Boeing last month introduced its latest Current Market Outlook, which forecasts a $2.8 trillion market for new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years to accommodate a forecasted 5 percent annual increase in passenger traffi c, and a 6.1 percent annual increase in air cargo traffic. The Boeing outlook forecasts a market of 28,600 new commercial airplanes (passenger and freighter) by 2026, with a much more balanced demand in aircraft by region over the forecast period.

Over the next 20 years, passenger and cargo airlines will take delivery of approximately 3,700 regional jets (below 90 seats); 17,650 single-aisle (90-240 seats, dual-class); 6,290 twin-aisle (200- 400 seats, tri-class); and 960 VLAs (more than 400 seats, tri-class). The largest market is projected to be the Asia-Pacifi c region, with 36 percent of the $2.8 trillion total. North America will make up 26 percent of the delivery dollars, and Europe, Russia, and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) will make up a total of 25 percent. Deliveries to airlines in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa will represent the remaining 13 percent of the delivery dollars between 2007 and 2026. Combined with the retained fl eet, these new deliveries will result in a world commercial airplanes fl eet of more than 36,400 airplanes by 2026. Boeing projects strong demand for new large freighters due to their fuel effi ciency, higher reliability and utilisation, and long-range capabilities.