Southeast Asia will triple its commercial aircraft fleet in 20 years

Southeast Asia will nearly triple its fleet in the next 20 years, according to Boeing’s 2022 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) presented at the 66th Asia Pacific Association of Chiefs’ Meeting (AAPA) in Bangkok.

To meet the expected long-term growth of 5.3% in passenger and cargo travel in the coming years, CMO predicts that airlines in the region will need more than 4,200 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years. This represents an exponential growth in Southeast Asia’s current fleet size of 1,600, and will make the region the second largest in Asia.

“While the full recovery of our Southeast Asian industry depends on travel policies, health initiatives and workforce availability, among other factors, Boeing expects passenger traffic in the region to exceed demand before the pandemic spreads in the coming years.”said Dave Schulte, Boeing Commercial Marketing Director and Regional Director for Asia Pacific. “We continue to expect massive upward movement in this emerging region, with nearly 70% of all new deliveries in Southeast Asia serving demand growth over the next 20 years.”

The current fleet of Southeast Asia and the number of commercial flights increased by more than 50% in 2022 compared to 2019 before the pandemic. This 2022 CMO includes Southeast Asia Outlook to 2041:

Demand for 3,430 single-aisle and 740 wide-body aircraft to support an expanding regional network of low-cost carriers as well as the growth of long-haul traffic.

Demand for commercial services to support the rapid growth of the fleet, valued at $245,000 million.

Industry requirements for 193,000 new aviation employees, including 50,000 pilots, 58,000 technicians and 85,000 cabin crew, by 2041.