Bombardier has predicted that the 60-150 seat aircraft segment will encourage future growth in the commercial aircraft sector.

In its newly released 2017-2036 Market Forecast, Bombardier has predicted that the global airline industry will require12,550 aircraft worth $820bn over the next two decades.

The small single-aisle aircraft segment, which is usually configured with 100 to 150 seats, is expected to account for 70% of revenue.

The segment is also predicted to see the deliveries of 6,800 planes valued at $580bn in the next 20 years.

"Our forecast focuses on how airlines are changing the way that assets are evaluated."

The large regional aircraft segment, which features 60 to 100 seats, is also estimated to witness 5,750 deliveries worth $240bn during the same period.

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft president Fred Cromer said: “The outlook for our markets is strong.

“We are the only manufacturer with a solution for any type of business model in the 60-150 seat segment, and we are well positioned to capture the value from the exciting opportunities outlined in this Market Forecast.

“In addition to showing general market dynamics, our forecast focuses on how airlines are changing the way that assets are evaluated. Airlines are shifting their primary metric for network and fleet optimisation strategies from ‘cost’ to ‘profit’. With this thinking in the forefront, more airlines are investing in right-sized aircraft that maximise their profits.”

According to the new Bombardier outlook, airlines will look at invest in smaller aircraft in the future after overcoming the recent trend to take larger aircraft.

Among other predictions, the outlook has forecasted that large regional aircraft with 60-100 seats will continue to dominate short-haul routes. The small single-aisle aircraft is expected to increase point-to-point flying on short to medium-haul sectors and will enable airlines to fly new and thin routes at a profit.

The forecast also noted that 86% of the existing fleet in this segment will make an exit by 2036.

With a combined delivery of 5,700 aircraft, it is expected that North America and Europe will continue to be the largest markets for new aircraft.


Image: Bombardier’s Q Series, CRJ Series and C Series aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Bombardier.