Boeing Projects China’s Commercial Fleet Will More than Double Over 20 Years

- More than 9,200 new airplanes will be needed to renew and grow China's fleet
- Single-aisle airplanes are integral to domestic, regional travel growth
- Increasing long-haul travel will drive the need for more fuel-efficient widebody jets

BEIJING, Nov. 3, 2026 - China's commercial fleet will more than double to over 9,800 airplanes over the next 20 years, Boeing [NYSE:BA] said today in Beijing. Passenger air travel is forecast to grow 5% annually driven by an expanding middle class, more visa-free travel destinations and continued aviation infrastructure investment, according to Boeing's 2026 China Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), its long-term forecast of demand for commercial airplanes and related services.

"Our long-term forecast continues to show strong demand for new airplanes as China's passenger air traffic outpaces growth globally, supported by favorable economic and policy fundamentals that will make air travel more accessible," said Darren Hulst, Boeing vice president of Commercial Marketing. "With a partnership spanning nearly 55 years, Boeing jets are the backbone of China's civil aviation industry growth, connecting people and carrying goods within and across continents."

Chinese carriers will take delivery of more than 7,200 single-aisle airplanes to support their domestic and Asia Pacific regional networks - representing 78% of the country's total projected deliveries. By 2045, China's domestic air travel market is expected to become the world's largest as more people choose to fly for leisure or business throughout the country. With more efficient and capable single-aisle airplanes entering the fleet, airlines will also further expand their regional networks to increase connectivity throughout Asia Pacific and Central Asia.

Passenger traffic on long-haul routes linking China with Europe, North and South America, Africa and the Middle East will outpace overall growth in the region, driving the need for more than 1,400 widebody airplanes. The combination of China's large-scale manufacturing, high-tech industrial development and largest e-commerce market in the world will further boost China's air cargo traffic, fueling demand for 560 production and converted freighters by 2045 to add capacity and replace older models with the latest technology.

Following rapid growth over the past 25 years, China now has the second largest commercial jet fleet by country with nearly 4,500 airplanes. As the fleet matures, future airplane demand will be more balanced between renewal and growth, with 42% of the 9,240 airplanes delivered in the next two decades replacing older models.

Boeing also projects by 2045:

• Airlines in China will invest $875 billion over the next 20 years in digital services improvements, airplane maintenance and personnel training to improve productivity and capability.
• China's aviation sector will require 425,000 new pilots, technicians and cabin crew, driving requirements for training support that includes competency-based training and assessment programs (CBTA) and new training centers.

Boeing has been in China for more than 50 years. Today, Boeing aircraft are a mainstay of China's air transportation system for both passengers and cargo. The workforce in China contributes to the production of Boeing airplanes, including the 737, 767, 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Between suppliers, revenue from joint ventures, business operations, training and investments in research and development Boeing is part of more than $1 billion in direct economic impact

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "intends," "projects," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "targets," "anticipates," and other similar words or expressions, or the negative thereof, generally can be used to help identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to future demand for commercial airplanes and aviation personnel, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors, including economic conditions in the United States and globally, general industry conditions as they may impact us or our customers, and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact

Michelle Mei
Boeing China Communications
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Boeing Media Relations
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