Airbus Forecasts Demand for 660,000 New Pilots and US$17 Billion Training Market by 2045

Global – European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has released its 2026–2045 Global Services Forecast (GSF), projecting that the global commercial aviation training market will reach US$17 billion annually by 2045, driven by fleet expansion, workforce replacement and growing demand for aviation professionals. The forecast identifies continued requirements for pilot, maintenance technician and cabin crew training across the world's commercial airline industry.

• Airbus forecasts demand for 2.44 million new aviation professionals between 2026 and 2045, comprising:
  • 660,000 pilots
  • 730,000 maintenance technicians
  • 1,050,000 cabin crew members
• The manufacturer's regional pilot demand forecast identifies the following requirements through 2045:
  • Europe & CIS – 136,000 pilots
  • China – 123,000 pilots
  • Asia-Pacific (excluding China and South Asia) – 112,000 pilots
  • North America – 109,000 pilots
  • Middle East & Africa – 92,000 pilots
  • South Asia – 50,000 pilots
  • Latin America & the Caribbean – 38,000 pilots
• Airbus projects the overall commercial aviation services market will more than double from US$209 billion in 2026 to US$422 billion annually by 2045, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%. The training segment is forecast to grow by 3.1% annually.
• Beyond training, the projected 2045 aviation services market comprises:
  • Off-Wing Maintenance – US$217 billion
  • Maintenance Operations Support – US$104 billion
  • On-Wing Maintenance – US$36 billion
  • Digital & Connectivity – US$27 billion
  • Modifications & Upgrades – US$21 billion
• The global commercial aircraft fleet covered by the forecast is expected to increase from more than 29,000 aircraft in 2026 to approximately 45,550 by 2045, while annual passenger numbers are projected to double to approximately 10 billion. The growing fleet will require continued investment in initial pilot training, aircraft type ratings, recurrent training and aircraft maintenance workforce development.
• Asia, comprising China, South Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, is expected to account for more than 40% of the global aviation services market by 2045. South Asia is projected to record the highest regional services growth rate at 8.4% annually, while Asia-Pacific and China are each forecast to grow by 4.4%.
• AFM previously reported that Airbus' 2026 Global Market Forecast projected demand for 42,060 new commercial aircraft through 2045, comprising 19,820 replacement aircraft and 22,240 aircraft required for fleet growth. The latest services forecast builds on those fleet projections by identifying the corresponding demand for aviation personnel and operational support.
• Airbus expects training providers and airlines to increasingly incorporate Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital learning platforms into training delivery. The forecast covers commercial passenger aircraft with more than 100 seats and freighters with payload capacities exceeding 10 tonnes, regardless of aircraft manufacturer.

Statements

• “As the global fleet doubles to more than 45,550 aircraft by 2045, we need to get ready. Airbus is expanding its role as an integral services partner to support our customers across the entire aircraft lifecycle. By integrating predictive operations, fleet modernisation, and advanced digital solutions, we are helping airlines ensure fleet availability, reliability, safety and long-term operational excellence,” said Cristina Aguilar Grieder, SVP Customer Services Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

Source: Airbus