Airbus expects aviation services market to double by 2045

The global aviation services market will exceed $420 billion by 2045, roughly double its 2026 value, Airbus forecast on October 14.

The forecast assumes average annual market growth of 3.8%. Airbus links rising demand for services to an expanding global fleet of around 45,550 aircraft by 2045.

The company estimates that the industry will need another 660,000 pilots, 1.05 million cabin crew and 730,000 maintenance technicians. These figures cover cumulative requirements throughout the forecast period.

Off-wing maintenance and workshop repairs will remain the largest of the identified segments. Airbus values that market at $217 billion in 2045 and on-wing maintenance at $36 billion.

Digital solutions and connectivity are expected to grow fastest, averaging 5.3% a year. Airbus projects that segment will triple over two decades to reach $27 billion.