Following regular increases in traffic throughout the region, Boeing forecasts a large need for additional aircraft in southeast Asia over the next two decades.

Over the next 20 years, Boeing predicts airlines operating throughout southeast Asia will require 4,500 new airplanes to meet demand in the region. At current list pricing, this represents a $785 billion value for aircraft manufacturers.

According to a report from Boeing, the main driving factor of the growth for countries in the region is single-aisle aircraft.

Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia make the top 10 countries in terms of added air traffic capacity since 2010. Vietnam, at nearly 15 per cent per year, represents the strongest annual growth of the three.

Boeing’s forecast recognizes the need for widebody planes in the region, even though the majority of demand will be for shorter flight-capable, narrow-body planes. Wide-body aircraft will make up 19 per cent of aircraft deliveries, allowing airlines to serve long-range city pairs more effectively.

“With an expanding middle-class, in market that continues to liberalize, coupled with a strong domestic, regional and international tourism sector, Southeast Asia has become one of the world’s largest aviation markets,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president, commercial marketing, Boeing.

As for manpower, the expanding capacity in the region calls for 182,000 additional commercial pilots, cabin crew and aviation technicians to fly and maintain the expanding fleets.

Across the globe, Boeing projects the need for 44,040 new commercial airplanes in the coming years.

How often do you fly in Asia? Do you think the region can support such inflated numbers? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.