximately 299,000 new recruits needed.
• Technicians: Approximately 322,000 maintenance specialists required.
• Cabin Crew: Approximately 439,000 service professionals needed.

AirPro News Analysis

While the Airbus figures paint a picture of robust health, we note that the projected growth relies heavily on the region’s ability to overcome supply chain constraints and labor shortages. The heavy emphasis on the “Digital & Connectivity” segment, quadrupling in value, suggests a strategic pivot by airlines. Carriers appear to be banking on AI and data analytics not just for efficiency, but as a necessary mitigation strategy against the looming workforce gap.

Furthermore, cross-referencing this data with broader industry reports provides context. Boeing’s recent outlook similarly identifies Southeast Asia as a growth engine, forecasting a need for nearly 4,885 new aircraft in that sub-region alone. Meanwhile, independent analysis from Aviation Week suggests the broader Asia-Pacific and China region will account for 30% of global MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) demand over the next decade. The alignment between these major forecasts underscores the consensus that the center of gravity for global aviation is firmly shifting toward Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the Asia-Pacific aviation services market by 2044?
Airbus forecasts the market will reach US$138.7 billion by 2044.

Which sector within aviation services is growing the fastest?
The “Digital & Connectivity” segment is the fastest-growing, expected to nearly quadruple to US$11.2 billion.

How many new aircraft will the Asia-Pacific region need?
The region is expected to require 19,560 new aircraft over the next 20 years, representing 46% of global demand.

How many new aviation professionals are needed in the region?
The forecast estimates a need for 1.06 million new professionals, including pilots, technicians, and cabin crew.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release
• Boeing Commercial Market Outlook
• Aviation Week MRO Forecasts