Demand for air freight in South Asia is rising

The demand for air freight in India and South Asia is expected to rise significantly over the next two decades, leading to a substantial expansion of the cargo fleet in the region. This is outlined in Boeing’s current Commercial Market Outlook. The manufacturer forecasts that the number of new and converted freighter aircraft in South Asia will quintuple by 2044. This increase reflects the growing importance of air freight for the economies of the region.

Growth Driven by Technology and E-Commerce

Boeing attributes this growth primarily to India’s evolving high-tech manufacturing and the rapid rise of e-commerce. Both factors are driving the demand for fast and reliable logistics solutions. India is increasingly becoming a key international hub, prompting airlines to expand their long-haul networks. This supports higher cargo flows between South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Overall, Indian and South Asian airlines will require nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044. While narrowbodies will account for the majority of deliveries, widebody aircraft and dedicated freighters will also play an increasingly important role in handling the rising cargo volumes. Boeing also emphasizes that the expansion will require significant investments in air freight-related services, including maintenance, digital solutions, and training. This underscores the strategic relevance of air freight for the region.

www.boeing.com