Airbus has upped its twenty-year demand forecast for long-range jets due to a predicted upsurge in economic activity in Asia, especially India.
In its annual report on jet industry trends, the European planemaker predicted its global fleet would more than double over the next two decades to 48,230 planes.
That includes deliveries of 42,430 new aeroplanes, including 41,490 passenger jets or a 4% increase on its previous survey.
Part of the reason is the expected growth in popularity of new single-angle, long-range narrow-body planes.
Airbus expects its single-aisle A321XLR (extra long-range) jet to be cleared for use imminently and see a host of new direct flights in different areas, such as India, open up.
The engineer also increased its estimate for traditional wide-body jets over the next twenty years by 9% to 8,920.
South America and North America are expected to drive this growth with Middle East usage easing by 2%.
Demand for single-aisle passenger planes like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 series, was revised up by 3% to 33,510 units.
"We see particularly strong growth in Asia and the Middle East, led particularly by India and China," said Bob Lange, head of market analysis and forecasts at Airbus. "Domestic China (traffic) will overtake the US," he added, with India, too, expected to see a surge in air travel.
Responding to environmental critics about increasing the amount of air travel, Airbus said that the new jets would contribute to lower emissions, complementing the development of greener fuels.
Rolls-Royce is one of the most popular options for Airbus widebody jets, though it has no presence in the narrow body segment.
Pratt & Whitney engines will power the new A321XLR.