Spotlight: Airbus

Why It Matters

Airlines that adopt Skywise’s digital tools can cut maintenance costs and improve fleet reliability, while Airbus secures a long‑term services revenue stream as the global fleet doubles.

Key Takeaways

• Airbus forecasts services market to reach $311 billion by 2044.
• Digital and connectivity growth projected at 5.6% annually.
• Skywise merges NAVBLUE and Airbus digital solutions into new company.
• Predictive maintenance algorithms aim to convert unscheduled events into scheduled.
• JetBlue signs major Skywise fleet‑performance deal at MRO Americas.

Summary

At MRO Americas 2026, Airbus unveiled its Global Services Forecast (GSF) and the launch of Skywise, a new digital‑services entity created by merging NAVBLUE with Airbus’ Skywise solutions.

The GSF projects the services market to climb from $159 billion in 2025 to $311 billion by 2044, driven by a 3.6% average growth in traditional services and a 5.6% surge in digital and connectivity, which could unlock over $80 billion in savings or incremental revenue.

Airbus highlighted its predictive‑maintenance platform, now boasting 100 algorithms and leveraging up to 24,000 data parameters per A320, to shift unscheduled failures into planned interventions. The company also announced a flagship Skywise fleet‑performance contract with JetBlue.

The announcements signal a shift toward data‑driven airline operations, promising lower operating costs, higher aircraft availability, and new revenue streams for both Airbus and its airline customers.

Original Description

Airbus is making a major move in the digital and connectivity services market with the launch of its Skywise company. Aviation Week speaks to Arnaud Demeusois about the new strategy.