China will more than double its commercial airplane fleet by 2043 as its aviation industry expands and modernizes to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo air travel.

Boeing's 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for China, the company's long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and related services, said, in particular, China's freighter fleet – including dedicated and converted models – will nearly triple with demand stimulated by its booming e-commerce sector.

"China's commercial aviation market for passengers and cargo continues to expand, driven by economic growth and airlines building their in-country networks," said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing.

"As this forecast shows, China's airlines will see strong demand, requiring further growth of their modern fuel-efficient fleets," he added.

[Source: Boeing]

According to the CMO, China's commercial fleet will grow 4.1% annually, from 4,345 to 9,740 airplanes by 2043, and its annual passenger traffic growth of 5.9% will exceed the global average of 4.7%.

"Air travel in China is forecast to become the world's largest traffic flow, driving growth in the single-aisle fleet, which accounts for more than three-quarters of deliveries," the report said.

It added that China would have the world's largest widebody fleet, with demand for 1,575 new widebody airplanes.

Boeing's CMO noted that Chinese carriers will also need aviation services worth US$780 billion to support the growing fleet, including digital solutions, maintenance and modifications.