Airbus expects a surge in demand for aircraft in the Middle East

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus announces a surge in demand for aircraft in the Middle East. According to the company's marketing director Grainne van den Berg, the fleet in the region is expected to more than double from around 1,700 to 3,700 aircraft by 2044.

Airbus expects passenger numbers in the region to grow by an average of 4.4 per cent a year over the next two decades. The value of the regional air services market is expected to double to around €25.67 billion by 2044, according to the company.

Of particular interest to Airbus is the large-capacity aircraft category. According to van den Berg, these aircraft types are expected to account for 42 percent of total demand in the Middle East by 2044 - the largest share in the world. This trend is indicative of the growing need to carry more passengers on longer routes.

Airbus is presenting these figures on the eve of the Middle East's largest air show, taking place in Dubai, which is an important platform to showcase the future of aviation in the region.

(reuters, sie)