We expect worldwide air traffic to grow about five per cent per year over the next 20 years, with even higher growth on routes to, from and within Asia, Boeing president Ron Woodard told reporters at the international airshow here.
Boeing, which is vying with the Airbus Industrie of France and McDonnell Douglas of the US for the prestigious Air India contract for supply of medium capacity, long range (MCLR) airplanes, has offered its 737-200 and 737-300 aircraft to the Indian government.
We do not expect the average size of airplanes to decline, Woodard said, adding that the increased growth of air traffic would lead to increased demand for more frequencies, new non-stop routes and larger aircraft.
Over the next decade, Asia-Pacific countries are expected to lead growth in air travel, according to a market survey.
Travel in China alone will grow over 14 per cent per year, while travel within the region will grow at 7.8 per cent and add 24 per cent of all new miles.