Embraer has raised its forecast for regional jets by 5% to 7,225 deliveries in the 30- to 120-seat sector over the next 20 years.
This will nearly double the global fleet to 8,060 aircraft in 2030. Of the 7,225 new deliveries, more than half - a total of 3,835 - will be for growth while the remainder will replace older jets.
Some 20% of the current fleet will still be operating in 2030.
The airframer's outlook, released during the Paris air show, reflects a recovery in the industry that is "much faster than expected", said Embraer (chalet B351).
It predicts demand for 4,125 commercial jets with 91-120 seats and 2,670 for jets with 61-90 seats.
While acknowledging that the market for 50-seat jets has been "impacted" by high fuel costs and poorer yields, Embraer is upbeat over the prospects for this category.
"The aircraft are still essential to feed hubs in the USA and will progressively help to develop regional aviation in other regions," it said, identifying Latin America, former Soviet states and Africa as candidates.
In the smallest category, 30-60 seats, Embraer foresees a need for only 15 jets for the decade 2011-20 but a surge to 415 in the following 10 years spanning 2021-30.
One-third of all deliveries will go to North America. Europe will take another 23% and China - the fastest-developing market, according to Embraer - will take 13%.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
