A new forecast released on Wednesday by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus suggests air traffic in Spain will almost double by 2030, requiring Spanish airlines to buy as many as 400 new passenger planes over the next 20 years.
For Spanish airlines, Airbus estimates the number of passenger planes with more than 100 seats will increase from 244 aircraft in 2010 to a total of 441 aircraft in 2030. Of the current fleet, 203 aircraft are expected to be replaced with more eco-efficient types and 197 aircraft are to be bought for growth to, from and within the Spanish market.
“Having a strong and vibrant aviation sector will make a real contribution to the short, medium and long term health of the Spanish economy, providing a real contribution to GDP, jobs and attractiveness for investment through international connectivity,” said Rafael Alonso, Executive Vice President of Customer Affairs at Airbus.
The vast majority of the 400 new aircraft, approximately 317 of them, are expected to be narrow-body aircraft which seat up to 250 passengers. About 58 others are expected to be wide-body aircraft, seating between 250 and 400 passengers, while the remaining 25 aircraft are expected to be jumbo jets.
“Spain is a preferred destination for many international air travelers and as well one of the main hubs that connect Europe with Latin America,” Alonso said, adding that low cost carriers will also play an important role in increasing passenger traffic in Spain.