Number of planes to more than double in 20 yrs: Airbus

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - European aerospace company Airbus projected on Friday the world’s passenger fleet will more than double to reach 48,000 aircraft in next 20 years with air traffic growing at a resilient 4.4 percent per year.

According to Airbus’ new Global Market Forecast 2018-2037, around 540,000 more pilots will be needed to drive 37,390 new passengers and freighter aircraft.

“Of the 37,390 new aircraft required, 26,540 are for growth and 10,850 will replace older generation less fuel efficient aircraft,” the company said.

"Growth drivers include private consumption increasing 2.4 times in emerging economies, higher disposable incomes and a near doubling of the middle classes globally," it added.

Airbus stated that 60 percent of economic growth would come from emerging countries where number of travels per capita will rise 2.5 times.