Boeing projects China’s commercial fleet will more than double over 20 years

China’s commercial fleet will more than double to over 9,800 airplanes over the next 20 years, Boeing said. Passenger air travel is forecast to grow 5% annually driven by an expanding middle class, more visa-free travel destinations and continued aviation infrastructure investment, according to Boeing’s 2026 China Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), its long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and related services. “Our long-term forecast continues to show strong demand for new airplanes as China’s passenger air traffic outpaces growth globally, supported by favorable economic and policy fundamentals that will make air travel more accessible,” said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. “With a partnership spanning nearly 55 years, Boeing jets are the backbone of China’s civil aviation industry growth, connecting people and carrying goods within and across continents.” Chinese carriers will take delivery of more than 7,200 single-aisle airplanes to support their domestic and Asia Pacific regional networks – representing 78% of the country’s total projected deliveries. By 2045, China’s domestic air travel market is expected to become the world’s largest as more people choose to fly for leisure or business throughout the country. With more efficient and capable single-aisle airplanes entering the fleet, airlines will also further expand their regional networks to increase connectivity throughout Asia Pacific and Central Asia. Passenger traffic on long-haul routes linking China with Europe, North and South America, Africa and the Middle East will outpace overall growth in the region, driving the need for more than 1,400 widebody airplanes. The combination of China’s large-scale manufacturing, high-tech industrial development and largest e-commerce market in the world will further boost China’s air cargo traffic, fueling demand for 560 production and converted freighters by 2045 to add capacity and replace older models with the latest technology. Following rapid growth over the past 25 years, China now has the second largest commercial jet fleet by country with nearly 4,500 airplanes. As the fleet matures, future airplane demand will be more balanced between renewal and growth, with 42% of the 9,240 airplanes delivered in the next two decades replacing older models. Boeing also projects by 2045: Airlines in China will invest $875 billion over the next 20 years in digital services improvements, airplane maintenance and personnel training to improve productivity and capability. China’s aviation sector will require 425,000 new pilots, technicians and cabin crew, driving requirements for training support that includes competency-based training and assessment programs (CBTA) and new training centers. New deliveries (2026-2045) Regional 405 Single Aisle 7,215 Widebody 1,460 Freighter 160 Total 9,240 Boeing has been in China for more than 50 years. Today, Boeing aircraft are a mainstay of China’s air transportation system for both passengers and cargo.  The workforce in China contributes to the production of Boeing airplanes, including the 737, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Between suppliers, revenue from joint ventures, business operations, training and investments in research and development Boeing is part of more than $1 billion in direct economic impact. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]