BANGKOK, 22 October 2026: Airbus anticipates total demand for global aviation services will double from 2026, reaching more than USD420 billion by 2045.
These services, which sustain the aviation sector’s robustness, will grow at a 3.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), supporting an increasing world aircraft fleet of 45,550 by 2045. Over the same 20-year period, passenger numbers will double to 10 billion.
This will create a cumulative need for 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots, and 1,050,000 cabin crew, totalling more than 2.44 million additional skilled people.
Digital solutions and connectivity underpin all sectors of the services market, helping airlines improve operational efficiency, reduce disruptions such as delays and cancellations, increase maintenance agility, and provide real-time connectivity to meet passenger expectations for a seamless journey.
Airbus’ GSF outlines six key service segments
Off-Wing Maintenance (2045: US$217 billion, +3.7% CAGR) — Doubling in value driven by an increasing number of shop visits due to an ageing and growing global fleet. Material supply is significant, reflecting demand for parts support and repair.
Maintenance Operations Support (2045: US$104 billion, +4.3% CAGR) — This new cluster includes on-time inventory provision, quality, and engineering support to ensure continued airworthiness and aircraft reliability.
On-Wing Maintenance (2045: US$36 billion, +2.8% CAGR) — Covers light inspections through heavy checks and is growing in line with the expanding global fleet.
Digital & connectivity (2045: US$27 billion, +5.3% CAGR) — The fastest-growing market, this is expected to triple over the next two decades.
Modifications & Upgrades (2045: US$21 billion, +2.6% CAGR) — Upgrades of older aircraft through cabin retrofits and modern technology integration.
Training (2045: US$17 billion, +3.1% CAGR) — Addressing a massive new workforce requirement, the industry must intensify efforts to attract and train new talent.
Over the next 20 years, Europe & CIS, North America, and China will remain the largest services markets by total demand, while Asia (Asia-Pacific, China, and South Asia) is projected to be the fastest-growing. The Airbus GSF is aircraft agnostic, focusing on passenger jets with capacities exceeding 100 seats and freighters with payload capabilities above 10 tonnes.
(Source: Airbus)
