Airlines will need 2.4 million new aviation workers by 2045, Airbus forecasts

The aviation industry will need 660,000 new pilots, 730,000 maintenance technicians and 1.05 million cabin crew over the next two decades as passenger numbers double, according to a new forecast from Airbus.

The manufacturer’s Global Services Forecast, released on October 14, 2026, puts the combined global workforce requirement at 2.44 million people by 2045. Airbus expects annual passenger numbers to reach 10 billion and the global aircraft fleet to grow to 45,550 over that period.

Meeting those staffing needs will require the industry to step up recruitment and training, Airbus warned. It expects the aviation training market to reach $17 billion annually by 2045.

The forecast covers aircraft from all manufacturers, focusing on passenger jets with more than 100 seats and freighters capable of carrying more than 22,000 pounds.

“As the global fleet doubles to more than 45,550 aircraft by 2045, we need to get ready,” said Cristina Aguilar Grieder, Airbus Senior Vice President of Customer Services for Commercial Aircraft.

The workforce projections form part of a broader forecast for aviation services, which Airbus expects to double in annual value to more than $420 billion by 2045. That represents average growth of 3.8% a year.

Maintenance will account for most of that spending. Airbus forecasts a $217 billion annual market for work on engines and components removed from aircraft, as a larger and older fleet requires more shop visits, repairs and replacement parts.

A further $104 billion will go toward maintenance support, including parts inventories and engineering services. Aircraft inspections and maintenance checks are expected to account for another $36 billion.

Digital services and connectivity will grow fastest, rising by an average of 5.3% a year to reach $27 billion by 2045. Airbus expects airlines to spend more on tools that help anticipate maintenance needs, reduce delays and keep passengers connected.

Cabin modifications and other aircraft upgrades will represent a further $21 billion annual market as airlines refurbish older airplanes and install newer technology.

Airbus expects Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, North America and China to remain the largest aviation services markets. Asia, including China and South Asia, meanwhile, is forecast to grow the fastest.The post Airlines will need 2.4 million new aviation workers by 2045, Airbus forecasts appeared first on AeroTime.

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