Boeing predicts growth in Russia

An annual study by Boeing has forecasted that Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will require 1,060 new aircraft worth $70bn over the next 20 years.

This year’s Boeing Current Market Outlook was the first to provide a forecast for the Russia and CIS region. It predicted that 470 aircraft worth $30bn in the Boeing 737 size range would account for 44 per cent of all commercial jetliners delivered to the region in the 20-year period.

Other predictions included 11 per cent of aircraft similar to twin-aisle Boeing 777 and 787, valued at $20bn; 43 per cent of units being smaller regional jets; and two per cent the size of the Boeing 747 or larger.

Craig Jones, vice-president of sales for Russia/CIS, Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes, said: ‘Domestic and international air traffic has increased in Russia and the CIS by 36 percent over the last 10 years. Most indicators point toward continued economic growth for the region.

‘We've already seen airlines like Aeroflot and S7 Airlines in Russia, AeroSvit in the Ukraine, Azerbaijan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways order new single-aisle and twin-aisle aeroplanes this year. We can expect continued steady demand for new airplanes as airlines look to modernise and grow their fleets.

‘Liberalisation of air traffic regulations, airline consolidation and the reduction or elimination of high tariffs on new airplanes could generate additional demand for new aeroplanes,’ said Jones.

According to Boeing, the availability of smaller and more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Next-Generation 737, 777 and the 787, will encourage more people to fly long distances. Previously, only large aircraft were available for long-haul flights, which forced large numbers of passengers to make connections through major hubs to get to their ultimate destinations, while the smaller aircraft will be able to fly non-stop with fewer passengers but still at a profitable rate for airline operators.

‘Today aviation represents two per cent of global emissions while contributing eight per cent to the world economy. It's a small percentage, but nonetheless we are committed to continuing to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of our products,’ Jones said.

Air traffic within Russia and the CIS is expected to grow six per cent per year over the next 20 years, while transatlantic routes between Russia/CIS and North America is projected to increase by just over four per cent each year.