The United States-based aviation giant, Boeing, forecasted that airline fleets will nearly double by 2041. Middle Eastern carriers have successfully managed through challenges brought on by the pandemic by adjusting their business models and increasing usage of freighters to maximize revenue.

Looking ahead, the region’s fleet is forecasted to expand to 3,400 airplanes to serve fast-growing passenger traffic as well as cargo demand, Boeing said in its 2022 Commercial Market Outlook.

“The Middle East region, a popular connection point for international travelers and trade, is also growing as a starting point and destination for business and leisure passengers,” said Randy Heisey, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa, and Russia and Central Asia Regions.

“The region will continue to require a versatile fleet that meets the demands of airline and air-cargo business models.”

According to the report, Mideast airlines will require 2,980 new airplanes valued at $765 billion to serve passengers and trade.

More than two-thirds of these deliveries will enable growth, while one-third will replace older airplanes with more fuel-efficient models.

It said that air cargo traffic flown by Mideast carriers has continued its substantial growth of recent years, as two of the world’s top five cargo carriers by tonnage are based in the region.

To serve future demand, the Mideast fleet is projected to reach 170 by 2041, more than doubling the pre-pandemic fleet.

The report also included these projections for 2041, noting that passenger traffic is expected to grow at 4% annually, while passenger widebody aircraft demand continues to be robust, with 1,290 deliveries supporting a growing network of international routes.

Middle East’s single-aisle market will more than double, the report stressed, reaching 1,650 jets to serve regional and international destinations.

It said that demand for aftermarket commercial services including maintenance and repair valued at $275 billion.

The region also will require 202,000 new aviation personnel, including 53,000 pilots, 50,000 technicians and 99,000 cabin crew members in the next 20 years, according to Boeing’s 2022 Pilot and Technician Outlook.