VIDEO. Globalization is shifting economic power to different geographies, with emerging markets powering aviation growth. Airport traffic has doubled every 15 years since the 1970s, and accordingly to the newly released “20-Year Air Passenger Forecast” from International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of air travelers is expected to double again within the next 20 years.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects 7.8 billion passengers to travel in 2036, a near doubling of the 4 billion air travelers expected to fly this year. The prediction is based on a 3.6% average Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) noted in the release of the latest update to IATA’s 20-Year Air Passenger Forecast.

“All indicators lead to growing demand for global connectivity. The world needs to prepare for a doubling of passengers in the next 20 years. It’s fantastic news for innovation and prosperity, which is driven by air links. It is also a huge challenge for governments and industry to ensure we can successfully meet this essential demand,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Eastward shift, developing market focus

The biggest driver of demand will be the Asia-Pacific region. The region will be the source of more than half the new passengers over the next two decades. The point at which China will displace the United States as the world’s largest aviation market (defined as traffic to, from and within the country) has moved two years closer since last year’s forecast. We now anticipate this will occur around 2022, through a combination of slightly faster Chinese growth and slightly reduced growth in the US. The UK will fall to fifth place, surpassed by India in 2025, and Indonesia in 2030. Thailand and Turkey will enter the top ten largest markets, while France and Italy will fall in the rankings to 11th and 12th respectively.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 275 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic.

Read the full press release from IATA: 2036 Forecast Reveals Air Passengers Will Nearly Double to 7.8 Billion

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