Total Expectations Sit at 4,000 Jets in Asian Commercial Fleet by 2042

Boeing’s hopes remain fixed on Asia for the bulk of its growth and expansion throughout the coming decades, with an in-house report expecting the continental fleet to quadruple by 2042.

The forecast isn’t a departure for the brand’s seers, who generally share their optimistic take on Asian growth a few times per year. At this year’s Oshkosh presentation, Boeing personnel were on hand to share the bright, exciting career opportunities for aircraft technicians, maintainers, and operators - with some audience members reading the subtext that investing in the training and support pipeline is about as good as domestic stakeholders can really hope for.

Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) is more of the same, then, forecasting a rising, ever-expanding Asian market poised for explosive growth along the same lines trodden by the West. Low Cost Carriers will take up the bulk of the growth, with Boeing expecting more than 66% of new commercial jets in the region heading into one. That makes more than 2,000 aircraft, which will one day ensure that LCC’s “will transport 56% of passenger traffic in 2042”, up from 22% in 2012. Overall, 83% of jet deliveries to Asia will be a part of fleet growth schemes, with less than 20% going to replace older, retiring airframes. Perhaps a pleasant surprise for those believing a narrowbody LCC future is all there is to hope for: Widebodies will grow 3 times over current demand, with 800 aircraft expected to make their way into the region.

"As the Southeast Asia market reopens, air traffic will grow substantially,” said Dave Schulte, Boeing Commercial Marketing managing director for Asia-Pacific. "Expanded connectivity, tourism and low fares will continue to stoke new and increased travel, especially among a growing middle class across the region. The role of LCCs will continue to rise to fill that demand for air travel.”

FMI: www.boeing.com