Airbus expects North America to drive freighter demand over next 20 years

Airbus has predicted that North America will drive demand for freighter aircraft over the next 20 years, closely followed by the Asia-Pacific region.

On October 21, 2026, the European aerospace giant published its latest Cargo Global Market Forecast, providing several insights on how the industry will grow between 2026 and 2045.

According to Airbus, the worldwide fleet of dedicated freighters should increase 46% by 2045, from 2,360 to 3,460 aircraft.

Global operators will need around 2,670 freighters to replace around 1,580 older models and a further 1,090 required for growth.

Airbus

Of the 2,670 aircraft, North America will demand the most freighters with 925 units needed up until 2045, while Asia-Pacific will require 850.

Demand in Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will reach 515 aircraft, followed by Latin America with 165, the Middle East with 125, and Africa with 90.

Airbus said that, of the 2,670 freighters required, 1,140 will be single-aisle, 860 mid-size widebodies, and 670 large widebody aircraft. Some 970 aircraft will be newly built, and 1,700 will be conversions.

“With long-term trade projected to expand at a 2.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), global air cargo traffic is forecasted to grow at 3.2% annually over the next two decades,” Airbus said. “Despite high fuel prices, ongoing geopolitical disruptions, and supply chain constraints, air freight has demonstrated remarkable resilience.”

Asia-Pacific will continue to be the leading region for international air cargo traffic, with routes to North America being the largest (3.8% annual growth rate), followed by Europe, according to Airbus.

“While air cargo accounts for less than 1% of global trade volume by weight, it carries more than 30% of total trade by value, proving it to be a vital mode of transport for goods requiring the quickest routes to market,” Airbus said. “In the last three years, computers and high-technology goods in air cargo have doubled in value, reaching 15% in 2026.”

The company added: “Other drivers include e-commerce and air cargo seen as an alternative to shipping for some goods.”

Airbus released it latest forecast at Cargo Facts Symposium 2026.

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