Surge in Air Freight Demand Means More Pilots Needed

According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast, freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) are forecast to increase by six percent annually over the period from 2006 to 2025, generating the need for 3,580 freighter aircraft deliveries of which 800, or 22 percent, will be factory-built freighters.

Most significantly, this time period will be marked by an increasing demand for new more fuel-efficient airlines, to help address airline operating costs and evenironmental concerns.  This factor will lead to a higher replacement rate of over 12,000 aircraft.

"Over the next 20 years the number of passenger aircraft will more than double. Since 2000, new operators as well as strong economic growth, especially in emerging economies, has fueled expansion of nearly 30 percent in available seats," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.  He goes on to say that this trend is continuing, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to grow to a third of the worldwide market by 2025.  Transpacific, Europe to Asia and Transatlantic long-haul routes will increase by 60 percent. Meanwhile, the hub cities, will see their traffic nearly doubling over the next 10 years.