Airbus: Demand continuing the trend toward larger and more efficient aircraft

Airbus reported (24-Sep-2013) the average size of aircraft has grown by approximately 25% worldwide in the past 20 years, and this trend will continue because of air traffic growth and the constraints on aircraft movements. The growing worldwide demand for commercial air transportation will continue to drive the airline industry toward more efficient and operationally-effective aircraft, with large widebodies representing the majority in terms of sales value. According to Airbus' latest 20-year forecast, the acquisition of larger aircraft not only allows airlines to carry more passengers on a given flight, but also helps reduce fuel burn and cost per seat. In addition, airlines are up-gauging aircraft in their existing backlogs and adding more seats to cabin configurations. Even in the single-aisle market segment - which represents 71% of forecast deliveries by unit numbers, with estimated requirements for 20,242 aircraft valued at USD1.80 trillion - the trend is toward larger aircraft with higher seating capacities. [more - original PR]