Notwithstanding the continued gloomy financial projections for the air transport industry by groups such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airbus predicts the size of the world’s airliner fleet will more than double over the next 20 years, from around 14,000 now to 28,100 in 2028, according to European manufacturer’s new Global Market Forecast published in London on September 17. Simultaneously, larger aircraft and longer sectors will result in revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increasing by about 150 percent, according to the report.
Factors that will drive growth, according chief operating officer for customers John Leahy, will include expanding hubs in the Middle East, more low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Asia, greater potential for Asian and African deregulation and continuing urbanization. Deregulation, economic growth, population expansion and inter-regional trade will propel markets in Africa and Asia, he added.
