Airbus Predicts Strong Jetliner Demand, Led by China and India
Airbus has updated its 20-year demand forecast for jetliners, predicting the global fleet will more than double to 48,230 planes. The world's largest planemaker estimates industry-wide deliveries of 42,430 new airplanes over the next two decades, a 4% increase from previous projections. This includes 41,490 passenger jets, driven by airlines modernizing long-haul fleets and economic growth in Asia, particularly in China and India.
The forecast also sees a notable rise in demand for wide-body jets, with a 9% increase to 8,920 units, led by significant growth in South America and North America. Single-aisle jets like Airbus's A321XLR and Boeing's 737 MAX are also in high demand. Despite a slight 2% decrease in the Middle East due to overcapacity, the overall market outlook remains positive, bolstered by predictions that 1.7 billion people will enter the middle class, thus increasing disposable income for air travel. However, this optimistic industry outlook has been met with concerns from environmental groups about the aviation sector's impact on climate change.
