Airbus announced on Wednesday that the global fleet of freighter aircraft will increase to 3,420 by 2040, or a 45% rise, thanks to the long-term growth in trade.

This will consist of 815 freighters that are already in service and 2,605 new ones. The European plane manufacturer said that of the additional 2,605 cargos, 1,530 would be replacements while 1,075 were for growth. North America and Asia-Pacific will account for nearly two-thirds (2,605 freighter) of the deliveries required over the next twenty years.

Airbus predicts significant growth in air cargo, as it is essential to not only support economies but also connect remote communities and transport essential and life-critical goods and to enable local business development. (Reporting and editing by Richard Chang; Benoit van Overstraeten)

(source: Reuters)