Airbus raises forecast for freighters entering global market

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Airbus has increased the number of freighters it expects to enter the global fleet over the next twenty years by nearly 10%. Approximately 2,670 freighters will enter service through 2045, with about 1,580 replacing older models and 1,090 representing growth, according to Airbus’ latest global cargo market forecast, released today at Cargo Facts Symposium. [caption id="attachment_57299561" align="aligncenter" width="921"] Airbus forecasts about 670 large-widebody freighters to enter the market over the next twenty years. (Courtesy/Airbus)[/caption] The 2,670 figure represents a 9.6% increase over what the plane manufacturer had predicted would enter service through 2044 at Cargo Facts Symposium 2025. The new figures would increase the number of freighters in the global fleet by 46%, to 3,460 in 2045 from 2,360. Airbus said it expects 1,140 of the freighters entering service will be single-aisle, 860 will be mid-size widebodies and 670 will be large widebody aircraft. Some 970 will be new-build and 1,700 will be conversions. It said demand will be led by the North American and Asia-Pacific regions, taking 925 and 850 freighters respectively, together accounting for two-thirds of total global demand. Meanwhile, global freight tonne kilometers will increase 3.2% each year between 2026 and 2045, Airbus said. The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be the leading region for international cargo traffic, with routes to North America being the largest with a 3.8% annual growth rate, followed by Europe. Trade forecasts have improved since last year, said Francois Cabaret, head of global market forecasts at Airbus. Tariff concerns dampened predictions in 2025, but the impact of those tariffs has not been as severe as expected, he added. The first A350F will be delivered in the second half of 2027, said Crawford Hamilton, head of freighter marketing at Airbus. Airbus has received thirty-four orders this year and certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency is underway, he added. Stay up to date on all the news coming out of Cargo Facts Symposium here .

Airbus raises forecast for freighters entering global market

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