Surge in air travel to lift Boeing sales
Boeing is forecasting the region's traffic to rise at 4.8 per cent per annum over the next two decades, almost double the pace of likely economic growth.
That translates into expected demand from airlines in Oceania - comprising Australia, New Zeal and the Pacific islands - for more than 1000 aircraft valued at $US140 billion. Qantas is the largest airline in Oceania.
About 70 per cent of the planes expected to be pressed into service over the next two decades will be to meet growth in demand for air travel.
The remainder are replacement aircraft for airlines.
Boeing's vice-president of marketing, Randy Tinseth, said the likely growth in Oceania was relatively consistent with what the manufacturer expected in other developed economies.
But he emphasised that one of the fastest-growing markets had been for flights between Oceania and China due to a boom in tourists.
"This market will more than double over the next 20 years," he said.
The vast majority of demand from airlines in the region is for single-aisle planes such as the 737, which are flown on short to medium-haul routes.
Over the past three years traffic worldwide has been growing faster than capacity, which is welcome news for aircraft manufacturers.
Boeing has sped up production rates and delivered 476 commercial planes in the first eight months of this year - the same number as it handed to airlines all year in 2011.
On Monday (Australia time) in Seattle Jetstar is to take the keys to the first of 14 Dreamliners it has on order with Boeing.
The 787-8 plane will be flown within Australia until November, when it will be pressed into service on international routes to destinations in Asia.
Boeing has an operational centre dedicated to tracking the worldwide fleet of 787s 24 hours a day.
At present there are 91 Dreamliners in service around the world for airlines including United Airlines and All Nippon Airways.
"So far the airplane has been flying pretty clean," Boeing vice-president of 787 services and support Mike Fleming said of Jetstar's first 787.
Jetstar will be the second budget airline to take delivery of the new aircraft type, which Boeing estimates is about 20 per cent more fuel efficient than older planes such as its 767 or Airbus A330s.
The reporter travelled to Seattle courtesy of Jetstar.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Boeing forecasts air travel in Australia and the rest of Oceania will more than double over the next 20 years, rising about 4.8% per year. That growth translates into demand for more than 1,000 aircraft (about US$140 billion) in the region—news Boeing says is welcome for aircraft manufacturers and has helped spur higher production and deliveries.
The vast majority of demand from airlines in Oceania is for single‑aisle planes such as Boeing 737s, which are typically used on short to medium‑haul routes across the region.
Boeing expects airlines in Oceania to demand more than 1,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, with an estimated total value of about US$140 billion.
About 70% of the planes expected to be pressed into service over the next two decades are to meet growth in demand for air travel; the remaining aircraft are expected to be replacement jets for airlines.
Boeing highlights flights between Oceania and China as one of the fastest‑growing markets, driven by a boom in tourists; Boeing expects that market to more than double over the next 20 years, supporting increased plane demand.
Boeing has sped up production rates and delivered 476 commercial planes in the first eight months of the year referenced—matching its total deliveries for all of 2011—indicating stronger manufacturing momentum.
Jetstar is set to take delivery of the first of 14 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in Seattle. The 787‑8 will be flown within Australia until November, when it will enter international service to Asian destinations. Jetstar will be the second budget airline to take the new aircraft type.
Boeing estimates the 787 Dreamliner is about 20% more fuel efficient than older aircraft such as the 767 or Airbus A330. Greater fuel efficiency can lower operating costs for airlines and is a key selling point that can support demand for new planes.
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