Airbus forecasts strong aircraft demand despite geopolitical tensions

Airbus reports that geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges have not dampened the demand for new aircraft. During a briefing in Hong Kong, Anand Stanley, Airbus head for the Asia-Pacific region, stated that demand remains strong with customers in both the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions ready to take delivery of new planes. Airbus has seen a 9 percent increase in deliveries compared to the same period last year.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2045 period, Airbus forecasts that airlines will require approximately 42,000 new aircraft, with 45 percent of these destined for the Asia-Pacific region. Specific regional needs include 8,830 new passenger aircraft for China, 3,480 for India, and 6,880 for the remainder of the Asia-Pacific region.

India is expected to maintain the strongest growth rate at 9.3 percent on domestic routes. While China's growth forecast was revised downward from 5.4 percent to 4.7 percent due to macroeconomic factors, Airbus notes that urbanization in China—with an estimated 600 new small and medium-sized cities expected over the next 20 years—will drive the need for new airport infrastructure and airline routes.