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Boeing predicts cargo fleet to expand to 3,600 aircraft in 20 years

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Boeing predicts cargo fleet to expand to 3,600 aircraft in 20 years

Boeing has forecasted a strong demand for air cargo through 2024, with traffic doubling and the world’s freighter fleet expanding by more than 60%, as per its latest World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF). The report says that the global freighter fleet will grow by more than 1,300 airplanes to more than 3,600 aircraft over the next two decades.

As per the report, the world’s cargo fleet will require nearly 2,800 productions and converted freighters for growth and replacement through 2041. With cargo traffic doubling over the forecast period, operators will need to switch to more capable, fuel-efficient, and sustainable jets like the 777-8 Freighter to meet demand, according to the Boeing forecast.

Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing, said: "While the air cargo market is returning to a more normal pace after historic demand in the last two years, structural factors including express network growth, evolving supply chain strategies, and new cargo-market entrants are driving sustained freighter demand,” said “In the global transportation network, air freighters will continue to be a critical enabler to move high-value goods, in increased volume across expanding markets.”

According to Boeing, about one-third of deliveries will consist of new production freighters, while the remaining two-thirds will be freighter conversions, such as the 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF), providing carriers with increased flexibility in existing and emerging markets.

Boeing also forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region will take delivery of nearly 40% of all freighters, including new and converted freighters.

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