Airbus: The Asia-Pacific region will need 19,120 new passenger aircraft in the next two decades

The Airbus A350 family has become the first choice for airlines in the Asia-Pacific region for long-haul intercontinental flights.

According to the latest survey, in the next two decades, the Asia-Pacific region will need 19,120 new passenger aircraft, accounting for 45% of the global demand for 42,060 new aircraft, continuing to promote the development of the global aviation market.

According to Airbus' latest global market forecast, Airbus data shows that of the 19,120 new passenger aircraft needed in the Asia-Pacific region in the next two decades, one-third will be used to replace existing aircraft, and the rest will be used to meet growth needs. Strong economic fundamentals are the main driving force for growth. It is expected that by 2045, the middle-class population in the Asia-Pacific region will reach 3 billion people. Coupled with rapid urbanization, air travel is gradually becoming an important lifeline for social and economic prosperity.

Airbus pointed out that the compound annual growth rate of passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region will reach 5.1%, exceeding the global average of 3.9%, and the traffic volume will more than double.

According to Airbus analysis, among different aircraft size categories, the Asia-Pacific region will occupy an important position in the wide-body passenger aircraft market, with demand for 3,420 new aircraft, accounting for nearly half of the global wide-body passenger aircraft deliveries. In the past three years, the Airbus A330neo and A350 family aircraft have accounted for 50% of the wide-body passenger aircraft orders in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Airbus analysis, the A350 family has become the first choice for long-haul intercontinental flights by airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. Among them, the A350-1000 is the largest model of Airbus.

In terms of single-aisle aircraft with 100 to 244 seats, demand in the Asia-Pacific region remains strong, and 15,700 aircraft will be needed by 2045. This demand is reflected in the rapid expansion of regional and domestic route networks driven by fleet renewal and long-term growth in traffic volume.

By the end of August 2026, 119 Asia-Pacific airlines operate approximately 5,000 Airbus aircraft, and Airbus has a market share of 58%. There are currently nearly 3,500 Airbus aircraft waiting for delivery. In the aircraft market with more than 100 seats, this figure accounts for 61% of the total number of aircraft waiting for delivery in the Asia-Pacific region.