The latest Airbus’ Global Market Forecast 2017-2036 has found 34,170 passenger and 730 freighter aircraft worth a combined total of $5.3 trillion will be needed in the next 20 years.
Over 70 per cent of new units are single aisle with 60 per cent for growth and 40 per cent for replacement of less fuel efficient aircraft.
Airbus also says the doubling in the commercial fleet over the next 20 years sees a need for 530,000 new pilots and 550,000 new maintenance engineers.
Airbus Commercial Aircraft chief operating officer for customers, John Leahy says: “Air travel is remarkably resilient to external shocks and doubles every 15 years. Asia Pacific continues to be an engine for growth, with domestic China to become the world’s largest market.
“Disposable incomes are growing and in emerging economies the number of people taking a flight will nearly triple between now and 2036.”
Airbus says over the next 20 years Asia Pacific is set to take 41 per cent of new deliveries, followed by Europe with 20 per cent and North America at 16 per cent.
In the twin aisle segment, such as the A330 Family, A350 XWB Family and the A380, Airbus forecasts a need for 10,100 aircraft valued at $2.9 trillion.
In the single aisle segment, such at the A320neo Family, Airbus forecasts a requirement for 24,810 aircraft valued at $2.4 trillion.