Market Intelligence: South East Asia

Vietjet Signs 2025 MoU for Up to 150 A321neos

Vietnam – Vietjet, Vietnam’s largest private airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus covering a major new order for 100 single-aisle A321neo aircraft, with the potential to add another 50 in the future.

The agreement was signed during the Paris Air Show by Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“This new agreement marks a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with Airbus,” said Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. “These modern and efficient aircraft have been instrumental in Vietjet’s growth, helping us make air travel more accessible and affordable for millions, while strengthening our role as a connector for economic development, cultural exchange and global connectivity. This landmark agreement represents a vital step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multi-national aviation group.”

“Our latest agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “Together the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network. The airline will also benefit from the high levels of technical commonality that are unique to latest generation Airbus aircraft.”

Operating a fleet of more than 100 Airbus aircraft, Vietjet continues to expand its global network and fleet modernisation.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

At the end of May 2025, more than 7,000 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by over 90 customers across the globe.

As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Source: Airbus

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Aircraft Manufacturer Embraer Forecasts Demand for 10,500 Regional Aircraft by 2044

  • Embraer expects demand for 10,500 sub-150-seat jets and turboprops within the next 20 years for the market in general
  • Value of new orders US$680 billion
  • China will lead annual RPK growth
  • North America will lead jet aircraft deliveries

Global –Embraer has published Market Outlook 2025, its annual 20-year forecast for commercial aircraft deliveries in the sub-150-seat category.

Market Outlook 2025 estimates 10,500 orders for new jets and turboprops through 2044. It also presents analyses of global influences and trends in seven world regions that impact the demand for new aircraft. Because of its growing prominence in commercial aviation, statistics for China are detailed separately in this year’s Market Outlook for the first time.

The document also analyzes demand for cargo aircraft, including a forecast for passenger-to-freighter conversions.

The overall forecast for the number of new sub-150-seat aircraft remains almost unchanged from Embraer’s previous estimate. Arjan Meijer, Embraer President and CEO of Commercial Aviation, attributes the consistency of the estimate to the longevity of social, supply chain, and geopolitical trends Embraer identified during the pandemic.

“Five years after the onset of the pandemic, many of the structural changes it triggered have proven to be quite long lasting. In our first post-pandemic Market Outlook, we highlighted the transition from globalization to a more polarized geopolitical outlook. Today, as countries and regions pursue greater strategic autonomy, the demand for regional access will continue to grow. We believe mixed fleets that combine small and large narrowbody aircraft are essential for that long-term growth. They provide the versatility needed to better match capacity with demand, expand networks, and support national and regional development goals.”

Highlights of the 20-Year Commercial Market Outlook – By the Numbers

World passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) is forecast to grow 3.9% annually through 2044. China will lead among seven global regions.

Annual RPK regional growth rate – ranked

  • 5.7% China
  • 4.7% Latin America
  • 4.4% Africa
  • 4.4% Middle East
  • 4.1% Asia Pacific
  • 3.1% Europe & CIS
  • 2.4% North America

RPK share by the end of 2044

  • 39% Asia Pacific
  • 37% Europe + North America

Global demand for new aircraft up to 150 seats 10,500 units

  • 8,720 jets
  • 1,780 turboprops

Market value of all new aircraft USD 680 billion

Jet deliveries – 8,720 (% share) – by region

  • 2,680 North America (30.7%)
  • 1,990 Europe & CIS (22.8%)
  • 1,500 China (17.2%)
  • 1,050 Asia Pacific (12.1%)
  • 770 Latin America (8.8%)
  • 380 Africa (4.4%)
  • 350 Middle East (4.0%)

Turboprop deliveries – 1,780 (% share) – by region 640 Asia Pacific (36.0%)

  • 280 North America (15.7%)
  • 260 Europe & CIS (14.6%)
  • 220 Africa (12.4%)
  • 200 China (11.2%)
  • 160 Latin America (9.0%)
  • 20 Middle East (1.1%)

Download the complete Embraer 2025 Market Outlook here.

Source: Embraer

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Boeing CMO 2025 Forecasts 43,600 Aircraft Deliveries Through 2044, Led by Emerging Markets

Global – Boeing has released its 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), forecasting demand for 43,600 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years, fueled by passenger traffic growth of 4.2% annually and rapid fleet expansion in emerging markets. The projection was released ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025.

  • The forecast expects the global fleet to nearly double to 49,600 aircraft by 2044, with emerging markets accounting for over 50% of that fleet, up from 40% in 2024.

  • The report highlights a major replacement cycle: nearly half of new deliveries (~21,000 aircraft) will replace aging models, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.

  • Boeing anticipates aircraft supply to catch up with demand by the end of the decade, giving airlines the capacity to renew and grow fleets more aggressively.

Aircraft demand by category (2025–2044):

  • Single-aisle: 33,285

  • Widebody: 7,815

  • Regional jets: 1,545

  • Freighters: 955

  • Total: 43,600

Key Trends:

  • Single-aisle aircraft will comprise 72% of the global fleet by 2044, up from 66% today, driven by low-cost carriers and short-haul growth in emerging markets.

  • The global widebody fleet will grow to 8,320 aircraft, with long-haul expansion increasingly led by carriers in developing regions.

  • Freighter fleet capacity is expected to grow by nearly two-thirds, requiring 2,900 new and converted freighters, driven by express cargo and supply chain diversification.

  • Airline networks now serve 30% more city pairs than a decade ago, offering more point-to-point connectivity.

Statement’s:

  • “Passenger air traffic has tripled and the global fleet has more than doubled since the start of the century,” said Brad McMullen, SVP of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing. “We see strong demand for new airplanes with commercial aviation returning to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.”

Find the complete CMO here.

Source: Boeing

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Simaero Achieves 2025 Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia Certification for its A320 FFS in Changsha

Changsha, China – Simaero, global provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators, announces that its A320ceo/neo full-flight simulator (FFS) at the Changsha Training Center has received official certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). This new certification complements the simulator’s existing approvals from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), reinforcing Simaero’s commitment to global standards and expanding its reach across Southeast Asia.

Greater Accessibility and Value for Malaysian Airlines

The A320 ceo/neo simulator, manufactured by China Simulation Sciences Co., Ltd. (CSS), is the first in the region to receive triple certification from the CAAC, EASA, and CAAM. With CAAM approval, Malaysian pilots can now complete their full A320 type rating and recurrent training at Simaero’s modern training facility in Changsha. This development allows Malaysian airlines to take full advantage of Simaero’s training expertise — now in both France and China — to support their pilot development needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

Strengthening Changsha’s Role as a Regional Training Hub

One year after the launch of the Changsha Training Center, the addition of CAAM certification represents a major step forward in Simaero’s strategic vision to position Changsha as a leading hub for pilot training in China and Southeast Asia. With a focus on high-quality, flexible training solutions, the center is equipped to meet the rising demand for skilled pilots across the Asia-Pacific region, further establishing Simaero as a trusted training partner for airlines and aviation professionals throughout the subcontinent.

About SIMAERO
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centers strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.

Source: Simaero
Photo Credit: Simaero

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CAE Shares 2025 Aviation Talent Demand Forecast – 300,000 New Pilots Required by 2034

Global – An estimated 1.5 million civil aviation professionals will be needed worldwide by 2034, according to CAE’s biennial Aviation Talent Forecast, released today at the Paris International Air Show. The comprehensive 2025 edition of the forecast analyzes the need for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, cabin crew, and, for the first time, air traffic controllers, predicting that 71,000 controllers will be needed globally over the next 10 years.

The 2025 CAE Aviation Talent Forecast reports that 1,292,000 commercial aviation professionals will be needed – 267,000 pilots, 347,000 aviation maintenance technicians, and 678,000 cabin crew – with the largest percentage required to meet rapidly rising demand in the Asia Pacific region. In addition, 102,000 business aviation professionals are expected to be needed worldwide over the next 10 years, including 33,000 pilots and 69,000 aircraft maintenance technicians.

“The need for 1.5 million new aviation professionals by 2034 is being driven by record demand for air travel and a significant wave of retirements that is expected across all categories. With commercial and business aviation fleets expected to see double digit increases over the next 10 years, the industry must take action to attract, train, and retain personnel. Highly skilled aviation professionals are not just a necessity for the safety of the air transport system, they are the foundation for the successful expansion and resilience of the global aviation sector,” explains Marie-Christine Cloutier, Vice-President – Strategy, Performance, Air Traffic Services & Marketing at CAE.

“To meet the demand, the industry needs to be proactive and creative. Adaptability and optimized training will be key to supplying the demand,” she says.

Attracting talent is one challenge. Another is ensuring qualified candidates make it through graduation and into the workforce. Across all professions covered in the report, dropout and failure rates are higher than they should be. For example, in the United States alone, a staggering 30% of paid air traffic control students do not complete their training, according to the National Airspace System Safety Review Team.

“We need a comprehensive training environment that caters to the way new generations learn and thrive. At CAE, part of our solution is investing significantly in innovation and technology. Some of our latest advancements include CAE’s immersive pilot training app using Apple Vision Pro, and the CAE Prodigy Image Generator, our ultra-realistic 3D visual system using gaming technology,” Cloutier explains.

The Aviation Talent Forecast is a strategic tool for stakeholders across the aviation ecosystem which analyzes the upcoming talent demand, the drivers behind that demand, and actionable strategies the industry can adopt to attract and retain talent. The report also offers insightful perspectives on the industry’s transformation through advanced training, sustainable practices, and diverse talent acquisition. It also underscores how technology, sustainability, and diversity are shaping the future of the industry and strengthening the talent pipeline.

Check out the detailed CAE talent forecast here.

Source: CAE

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Airbus GMF 2025: India, Asia Drive Long-Term Demand as Global Fleet Set to Double

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

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer ELITE Delivers DA40 FNPT II Motion Simulators to Royal Thai Air Force

Thailand – ELITE Simulation Solutions AG has announced it has installed two (2) ELITE DA40 FNPT II flight simulators, equipped with full 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DOF) motion systems for the Royal Thai Air Force. These advanced training devices reinforce ELITE’s commitment to global military and civil aviation training through precision-engineered, immersive simulation technology.

About ELITE Simulation Solutions AG
ELITE Simulation Solutions AG is a Switzerland-based developer of FAA- and EASA-certified flight simulation devices used by civilian flight schools, airlines, and military institutions worldwide. Known for its engineering precision and modular simulator platforms, ELITE provides scalable, high-performance training systems ranging from desktop trainers to fully immersive motion platforms.

Source: ELITE Simulation Solutions
Photo Credit: ELITE Simulation Solutions

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Richard Nuttall Named New President of Philippine Airlines

Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British national and airline industry executive Richard Nuttall as its new President effective 29 May 2025, signaling the Philippine flag carrier’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and a bolder push in the international market. Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings Inc., the parent company of Philippine Airlines.

Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently he served as Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he led a successful turnaround that saw the carrier return to operational profitability and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

In addition, Nuttall served as an Executive Board Member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the Alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision-making and deepen airline collaboration.

“Philippine Airlines has always been committed to working with the best people across all levels, and I welcome Richard Nuttall as a worthy addition to an already formidable team. I am confident that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan.

“Appointing Richard Nuttall to Philippine Airlines is an important part of our medium-term and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally. As President, he will play an active role in bringing a global dimension to the Heart of the Filipino, and I look forward to working closely with him in the days and months ahead,” said Lucio Tan III.

Nuttall will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2022. Ng will take on new responsibilities within the Philippine Airlines Group as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors. In these roles, he is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight to bring the flag carrier to a new level of service and profitability.

“I warmly welcome Mr. Nuttall to the PAL Group. I believe that under his leadership, we will sustain the momentum we’ve built over the past years. Now, I’m ready to take on this new role with renewed focus and commitment,” said Ng.

Nuttall will be supported by Carlos Luis Fernandez, who assumes the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, also effective 29 May 2025.

“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time. The airline has accomplished so much in recent years, and I look forward to building on that progress as we explore new avenues for growth,” said Nuttall.

Even as the global aviation industry faces increased volatility and uncertainty, PAL remains focused on long-term growth and fleet modernization. The airline is expected to receive this year the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s, which will serve as PAL’s flagship long-haul aircraft. PAL is also rolling out newly refurbished A321ceos with upgraded cabins this year, and will take delivery of 13 brand-new A321neos starting 2026.

Backed by the leadership of Tan and Nuttall, PAL is optimistic about sustaining its momentum in 2025. The airline posted a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of PHP21 billion in 2023. This consistent performance solidifies PAL’s position as a resilient and competitive force in the airline industry.

Source: Philippine Airlines

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