Boeing Forecasts Demand For Almost 5,000 Aircraft In Southeast Asia By 2045
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Global aircraft manufacturer Boeing is forecasting demand for almost 5,000 new aircraft in Southeast Asia through 2045.
Boeing managing director of marketing for Asia Pacific Dave Schulte said the region will need 4,985 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years to expand its networks, accommodate passenger growth and replace aging airplanes.
“Of the 4,985, 4,080 single-aisle airplanes, representing approximately 81 per cent of projected deliveries, will support domestic and regional networks, approximately 880 widebody airplanes will support longer-distance international travel, while 25 freighters will support dedicated air cargo operations.
“Of the total projection, approximately 75 per cent of deliveries (3,740 airplanes) will support fleet growth, while 25 per cent (1,245 airplanes) will replace existing airplanes,” he said in a media programme held on the sidelines of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) 70th Assembly of Presidents (AP70) here today.
Schulte said that about 75 per cent of deliveries require airlines to scale up their maintenance capabilities, crew capacity and workforce to support the growth.
“Therefore, we projected that airlines in the region would need to recruit approximately 66,000 new crew members over the next 20 years to meet the growing demand,” he said.
On the air cargo market and dedicated freighters, Schulte said Boeing was forecasting demand for nearly 3,000 new freighters globally, comprising both factory-built aircraft and converted passenger aircraft.
He said about 36 per cent of the projected freighter demand in the Asia-Pacific region would support market growth, with roughly half of that demand coming from China.
“About 15 per cent would be needed to support growth in Southeast Asia, with the remainder distributed across Northeast Asia and Oceania,” he said.
Schutle added that the company foresaw continued growth in average aircraft size across Southeast Asia, with seats per aircraft increasing by about two annually.
“This reflects the momentum behind the Boeing 737-10, as we expect more operators to transition from the 737-800 and MAX 8 to the larger 737-10, which can accommodate up to 230 seats,” he added.
-- BERNAMA