EUROPEAN aircraft maker Airbus has signed a training partnership with Indiana Aerospace University to help prepare more aircraft maintenance professionals in the Philippines and across Asia-Pacific.
The agreement was signed at the Singapore Airshow. It will allow the Cebu-based university to use Airbus’ Competence Training (ACT) for Academy 1, a computer-based training platform for aviation maintenance.
Focus on A320 maintenance
The program will focus on training students to maintain the Airbus A320 Family, one of the most widely used commercial aircraft in the world.
Airbus said the partnership aims to address skills gaps in aircraft maintenance. It also supports the long-term growth of the aviation sector as airlines expand their fleets and upgrade operations.
Indiana Aerospace University plans to launch the ACT for Academy solution by the second quarter of 2026. The school expects up to 5,000 students to benefit from the program over the next five years.
The partnership seeks to better match classroom lessons with real airline and maintenance work. This could help graduates move more quickly into jobs with airlines and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies.
The initiative may also strengthen Cebu’s position as a hub for aviation training and support services. Global demand for licensed aircraft engineers and mechanics continues to grow as airlines expand fleets and air travel rises in Asia.
“Partnering with Airbus allows us to elevate our training programs by aligning them more closely with real-world operational requirements,” said Harold E. Toring, chief executive officer of Indiana Aerospace University.
He said access to Airbus-developed digital training tools will give students hands-on exposure to modern aircraft maintenance environments, improving employability and technical competence.
Building a sustainable talent pipeline
For Airbus, the partnership supports its plan to work with schools to build a sustainable talent pipeline in key growth markets.
“Developing skilled aviation professionals is critical to sustaining the long-term growth of the industry,” said Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific. He added that the partnership aligns with national education goals and strengthens technical skills across the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the agreement, the university will use Airbus-developed digital learning tools, including ACT for Academy maintenance training software. The program will also cover the latest aircraft technologies, maintenance procedures and industry best practices.
Demand for aviation services to triple
Airbus projects that Asia-Pacific’s aviation services market will more than triple over the next two decades due to fleet expansion and rising passenger traffic.
In its latest Global Services Forecast for Asia-Pacific, including China and India, Airbus said services demand will grow at a 5.2 percent compound annual rate through 2044, reaching $138.7 billion.
The company forecasts the region will need 19,560 new passenger aircraft over 20 years, or 46 percent of global demand. Passenger traffic is expected to grow 4.4 percent annually, higher than the 3.6 percent global average.
Off-wing maintenance, which covers major repairs done away from the aircraft, will remain the largest segment. It is projected to grow from $37.1 billion in 2025 to $100 billion by 2044. However, supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages may slow growth.
On-wing maintenance, or repairs done while parts remain attached to the aircraft, is expected to increase from $6 billion to $14 billion. This growth will be supported by new MRO hangars in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Cabin retrofits and upgrades are forecast to rise from $3.8 billion to $6.2 billion as airlines introduce premium seating and in-flight connectivity. Spending on digital and connectivity services is projected to grow from $2.9 billion to $11.2 billion, as airlines adopt artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve efficiency and address workforce gaps.
Training services are expected to expand from $3.2 billion to $7.7 billion. Airbus estimates Asia-Pacific will need more than 1.06 million new aviation professionals by 2044. These include 282,000 pilots, 302,000 technicians and 473,000 cabin crew.
The partnership with Indiana Aerospace University marks a step toward meeting that growing demand for skilled aviation workers in the region. / KOC