Airbus has estimated that the coming two decades will see the passenger plane fleets of world airlines more than double.
The firm made the call during a London briefing, saying that the number of planes with more than 100 seats will reach 31,000-plus by 2030, compared with the 15,000 recorded in January.
The call suggests that in the coming years more passengers could be travelling from Luton Airport to London after flying in the bigger crafts.
However the biggest demand for passenger aircraft will come from China, the US and Germany, the firm said.
Europe is expected to receive 22% of the total number of new planes, with the USA taking 22% and the Asia-Pacific region 34%
It was also forecast that airlines need some 5,000 smaller planes, seating 19-100 people, to cope with regional demand.
By 2020 domestic flights in the US are likely to account for the biggest percentage of passenger aircraft movement, according to the firm.
The firm also predicted that by 2030 the world’s middle class will swell to 4.9 billion. It said this would grow from last year’s figure of 1.84 billion to 3.25 billion in 2020 and onwards.
And it claimed that by 2020 low-cost airlines will account for 19% of all air traffic, underpinning a trend which has seen surging numbers of people flock to airports like Stansted and Gatwick before jetting off on cheap flights.
Copyright © Press Association 2011
Airbus has said it built more aircraft during 2010 than in any year of its history.
Last year the aircraft manufacturer produced 510 commercial aeroplanes, compared with a total of 498 in 2009.
Deliveries, including 18 A380 superjumbos, were made to around 90 customers throughout the year, the company reported.
It sold 574 commercial planes for a total of £46.6 billion, some of which are likely to use London Luton Airport or Stansted Airport.
Airbus, which has the wings of its aircraft made at plants in the UK, said it now controls 52% of the global market in aeroplanes which have at least 100 seats.
Firms ordered 32 A380 superjumbos from Airbus last year, a figure which revealed public faith in the aircraft despite an alarming incident in which one of the planes flying for Qantas Airways was forced to turn back to Singapore.
The firm’s president and chief executive Tom Enders said: “2010 was a good year, in fact better than expected 12 months ago. The market rebound and improved programme performance has been particularly encouraging.”
Mr Enders added: “However, with plenty of challenges, especially in our development programmes, we’ll have to work hard to further improve and also make 2011 a successful year for Airbus.”
Copyright Press Association 2011
Airbus has revealed a possible mega-order for its proposed new eco-friendly A320neo jet – a deal the European aircraft manufacturer has dubbed the largest in aviation history.
If it becomes a definite order, the commitment by Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo for 180 A320s – including 150 of the new A320neos – would have a value at list prices of $15.6 billion, according to Airbus.
Airbus said it would be the largest order in terms of number of jets in aviation history – and passengers at UK airports such as Heathrow may one day find themselves on board the plane.
The potential deal impressed industry analysts, with Barclays Capital aerospace analyst Joseph Campbell describing it as “a great win”.
He added: “It’s just where you’d think it would come from, from one of these emerging, fast-growing markets and a fast-growing airline … It’s perfect.”
IndiGo is the first known customer for the A320neo – a new version of the European aircraft maker’s workhorse jet that Airbus anticipates bringing to market in 2016.
New features include more fuel efficient engines and other technological features as designers aim for fuel savings of 15% compared to its predecessor.
The new aircraft is also being designed with lower carbon emissions and engine noise in mind, Airbus said.
Copyright Press Association 2011
There could be more people taking airport transfers to London’s Gatwick Airport following news that it has been granted planning permission to operate the world’s largest passenger plane.
The airport has been given the go-ahead for the 555-seat Airbus A380 superjumbo to fly from its runways and has already spent £43 million preparing for it.
The aircraft has been ordered by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – both of which could operate flights out of Gatwick, leading to a possible rush in airport transfers among people eager to try out the superjumbo.
The move will see the airport follow in the footsteps of London-based Heathrow and Manchester – who both already accommodate the plane.
The airport’s chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “The Airbus A380 represents the future of long-haul aviation. It’s modern, more efficient and uses less fuel per passenger, and we want Gatwick to be at the centre of this exciting new era of long-haul travel.
“We are pouring £1 billion into Gatwick to improve the infrastructure, modernise the airport facilities, improve customer service, bolster the rail links and drive competitive rates for airlines to encourage more passengers and airlines to the airport.
“If we can bring the A380 and other large aircraft to Gatwick, passengers will have even more reason to choose to fly to and from our airport and help us on our journey to becoming the London airport of choice.”
Copyright Press Association 2010
