Airbus projects 4,080 new passenger aircraft needed in Middle East over next 20 years

Airbus’ Global Market Forecast 2025 highlights the Middle East as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets over the next 20 years, WAM reported.

The region’s in-service fleet is projected to climb from 1,480 aircraft in 2024 to 3,700 by 2044, driving a need for 4,080 new passenger aircraft, including 2,380 single-aisle and 1,700 widebody jets.

Widebody aircraft will make up 42% of this demand - the highest globally and more than twice the world average of 20% - positioning the Middle East as a key driver of global long-haul aviation growth. Analysts attribute this to the region’s strategic location as air traffic flows increasingly shift eastward.

Passenger traffic in the region is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%, supported by economic development, tourism, and trade. Population growth of 240 million over the same period is expected to further increase air travel demand.

Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus for Africa and the Middle East, said: “The Middle East is reshaping global aviation. The projected fleet growth, especially for widebody aircraft, is remarkable. This region is becoming a hub for long-haul travel now and for the future. Airbus is proud to support customers with the latest, most efficient aircraft, full-service support, and sustainable solutions.”

The sector’s growth will also drive employment, with Airbus projecting the need for over 265,000 aviation professionals in the region over the next 20 years, including 69,000 pilots, nearly 64,000 technicians, and 132,000 cabin crew.

Meanwhile, the regional commercial aviation services market is expected to reach around US$30 billion, driven primarily by aircraft maintenance, training, flight operations, Air Traffic Management solutions, cabin upgrades, and in-flight connectivity.