Asian airlines to grow faster

Asian airlines to grow faster

BANGKOK (AFP): Airlines in the Asia Pacific region will see
the fastest growth rates in the world over the next two decades,
raising demand for thousands of new planes, British aero-engine
maker Rolls-Royce said Thursday.

Visiting Rolls-Royce chairman Ralph Robins forecast passenger
traffic growth rates of about 7.7 percent a year -- higher than
the world rate estimated at 5.0 percent.

"Load factors and traffic volumes in the region are now higher
then before the economic crisis," he said, presenting a 20-year
airline industry outlook.

"The return to the long-term growth trend means that the
region will still become the largest region in terms of passenger
traffic by 2016."

Rolls-Royce forecast the region would need more than 5,000 new
planes -- ranging from 100-seaters to 400-seaters -- over the
next 20 years and account for 41 percent of all widebody aircraft
deliveries.

Total demand worldwide was forecast at 18,740 aircraft. Those
aircraft will require 48,100 engines worth US$337 billion.