Airbus marginally refines its forecast for global aircraft demand – archyworldys

by Tim Hepher and Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI (Reuters) – Airbus revised its forecast for global aircraft demand for the next 20 years very slightly on Saturday from what was expected before the coronavirus crisis, as improved freight market prospects offset the slowdown expected from the needs of passenger transport.

The European aircraft manufacturer presented its new forecasts on the eve of the opening of the Dubai Airshow, where players in the aviation sector hope to start turning the page on the pandemic, which has cost them two years of growth.

Airbus now forecasts a total market of 39,020 airliners over the next 20 years, compared to 39,213 two years ago, a decrease of 0.5%.

The forecast for small planes, like its A320, its best-selling model, is practically unchanged at 29,690 units but that of wide-bodied aircraft has been reduced by 3.1%.

This development is comparable to that announced by Airbus’ big rival, the American Boeing, which lowered its 20-year market forecast by 1% in September compared to 2019.

Airbus also reduced its forecast for average annual growth in passenger traffic to 3.9% from 4.3%.

“The fastest growth in traffic will take place in Asia, with mainland China becoming the most important market,” the group explains.

It raised its forecast demand for new cargo aircraft by 2.9% to 880 units.

Airbus is currently seeking to sign a first order for the cargo version of its A350 and is discussing this with several companies including Singapore Airlines, we learned from several industry sources.

Boeing said it was in advanced talks with potential buyers of a new cargo version of its 777X and sources said the main potential customers included Qatar Airways and FedEx.

(French version Marc Angrand)