Middle East freighter fleet to double to 180 jets by 2042: Boeing

Image: Boeing/ X and Oman Air

Aviation giant Boeing has forecast that widebody airplanes will make up 45 per cent of aircraft deliveries to airlines in the Middle East in the next 20 years.

This ─ according to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook ─ is the highest percentage among the 10 global regions that were reviewed in the outlook shared ahead of the Dubai Airshow.

The aviation company’s annual long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and services shows that the region’s fleet of dedicated freighters is expected to more than double to 180 jets by 2042.

With many carriers in the region serving key population centres in Asia, Africa, and Europe, the CMO estimates the delivery of 3,025 new commercial aircraft in the region by 2042, including 1,350 widebody aircraft.

The region’s single-aisle fleet is also expected to more than double as low-cost carriers and short-haul networks continue to develop and expand. By 2042, nearly half of the region’s aircraft will be single-aisle jets, the report stated.

“Airlines in the Middle East have increasingly expanded their influence and reach, transforming the region into an international air transit hub,” Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president, Commercial Marketing told media in a briefing on the report.

“Air travel and cargo demand continue to gain momentum, driven by significant economic growth and national development plans. As airlines in the region will require efficient and versatile fleet solutions, Boeing products will be ready to meet market demands.”

The CMO forecast that two-thirds of new deliveries will enable and boost air traffic and cargo growth while a third of aircraft will replace older models with more fuel-efficient ones.

The total fleet will increase 2.4 times to 3,360 airplanes — 1,610 (48 per cent) will be single aisles, while 1,520 (45 per cent) will be widebodies, the Hulst shared during the briefing.

Based on the outlook, the region’s commercial fleet will see demand rise for aviation services to the tune of $335bn.

Boeing gets big orders at Dubai Airshow

Announced at the Dubai Airshow 2023 on Monday, Emirates which is already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, has signed firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s. It takes the airline’s 777X order book to a total of 205 units.

The carrier has also updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.

Read: Emirates confirms $52bn widebody aircraft order

Dubai-based carrier flydubai has committed to the purchase of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – its first widebody aircraft order – in a deal valued at $11bn. Deliveries of the new widebody aircraft are set to commence in 2026.

The airline added that it has an order backlog of more than 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to be delivered by 2035. The carrier said that it was currently evaluating engine options for its first Dreamliner order.