Asia-Pacific will become the main engine of global aviation services growth over the next two decades, according to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast. The company expects services demand in the region, including China and India, to grow at an average of 5.2 percent a year through 2044, reaching nearly US$139 billion.
This expansion is being fuelled by rapid growth in air travel and aircraft fleets. Asia-Pacific is forecast to take almost half of all new passenger aircraft deliveries worldwide over the next 20 years, with 19,560 new jets entering service. Passenger traffic in the region is expected to rise by 4.4 percent annually, far faster than the global average.
Maintenance will account for the largest share of services growth. Off-wing maintenance demand is projected to nearly triple as fleets age, although supply chain problems and labour shortages remain key challenges. On-wing maintenance is also growing, supported by heavy investment in new MRO facilities across India and Southeast Asia. Airlines are meanwhile spending more on aircraft upgrades, including cabin refurbishments and in-flight connectivity, to meet rising passenger expectations.
Digitalisation is another major driver. Airlines and maintenance providers are increasingly using AI and data analytics to improve efficiency, support predictive maintenance and ease workforce pressures. Training demand is also rising sharply, with the region needing more than one million new aviation professionals by 2044.
Beyond traditional services, Airbus highlights the growing importance of maintenance operations support and ground operations, both of which are being transformed by automation and digital tools. By 2044, these segments alone are expected to be worth more than US$75 billion combined.
Overall, while established markets will remain important, Airbus says Asia-Pacific—led by South Asia and China—will shape the future of global aviation services, influencing where capacity, skills and investment are focused worldwide.
