Airbus highlights growth of North America services

Orlando, United States, 21 April 2026 – Airbus is forecasting sustained growth in the North American aviation services market over the next two decades, with digital and connectivity solutions solidifying their status as the fastest-growing and highest-value segment, according to its latest Global Services Forecast (GSF).

The forecast shows that the region’s commercial aviation services market is expected to grow from approximately US$38 billion in 2025 to US$54.4 billion by 2044.

As airlines continue to scale operations and manage increasing complexity, Airbus expects digital and connectivity services to play a central role in improving efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. The digital segment is projected to more than double in value over the period, reaching US$4.5 billion by 2044, representing the fastest growth rate across all service categories.

“North America continues to set the pace for the global aviation aftermarket, and what we’re seeing is a clear shift toward more connected, data-driven operations,” said Robin Hayes, Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America. “Airlines are looking for smarter ways to run their fleets, reduce costs, and improve performance with digital solutions becoming essential to achieving those goals.”

The GSF identifies a broader evolution across the services landscape, including demand for maintenance, training, and upgrades, as well as the increasing role of digital technologies in driving operational gains. By 2044, digital tools are expected to unlock significant efficiencies for airlines, including ten billion of dollars in potential savings through improved maintenance, operational and fuel optimisation.

To support this growing demand, Airbus announced earlier this month that it is advancing its digital services capabilities through a newly established, wholly owned entity that brings together its airline operations and digital solutions expertise. Skywise builds on Airbus’ strong foundations in digital services and positions the company to deliver more integrated, data-driven solutions to aircraft operators. Born from the merger of Navblue solutions and Skywise digital solutions, Skywise is the only provider delivering a truly unified digital offering.

Airbus’ forecast also underscores the scale of workforce demand required to support the industry’s growth. Across North America, more than 376,000 additional aviation professionals - including technicians, pilots, and cabin crew - will be needed over the next 20 years to sustain operations and service demand.

Airbus’ expanding services footprint in North America reflects the company’s broader investment in the region, supporting U.S. and Canadian airline customers with a growing portfolio of maintenance, upgrades, training, and digital solutions. This includes continued support for key programs, which has established a strong industrial and services presence in North America and a growing base of operators across the U.S and Canada.

True to Airbus’ commitment to serve our customers worldwide, with a growing in service fleet, Airbus Services is delivering world leading integrated aviation services, creating value and enhancing customer fleet performance. Airbus Services keeps aircraft flying by proposing end-to-end solutions to airlines, MROs and lessors. Airbus Services maintains the aircraft to the latest quality and safety standards, optimises its availability, supports the digital transformation of the industry, reduces the fleet environmental footprint, provides pilot and maintenance training and streamlines flight operations, backed by the expertise of more than 50 years in designing and manufacturing aircraft.

Visit Airbus at MRO Americas 2026 in Orlando, Florida, April 21-23!

Airbus will be showcasing its services at MRO Americas in booth #4307 at the Orange County Convention Center,
April 21, 10:30 a.m.: Media Briefing on Airbus General Services Forecast for North America, Insights from the CEO of the new company Skywise, and special announcements in the MRO Americas Press Lounge, booth #1370

Editor’s Notes:

For the Airbus Global Services Forecast report, the defined North American region includes the United States, Canada, and St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Calculations are based on aircraft with more than 100 seats and freighter variants of all OEMs for North America.

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