Boeing predicts 3,900 freighters by 2043

The global air cargo fleet is forecast to rise to 3,900 freighters by 2043, an approximate 66% increase from 2,340 cargo aircraft in 2023.

This addition of 2,845 freighters over the next 20 years includes 1,005 production freighters and 1,840 passenger to freighter (P2F) conversion aircraft, according to Boeing’s 2024 World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF).

Deliveries will include 1,250 standard-body, 785 medium widebody and 810 large widebody freighters.

“Freighter deliveries will total 2,845, with roughly two-thirds being converted passenger airplanes. Of those conversions, nearly 70% will be standard body freighters,” said Boeing.

The aircraft manufacturer said that nearly half of production and conversion deliveries will replace older freighters, noting that many older aircraft remain in operation due to recent market needs.

Boeing also predicts that the large widebody freighter fleet will nearly double, driven by demand in high-growth Asian markets.