Airbus sees world freighter fleet growing 45% by 2044

PARIS (Reuters) -Airbus said on Wednesday the worldwide fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft by all makers should rise to 3,420 in the next 20 years, or a 45% increase, helped by long-term trade growth.

"This will be made up of 815 existing freighters and 2,605 additional ones. Of these additional 2,605 freighters, 1,530 will be replacements and 1,075 will be for growth," the European plane maker said in a statement.

North America and Asia-Pacific would account for almost two-thirds of those 2,605 freighter deliveries needed over the next 20 years, it added.

"Airbus forecasts significant air cargo growth as it has proved essential - not just to support economies, but also to connect remote communities, transport essential and health-critical goods, and enable local business development in emerging countries."

(Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Richard Chang)