Airbus forecasts the global dedicated freighter fleet will grow 46%, from 2,360 aircraft in 2026 to 3,460 by 2045. The manufacturer expects operators to require 2,670 freighters over the period, mainly to replace ageing aircraft and support air-cargo growth. The renewal mix will include new-build freighters such as the A350F and passenger-to-freighter conversions across the A320, A321 and A330 families.
Airbus projects 1,580 aircraft will replace existing freighters, while 1,090 will support fleet expansion. Of the total requirement, 970 are expected to be new-build aircraft and 1,700 converted passenger aircraft. Demand is forecast to comprise 1,140 single-aisle freighters, 860 midsize widebodies and 670 large widebodies.
North America is expected to account for the largest regional requirement, at 925 aircraft, followed by Asia-Pacific with 850. Together, the regions will represent approximately two-thirds of global demand. Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States are forecast to require 515 aircraft, with further demand from Latin America at 165, the Middle East at 125 and Africa at 90.
Airbus expects global air-cargo traffic to expand by 3.2% annually through 2045, ahead of projected long-term global trade growth of 2.9%. Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the leading region for international air cargo, while Asia–North America traffic is forecast to grow 3.8% annually.