- Airbus projects the global freighter fleet to grow 46pc to 3,460 aircraft by 2045.
- There will be a requirement for 2,670 freighters.
- Global air cargo traffic is forecast to grow 3.2pc annually.
- North America and Asia-Pacific account for two-thirds of demand.
- Previous-generation freighters will be replaced by next-generation models including the A350F.
Airbus has published its 2026 Cargo Global Market Forecast projecting the worldwide fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft to grow 46pc from 2,360 in 2026 to 3,460 aircraft by 2045. There will be a requirement for 2,670 freighters mainly to replace older models (1,580) and also for growth (1,090). Of the 2,670 freighters required 1,140 will be single-aisle, 860 mid-size widebodies and 670 large widebody aircraft.
Global air cargo traffic is forecast to grow at 3.2pc annually over the next two decades with long-term trade projected to expand at a 2.9pc compound annual growth rate. Air cargo accounts for less than 1pc of global trade volume by weight but carries more than 30pc of total trade by value. Computers and high-technology goods in air cargo have doubled in value reaching 15pc in 2026.
Regional demand will be led by North America and Asia-Pacific requiring 925 and 850 aircraft respectively together accounting for two-thirds of total global demand. Demand in Europe and CIS will reach 515 aircraft followed by Latin America with 165 the Middle East with 125 and Africa with 90. Previous-generation freighters will be retired and replaced by efficient next-generation freighters including the A350F.
