Global – Airbus has released its 2025 Global Market Forecast (GMF), projecting demand for 43,420 new aircraft by 2044, underpinned by steady long-term passenger traffic growth of 3.6% annually. The forecast, released alongside the Paris Air Show 2025, outlines key shifts in fleet composition and market trends over the next two decades.

• Of the 43,420 projected new aircraft, 34,250 will be single-aisle aircraft, while 9,170 will be widebodies. About 44% of deliveries (18,930 units) will replace older, less fuel-efficient aircraft.

• The global fleet is expected to more than double, surpassing 49,000 aircraft by 2044.

• Growth is driven by long-term macro trends:

  • Global GDP expansion at +2.5% per year

  • 1.5 billion-person increase in the middle class, the demographic most likely to fly

• Operational and Sustainability Highlights:

  • 34% of the current fleet comprises latest-generation aircraft delivering up to 25% better fuel efficiency

  • Average aircraft utilization has increased by 2 hours per day over 20 years (from 8.2 hours in 2004 to 10.2 hours in 2024)

  • 2024 marked a record global load factor of 83.5% and USD 61.9 billion in gross operating profit for the airline industry

Find the complete GMF here.

Source: Airbus