Boeing aircraft forecast 2025 indicates a robust long-term future for world aviation. The US aerospace giant now anticipates airlines globally to need 43,600 new planes in the next 20 years. Southeast Asia and China are to drive this expansion as increasing incomes enable more individuals to take to the skies.
The estimate is modestly less than previous year’s projection of 43,975 aircraft, accounting for slower-than-expected global economic assumptions. However, Boeing is still optimistic about the resilience of the aviation industry.
Demand Fuelled by Emerging Markets
Emerging economies will be the source of demand, says Boeing. Today, those markets use almost 40% of the globe’s jetliners. By 2044, that number will increase to over 50%. China, India, and Southeast Asian countries are growing their middle classes, and with it comes more air travel.
Darren Hulst, vice president of commercial market at Boeing, stated on June 10, “Our market has proven to be both resilient and a growth industry.” It views long-term growth through geopolitical tensions and Trump-era tariffs.
Global Fleet Set to Double
By 2044, the global business fleet will be 49,600 aircraft, based on Boeing. That would be double today’s size of the fleet. European competitor Airbus SE has made comparable growth estimates, reinforcing a widespread industry consensus.
Single-aisle aircraft such as the Boeing 737 Max and Airbus A320neo will reign supreme. They will account for 72% of the world’s fleets, increasing from 66% currently. Short- and medium-haul flights remain in demand, and these aircraft are preferred by carriers.
Production Falls Behind Demand
But there’s a catch. Boeing and Airbus continue to deliver planes at the same rates they did 10 years ago. Hulst said that the companies have delivered about 1,500 fewer planes than they had originally set out to do. The pandemic disruptions both companies have yet to recover from.
To catch up with future demand, both Boeing and Airbus will have to get back to pre-pandemic production — and beyond.
While there is near-term economic prudence and trade tensions, Boeing is hopeful. The aviation sector has recovered before — from 9/11, the financial crash of 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As travel demand picks up once again, particularly in Asia, the company envisions smooth skies ahead.