Over 29,000 new aircraft required in the next 20 years

By Tue Sep 24, 2013

According to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), air traffic will grow at 4.7 per cent annually over the next 20 years requiring more than 29,220 new passenger and freighter aircraft.


The total of aircraft will be valued at nearly US$4.4 trillion.


Economic growth, growing middle classes, affordability, ease of travel, urbanisation, tourism, and migration are some factors adding to the required increase to the fleet.

 

Increasing urbanisation will lead to a doubling of mega cities from 42 today to 89 by 2032, and 99 per cent of the world’s long-haul traffic will be between or through these.

 

Traffic growth has led to average aircraft size ‘growing’ by 25 per cent with airlines selecting larger aircraft or up-sizing existing backlogs.

 

A focus on sustainable growth enabled fuel burn and noise reductions of at least 70 per cent in the last 40 years and this trend continues with innovations like the A320neo, the A320 Sharklet, the A380 and the A350 XWB.

 

“By 2032, Asia-Pacific will lead the world in traffic overtaking Europe and North America.

 

Domestic flights are also set to rise strongly with domestic India growing at the fastest rate (nearly 10 per cent), followed by China and Brazil (seven per cent).

 

The attraction of air travel means that passenger numbers will more than double from today’s 2.9 billion, to 6.7 billion by 2032, clearly demonstrating aviation’s essential role in economic growth,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer – Customers.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Why a deliberate crash and four years of secrecy cost China Eastern their safety rating
Airline News

Why a deliberate crash and four years of secrecy cost China Eastern their safety rating

Oct 13, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Vietjet touches down in Europe as Hanoi to Prague flights take off
Airline News

Vietjet touches down in Europe as Hanoi to Prague flights take off

Oct 13, 2026

Airline Ratings
United Airlines pilot controversy ongoing
Airline News

United Airlines pilot controversy ongoing

Oct 8, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel
Airline Ratings review

Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel
Airline Ratings review

Evidence STARLUX is setting a new standard in Economy and Premium Economy Travel

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood
China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct
Airline News

China Southern business class review: Guangzhou to Perth direct

Oct 5, 2026

Sharon Petersen and Sandy West
United Airlines older Polaris better than you think
Airline Ratings review

United Airlines older Polaris better than you think

Sep 25, 2026

Airline Ratings
CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier
Airline News

CEO shares what drives the world's best low-cost carrier

Oct 6, 2026

Josh Wood