Airbus forecasts 2.4 million new aviation workers needed by 2045

Airbus expects airlines and the wider industry to need about 2.44 million new employees over the next two decades. The figure comes from the manufacturer's Global Services Forecast, published on October 14, 2026, and covers pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew.

That breaks down to 660,000 pilots, 730,000 technicians and 1.05 million cabin crew. Airbus also expects annual passenger numbers to reach 10 billion and the global fleet to grow to 45,550 aircraft by 2045, roughly double today's level.

Meeting those staffing needs will take more recruitment and training across the sector, according to Airbus. The company projects annual spending in the aviation training market will reach $17 billion by that year.

Cristina Aguilar Grieder, Airbus Senior Vice President of Customer Services for Commercial Aircraft, said the doubling of the global fleet means the industry needs to prepare.

The workforce figures sit inside a wider services forecast. Airbus expects the annual value of aviation services to more than double, surpassing $420 billion by 2045, an average increase of 3.8% a year.

Maintenance accounts for the largest share. Airbus forecasts a $217 billion yearly market for work on engines and components removed from aircraft, driven by a larger and older fleet needing more shop visits, repairs and replacement parts. Maintenance support, including parts inventories and engineering services, is put at a further $104 billion, with inspections and checks at $36 billion.

Digital services and connectivity is the fastest-growing area. Airbus expects it to expand by 5.3% a year on average to $27 billion by 2045, as carriers spend more on tools to anticipate maintenance needs, cut delays and keep passengers connected.

The forecast covers aircraft from all manufacturers, though it focuses on passenger jets with more than 100 seats and freighters able to carry more than 22,000 pounds.