Air Cargo

Boeing Projects Freighter Fleet to Surpass 4,000 Aircraft by 2045

Boeing forecasts the global freighter fleet will exceed 4,000 aircraft by 2045. The aircraft manufacturer expects growth driven by a projected 3.5% average annual increase in air cargo demand. The fleet is expected to grow 67% from 2,395 in 2025 to 4,010 in two decades, requiring 2,930 new and converted freighters to meet expansion needs and retire aging aircraft. Approximately 55% of deliveries will expand capacity while 45% will replace less efficient models. Two-thirds of aircraft will be converted passenger planes, with 930 new-production freighters comprising the remainder. Standard body freighters will account for 1,140 deliveries, followed by 915 medium-widebody and 875 large widebody aircraft. Boeing projects integrators will grow their market share from 16% to 24% over the period as express service demand accelerates.