Boeing To Double Freighter Fleet By 2041

Boeing expects the air cargo traffic to double and the global freighter fleet to grow by over 60% to more than 3,600 aircraft through 2041.

The US airframer believes the world's cargo fleet will require nearly 2,800 production and converted freighters for growth and replacement through 2041.

With cargo traffic doubling over the forecast period, "operators will need to switch to more capable, fuel-efficient and sustainable jets like the 777-8 freighter to meet demand", Boeing says in its 2022 world air cargo forecast report.

A third of deliveries are expected to consist of new production freighters, while the remaining two-thirds to be freighter conversions, such as the 737-800 Boeing converted freighters.

"While the air cargo market is returning to a more normal pace after historic demand in the last two years, structural factors including express network growth, evolving supply chain strategies and new cargo-market entrants are driving sustained freighter demand," Boeing's vice-president of commercial marketing Darren Hulst states.

"In the global transportation network, air freighters will continue to be a critical enabler to move high-value goods, in increased volume across expanding markets."

Boeing forecasts the Asia-Pacific region will take delivery of 38% of all freighters, including new and converted freighters, ahead of North America's share of 32% and Europe's 16%. The Middle East and Latin America are predicted to take 9% and 5% respectively.

"Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market forecast holds the highest traffic growth, as carriers continue to build out their express networks and supply chain support needs."

Boeing forecasts that the region's total freighter fleet will be "roughly the same size" as the North American fleet by 2041, a growth that of over three times the pre-pandemic fleet.

"In contrast, the more mature North American fleet is projected to grow by one third, but it will need roughly as many deliveries as Asia-Pacific to efficiently and sustainably replace the existing fleet," Boeing says.