Asia’s big demand for aircraft

BOEING says strong economic and passenger growth will be the main drivers of future new aircraft demand in the Asia Pacific region.
The US planemaker estimates the region’s airlines will need an additional 12,820 aircraft, valued at US$1.9 trillion, and representing 36 per cent of the world’s new fleet deliveries over the next 20 years.
“Asia Pacific economies and passenger traffic continue to exhibit strong growth,” says Randy Tinseth, Boeing’s vice-president of marketing.
“Over the next 20 years, nearly half of the world’s air traffic growth will be driven by travel to, from, or within the region,” he adds.
The Asia Pacific fleet is expected to triple, from 5,090 aircraft in 2012, to 14,750 in 2032.
Air cargo also plays a critical role in the region’s economy, transporting goods over difficult terrain and vast stretches of ocean. Some of the world’s largest and most efficient cargo operators are located in Asia.
The region’s air cargo is expected to grow 5.8 per cent a year during the next 20 years. Carriers within the region are expected to take 370 new freighters, with an additional 490 conversions.
Boeing’s data projects that passenger airlines in the region will rely primarily on single-aisle units such as the next-Ggeneration B737 and the B737 MAX, a new-engine variant. Single-aisle aircraft will represent 69 per cent of new orders in the region.
For long-haul traffic, Boeing forecasts that twin-aisle aircraft, such as the B747-8 Intercontinental, B777 and the B787 Dreamliner will account for 28 per cent of new deliveries.
Boeing’s recently-launched B787-10 and B777X will support the demand for fuel-efficient, twin-aisle jets in the region, the planemaker predicts.
Singapore Airlines has already ordered 30 B787-10s and Cathay Pacific recently ordered 21 B777-9Xs.