US aircraft maker Boeing expects more than 35,000 new airplanes worth $4.8 trillion to be ordered across the globe in the next 20 years, including 2,610 from the Middle East.

The increased demand is mainly for single-aisle jets, the company said.

The company sees the world fleet double over the next two decades. Both passenger traffic and cargo traffic are expected to grow 5 percent annually, stated Boeing in its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) released today in Paris.

“This forecast gives us confidence as we increase our production rates and invest in new products like the 777X and 787-10X,” remarked Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Airlines are demanding more efficiency and that is exactly what we’ll be giving them,” remarked Tinseth.

The single-aisle market, served by Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 and the future 737 MAX, is the main driver of the forecast and continues to show strength, he added.

According to him, 24,670 new airplanes will be needed in this segment due to the growth of low-cost carriers and airlines from emerging markets.  

Widebodies, such as Boeing’s 747-8, 777 and 787 Dreamliner, also make up a large part of the forecast. 8,590 new airplanes will be needed in this segment, fueled in part by airlines replacing their older fleet with new, more fuel-efficient airplanes.

Boeing chief said the market for new airplanes will continue to become more geographically balanced over the next two decades.

"Asia-Pacific, including China, will lead the way in total airplane deliveries with 12,820 jets followed by Europe with 7,460; North America with 7,250 and Latin America with 2,900," noted Tinseth.

After facing high and volatile fuel prices and a highly competitive environment, airlines have been forced to change the way they manage their business. "The Middle East region will see a demand of 2,610 airplanes in the next two decades," he revealed.

Tinseth said the Boeing customers were focused on growing their networks, managing their capacity and investing in new fleets.

“These trends will shape market demand for airplanes that have highly efficiency, low operating costs, environmentally progressive technologies and a great passenger experience. We believe Boeing’s current and future products are perfectly aligned to meet those needs,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service