Airbus forecasts strong growth in the Asia-Pacific aviation services market, which according to its latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) is expected to reach a value of US$138.7 billion by 2044. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, confirming the region as the global epicentre of future aviation services development.
Growth will be driven by continued expansion in air traffic and fleet size. Over the next 20 years, Asia-Pacific is projected to require 19,560 new passenger aircraft, accounting for 46% of total global demand during the forecast period. Passenger traffic in the region is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.4%, significantly above the global average of 3.6%.
The largest share of the services market will come from off-wing maintenance, which is forecast to grow from US$37.1 billion in 2025 to US$100 billion by 2044. Expanding and ageing fleets are generating strong demand, although the segment continues to face supply chain constraints and persistent labour shortages.
On-wing maintenance is also gaining momentum, supported by substantial investment in MRO infrastructure. New base maintenance hangars are under construction in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, strengthening regional capabilities and reducing reliance on overseas facilities. The segment is expected to grow from US$6 billion to US$14 billion by 2044.
Significant growth is anticipated in modifications and upgrades. As fleets mature, airlines are increasingly undertaking complex retrofit programmes, including cabin modernisation, the introduction of premium products and the installation of in-flight connectivity (IFC) systems. This segment is projected to expand from US$3.8 billion to US$6.2 billion.
Digitalisation and connectivity represent one of the most dynamic areas, with the market expected to grow from US$2.9 billion to US$11.2 billion by 2044. Airlines and MRO providers are accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to enhance efficiency. Predictive maintenance, operational optimisation and automation are becoming critical tools to improve performance and mitigate labour shortages.
In the training segment, forecast to increase from US$3.2 billion to US$7.7 billion, the region is rapidly transitioning towards Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA). By 2044, more than 1.06 million new aviation professionals will be required, including 282,000 pilots, 302,000 technicians and 473,000 cabin crew members.
Airbus also highlights the growing importance of maintenance operations support, encompassing engineering services, technical records management and fleet-wide planning. This segment alone is expected to reach US$46.4 billion in Asia-Pacific by 2044. Meanwhile, the ground operations market — a critical link between airside efficiency and aircraft turnaround performance — is forecast to reach US$31 billion, driven by automation and digital solutions.
According to Airbus, while mature markets will continue to provide scale, Asia-Pacific — led by South Asia and China — will define the next phase of global aviation services growth, reshaping capacity, capabilities and investment priorities worldwide.
