The Asia-Pacific region will firmly establish itself as the primary catalyst for global aviation expansion over the next two decades, according to the latest Global Market Forecast (GMF 2026 – 2045) released by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. Over this forecast horizon, passenger traffic across the region is projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%, substantially outpacing the global average growth rate of 3.9%. As a result of this sustained demand, total traffic volumes in Asia-Pacific are expected to more than double. To support this trajectory, the region is projected to require 19,120 new passenger aircraft, which accounts for 45% of the total global demand estimated at 42,060 new deliveries through 2045.
An analysis of the 19,120 new passenger aircraft required by Asia-Pacific over the next twenty years indicates that one third will be dedicated to fleet replacement, while the remaining two thirds will drive capacity expansion. Strong macroeconomic fundamentals serve as the primary engine for this surge in commercial aviation activity. By 2045, the middle-income demographic within Asia-Pacific is anticipated to expand to three billion people. In tandem with rapid urbanization, air connectivity is increasingly solidifying its role as an indispensable lifeline for regional economic and social progress.
When broken down by aircraft size categories, Asia-Pacific will claim the largest share of global wide-body deliveries, with total demand reaching 3,420 new twin-aisle jets. This figure represents nearly half of all new wide-body aircraft expected to be delivered worldwide during the forecast period. Airbus considers itself exceptionally well positioned to address these carrier requirements through its A330neo and A350 product families. Together, both aircraft lines have enabled Airbus to capture a 50% share of the region’s widebody order backlog over the past three years. Within this segment, the A350 has established itself as the preferred platform for airlines operating long-range intercontinental routes, while the larger A350-1000 variant has emerged as the natural successor to the Boeing B777-300ER.
Concurrently, regional market demand remains heavily anchored in the single-aisle sector. Airbus projects a requirement for 15,700 new narrow-body aircraft in the 100-to-244-seat category by 2045. This need is driven by ongoing domestic and intra-regional network expansion, supported by ongoing fleet modernization efforts and long-term capacity requirements.
Greater regional connectivity is being realized through the strategic construction and upgrade of airport infrastructure, alongside the introduction of versatile, longer-range narrow-body models such as the A321XLR and the A220. These modern single-aisle platforms allow carriers to open new city pairs, bypassing traditional mega-hubs to connect secondary cities directly. In particular, the A220 has demonstrated its capability as an effective network builder for thin routes, having already opened more than 400 new routes worldwide. In Asia-Pacific, Airbus identifies strong market potential for the platform, estimating that the A220 could unlock over 800 currently unserved city pairs.
Addressing the region’s evolving market dynamics, Anand Stanley, President Airbus in Asia-Pacific, noted the structural shift in network development. “We are seeing an evolution in the Asia-Pacific networks and how they connect. Alongside sustained expansion in long-haul networks, airlines are decentralising beyond traditional hub-and-spoke models to connect secondary cities directly to the global economy. By leveraging latest generation aircraft technology, carriers in the region are rewriting connectivity maps and driving the region’s long-term economic prosperity,” Stanley said.
Airbus maintains a robust industrial footprint in the region. As of the end of August 2026, 119 airlines across Asia-Pacific operated a combined total of 5,000 Airbus commercial aircraft, giving the manufacturer a 58% market share. Furthermore, carriers in the region hold nearly 3,500 Airbus aircraft on order for future delivery, representing 61% of the total order backlog among all aircraft manufacturers in the jet market above 100 seats.