920 New Aircraft For Pacific Region Needed

As Australia readies its first significant airshow since before the global pandemic, Airbus officials were in Melbourne to discuss forecasts.

Airlines based in the Pacific region are expected to welcome 920 new aircraft over 20 years, per the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast.

Airbus’ Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific spoke in Melbourne to select media, revealing the grand plans.

Included in the 920 aircraft are 750 single-aisle jets like the A220 and A320. Meanwhile, the expectation is that 170 widebodies will be present. The widebodies will include A330neos and A350s. Interestingly enough, more than half of the aircraft that will be required are for growth that the market will see. Equating to some 55%, meanwhile, 45% will be to replace currently existing aircraft.

Qantas is one of the biggest drivers for new aircraft as they revolutionise their single-aisle fleet with new efficient Airbus aircraft, including the A321XLR and, notably, the A220.

We are already seeing steady recovery in global air traffic and a renewed confidence in the growth of the industry. This is particularly evident in the Pacific region, where we are seeing a surge in travel demand and an increase in flights to and from key destinations.

Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

Globally there’s the expectation that there’ll be a need for 39,490 new aircraft over the next 20 years.