Boeing Forecasts Global Freighter Fleet to Reach 4,010 Aircraft by 2045

Boeing projects that the global freighter fleet will expand by 67% over the next two decades, reaching 4,010 aircraft by 2045 as worldwide air cargo traffic doubles.

According to its 2026 World Air Cargo Forecast, released at the Air Cargo Forum in Miami, the global fleet will grow from 2,395 aircraft in 2025, requiring 2,930 new and converted freighter deliveries over the forecast period.

Approximately 55% of deliveries will support fleet expansion, while the remaining 45% will replace aging aircraft. Boeing expects passenger-to-freighter conversions to account for roughly two-thirds of deliveries, with new-production freighters representing the balance.

Global air cargo traffic is forecast to increase by an average of 3.5% annually through 2045, exceeding projected long-term economic and international trade growth. Trade flows involving Asia are expected to account for approximately 60% of the global market.

Boeing identified e-commerce, supply-chain diversification, advanced manufacturing and demand for artificial intelligence-related hardware as major growth drivers. Global air cargo traffic increased nearly 5% in 2025, reaching a record level despite geopolitical and trade disruptions.

Dedicated freighters are expected to continue carrying more than half of worldwide air cargo traffic, while express and time-definite operators are projected to increase their share to nearly 25% by 2045.

The forecast highlights continued demand for both new-production freighters and converted passenger aircraft as operators expand capacity, replace older equipment and adapt their networks to changing global trade patterns.