Global airline traffic forecast to double in 20 years led by Asia, Middle East

Average annual passenger growth is expected to be 3.6 per cent a year to 2043, compared with a forecast of 9.7 per cent growth this year, the International Air Transport Association said in its latest update.

Passenger growth in Africa and the Middle East would rise by 3.6 per cent, while Latin American and the Caribbean would see a 2.9 per cent increase.

The mature markets of North America and Europe would see growth of 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent, the association said.

Air transport currently accounts for less than 3 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, but is often in the firing line because it serves a minority of the world’s population.

But the technological challenges of producing such fuels at scale – they currently provide just 0.53 per cent of airlines’ fuel consumption – are likely to require huge investments.