Boeing is expecting global demand for 29,400 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with emphasis on a shift to larger types and replacement of less-efficient models.
The airframer released the figure in its latest global market forecast, presented at a briefing in London today.
Some 12,500 of these new aircraft will be used for replacement of the current global fleet - up 20% from last year's outlook - while the growth figure of 16,900 airframes is down by 7%.
Regional aircraft demand has been cut by one-third to 2,510 while single-aisle aircraft demand is up by 8.5% to 19,160.
Boeing's twin-aisle forecast is also up, by 7.3% to 6,750, while demand in the large aircraft category - comprising jets the size of the 747 and above - is up by 20 airframes to 980.
The total value of these new aircraft is put at $3.2 trillion.
About 6,400 of the current fleet will be retained, giving an overall world fleet of 35,800 in 2027 - a slight reduction from last year's outlook.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing vice-president Randy Tinseth, speaking during the briefing, said the replacement of less-efficient types means 82% of the 2027 fleet will comprise new aircraft.
The forecast assumes passenger traffic will rise at 5% and cargo traffic will increase by 5.8% per year.
Asia-Pacific carriers will account for 31% of deliveries over 2008-2027, overtaking North America's 29%. European and former Soviet states will take 27%.
"We expect a portfolio of deliveries that's better-balanced than before," says Tinseth, adding that the market will be less vulnerable to regional variations.
In terms of delivery value, Asia will be the largest market by far with 38% of the overall share. Europe and the CIS will have 25% and the North American market 23%.
Aircraft profile: Boeing 747
Source: Flight International
