Boeing Braces for Slower Growth in Long-Term Jet Demand
Boeing has made a slight downward revision in its 20-year commercial aircraft demand forecast, reducing the projected annual passenger traffic growth rate from 4.7% to 4.2% in its 2025 report compared to 2024, according to Reuters.
The updated forecast anticipates global demand for 43,600 new airliners by 2044, with 33,300 of them being single-aisle jets, which currently account for 80% of deliveries.
Boeing stated that 51% of new aircraft demand over the next two decades will stem from market expansion rather than replacement of aging fleets. More than half of this growth is expected to come from China and South/Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, European rival Airbus has raised its forecast by 2%, projecting 43,420 aircraft over the same period. Despite a strong post-pandemic recovery in air travel, both manufacturers face challenges, with a current shortfall of around 1,500 to 2,000 aircraft due to supply chain and production issues.
Boeing has recently come under renewed scrutiny following the crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, prompting the company’s CEO to cancel his scheduled appearance at the Paris Air Show.
