Toulouse, France, 12 June 2025 – Airbus has released its Global Market Forecast for 2025, projecting a 3.6% annual growth in passenger traffic over the long term. This growth is attributed to global GDP rising by 2.5%, an increase of 1.2 billion in urban populations, and a rise of 1.5 billion in the global middle class who are most likely to fly.
The forecast indicates a need for approximately 43,400 new passenger and freighter aircraft deliveries over the next two decades. Of these, around 34,250 will be single-aisle aircraft and about 9,170 will be widebodies. Notably, about 44% of these new deliveries (18,930) will replace older models that are less fuel-efficient.
Airbus emphasizes the role of aviation in connecting people and enabling commerce globally despite uncertainties. Emerging markets show significant growth with domestic India traffic expected to grow by 8.9%, emerging Asia to China by 8.5%, and Middle East with emerging Asia by 5.3%. These routes are being served by Airbus’ range of aircraft including the A320, A330, and A350 families which offer flexibility for airlines operating mixed fleets.
The forecast also predicts a doubling of the global in-service fleet to over 49,000 aircraft by 2044, creating demand for new pilots, technicians, cabin crews and opportunities within the aviation ecosystem. Airbus Customer Services aims to support this growth through advanced solutions in predictive maintenance to optimize availability and reduce disruptions while improving fuel efficiency.
Additionally, end-to-end supply chain management with a focus on spare parts availability and Used Serviceable Material (USM) offers cost-effective solutions to enhance fleet availability. Airbus is also committed to improving aircraft connectivity for operational efficiency and passenger experience as well as enhancing recyclability.
