aircraft

A report by Airbus has forecast that global demand for new passenger and freighter aircraft will reach around 31,400 by 2033, driven by growth in passenger traffic of 4.7% per year.

Airbus’s Global Market Forecast predicts that the total value of new aeroplanes would be about $4.6tn.

By 2033, the passenger and freighter fleet is estimated to increase to 37,500 from the current 18,500 aircraft and around 12,400 ageing fleet will be retired, the report stated.

Airbus COO Customers John Leahy said: "Aviation is growing impressively and our latest forecast confirms its long-term growth.

"While mature aviation regions such as Europe and North America will continue to grow, Asia will stand out along with emerging markets for dynamic development."

Demand for wide-body aircraft is estimated at around 9,300, driven by continuing trend towards larger models, accounting for 30% of new aircraft deliveries during the forecast period.

"While mature aviation regions such as Europe and North America will continue to grow, Asia will stand out along with emerging markets for dynamic development."

Of the total wide-body aircraft, around 7,800 will be twin-aisle aircraft with between 250 and 400 accommodation capacity and approximately 1,500 very large aircraft with more than 400 seats.

Airlines based in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and North America, are expected to take deliveries of half of the new passenger wide-body aeroplanes.

The forecast sees a requirement for more than 22,000 new aircraft in the single-aisle segment, representing 70% of all new units.

Single-aisle aircraft deliveries to Europe and North America are estimated at around 22% and 21% respectively.

During the forecast period, Asia will lead the single aisle aircraft segment with 37% of deliveries, driven by the domestic markets in China and India and the increasing low-cost segment in South East Asia.


Image: The passenger and freighter fleet is estimated to increase to 37,500 by 2033. Photo: courtesy of Suzanne T.

Defence Technology