GUANGZHOU - Airbus has forecast that China will require more than 9,500 new passenger and cargo aircraft over the next two decades, driven by robust growth in air travel and freight demand.

The aircraft manufacturer's latest global market outlook projected China's fleet needs to include 9,330 passenger jets and 190 freighters. Together, these aircraft represent more than 20 percent of the total global demand over the same period.

Airbus also predicted a significant rise in air travel per capita, with the number of flights per person in China set to increase from 0.5 in 2023 to 1.7 by 2043.

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China has become Airbus' largest single-country market, with 2,233 Airbus aircraft in service with airlines on the Chinese mainland as of October 2024.

The company emphasized that replacing older aircraft with newer, more fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly models has emerged as a key trend in global aviation. These upgrades not only lower operating costs but also support the industry's sustainability goals.

During the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China), in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, Airbus (Beijing) Engineering Technology Center, Jiatai Aircraft Equipment Co Ltd., and other companies agreed to jointly develop aircraft seats made from natural coconut fiber.

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The material is known for being lightweight, breathable, and elastic, providing benefits for both the environment and passenger comfort. Airbus said the initiative would help reduce the environmental impact of aircraft interiors, promote recycling, and advance the sustainable development of the civil aviation sector.