Airbus has released its newest 20-year Global Market Forecast indicating that between 2025 and 2044, around 43,420 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be needed.
The European aircraft maker said that 34,250 would typically be single aisle and 9,170 typically widebodies – 970 of which would be freighters.
The latest figure represents an increase of 2.3% on Airbus’ projection last year when it suggested that 42,430 aircraft would be required between 2024 and 2043.
“Following a robust recovery, the aviation sector is poised for sustained growth driven by societal and economic drivers. This forecast projects a significant increase in passenger demand, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, coupled with a transformation towards a more sustainable and efficient global aviation system,” said Airbus in a statement on June 12, 2025.
According to Airbus, 34% of the global in-service fleet is now the latest generation aircraft, but replacing the remaining 66% is a “priority”.
Additionally, Airbus said that passenger traffic will grow by 3.6% annually, driven by global GDP (+2.5%), and an increase of 1.5 billion in the global middle class who represent the demographic most likely to fly.
Airbus singled out emerging markets of particular importance with domestic Indian traffic growth (+8.9%) the world’s highest, followed by Asia to China (+8.5%) and Middle East with Asia (5.3%).
The demand for new aircraft will subsequently fuel a need for new pilots, technicians, cabin crews and staff throughout the aviation sector.
“Huge opportunities will exist in aircraft maintenance and efficient operations as part of the sector’s sustainability drive,” Airbus said.
Reflecting on the industry’s performance in 2024, Airbus said that there was GDP growth of 2.7% buoyed by 4.8 billion passengers traveling. Airlines reached gross operating profit of $61.9 billion.
