Airbus expects global demand for aviation services to double by 2045, reaching an estimated value of more than US$420 billion, the European planemaker said in its latest Global Services Forecast Published on October 14, 2026 .

Covering 2026 to 2045, the forecast projects growth of 3.8 per cent a year. These services, which include maintenance, spare parts, digital tools and training, keep aircraft operating as the world fleet expands.

Airbus said the global fleet will reach 45,550 aircraft by 2045, while passenger numbers will double to 10 billion over the same 20 years.

That growth will require more than 2.44 million additional skilled people, according to the forecast: 730,000 maintenance technicians, 660,000 pilots and 1,050,000 cabin crew.

Off-wing maintenance, largely workshop-based repair and parts support, is expected to be the biggest segment at US$217 billion by 2045, as an ageing and growing fleet makes more workshop visits. Maintenance operations support, including parts supply and engineering backing, is forecast at US$104 billion. On-wing maintenance, from light inspections to heavy checks, is put at US$36 billion.

Digital and connectivity services are projected to be the fastest-growing segment, rising 5.3 per cent a year to US$27 billion. Airbus expects the segment to triple over the next two decades. It said these tools help airlines improve efficiency, reduce delays and cancellations, and meet passenger expectations. Modifications and upgrades, such as cabin retrofits, are forecast at US$21 billion, and training at US$17 billion.

“As the global fleet doubles to more than 45,550 aircraft by 2045, we need to get ready,” said Cristina Aguilar Grieder, Senior Vice-President, Customer Services, Commercial Aircraft, at Airbus. “Airbus is expanding its role as an integral services partner to support our customers across the entire aircraft lifecycle.”

Europe and CIS, North America and China will remain the largest services markets by total demand over the next 20 years, Airbus said. Asia, defined as Asia-Pacific, China and South Asia, is projected to grow fastest.

The forecast covers passenger jets with more than 100 seats and freighters with a payload capacity above 10 tonnes, regardless of manufacturer.

Source: PR