Boeing projects global shift to more efficient airplanes

Boeing forecasts a $3.2 trillion market for new commercial airplanes over the next two decades, driven by an increasing demand for airplanes to replace older, less efficient aircraft.

Boeing expects a world fleet of 35,800 aircraft commercial aircraft in 20 years compared to 19,000 today. The new airplanes will accommodate a forecasted 5 percent annual increase in global air travel, and a 5.8 percent annual increase in air cargo traffic.

The company released its 2008 Current Market Outlook today in London. The report, at www.boeing.com/cmo, is Boeing's 20-year forecast of air travel.

The airplane maker's 2008 outlook calls for demand for 29,400 new commercial airplanes (passenger and freighter) by 2027.

It said replacement airplanes would account for about 43 percent of demand, up from the 36 percent share previously forecast, due to the loss of economic viability of older aircraft in light of higher fuel costs.

Over the next 20 years, Boeing forecasts passenger and cargo airlines will take delivery of:

   2,510 regional jets valued at $80 billion. It said this segment will decline as airlines p-gauge to single-aisles due to capacity, economic and environmental constraints.

   19,160 single-aisle aircraft valued at $1.36 trillion. Strong domestic and intra-regional air travel growth in emerging Asia-Pacific markets, along with continued growth of low-cost carriers worldwide is driving demand in this segment.

   6,750 double-aisle aircraft valued at $1.47 trillion.

   980 aircraft valued at $290 billion that are as large or larger than the Boeing 747. 

Source: American Shipper