Boeing Forecasts China to Need 5,260 New Airplanes by 2031

Boeing has forecast that China will need 5,260 new commercial airplanes valued at $670 billion over the next 20 years. The country is expected to be the second largest market for new commercial airplanes.

"It's impressive that over 75% of the demand in China will be for growth instead of replacement," said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Marketing. "Sustained strong economic growth, growing trade activities and increasing personal wealth are some of the driving forces. Travelers also care about increased connectivity, efficiency and lower prices."

Boeing predicts that small and intermediate twin-aisles, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777, will account for a significant part of future deliveries. These airplanes are expected to be the highest value segment, making up 48% of the market in value with some 1,190 new deliveries anticipated.

The expansion of the Chinese market has also unleashed pent-up demand for broader international travel.

"We expect Chinese carriers to experience rapid international expansion over the next 20 years, with an annual increase rate of 8.9% on average. That's not only because the market demand is growing, but because Chinese carriers now have the capability and resources to compete in the tough long-haul international market," Tinseth added.

Tourism in China will also help fuel a strong demand for single-aisle aircraft, with total deliveries of single-aisle airplanes reaching 3,650 through 2031.

Worldwide, Boeing projects investments of $4.5 trillion for 34,000 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years.

Some 6,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies. China has a component role on every current Boeing commercial airplane model – the 737, 747, 767, 777, as well as the world's newest and most innovative airplane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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