AIRBUS EXPECTS SUSTAINED FREIGHTER DEMAND OVER NEXT 20 YEARS

Airbus expects demand for freighters to continue over the next 20 years amid sustained cargo traffic and fleet update with nearly 70% due for replacement.

 

The European planemaker said in its 2022 Global Market Forecast for the 2022-2041 period that express air cargo growth is also expected to outpace general air cargo boosted by e-commerce.

 

"World freighter fleet in service will reach 3,070 aircraft by 2041," Airbus said, noting that there were 2,030 aircraft in-service at the beginning of 2020.

 

Airbus said 31% of these will stay in service (including 2020 & 2021 deliveries), while 69% will be replaced.

 

"Demand for 2,440 new-build or converted freighters over 2022-2041," the planemaker added.

 

The report, published on July 8, anticipates that 990 of these newbuilds or converted freighters will be 10-40 tonne single-aisle aircraft, and 890 will be 40-80 tonne mid-sized widebody aircraft, while 560 will be 80 tonne + large widebody aircraft.

 

Express air cargo to outpace general air cargo

 

Airbus said that in 2019, express air cargo made up 17% of the airfreight market, while general air cargo encompassed 83%.

 

But by 2041, express air cargo, boosted by e-commerce is expected to climb to comprise 25% of the market.

 

The planemaker added that it expects world air cargo traffic growth of 3.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2019-2041.