Forecast Int’l Predicts ‘Restrained’ Growth in Regional Airliner Market

A new study released last month by Newtown, Conn.-based Forecast International projects “restrained growth” in the regional airliner market over the next 10 years, stemming from such factors as major-airline consolidation. The study projects gradual and steady growth between 2013 and 2020, followed by a cyclical downturn in 2021 and 2022 that will negatively affect delivery numbers.

All told, for the 10-year period, the market research firm predicts production of 4,035 regional jets and turboprops worth $141.8 billion in today’s currency. In the short and medium term, it expects rising air traffic on regional routes and the need for regional carriers to replace economically inefficient aircraft to fuel increasing market demand. However, it said, a climate of mainline consolidation is limiting growth as “too many airlines are chasing too few opportunities.”