Aircraft
Mature Fleet Replacement and New Markets Drive Airbus Forecast Higher
Airliner fleet replacement in mature markets, along with dynamic growth in emerging economies and strong continued business in established North American a
The latest global market forecast from Airbus sees demand for 27,800 new airliners through 2030, including for its A320 family. (Photo: Airbus)
The latest global market forecast from Airbus sees demand for 27,800 new airliners through 2030, including for its A320 family. (Photo: Airbus)

Airliner fleet replacement in mature markets, along with dynamic growth in emerging economies and strong continued business in established North American and European economies, are the principal factors driving 20-year requirements for new equipment. Other drivers are increased global urbanization, middle-class wealth and market deregulation and continued growth among low-cost carriers, according to the latest global market forecast from Airbus.

Against this background, the Airbus 2011-2030 forecast, released on September 19, predicts demand for more than 27,800 new airliners nominally worth $3.5 trillion. The total comprises 26,900-plus passenger aircraft (with 100-plus seats) and 900-plus new-built freighters, and compares with last year’s forecast of 20-year requirements for 24,980 passenger aircraft and 870 new freighters.