Flight demand 'to boom by 2026'

Passenger demand for flights over the next 18 years will be so great that some 24,300 new planes will be needed to keep up, according to a new report.

The Global Market Forecast from plane manufacturer Airbus suggested that about 1,215 new planes will come into service every year until 2026 - potentially indicating that flight choice for passengers is set to get even bigger.

In particular, there will be great demand for eco-friendly aircraft to replace older, less fuel-efficient planes, Airbus said.

"Air transportation is definitely a growing industry contributing to economic development and generating wealth around the world," commented John Leahy, chief operating officer, customers, for Airbus.

Airbus's A380 aircraft made a much-publicised entry into the aviation market last year, when Singapore Airlines became the first carrier to use the huge, double-decker plane - the largest passenger aircraft in the world - on a commercial route.

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