Airbus forecasts $3.1tn delivery

Around 25,000 passenger and freighter aircraft worth $3.1tn (£1.9tn) will be delivered between 2009 to 2028, according to Airbus' Global Market Forecast.

The study, which takes into account global air-transport developments and fleet analysis of passenger airlines over 20 years, predicts that a decline in Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) of two per cent will be followed by a rise of 4.6 per cent in 2010.

Airbus expects this increase to continue by 4.7 per cent per year, or double in the next 15 years and remain resilient to the cyclical effects within the sector. The study predicts that this will produce a demand for almost 24,100 new aircraft in addition to the replacement of 10,000 older passenger aircraft.

John Leahy, Airbus’ chief operating officer, said: ‘Air transportation is a growth industry and an essential ingredient in the world economy. Technology and innovation are key drivers for an eco-efficient aviation sector, and Airbus is at the forefront of both.’