emirates7 - Boeing predicts sustained long-term growth in the air cargo sector, with traffic expected to rise by an average of 4% annually through 2043, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

In its statement, Boeing projected that the global air cargo fleet would expand to 3,900 aircraft by 2043, a significant increase from 2,340 freighters in 2023, representing a growth of two-thirds.

The demand, particularly strong in rapidly growing Asian markets, is expected to nearly double the fleet of large widebody freighters. Approximately half of the new production and converted freighters will replace older models, as recent market conditions have kept many aging aircraft in service longer than usual.

East and South Asia are forecasted to experience the highest annual growth in air cargo traffic, driven by economic expansion and rising consumer demand. The Asia-Pacific region’s fleet is anticipated to nearly triple, necessitating 980 new deliveries, while North America will require 955, making these two regions responsible for over two-thirds of global deliveries.

India’s domestic air cargo market is set to grow nearly fourfold, fueled by the rapid development of express delivery services and e-commerce networks.