Airbus’ Global Market forecast (GMF) predicts that carriers in the Middle East will require 1,921 new passenger and freighter aircraft (above 100 seats) between 2011 and 2030 valued at US$347.4 billion. Of these, 1,882 are passenger aircraft (US$336.3 billion) and 39 are freighter aircraft (US$11.1billion).
Continued strong demand for new aircraft comes from fleet expansion and replacement in the region as well as greater urbanisation, an increasing number of mega cities and the overall ongoing expansion of the region as a geographical hub and tourist destination.
“The Middle East remains one of the world’s most robust aviation regions and this is confirmed by a 200 per cent increase in inter-regional passenger traffic over the last 10 years,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer. “The region is uniquely placed with more than 85 per cent of the world’s population within reach of a direct flight, making the Middle East a fertile market place for our eco-efficient aircraft today and beyond.”