Chinese market ready for take off

Airbus forecasts that the Chinese mainland will need more than 3,000 passenger aircraft and freighters from 2006 to 2025. Airbus’ estimated figure includes 2,050 single aisle aircraft, nearly 600 small twin-aisle aircraft, over 200 intermediate twin-aisle aircraft and 180 very large aircraft.

Some 2,650 passenger aircraft will be required on the Chinese mainland with a total value of $289bn. The Chinese mainland passenger fleet will triple in the next 20 years, from 760 at the end of 2005, to 2,700 in 2025.

Freighter traffic in China is expected to grow six-fold and will need close to 400 freighter aircraft over the next 20 years. China’s freighter traffic demand will remain at a high level with an average domestic market growth rate of 10.9 per cent p.a. and an average international market growth rate of 8.9 per cent p.a.

‘In terms of in-service aircraft, Airbus’ market share on the Chinese mainland has already increased from seven per cent in 1995 to the current 35 per cent. Our aim is to reach 50 per cent in 2011,’ said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. ‘In next 20 years, the greatest demand for passenger aircraft will come from the Chinese mainland just after the United States,’ he added.