FARNBOROUGH, England – Boeing projects the global commercial fleet will exceed 50,000 airplanes by 2045 as passenger traffic doubles over the next 20 years, according to the company’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook released late Thursday ahead of next week’s opening of the Farnborough International Airshow.

Boeing projects airlines will take delivery of nearly 44,000 new airplanes through 2045 to support fleet growth and replace older aircraft. About half of those deliveries are expected to replace previous-generation airplanes with more fuel-efficient models.

The company projects the global commercial aviation support and services market will total $4.9 trillion over the next 20 years.

Boeing also expects the industry will need more than 2.4 million new aviation personnel through 2045, including 674,000 pilots, 728,000 maintenance technicians and 1.02 million cabin crew members. It said about two-thirds of that workforce demand will replace retiring employees, while the remainder will support fleet growth.

The company said near-term disruptions are not expected to alter long-term aviation growth, with passenger traffic projected to increase about 4% annually between 2026 and 2045. Boeing said demand will be supported by tourism, business travel, expanding air networks and growth in emerging markets.

The projected airplane deliveries include about 33,500 single-aisle jets, 7,700 widebody aircraft, 1,400 regional airplanes and 930 freighters. Boeing said single-aisle fleets are expected to account for much of the growth, with the global fleet nearly doubling by 2045.

Boeing said airlines have added nearly 5,500 airport connections since 2015, contributing to network expansion and increased point-to-point travel. The company also said air cargo demand is expected to grow about 3.7% annually through 2045, supported by demand for time-sensitive goods, supply chain needs and cross-border commerce.

The five-day Farnborough International Airshow opens Monday. Boeing and other aircraft manufactures will showcase their products at the event.