The Middle East will require 1,921 new passenger and freighter aircraft worth $347.4bn between 2011 and 2030, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market forecast.

The demand will be driven by fleet expansion and replacement, greater urbanisation, an increasing number of mega-cities and the overall ongoing expansion of the region as a geographical hub and tourist destination, Airbus said.

The forecast includes 1,882 passenger aircraft worth $336.3bn and 39 freighter aircraft valued at $11.1bn.

The region’s passenger-jet demand will include 779 single-aisle aircraft such as the A320 family valued at $57.3bn, 801 twin-aisle aircraft such as the A350 XWB valued at $179.8bn, and 302 very large aircraft such as the A380 valued at $99.2bn.

Furthermore, it will require 1,442 aircraft for growth and 440 for replacing old planes with newer, more eco-efficient models, while in freighter category there will be a demand for 13 twin-aisle aircraft and 26 VLA aircraft.

Airbus chief operating officer, customers John Leahy said that the Middle East remains one of the world’s most robust aviation regions, confirmed by a 200% increase in inter-regional passenger traffic over the last ten years.