World air cargo will increase at an average annual rate of 6.1% during the next two decades, according to a Boeing Co. forecast released on September 13. Not surprisingly, China and the rest of Asia will continue to lead other markets in growth through 2025, with the Chinese air cargo market expected to grow at an annual average rate of 10.8% and intra-Asian markets expected to grow at an 8.6% average annual rate.
Chicago-based Boeing makes freighter aircraft as well as passenger planes with lower-hold cargo capacity.
Of the 2,983 planes that Boeing expects will be added to the world freighter fleet during the next 20 years, 1,209 would replace retired aircraft and 1,774 would be for market growth. More than 75% of the planes expected to be added to the fleet would be passenger-to-freighter modifications and the rest-766 planes-would be new production aircraft.
