# Airbus global aviation market forecasts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/airbus-global-aviation-market-forecasts
> Updated: 2026-10-25T06:35:11.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 3.

Airbus has released long-term projections regarding the aviation industry through 2045, highlighting significant needs in both personnel and aircraft. The company’s Global Services Forecast indicates a requirement for approximately 2.44 million new employees, including 1.05 million cabin crew, 730,000 maintenance technicians, and 660,000 pilots, to support expected air traffic growth. To address these needs, the aviation training market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2045. Consequently, Airbus is shifting its strategic focus toward becoming a comprehensive service provider, aiming to increase commercial aircraft services revenue to over $10 billion by 2030.

In its Global Market Forecast, Airbus predicts a demand for 42,060 new passenger aircraft over the next two decades. Nearly 47% of these deliveries are expected to be for fleet replacement, a trend driven by aging aircraft following post-pandemic production and delivery delays. The company anticipates that the proportion of latest-generation aircraft in the global fleet will rise from 39% in 2026 to nearly 100% by 2045.

Regional growth is noted in Africa, where passenger traffic is expected to nearly triple. Specifically, Ethiopia is identified as a major market, with passenger traffic forecasted to increase almost sixfold between 2025 and 2045. Additionally, the global dedicated freighter fleet is projected to grow by 46% by 2045, reaching 3,460 aircraft. This demand for 2,670 new freighter units will be driven by both market growth and fleet replacement, with the majority of demand concentrated in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.

## Claims

- The global freighter fleet is projected to grow from 2,360 in 2026 to 3,460 by 2045. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 2,670 freighter units will be required to meet demand. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Global air cargo traffic is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 3.2%. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- North America and Asia-Pacific will account for two-thirds of total global freighter demand. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Routes from Asia-Pacific to North America are expected to have an annual growth rate of 3.8%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Demand in Europe and CIS will reach 515 aircraft. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Air cargo traffic is expected to rise from 280 billion freight ton kilometers in 2025 to 530 billion FTK in 2045. (single source)
- Of the 2,670 required freighters, 1,700 will be converted from passenger aircraft. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Airbus projects global freighter fleet to grow 46% by 2045

Airbus predicts the global freighter fleet will reach 3,460 aircraft by 2045, a 46% increase driven by a 3.2% annual growth in air cargo traffic.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-projects-global-freighter-fleet-to-grow-46-by-2045

### 2026-10-20: Airbus forecasts high demand for new aircraft through 2045

Airbus forecasts a global demand for 42,060 new passenger aircraft by 2045, driven by fleet replacements and rapid aviation growth in Africa.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-forecasts-high-demand-for-new-aircraft-through-2045

### 2026-10-14: Airbus forecasts need for 2.44 million aviation workers by 2045

Airbus forecasts that the aviation industry will need 2.44 million new workers by 2045, including pilots, technicians, and cabin crew, as the company expands its focus into aviation services.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbus-forecasts-need-for-244-million-aviation-workers-by-2045

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Cite as: Airbus global aviation market forecasts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/airbus-global-aviation-market-forecasts