World · India Bureau
Airbus projects robust aircraft demand despite global tensions
The European aerospace manufacturer forecasts global demand for approximately 42,000 new aircraft over the next two decades, with Asia-Pacific poised to capture nearly half of all deliveries as the region's aviation sector continues its rapid expansion.
LSN India ·
Airbus has signalled confidence in the aviation sector's long-term growth trajectory, projecting sustained demand for new aircraft even as geopolitical tensions threaten to create headwinds for the global economy. The aircraft manufacturer's forecast envisions the delivery of some 42,000 new planes worldwide over the next 20 years, underscoring the industry's resilience and the enduring appetite for air travel expansion.
The Asia-Pacific region is positioned to be the primary beneficiary of this growth, with approximately 45 per cent of all new aircraft expected to be delivered to carriers across the fast-developing region. This concentration reflects the region's expanding middle class, increasing business travel, and the rapid development of aviation infrastructure across South and Southeast Asia, as well as in China and beyond.
The Airbus outlook comes amid a period of uncertainty marked by various geopolitical challenges that have sparked concerns about global economic slowdown. However, the manufacturer's confidence suggests that underlying demand drivers in emerging markets—particularly across Asia—remain fundamentally strong and insulated from near-term international tensions.
For India and other South Asian nations, the forecast signals substantial opportunities for airline operators and airports as regional carriers seek to modernise fleets and expand capacity to meet growing passenger demand. The projection reflects broader industry expectations of a structural shift in aviation's centre of gravity toward the Asia-Pacific region over the coming decades.