Asia Pacific Aviation Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The APAC Aviation Market size is estimated at USD 91.71 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 114.94 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.62% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Asia-Pacific aviation market is witnessing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The expanding middle class and rising disposable incomes fuel a significant uptick in air travel demand. Moreover, strong economic growth in nations like China, India, and Southeast Asia propels market expansion. Additionally, the relaxation of air transport regulations and proactive government measures to enhance air connectivity and infrastructure may further catalyze market growth.

The industry is seeing the development of fuel-efficient, low-emission aircraft. Increasingly stringent emission regulations are further driving market growth. Furthermore, the aviation landscape is evolving, with digital technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics revolutionizing operations, maintenance, and crew management. These technology integrations boost operational efficiency, elevate safety standards, and enhance passenger experiences.

While the aviation market in the region holds a positive outlook, it faces numerous challenges. High operational costs, particularly in fuel and maintenance, stand out as primary constraints to market growth. Additionally, the industry grapples with stringent regulations on safety and operations, demanding substantial investments in compliance. Furthermore, a persistent challenge looms in the form of a shortage of skilled human resources, from pilots to maintenance staff.

The military aviation industry in Asia-Pacific is buoyed by escalating defense budgets, notably in countries like China and India. These nations allocate significant portions of their increased defense budgets to bolster and expand their air force fleets. This surge is primarily attributed to heightened national security concerns and escalation of regional geopolitical tensions. Notably, acquisitions are heavily focused on advanced fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, further propelling growth in military aviation. For instance, in 2023, China's defense budget stood at USD 230 billion, marking a 7.1% year-on-year increase. Similarly, India allocated approximately USD 70 billion for defense, with a significant portion earmarked for enhancing its air force capabilities.

APAC Aviation Market Trends

The Commercial Aviation Segment is Projected to Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period

Asia-Pacific, known for its rapid economic growth, has witnessed a surge in disposable incomes, making air travel more accessible. This has led to a proliferation of low-cost carriers (LCCs) across the region, democratizing air travel and pushing costs down. These carriers rapidly expand their fleets and routes to meet the rising demand, resulting in a notable uptick in new commercial aircraft deliveries.

Moreover, regional governments are increasingly liberalizing air services and streamlining bilateral air service agreements. These policy changes boost flight frequency and route expansions and drive up the demand for aircraft to cater to these additional flights.

Boeing's outlook for the Asia-Pacific commercial aviation market is optimistic. The company forecasts that regional carriers will need around 18,600 new airplanes by 2042. This growing fleet will boost capacity and integrate newer, more efficient technologies, aligning with global sustainability goals.

In a significant move in April 2023, Airbus bolstered its presence in the aviation market through a major deal with China Aviation Supplies Holding Co. The deal involved the sale of 160 aircraft, comprising 150 units from the A320 Family and 10 A350-900 widebody aircraft. This strategic move highlights the strong demand from Chinese carriers across all market segments. Airbus is setting up a second assembly line in Tianjin to support this momentum, effectively doubling its current capacity. This expansion is crucial, as the Tianjin facility is set to produce 20% of all single-aisle aircraft globally, significantly contributing to Airbus's goal of manufacturing 75 aircraft per month by 2026.

Additionally, the collaboration emphasizes Airbus's commitment to sustainability, with a focus on developing an efficient supply chain for sustainable aviation fuels. The partnership aims to incorporate these fuels by up to 10% by 2030, showcasing not just China's importance in Airbus's global strategy but also the dynamic growth of the aviation market in Asia-Pacific.

China to Continue Market Dominance During the Forecast Period

The Chinese government is taking a proactive stance in fortifying its aviation industry at home and on the global stage. It directs substantial investments toward airport infrastructure, with a focus on expanding existing facilities and building new ones to cater to surging passenger numbers. As a clear testament to its ambitions, China is eyeing a target of over 400 local airports by 2035.

As one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, China's aviation market is significantly influenced by its increasing urbanization and the rising disposable incomes of its populace. The expanding urban middle class is fueling a heightened demand for both domestic and international air travel, ensuring a buoyant aviation industry.

In a bid to challenge the dominance of Boeing and Airbus, China has significantly bolstered its aircraft manufacturing capabilities in recent years. Spearheaded by companies like Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), known for models such as the C919 and ARJ21, these efforts not only cater to domestic needs but also position China as a formidable global aviation player. A recent milestone in this trajectory was Air China's announcement in April 2024, where the company placed a substantial order for 100 COMAC C919 jets valued at USD 10.8 billion. These jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are set to pose a strong challenge to established models like the B737 MAX and Airbus's A320neo. This deal not only cements COMAC's standing in the aviation realm but also signals a strategic pivot by Chinese carriers toward domestic manufacturers.

China's military strategy significantly emphasizes enhancing its air force capabilities, a pivotal aspect of its broader defense modernization agenda. This includes notable advancements in fighter jets, transport aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles, all aligning with China's overarching goal of bolstering national defense and augmenting its global influence. China's commitment to indigenous aircraft manufacturing, exemplified by creations like the J-20 stealth fighter and the Y-20 military transport aircraft, underscores its drive to lessen dependence on foreign technology and achieve self-sufficiency in critical military assets.

APAC Aviation Industry Overview

The Asia-Pacific aviation market is characterized by a semi-consolidated landscape, with key players like The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd, and Textron Inc. Local manufacturers like the Aviation Industry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries are also actively vying for market share.

The initiatives by regional governments are also bolstering the market's growth, particularly in fostering indigenous aircraft development. Notably, nations such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia are intensifying efforts in military aircraft development. For instance, Korean Aerospace Industries is spearheading the development of the KF-X (KF-21 Boramae) fighter aircraft, aimed at replacing aging models in the Republic of Korea Air Force's fleet.

Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., reported strong sales for its Bell 505 helicopter in Asia-Pacific in February 2024. Noteworthy contracts with Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines underscore the sustained demand for these aircraft. At the Singapore Airshow 2024, Malaysian MRO firm Hammock Helicopter secured a notable purchase agreement for two corporate-configured Bell 505 helicopters, leading the new orders at the event.

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