Airbus projects strong global aircraft demand despite geopolitical tensions

During a market-forecast briefing in Hong Kong, Anand Stanley, Airbus’ Asia-Pacific president, reported that the manufacturer has not observed any weakening in aircraft demand despite ongoing geopolitical and supply-chain challenges. The 2026-2045 outlook anticipates a global need for about 42,000 new jets, of which nearly half will be delivered to the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific region. Airbus’ head of global market forecast, Francois Cabaret, noted that Chinese airlines are still catching up on fleet renewal, with deliveries falling to less than half of pre-COVID levels.

The data show China will require 8,830 new passenger aircraft, India 3,480, and the rest of Asia-Pacific 6,880 over the period. India’s domestic traffic growth forecast was raised to 9.3%, while China’s was lowered to 4.7%. Airbus also confirmed continued delivery activity in the Middle East.