The Middle East’s aviation sector is set for a transformative two decades, with Boeing forecasting the region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double by 2044. The 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), released at the Dubai Airshow, attributes this surge to robust passenger traffic growth—projected to surpass 10% of the global total—driven by tourism, strategic hub development, trade, and an expanding middle class.
A key driver is the region’s geographic advantage, with its modern hubs situated within an eight-hour flight of 80% of the world’s population. This positions Middle Eastern carriers as critical global connectors, linking economies across Europe, Africa, and Asia. To support this expanding network, Boeing projects a demand for 2,950 new commercial deliveries through 2044.
The demand highlights a strong preference for widebody and single-aisle aircraft. Airlines will require approximately 1,370 new widebody passenger jets—the largest share of any global region—to enhance long-haul connectivity with fuel-efficient fleets. Simultaneously, the single-aisle fleet, which has nearly quadrupled in size over the past 25 years, will continue to grow, with 1,430 new deliveries expected. This growth supports the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers, which are forecast to provide nearly 25% of the region’s seat capacity.
“The Middle East continues to outpace global economic growth in passenger traffic, reinforcing its role as a premier global connector,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Marketing. “Carriers will need efficient, versatile airplanes to grow their networks and modernize their fleets for the future.”
Cargo is another significant growth area. The region is expanding its logistics infrastructure to serve fast-growing global freight markets, with an anticipated need for 120 new freighters by 2044. Notably, about 75% of these will be large twin-engine models suited for high-value and time-sensitive goods.
Sustaining this scale of growth will require substantial support. Boeing forecasts a $455 billion market for commercial aviation services and a need for 234,000 new aviation personnel in the region over the 20-year period. The Middle East’s own maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities are expected to be a cornerstone of this expanding services ecosystem.
Published annually for over 60 years, Boeing’s CMO provides a critical long-term view of aviation trends, guiding airlines, suppliers, and policymakers in planning for the industry’s future.
