Boeing predicts rising aircraft production
BOEING upgraded its 20-year forecast for airplane demand as aerospace firms heading to next week’s Paris Airshow look beyond the financial crisis to pin their hopes on Asia.
The US planemaker said yesterday airlines, lessors and freight firms would need 35,280 new jets worth $4.8 trillion (£3.08 trillion) as the world’s fleet doubles over the next two decades – raising by 3.8 per cent the company’s previous 20-year outlook.
The bullish new forecast anticipates a surge in Asia-Pacific travel that will keep production rates at jet factories rising, but includes a downward revision of forecasts for Europe and North America where prospects for recovery are uncertain.
“By 2032, Asia-Pacific will be by far the world’s largest travel market,” Randy Tinseth, vice president for marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes said.