“World air travel should grow [at] five percent per year between 2009 to 2028,” according to forecast data released last week by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. The highest growth will be in China, estimated at more than 7.5 percent per year, followed by Latin America and Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States each at 6 percent. Close behind will be Asia/Pacific and Africa at around 5 percent, with the dominant Europe and North America regions (together accounting for almost 60 percent of the market) growing at 4 percent, according to the company’s forecast.
Embraer said Friday it sees demand valued at $220 billion for 6,750 jets with capacity for 30 to 120 passengers between next year and 2028. The majority of these aircraft–62.3 percent, or 3,800 units–will be required after 2018. The manufacturer reflects the forecasts of large-airplane suppliers Airbus and Boeing that average aircraft size will increase over the next 20 years.
