Airbus has forecast a global demand for 27,800 new aircraft over the next 20 years. According to its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), by 2030 the aviation industry will need 26,900 passenger aircraft and more than 900 new freighters, with a combined price tag of £2.24 trillion. As a result, by 2030 the global passenger fleet will more than double from today’s 15,000 aircraft to 31,500.

Geographically, over the next 20 years, Asia Pacific will account for approximately 34% of demand according to Airbus, followed by Europe (22%) and North America (22%).

Demand for aircraft seating more than 400 passengers, like the Airbus A380, has risen over 2010 forecasts from 1,738 to 1,781 aircraft valued at £384bn. In the twin-aisle aircraft segment (seating from 250-400 passengers), such as the new Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, some 6,900 new aircraft will be delivered in the next 20 years, valued at some £960bn.