BUSINESS

Boeing Forecasts Strong Jet Demand as Airbus Extends Lead in China

Published: Jul. 22, 2026 2:58 a.m. GMT+8

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A Boeing 737 aircraft fuselage at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington, U.S., on April 15, 2025. Photo: VCG

Boeing Co. projects the global aviation industry will need nearly 44,000 new commercial airplanes over the next two decades, as resilient travel demand and soaring fuel costs drive airlines to upgrade their fleets.

The upbeat outlook, released ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, underscores a massive long-term appetite for new aircraft that clashes with persistent supply chain bottlenecks, leaving Boeing and rival Airbus SE struggling to meet demand while fiercely competing for market share in China.

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Boeing projects nearly 44,000 new commercial planes by 2045; half replace older models for fuel efficiency.
Passenger traffic to double at 4% annual growth; deliveries include 33,500 single-aisle, 7,715 widebody, and 1,435 regional jets.
Supply chain issues cause shortfall; Boeing backlog 6,814, Airbus over 8,700; China 20% demand, Airbus 55% share.

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Who’s Who

Boeing Co.: Boeing projects a need for nearly 44,000 new planes by 2045, with passenger traffic doubling. It expects to deliver 33,500 single-aisle jets and 7,715 widebodies. Despite labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, resulting in a 6,814 order backlog, Boeing is fiercely competing with Airbus for the Chinese market.

Airbus SE: According to the article, Airbus SE forecasts a need for 42,060 new planes over 20 years and faces a backlog of over 8,700 unfilled orders. In China, it holds a 55% market share, having secured over 500 orders since late 2025 and 95 jets from Air China and Hainan Airlines in July.

China Southern Airlines Co.: A logistics subsidiary of China Southern Airlines Co. ordered seven Boeing 777 aircraft in late June. The article states Boeing expects China to account for 20% of global demand over the next two decades.

Air China Ltd.: According to the article, Air China Ltd. sealed deals for 95 jets with Airbus in mid-July, alongside Hainan Airlines Holding Co. The order strengthens Airbus's dominant position in the critical Chinese market, where the European planemaker holds a 55% share of the country's operating fleet.

Hainan Airlines Holding Co.: In mid-July, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. sealed a deal with Airbus for jets, part of a 95-aircraft order with Air China. This occurred as Airbus dominates China's market, holding 55% of the operating fleet.

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