Middle East fleet to more than double by 2041 to meet demand: Boeing

Boeing has said that the region’s passenger traffic and commercial fleet are projected to more than double over the next two decades, driven by the recovery of air travel and tourism. The company shared its findings in the 2022 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook, a 20-year forecast of fleet demand in the region.

Middle Eastern carriers have successfully managed through challenges brought on by the pandemic by adjusting their business models and increasing the usage of freighters to maximise revenue. Looking ahead, the region’s fleet is forecasted to expand to 3,400 aircraft to serve fast-growing passenger traffic as well as cargo demand, Boeing said.

“The Middle East region, a popular connection point for international travellers and trade, is also growing as a starting point and destination for business and leisure passengers,” said Randy Heisey, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa, and Russia and Central Asia Regions. “The region will continue to require a versatile fleet that meets the demands of airline and air-cargo business models.”

Air cargo traffic flown by Middle East carriers has continued its substantial growth in recent years. with two of the world’s top five cargo carriers by tonnage being based in the region.

According to Boeing, Middle East airlines will require 2,980 new aircraft valued at $765bn to serve passengers and trade. More than two-thirds of these deliveries will enable growth, while one-third will replace older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models.

The Middle East freighter fleet is projected to reach 170 by 2041, more than doubling the pre-pandemic fleet.

Key projections through 2041 

• Passenger traffic is expected to grow at 4 per cent annually.
• Passenger widebody aircraft demand continues to be robust, with 1,290 deliveries supporting a growing network of international routes.
• The Middle East single-aisle market will more than double, reaching 1,650 jets to serve regional and international destinations.
• Demand for aftermarket commercial services including maintenance and repair valued at $275 billion
• The region also will require 202,000 new aviation personnel, including 53,000 pilots, 50,000 technicians and 99,000 cabin crew members in the next 20 years, according to Boeing’s 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook.

Read: On an upward trajectory: How the regional aviation industry is charting its recovery