US aircraft manufacturer Boeing expects China to more than double its commercial aircraft fleet by 2043 as its aviation sector expands and modernizes its fleet to meet growing demand for passenger and cargo air travel.
“China’s commercial aviation market for passengers and cargo continues to expand, driven by economic growth and airlines building out their networks within the country,” said Darren Holst, vice president of commercial marketing at Boeing. “Chinese airlines will see strong demand, requiring further growth in their modern, fuel-efficient fleets.”
The American company expected that the Chinese commercial fleet will grow by 4.1% annually, from 4,345 aircraft to 9,740 aircraft by 2043, and annual passenger traffic growth will likely exceed the global average of 4.7%, according to commercial market forecasts, at 5.9%.
Boeing forecasts
- The company expects passenger numbers to increase significantly as airlines expand their networks by connecting major hubs with smaller cities.
- China will be the world’s busiest air traffic hub, driving growth in the single-aisle fleet, which accounts for more than three-quarters of deliveries.
- China will have the world’s largest fleet of wide-body aircraft, with an order for 1,575 new aircraft of these types.
- China’s cargo fleet (including dedicated and converted aircraft) will nearly triple as demand is stimulated by a booming e-commerce sector.
- Chinese airlines will need $780 billion worth of aviation services to support the growing fleet, including digital solutions, maintenance and modifications.
- The aviation industry will need to hire and train nearly 430,000 new employees to support new pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew.
