The Middle East’s in-service aircraft fleet is expected to grow from 1,480 jets in 2024 to 3,700 by 2044, supported by population growth, rising global connectivity and continued investment in tourism, trade and economic development, according to Airbus’s Global Market Forecast 2025.

Airbus projects that the region will require 4,080 new passenger aircraft over the next two decades, comprising 2,380 single-aisle and 1,700 wide-body planes. Widebodies will account for 42 percent of total demand, the highest share of any region and more than double the global average of 20 percent.

Passenger traffic in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.4 percent. At the same time, the population is forecast to increase by 240 million, further supporting long-term aviation demand.

Airbus says this highlights the Middle East’s growing role as a primary driver of global widebody expansion, reinforced by its strategic geographic position as air traffic continues to shift eastward.

Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, stated that the region is reshaping global aviation, with particularly strong growth in wide-body aircraft. He said Airbus continues to work closely with regional carriers to provide fuel-efficient, next-generation aircraft along with broader support services.

Airbus estimates that the regional aviation industry will employ more than 265,000 people by 2044, including 69,000 new pilots, nearly 64,000 technicians and 132,000 cabin crew.

The company values the Middle East commercial aviation services market at $30 billion over the next 20 years, driven by demand for maintenance, fleet availability, training, flight operations optimization, air traffic management, cabin upgrades and digital and connectivity services.