Airlines based in the Pacific region will take delivery of 920 new aircraft over the next 20 years, generated by an average growth in passenger traffic in the region of 3.2% per annum, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast.
This forecast for new aircraft includes around 750 single-aisle aircraft like the A220 and A320 families and around 170 wide-bodies like the A330neo and A350. Around 55% of this demand will be for growth and 45% will be to replace aircraft currently in service.
The forecast was presented by Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, on the eve of the Avalon Airshow taking place between February 28andMarch 5 2023, in Melbourne.
“We are already seeing steady recovery in global air traffic and a renewed confidence in the growth of the industry. This is particularly evident in the Pacific region, where we are seeing a surge in travel demand and an increase in flights to and from key destinations,” he said.
“A priority for airlines in this region is ensuring that the air transport sector can grow in a sustainable way. This has become an increasingly important factor when airlines make fleet decisions and Airbus is well-placed with the modern and comprehensive product line available today, offering a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 25%.”
He added that the replacement of older-generation aircraft was just a first step on the journey to decarbonise the aviation sector.
“Looking to the future, we need to increase the production and availability of sustainable aviation fuels in this region and explore new sources of energy, including hydrogen and synthetic fuels. This requires a new level of collaboration between all the stakeholders involved.”
In the Pacific region Airbus has entered into significant partnerships over the past year to advance its ambitions. These include a joint fund with Qantas to encourage industry to develop the necessary ecosystem in Australia and a project with Air New Zealand to study applications for hydrogen-powered aircraft on its domestic network.
Airbus is also involved in studies with Australia's Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and most recently announced its participation in a new hydrogen consortium in New Zealand alongside Christchurch Airport, Air New Zealand, FFI and several start-ups. ©Airbus passenger aircraft
