Boeing’s latest World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF) anticipates major growth in air cargo traffic, projecting an annual increase of 4% through 2043. With air cargo demand now surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Boeing expects the global freighter fleet to expand from 2,340 airplanes in 2023 to 3,900 by 2043. This growth is driven largely by rising e-commerce, shifting supply chains, and strong demand from emerging markets, particularly in Asia.
“As the quickest and most reliable way to move goods, air cargo’s sustained growth has returned the industry to its long-term trend,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Marketing. He noted that e-commerce expansion and economic growth in emerging markets will be key drivers of air freight demand over the next two decades.
Asia is set to lead this expansion, with East and South Asian markets experiencing the fastest growth rates due to economic development and increased consumer demand. The Asia-Pacific flee…