Airliners serving the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow larger in the coming decades, responding to strong growth across this dynamic market – which is to carry one-third of the world’s passenger traffic by 2029. 

This is one of the key messages from Airbus’ Asia-Pacific market forecast, which was presented today in Hong Kong by Chris Emerson, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Market Forecast.

Based on its Global Market Forecast for 2010-2029, Airbus believes the trend toward larger jetliners reflects the concentration of regional populations around main urban centres, as well as the need for more seats between fast-growing “mega” cities (destinations with more than 10,000 daily passengers) across the area.

To meet the anticipated demand, Asia-Pacific operators will acquire some 3,360 new widebody aircraft over the next two decades – representing 40 per cent of all such deliveries worldwide during that time. In particular, Airbus foresees a need for 780 very large aircraft – the category of its 21st century flagship A380 – and 2,580 twin-aisle widebodies, such as the company’s A330 and new A350 XWB.

While the deployment of larger aircraft is expected to help reduce flight delays and ease air traffic congestion, new-generation aircraft like the A380 also provide the best environmental performance for its operators.

According to Airbus’ Asia-Pacific region market forecast, for every passenger that flies from Paris to Tokyo and back again in an A380, 105 kg. of fuel are conserved when compared to competing aircraft. In addition, this double-deck jetliner produces 333 kg. less CO2 per passenger, per flight. 

Regional A380 orders currently stand at 81 jetliners, with total bookings worldwide reaching 244. Airbus’ most recent contract came from Japan’s third-largest operator, Skymark Airlines, who signed for four A380s on 17 February.

Other carriers in the Asia-Pacific region that have selected the world’s largest passenger aircraft are China Southern, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Asiana Airlines – which also placed its A380 initial order this year.

Source: Airbus press release