Boeing Forecasts China's Commercial Fleet Will More Than Double by 2046

Boeing published its 2026 China Commercial Market Outlook in Beijing on November 3, projecting demand for 9,240 new airplanes among Chinese carriers from 2026 through 2045. The company forecasts that China’s commercial fleet will grow to more than 9,800 airplanes over that period.

Key details

• Boeing’s projected deliveries include 7,215 single-aisle airplanes, 1,460 widebodies, 405 regional airplanes and 160 freighters.
• Boeing estimates that 42% of projected deliveries will replace older aircraft.
• The forecast includes $875 billion in spending on aviation-related services and capability, including maintenance, digital services and personnel training.
• Boeing estimates China’s aviation sector will need 425,000 new pilots, technicians and cabin crew through 2045.

Boeing forecasts 9,240 new airplane deliveries to Chinese carriers between 2026 and 2045.

Why it matters

Boeing’s forecast points to demand across aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and workforce training. The company expects single-aisle airplanes to make up the largest share of deliveries, serving domestic and Asia-Pacific regional networks, while it links widebody demand to long-haul traffic between China and other regions.