Boeing sees air cargo traffic doubling by 2045

Investing.com -- Boeing released its 2026 World Air Cargo Forecast on Wednesday, projecting that air cargo traffic will double over the next 20 years. The forecast indicates the global freighter fleet will grow to more than 4,000 airplanes by 2045.

The company presented its biannual forecast at The International Air Cargo Association's Air Cargo Forum in Miami. The forecast examines major air trade markets, industry trends and future development of the global freighter fleet.

Global air cargo traffic reached a new annual record in 2025, growing nearly 5% year over year from 2024. Boeing expects air cargo traffic to grow 3.5% annually over the next two decades, surpassing long-term economic and trade growth. Trade flows involving Asia will lead growth and represent approximately 60% of the global market.

The worldwide freighter fleet is projected to expand 67% by 2045, from 2,395 airplanes in 2025 to 4,010 airplanes. Dedicated freighters are expected to carry more than half of global air cargo traffic in the long term.

Operators will need 2,930 new and converted freighters over the next 20 years to support traffic growth and replace retiring airplanes. About 55% of deliveries will add capacity, while approximately 45% will replace older freighters. Two-thirds of deliveries will be converted passenger airplanes and the remainder will be new-production freighters.

E-commerce, direct-to-consumer business models and demand for high-tech goods are driving air cargo growth. According to IATA, more than 70% of AI-related goods were transported by air in 2025.

"Air cargo's adaptability and speed are strategic advantages enabling reliable transport, dynamic rerouting and critical support for evolving supply chains," said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. "As global trade patterns change and demand for time-sensitive, high-value goods grows, dedicated freighters will remain essential to global commerce."

Growing demand for express services will lift integrators' share of global air cargo traffic to nearly 25% in 2045. Nearly one-third of all air cargo revenues are earned by airlines with passenger belly cargo capacity as well as dedicated main deck freighters.

The East Asia-North America market, the world's largest air cargo flow, is forecast to nearly double by 2045. South Asia-East Asia is expected to be the fastest-growing international market, with traffic projected to increase 3.2 times by 2045.

In 2025, airlines with freighter operations accounted for approximately 90% of air cargo industry revenue of approximately $170 billion.

Original Article

You May Also Be Interested In

• Oracle sets $225B revenue target for fiscal year 2030
• Fortune Media and Great Place To Work Name CareChoice to 2026 Best Workplaces for Women List, Ranking No. 23
• Enovix (ENVX) November 3, January 14 and January 20 calls active, share price up 2.9%