Boeing Forecasts Robust Air Cargo Growth

Over the next two decades world air cargo growth will expand at an average annual rate of 6.2%, predicts Chicago-based Boeing Co. The airplane maker made that prediction in its World Air Cargo Forecast 2004/2005. The publication has been issued since 1986. Boeing predicts that the world freighter fleet will increase to 3,456 airplanes from 1,766 during the 20-year period, with the greatest growth in wide-body freighters. The Asian air cargo markets will lead in average annual growth, with the domestic Chinese and intra-Asian markets expanding 10.6% and 8.5% per year, respectively, the forecast suggests. "This year is shaping up to be the best year for world air cargo traffic growth since 1997," says Tom Crabtree, regional director, marketing, Europe, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This strong rebound adds further credence to our forecast of strident worldwide growth over the long term." The complete forecast is available online at www.boeing.com/commercial/cargo.