Asia Pacific to Need 19,500 New Aircraft by 2043: Airbus Forecast

Airbus has revealed a major forecast for the Asia Pacific aviation market, predicting that the region will require 19,500 new aircraft over the next two decades. This substantial demand represents nearly 46% of the global need for around 42,430 new aircraft by 2043.

At the recent Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Annual Assembly of Presidents in Brunei, Anand Stanley, President of Airbus Asia Pacific, highlighted that the forecast demonstrates the region’s continued aviation expansion and its critical role in the global market. The prediction includes key markets like China and India and reflects an annual growth of 3% in new aircraft requirements.

For single-aisle aircraft, such as the A220 and A320neo families, Airbus expects demand to reach 16,000 units. In addition, medium to large-sized long-range aircraft, like the A330neo and Boeing 787, are forecasted to account for approximately 3,500 new aircraft. Recently, airlines such as Cathay Pacific (A330neo), EVA Air, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air (A350) have placed substantial widebody aircraft orders in the region, reinforcing the demand for advanced, fuel-efficient models.

Of the forecasted aircraft deliveries, Airbus projects that 71% will support fleet expansion, while the remaining 29% will replace older models to help the industry reduce carbon emissions. The latest generation of Airbus widebody aircraft offers a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, supporting the region’s sustainability efforts.

Asia Pacific’s cargo market also shows strong growth potential. Airbus estimates the region will require 250 new widebody freighters, representing 10% of global demand for freighter aircraft. The A350F, based on the A350 platform, is expected to meet these needs, offering greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. E-commerce and global trade are key factors driving this demand, making widebody freighters vital for reliable, cross-continental deliveries. STARLUX Airlines placed a significant order for five A350F freighters in early 2024, underscoring the growing importance of cargo transport.

As the A330ceo aircraft replacement cycle begins, Airbus noted that around 540 A330ceos are still in service in the region. The A330neo, which shares pilot training and technical commonality with the A330ceo, is expected to seamlessly replace these older aircraft, offering airlines a smooth transition to more efficient models.

“The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally,” said Stanley. “With rising demand for both passenger and cargo operations, we are well-positioned to support our airline partners with the most efficient and sustainable aircraft available, driving decarbonization across the industry.”

Passenger traffic in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 4.8%, outpacing the global average of 3.6%. As the region’s connectivity expands, widebody aircraft will be central not only to passenger travel but also to meeting the growing demand for cargo services.

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