Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast foresees that some 25 000 new passenger and freighter aircraft valued at $3.1 trillion will be delivered from 2009 to 2028.
Airfreight tonne kilometres (FTKs) is forecast to increasing annually by 5.2%. Combined with fleet renewal, this creates a demand for some 3440 freighters. More than 850 of these are new aircraft valued at $210 billion, with the remainder converted from passenger aircraft.
“Air transportation is a growth industry, and an essential ingredient in the world economy,” says Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers John Leahy. “Technology and innovation are key drivers for an eco-efficient aviation sector, and Airbus is at the forefront of both.”
Aviation also benefits individuals in every region of the world, with the number growing as aviation prospers. Oxford Economics predicts that in 20 years time, air transport will directly employ 8.5 million people worldwide and contribute US$1 trillion annually to world GDP. Tourism and indirect benefits are even bigger.
The greatest demand for passenger aircraft will be from airlines in Asia-Pacific and emerging markets. The region that includes the People`s Republic of China and India accounts for 31% of the total, followed by Europe (25%) and North America (23%). In terms of domestic passenger markets, India (10%) and China (7.9%) will have the fastest growth over the next 20 years. The largest by volume of traffic, will remain domestic US.
The Airbus forecast further notes air traffic growth, increased frequencies, cost reduction, environmental responsibilities and airport congestion are increasingly influencing airlines to capitalise on the benefits of larger aircraft, particularly within aircraft families by minimising training and maintenance costs.
“For example, in the US in 2007, airlines wasted 740 million gallons of fuel in congestion delays, equivalent to 32 000 London to New York flights. Bigger aircraft with reduced CO2 emissions are a solution. In the last 10 years aircraft have increased in size by 3% cent and Airbus predicts that by 2028, the average aircraft will be 26% bigger than today.
Airbus foresees demand for Very Large Aircraft (VLA) seating more than 400 passengers, like the A380, at above 1700.
In the twin-aisle aircraft segment (seating from 250 to 400 passengers), some 6250 new passenger and freighter aircraft will be delivered in the next 20 years, valued at some $1,300 billion, or 42% by value, 25% by units. Of these, 4240 aircraft will be small twin-aisle (250 to 300 seater) and about 2010 intermediate twin aisles (350 to 400 seater). These segments are covered by the A330/A340 family. From 2013, the A350XWB family will cover the entire spectrum of twin aisle market requirements.
In the single-aisle segment, almost 17 000 aircraft worth some $1.2 trillion or 39% by value, 68% by units, will be delivered in the next 20 years. This is an increase over previous forecasts due to the emergence of low-cost carriers and increased route liberalisation and an accelerating demand for single aisle aircraft in Asia.