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Asia-Pacific's aviation market is on track for a significant growth spurt in 2026, driven by strong demand from China and India. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) discusses the importance of regulatory facilitation amid ongoing supply chain hurdles and geopolitical tensions. Airbus predicts that the region will be one of the fastest for new aircraft deliveries over the next two decades.

 

Subhas Menon, director-general of AAPA, emphasised that the region's airline and cargo markets are not only the largest but also rapidly expanding. Data from 36 carriers shows a 10% rise in international passenger traffic and a 7% increase in cargo demand over the first nine months of 2025. Menon attributes this surge to China's and India's large populations, their robust GDP growth, and relaxed visa rules in Southeast Asia.

 

The resumption of direct flights between China and India after five years signifies a resurgence in regional travel. Intra-Asia travel leads growth and is expected to account for over 65% of revenue passenger kilometres next year. Passenger and cargo flights have exceeded pre-pandemic load factors, indicating supply struggles to meet demand as airlines manage an ageing fleet with higher maintenance expenses.

 

AAPA, representing 18 airlines, calls for regional governments to improve industry support, stressing investment in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Menon cautioned against taxes and fees that could impede airline operations. The association also aims for net zero emissions, with a 5% sustainable aviation fuel pledge by 2030, urging increased production at viable costs.

 

The 69th Assembly of AAPA, hosted by Bangkok Airways, spotlighted the region's potential. Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific, forecasts the region's position as the fastest-growing aviation market for the next 20 years, driven by a rising middle class and burgeoning trade and tourism demand. Airbus anticipates passenger traffic will grow by 4.4% annually, outpacing the global average.

 

With a demand for 19,560 new planes over the next two decades, including 3,480 wide-body and 16,080 narrow-body aircraft, the market is ripe for expansion. Boeing identifies Southeast Asia as the fastest-growing subsector, predicting 7% annual growth in passenger traffic and a need for nearly 5,000 new aircraft by 2044.

 

Embraer anticipates delivery of 10,500 jets in the under-150-seat segment across China and other regional markets, aiming to fill in gaps with smaller market destinations. Short-runway airports can benefit from the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their E2 model, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• AAPA indicates strong growth in Asia-Pacific aviation due to China and India.
• Airbus projects the region to lead global aircraft demand over the next 20 years.
• Regulatory support and sustainable fuel production are critical for continued expansion.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-06

 

 

 

On 12/6/2025 at 6:21 AM, webfact said:

Asia-Pacific's aviation market is on track for a significant growth spurt in 2026, driven by strong demand from China and India.

I guess you take what comes.

We need a new pandemic to slow things down.

Menon attributes this surge to China's and India's large populations, their robust GDP growth, and relaxed visa rules in Southeast Asia.

 

Huh? Really? A bit of wishful thinking. Chinese tourism is really slowing down here. Scam center scandals, negative cinematic portrayals, kidnappings, more domestic travel, economic issues, rising cost of living, a bloated Thai baht, and pressure from the central government, to NOT visit Thailand don't help. 

In the first nine months of 2025 foreign arrivals in Thailand were down about 7% on 2024. Airlines such as Thai AirAsia have been reducing flights to China as Chinese arrivals to Thailand in 2025 are down due to safety and scam concerns, increased competition and lower spending. In 2019, there were about 11mn visitors from China. This year, the total will be less than 5mn.

38 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Menon attributes this surge to China's and India's large populations, their robust GDP growth, and relaxed visa rules in Southeast Asia.

 

Huh? Really? A bit of wishful thinking. Chinese tourism is really slowing down here. Scam center scandals, negative cinematic portrayals, kidnappings, more domestic travel, economic issues, rising cost of living, a bloated Thai baht, and pressure from the central government, to NOT visit Thailand don't help. 

big increase in chinese tourist to Viet Nam ,wonder why ??????

42 minutes ago, portisaacozzy said:

big increase in chinese tourist to Viet Nam ,wonder why ??????

And that's even more fascinating when you consider the fact that there is quite a bit of historical animosity between the Vietnamese and the Chinese, and yet the tourism numbers are way up anyway. Says alot. 

Now the “you know who’s” will be filing stolen gold chain insurance claims for visiting you know where instead of Thailand.