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Airbus Raises Freighter Fleet Forecast to 2,670 Aircraft by 2045

Airbus projects the global cargo aircraft fleet will expand 46% through 2045, requiring 2,670 new freighters to meet sustained air cargo demand. The manufacturer marginally increased its estimate from last year's 2,605-aircraft forecast, reflecting stronger-than-expected market conditions. The revised projection assumes a 3.2% compound annual growth rate in cargo volumes. Of the total new aircraft, 970 will be factory-built freighters while 1,700 will result from passenger-to-freighter conversions. Widebody freighters account for 57% of demand, primarily for long-haul routes. Airbus plans to deliver its new A350 freighter within approximately one year. Asia leads regional growth at 4% annually, driven by industrial and high-tech manufacturing. The forecast reflects resilience in air cargo despite tariff pressures, with market volumes shifting regionally rather than declining significantly.