Fuel prices confuse an already uncertain – but high-growth – future for aircraft orders

As of 01-May-2016, the global fleet order backlog stands at 12,711 aircraft, 64.9% of which are narrowbodies. Measured by units, aircraft on order overall stand at 42.7% of the in-service fleet. If measured by capacity, the order book is larger still as the mix of aircraft on order favours larger aircraft, which continue to replace smaller aircraft. The current in-service fleet represents 3.8 million seats, compared with an order book that amounts to 62.5% of this.