The future by Airbus

Looking 50 years ahead and beyond

It is forecasted that in the next 50 years the world population will rise by 50 percent and its people will live longer and healthier lives past 100 years old. With an increased and older population, the air transport sector will need to keep up with a growing demand for technological advances, while balancing the needs of constantly changing passengers, markets and the environment.

Airbus recently asked the question “what will air transport look like in the year 2050?” According to the recently released report entitled “The Future by Airbus” the next 40 or 50 years are likely to see greater changes in aviation, as compared to the last.

The report, which includes a foreword by General Futurologist and Author Robin Mannings, notes that as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies forge ahead, we are already experiencing an increased demand for business air travel, subsequently increasing wealth and ultimately fueling a demand for more leisure travel.

Other countries with a rapidly growing young demographic are projected to soon join the BRIC group (e.g. South Africa, Indonesia and Mexico), expecting quick and easy access to exciting travel destinations. The report also shows that the developed world and its increasing older population and longer retirements, will want to travel the world too, but will require more support and comfort to do so. At the same time, the next 40 years will continue to bring more taxes on air travel and challenges resulting from climate change.

All eyes will be on the industry’s ability to bring innovative technology, designs and business together. Thankfully, we don’t need to wait 40 years to see a significantly more fuel efficient aircraft. As early as 2016, the Airbus A320neo will provide airlines, like TAM of Brazil, a substantial cost saving advantage of up to $12 million per aircraft, up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload, a dramatic improvement in eco-friendliness thanks to 3,600 tonnes of CO2 saved per year and a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions.

To read more about the future of aviation and how it relates to forecasted passenger and market behavior, the evolution of airports, the need for a sustainable approach to manufacturing and lessons we can learn from nature, click here to download “The Future by Airbus” in PDF format.

For more information, contact:
Liana Sucar-Hamel
Communications & Public Relations Manager, Airbus Latin America & Caribbean
Liana.Sucar-Hamel@airbus.com