In its authoritative forecast of demands for air transport, Boeing sees an increase to 27,200 new aircraft through 2025, which represents a significant boost from its 2005 projection of 25,700 new aircraft. Factors combining to revise projections are the escalating cost of jet fuel and development and production of more efficient equipment. Thinking is that in reaction to these new realities, older aircraft will be replaced sooner rather than later.
Further on the fuel front, ATA vice president and chief economist, John Heimlich, citing record fuel prices as a factor hurting recovery of the air freight industry, calls for the federal government to “re-double its efforts to transform the technologies and procedures used to manage air traffic. Moving to a satellite-based system will enable aircraft to fly the most efficient path between airports, which will not only result in financial savings for the industry, but will also improve the flying experience for customers.”
