Boeing predicts freighter fleet will exceed 4,000 aircraft in 2045

Boeing is expecting the world’s freighter fleet to exceed 4,000 aircraft by 2045, up on Airbus’ prediction released last week.

At the TIACA Air Cargo Forum taking place this week, Boeing said it expects freighter fleet requirements to be driven by a 3.5% average annual increase in air cargo demand. This compares with an average annual growth rate of 2.5% over the past 10 years.

The extra annual growth will be fueled by time-sensitive shipments for advanced manufacturing and AI hardware, diversifying supply chains and rising e-commerce volumes as carriers adapt route networks to shifting trade lanes and manage geopolitical disruptions, the aircraft manufacturer said.

Last year, cargo demand was up by more than 5%, Boeing pointed out.

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