New Delhi: Airlines in the Southeast Asia region will require 4,985 new commercial aircraft by 2045 as they expand their fleets and replace old planes, according to Boeing.
Air passenger traffic in the region is projected to grow 6.7 percent annually over the next 20 years, a rate that will outpace the estimated economic growth of 4.1 percent for the region.
Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook figures exclude India and China.
Announcing the outlook on the sidelines of the 70th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) in the city on Friday, Boeing's Managing Director for Marketing David Schulte said that long-term air travel demand in the Southeast Asia region is supported by rising incomes, tourism and expanding connectivity.
"Airlines in the region will need 4,985 new commercial airplanes through 2045 to support fleet growth and replacement," Boeing said.
Out of the projected 4,985 planes, Boeing said that around 81 percent, or 4,080, will be single-aisle aircraft, 880 will be wide-body aircraft and 25 will be freighters.
"Approximately 75 percent of deliveries (3,740 airplanes) will support fleet growth, while 25 percent (1,245 airplanes) will replace existing airplanes," Boeing said.
The region's commercial jet fleet is anticipated to grow 6.8 percent annually to cater to the rising air traffic demand.
"International passengers are expected to account for nearly 60 percent of Southeast Asia's total passenger traffic over the forecast period," the aircraft maker said in a release.
In the Southeast Asia region, between 2005 and 2025, the number of airport pairs served increased 2.5 times, monthly flights increased 2.6 times and available airline seats rose 2.8 times, Boeing said.
The aircraft maker also said global air cargo traffic is projected to double over the next 20 years, driven by e-commerce, supply chain diversification and demand for time-sensitive shipments.
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