A report by Boeing has forecast that China would require 6,810 new airplanes over the next 20 years.

In its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) released in Beijing, Boeing estimates the total value of these new airplanes to be at $1.025tn.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing vice-president Randy Tinseth said: "As China transitions to a more consumer-based economy, aviation will play a key role in its economic development.

"As China transitions to a more consumer-based economy, aviation will play a key role in its economic development."

"Because travel and transportation are key services, we expect to see passenger traffic grow 6.4% annually in China over the next 20 years."

Boeing forecasts that the country will require 5,110 new single-aisle airplanes through 2035, accounting for 75% of the total new deliveries.

According to Tinseth, the backlog from Chinese customers indicates that the new 737 MAX 8 and the current next-generation 737-800 are at the core of the single-aisle market.

The number of wide-body fleet is expected to triple in size, requiring 1,560 new airplanes such as the 787, 777 and 777X. 

The forecast indicates a continued shift from large airplanes to efficient new small and medium wide-body airplanes.

China's single-aisle fleet currently represents approximately 18% of global single-aisle aircraft; however, the wide-body fleet only represents approximately 5% of the global wide-body segment.

Tinseth added: "The continuing expansion of China's middle class, coupled with new visa policies and a wide range of wide-body airplanes with new technologies, capabilities and efficiencies, gives us every reason to expect a very bright future for China's long-haul market."

Due to growth in the country's e-commerce business, air cargo is expected to increase, with a requirement for 180 new freighters and 410 converted freighters.