Airbus Sees Rising Demand for Smaller Jets as Asia-Pacific Shifts to Thinner Long-Haul Routes
SINGAPORE — European aircraft manufacturer Airbus expects the Asia-Pacific aviation market to enter a new phase of expansion, driven by the opening of long-distance routes with lower passenger volumes.
The company said airlines in the region are increasingly focusing on secondary cities and emerging destinations, boosting demand for smaller single-aisle aircraft such as the Airbus A220.
Airbus Senior Vice President for Marketing, Joost Van der Heijden, said the A220 has already proven its value in North America and Europe by supporting low-density, long-range routes.
“The aircraft combines the right size, range and cabin comfort to serve routes that are too small for larger narrow-body jets,” he told reporters.
He was speaking on the opening day of the Singapore Airshow, one of Asia’s largest aviation industry events.
Van der Heijden noted that as Asia-Pacific airlines expand their networks, more thin and secondary routes are expected to emerge.
“These markets represent the next phase of network development. The A220 is well suited to support this growth because of its capacity and operational efficiency,” he said.
With seating for between 100 and 160 passengers, the A220 offers a flexible alternative to larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320.
The aircraft enables airlines to launch direct services between smaller destinations, such as flights from Vietnam’s coastal cities to Japan’s Hokkaido region, without relying on major hubs.
Regional carriers including Qantas and Air Niugini are already operating the A220 within their fleets.
Industry analysts say the shift reflects a post-pandemic adjustment, with airlines prioritising route profitability, cost efficiency and targeted market demand over sheer capacity expansion.
Airbus believes the trend toward thinner, long-range routes will continue, supported by tourism recovery, regional economic growth and changing travel patterns.
The company expects this evolution to further strengthen the role of smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft in Asia-Pacific’s future aviation landscape.
-wilayah.com.my
