Cirium: global airliner fleet to near-double by 2045, supply remains constrained

Cirium's latest annual forecast, published October 20, 2026, projects a significant expansion of the global airliner fleet, estimating it will nearly double by 2045. The research indicates that passenger demand is expected to increase substantially, driving this growth in aircraft numbers. Cirium’s analysis predicts approximately 31,000 airliners operating globally by 2045, representing a considerable rise from current levels. However, the report highlights ongoing constraints within the supply chain as a key factor impacting the pace of this expansion. Despite the anticipated surge in fleet size, challenges related to manufacturing and component availability are projected to remain persistent throughout the forecast period.