IATA has published its latest 20 year aviation forecast, and projects that China will overtake the US in terms of passenger traffic by 2022. Â The following graphic shows the top 10 markets in 2016 and 2036. Â It is clear that traffic growth in Asia will change the landscape of major markets, with China, India, Indonesia and Japan taking 4 of the top 6, and Thailand joining the top 10 by 2036.
source: IATA
Total traffic is expected to nearly double to 7.8 billion passengers in 2036, with the Asia-Pacific region driving more than half of the new passengers.
                                    source: IATA
The Bottom Line
IATA confirms the forecasts from Airbus and Boeing that all show massive growth in Asia over the next two decades. Â Infrastructure, from airports to air traffic control to trained pilots and mechanics, will challenge the industry over the next two decades. Â Understanding the magnitude of travel demand well in advance enables the industry to act in advance to provide the capacity requirements to meet that demand. Â We are all a part of a growth industry, with unique challenges and opportunities over the next two decades that will be interesting to watch.
