Aviation is entering another major cycle of growth. The latest Airbus Global Market Forecast shows that passenger demand will keep rising for the next two decades. By 2044, the global fleet could almost double. But growth alone does not guarantee success. Airports and airlines need the right systems, shared data, and collaboration to stay efficient, predictable, and sustainable. 

Nearly 4.8 billion passengers are expected to fly this year. That demand will keep increasing by about 3.6 percent every year until 2044. The airports that perform best will be those with smarter planning, real-time situational awareness, and stronger partnerships with stakeholders. 

Sustainable Growth Needs Practical Action 

Newer aircraft are already about 25 percent more fuel-efficient than older ones. Airlines are investing in sustainable fuels and cleaner technologies. But what happens on the ground matters just as much. Better turnaround processes, accurate forecasts, and clear information sharing help reduce unnecessary emissions. The goal is clear: cut CO2 per passenger and reach net zero by 2050. This can only happen when airports, airlines, and all partners work together with shared data and clear KPIs. 

With air travel expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with more people flying more frequently. To keep up, airports will need smarter network planning, increased capacity, and stronger coordination between all stakeholders. Staying ahead requires real-time visibility into amongst others what’s happening on the apron, not delayed insights hours later. 

Collaboration Makes Growth Work 

More flights mean more pressure on every link in the chain. You cannot manage what you cannot see. Predictability depends on shared data and clear common performance measures to keep operations running smoothly. This is why many airports are now rethinking how their Airport Collaborative Decision-Making frameworks need to evolve as traffic grows. 

The future of air travel will depend on practical collaboration, reliable information, and clear accountability. At EMMA Systems, we help airports and airlines put this into practice every day. We review the current set up and way of working with the teams, connect the right people, the right data, and update processes so you can make operations more efficient, predictable, and sustainable. 

What does this growth mean for your airport? Where could stronger collaboration make the biggest difference? Let’s talk about how your operations can stay ready for the next 20 years. Reach out to EMMA today.