U.S. aircraft maker Boeing expects strong and sustained growth for the world's air cargo sector, with global air cargo traffic expected to grow by an average of 4 percent annually until 2043.
The company expects to increase the size of the world's freighter fleet by two-thirds to 3,900 aircraft from 2,340 in 2023. At the same time, the fleet of wide-body freighters will almost double in size, driven by demand in Asia's high-growth markets.
Half of new or modified aircraft deliveries will replace older freighters to move to higher-capacity and more fuel-efficient aircraft, with many older aircraft continuing to be in service due to recent market needs.
South and East Asian markets are expected to witness the highest growth rates for the air cargo sector annually, thanks to economic growth and increased consumer demand, according to the American company. Boeing expects the size of its cargo fleet in the Asia-Pacific region to nearly double, with airlines in the region ordering most cargo deliveries with 980 aircraft, followed by North American airlines with 955 freighters.
