Airbus Forecasts APAC Aviation Services Market to Reach US$138.7 Billion by 2044

Asia-Pacific Aviation Services to Hit US$138.7 Billion by 2044

Mohd Hanif Ismail - : Feb 6, 2026 - : 10:22 am

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to become the primary engine of global aviation growth over the next two decades, with the services market projected to reach a valuation of US$138.7 billion by 2044. According to the latest data released during the Singapore Airshow 2026, the region will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2 per cent. This expansion is underpinned by a massive requirement for new airframes and a corresponding surge in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities as fleets both expand and age across the continent.

This significant upward trajectory is detailed in the Airbus Global Services Forecast (GSF) 2025–2044, which identifies Asia-Pacific as the world’s fastest-growing air travel market. Passenger traffic in the region is expected to rise at an annual rate of 4.4 per cent, comfortably outstripping the global average of 3.6 per cent. To meet this demand, the industry expects a requirement for 19,560 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years, representing roughly 46 per cent of total global demand during the forecast period.

The findings, originally published on 5 February 2026 by Airbus highlight a decisive shift in the industry's gravity. While mature Western markets continue to provide stability, Airbus notes that the next phase of global aviation services growth will be defined by South Asia and China. This shift is expected to reshape global investment priorities, forcing a realignment of technical capabilities and infrastructure toward the East.

MRO and Infrastructure Expansion

Off-wing maintenance is set to remain the largest and fastest-growing segment within the regional services sector. Market value for this category is forecast to leap from US$37.1 billion in 2025 to US$100 billion by 2044. Despite this bullish outlook, the sector faces structural headwinds, including persistent supply chain disruptions and a critical shortage of skilled labour. To mitigate these risks, substantial capital is already flowing into MRO infrastructure, with new base maintenance hangars currently under construction in Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Digitalisation and Personnel Requirements

The forecast also emphasises a rapid transition toward high-tech solutions. The digital and connectivity services segment is projected to grow from US$2.9 billion in 2025 to US$11.2 billion by 2044. Airlines and MRO providers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence and data analytics to drive operational efficiency and predictive maintenance. Furthermore, the region will require a staggering influx of human capital to sustain operations. Airbus estimates that by 2044, Asia-Pacific will need more than 1.06 million new aviation professionals, including 282,000 pilots, 302,000 technicians, and 473,000 cabin crew members.

“Asia-Pacific, driven by South Asia and China, will define the next phase of global aviation services growth,” Airbus stated in its official release, noting that the region is “reshaping capacity, capabilities, and investment priorities worldwide.” This sentiment was echoed by industry analysts who observed that the training segment alone is expected to reach US$7.7 billion by 2044 as the region moves toward competency-based assessment models to address the talent gap.