The aerospace industry expects to see market demand for aircraft continue to grow on an annual basis with industry experts predicting a need for around 30,000 aircraft in the next 20 years, experts said on Thursday.
This was revealed at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), taking place in Abu Dhabi where aerospace leaders discussed the future of an industry that supports 10 million people globally through direct employment, with an additional 63.5 million supported indirectly.
As a major contributor to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – international air transport alone contributes $2.7 trillion, they said.
While the outlook is rosy, there are still a number of challenges in the aerospace industry that need to be addressed – such as market demand growing at 45 per cent on an annual basis. There are around 17,000 aircraft currently flying with a capacity of at least 100 passengers or capable of carrying 10 tonnes of goods or more. Moreover, around 30,000 aircraft will be needed in 20 years - and, according to them, a number of the existing aircraft will no longer be in operation in 20 years, even with upgrades.
On the capacity requirements on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the experts said: "To meet the demand of 30,000 aircraft in the next 20 years, the big OEMs, such as Boeing and Airbus, have to turn out approximately 60 aircraft a month. That’s nothing special for an automotive manufacturer, but 60 aircraft a month is really something. That means that a lot of technology will be used, adapted from car manufacturers. Phasing manufacturing automation together with the design of the aircraft itself can cut some corners, whilst keeping up with the safety and quality standards."

Source: QNA