Boeing, China’s leading provider of passenger airplanes, projects a demand in the country for 6,020 new airplanes over the next 20 years, valued at $870 billion.

The company released its annual China Current Market Outlook earlier in Beijing which shows Chinese carriers will take delivery of nearly 45 per cent of the total demand for airplanes in the Asia Pacific region during the forecast period.

“China’s aviation market is going through dynamic changes,” said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of marketing.

“New business models like low-cost carriers and airplane leasing companies, a new generation of fuel-efficient airplanes and evolving consumer needs are driving demand for more direct flights to more destinations.”

Boeing airplanes such as the 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner are well positioned to take passengers directly to their destinations and help airlines generate more revenue.

The new CMO also shows how the emergence of start-up airlines and low-cost carriers stimulates traffic and allow more people to fly.

Tourism in China and intra-Asia travel support a strong demand for single-aisle airplanes, with total deliveries reaching 4,340 through 2033.

Tinseth said both the Next-Generation 737-800 and new 737 MAX 8 offer the airline customers the most revenue potential in this segment.

Chinese airlines with large global networks continue to look for opportunities to expand as international flying increases from secondary cities apart from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

This growth in the long-haul segment is expected to result in demand for an additional 1,480 new fuel-efficient wide bodies, such as the 777, 787 Dreamliner and 747-8 Intercontinental.

This year’s forecast reflects a continued shift in demand from very large airplanes to efficient new small and medium widebody airplanes.

“To compete in the tough long-haul international market, our Chinese customers are focused on evolving new business models, adding new destinations, increasing their capacity and resources,” said Tinseth.

“These trends will shape market demand for an airplane line-up that has high efficiency, low operating costs, environmentally progressive technologies and a great passenger experience.

“We believe Boeing’s comprehensive widebody portfolio is perfectly aligned to meet those needs.”