≡-Global Aviation Outlook 2025: Asia-Pacific, India, Europe, and the US Face Growth and Challenges Amid Trade Tensions and Supply Constraints - Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Global Aviation Outlook 2025: Asia-Pacific, India, Europe, and the US Face Growth and Challenges Amid Trade Tensions and Supply Constraints Tuesday, June 3, 2025Global aviation growth in 2025 is expected to face a mixture of challenges and opportunities. While airlines are projected to carry a record 4.99 billion passengers—a 4% increase from 2024—this is a revision downward from earlier forecasts of 5.22 billion by IATA in late 2024. Trade tensions and declining consumer confidence due to political and economic uncertainties have softened demand. Despite this, airlines are forecasted to deliver higher profits than the previous year, highlighting the sector’s resilience.IATA anticipates airline net profits to reach approximately US$36 billion in 2025, up from US$32.4 billion in 2024, though slightly less than the prior projection of US$36.6 billion. Profit margins are forecasted to improve from 3.4% to 3.7%. IATA’s Director-General Willie Walsh acknowledged the volatile global market conditions in early 2025 but remained optimistic about the industry’s robust performance and continued recovery.The Asia-Pacific region remains the largest and fastest-growing market for air travel globally. Demand in the region benefits from the relaxation of visa requirements in countries such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, stimulating outbound and inbound travel. However, economic growth forecasts, especially for China, have been revised downward, signaling some economic headwinds that may temper demand.A major factor supporting airline profitability has been a significant 13% drop in jet fuel prices. Combined with strong employment levels and moderating inflation in many countries, these factors help sustain travel demand even if growth slows compared to previous years.An IATA poll conducted in April 2025 revealed that a majority of travelers intend to maintain or increase their travel frequency over the next 12 months. Despite 73% of respondents acknowledging potential impacts from trade tensions, 65% indicated these tensions would not alter their travel habits. Business travelers, in particular, remain active, with 68% expecting to increase travel for customer visits despite geopolitical challenges.Passenger yields, which reflect the revenue earned per passenger and serve as a proxy for airfare levels, are expected to decline by 4% in 2025. This is primarily due to lower oil prices and heightened competition among airlines. The average return airfare is projected to decrease to US$390 from US$399 in 2024 (not adjusted for inflation), making air travel more affordable for many.The airline industry continues to grapple with supply chain issues that began during the pandemic and are expected to persist until the end of the decade. IATA highlighted an aircraft delivery backlog exceeding 17,000 planes, implying average waiting times of up to 14 years for some carriers. This backlog has increased significantly from the pre-pandemic level of 10,000 to 11,000 aircraft.Furthermore, aircraft deliveries scheduled for 2025 are forecasted to be 26% less than those promised a year ago. Adding to the challenges, more than 1,100 relatively young aircraft remain grounded due to engine issues and spare part shortages. These constraints have driven up leasing and maintenance costs while slowing fleet growth.IATA has expressed concerns that recent moves to remove tariff exemptions on aircraft and components could worsen supply chain problems and production bottlenecks. The US Department of Commerce opened a national security investigation in May 2025 into whether imported aircraft and parts pose risks, potentially leading to new tariffs. However, IATA’s chief Willie Walsh indicated no current evidence suggested tariffs had increased aircraft prices yet, cautioning against suppliers using tariffs as a justification for price hikes.Air cargo volumes are expected to slow sharply in 2025, with projected growth of just 0.7%, a significant drop from the 11.3% expansion seen in 2024. This slowdown reflects the effects of trade tensions and ongoing economic uncertainty worldwide.Despite near-term challenges, Airbus remains confident in long-term demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Anand Stanley, Airbus Asia-Pacific president, reaffirmed projections that airlines will need nearly 19,500 new aircraft by 2043. The company attributes this sustained demand to robust economic fundamentals and the region’s youthful demographics, with many people yet to take their first flight.Airbus aims to deliver approximately 820 commercial aircraft in 2025, a 7% increase over 2024. The company reports progress in mitigating supply chain challenges and continues collaborating closely with suppliers and customers to meet delivery targets.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the IATA meeting, emphasized India’s rapidly expanding aviation market. India has become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and is attracting substantial investments in airport infrastructure and aircraft orders—exceeding 2,000 planes. Modi highlighted efforts to make India a global hub for aircraft leasing and maintenance, projecting continued aviation growth.These developments position India as a key driver of future global air travel demand, providing opportunities for airlines and manufacturers to expand services and capabilities.The global travel industry must adapt to a complex environment marked by trade tensions, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer behaviors. Airlines will need to manage capacity carefully, enhance fleet efficiency, and navigate competitive pricing pressures. For travelers, more affordable fares and increased connectivity offer greater access to international travel, though supply constraints may require more advance planning.Business travelers are expected to maintain or increase travel activity despite geopolitical uncertainties, underscoring the essential role of aviation in global commerce.In summary, while 2025 may bring slower passenger growth and operational challenges, the aviation sector’s fundamentals remain strong. Strategic investments, technological innovation, and global economic recovery underpin a cautiously optimistic outlook for airlines and travelers worldwide.Key points include:Projected 4% increase in passengers in 2025 to 4.99 billion, slightly below earlier forecasts.Airline net profits expected to rise to US$36 billion with improved margins.Asia-Pacific leads growth but faces economic slowdowns, particularly in China.Jet fuel prices dropped 13%, aiding airline profitability.Passenger yields and average airfares to decline by 4%.Aircraft delivery backlog exceeds 17,000, with supply chain disruptions ongoing.US tariff investigations pose potential risks for aircraft costs.Air cargo growth slows sharply to 0.7%.Airbus expects to deliver 820 planes in 2025 and maintains strong long-term demand forecasts.India’s aviation market expands rapidly, supported by government investments and large aircraft orders.The travel industry must continue evolving to meet these challenges and opportunities, ensuring safe, efficient, and affordable global mobility for all travelers.(Source: phnompenhpost)

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