Region set to drive the next phase of global aviation services growth.
Airbus A-350 Aircraft.
Airbus Global Services Forecast for Asia-Pacific: Airbus has forecast that the Asia-Pacific aviation services market will reach US$138.7 billion by 2044, underpinned by sustained fleet expansion and rising air traffic demand. According to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) for Asia-Pacific, including China and India, total services demand in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the next two decades.
The outlook reinforces Asia-Pacific’s position as the fastest-growing aviation market globally and a central pillar of future industry growth.
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Fleet Expansion and Air Traffic Drive Services Demand
The projected growth in services demand is closely linked to robust aircraft deliveries and passenger traffic expansion. Over the next 20 years, Asia-Pacific is expected to require 19,560 new passenger aircraft, accounting for 46% of total global aircraft demand during the forecast period.
Passenger traffic in the region is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 4.4%, significantly outpacing the global average of 3.6%. This rapid expansion will place increasing demands on maintenance, training, digital solutions, and operational support services across the aviation ecosystem.
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Airbus H-140 Helicopter.
Off-Wing Maintenance Emerges as the Largest Segment
Off-wing maintenance is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing services segment in Asia-Pacific. Airbus estimates the market will grow from US$37.1 billion in 2025 to US$100 billion by 2044.
Demand is rising as airline fleets grow in size and age. However, the segment faces notable constraints, including ongoing supply chain disruptions and persistent labour shortages, which are shaping investment decisions and capacity planning across the region.
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On-Wing Maintenance Boosted by Regional MRO Investments
The on-wing maintenance segment is also set for steady expansion, growing from US$6 billion in 2025 to US$14 billion by 2044. Significant capital investment is flowing into maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure across Asia-Pacific.
New base maintenance hangars are under construction in key markets such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, strengthening regional maintenance capabilities and reducing reliance on overseas facilities.
Airbus Helicopter.
Modifications and Upgrades Driven by Fleet Ageing
Modifications and upgrades are forecast to grow from US$3.8 billion in 2025 to US$6.2 billion by 2044. As fleets age, airlines are undertaking increasingly complex retrofit programmes, particularly focused on cabin modernisation.
These upgrades are being used to introduce premium cabin products and in-flight connectivity (IFC), reflecting evolving passenger expectations and competitive differentiation strategies among regional carriers.
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Digital and Connectivity Services Gain Momentum
Digital and connectivity services represent one of the fastest-growing segments in the forecast. The market is expected to expand from US$2.9 billion in 2025 to US$11.2 billion by 2044.
Airlines and MRO providers across Asia-Pacific are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, optimise fleet utilisation, and help mitigate labour shortages through automation and smarter decision-making.
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Airbus C-295 aircraft.
Training Demand Accelerates Amid Workforce Expansion
Training services are forecast to grow from US$3.2 billion in 2025 to US$7.7 billion by 2044, reflecting the region’s rapidly expanding aviation workforce requirements.
Asia-Pacific is transitioning toward Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), with Airbus estimating that more than 1.06 million new aviation professionals will be needed by 2044. This includes approximately 282,000 pilots, 302,000 technicians, and 473,000 cabin crew to support fleet and network growth.
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Maintenance Operations Support Becomes a Critical Enabler
Beyond traditional maintenance segments, Airbus highlights maintenance operations support as an increasingly critical component of airline and MRO performance. This segment includes engineering services, technical records management, inventory optimisation, and fleet-wide planning.
Demand for maintenance operations support services in Asia-Pacific is expected to reach US$46.4 billion by 2044, underscoring its role as a key operational enabler in an increasingly complex aviation environment.
Ground Operations Transformed by Automation
Ground operations are also undergoing significant transformation, driven by automation and digitalisation aimed at improving aircraft turnaround times and airside efficiency.
The Asia-Pacific ground operations services market is forecast to reach US$31 billion by 2044, reflecting its growing importance in supporting high-frequency operations and dense airport networks across the region.
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Asia-Pacific to Shape the Future of Global Aviation Services
As the global aviation ecosystem evolves, Airbus’ forecast shows that growth in services demand is increasingly concentrated in Asia-Pacific. While mature markets will continue to provide scale, Asia-Pacific—driven primarily by South Asia and China—is expected to define the next phase of global aviation services growth.
This shift is set to reshape capacity planning, capability development, and investment priorities worldwide, cementing Asia-Pacific’s role as the engine of long-term growth for the global aviation services industry.
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