Boeing forecasts 4,010 freighters by 2045

Seattle : Boeing expects the global freighter fleet to expand to 4,010 aircraft by 2045, a 67 percent increase from 2,395 aircraft in 2025, as air cargo demand accelerates over the next two decades.

The projection, outlined in the company's World Air Cargo Forecast at the TIACA Air Cargo Forum, anticipates average annual air cargo demand growth of 3.5 percent, compared with 2.5 percent over the previous decade. Cargo demand rose more than 5 percent last year, Boeing said.

Growth drivers include time-sensitive shipments of advanced manufacturing components and artificial intelligence hardware, expanding e-commerce, and supply chains adapting to changing trade routes and geopolitical disruptions.

Boeing forecasts that the industry will require 2,930 new and converted freighters through 2045 to accommodate rising volumes and replace aging aircraft. Around 55 percent of deliveries will provide additional capacity, while the remaining 45 percent will replace older aircraft.

Passenger aircraft conversions are expected to account for approximately 2,000 deliveries, with 930 new-production freighters making up the remainder. The projected additions include 1,140 standard-body aircraft, 915 medium-widebody freighters and 875 large-widebody aircraft.

Boeing also expects integrators' share of the air cargo market to rise from 16 percent to 24 percent as demand for express shipping grows.