1,500 jets seen in Asia-Pac pipeline

[SINGAPORE] The Asia-Pacific is poised to take delivery of 1,500 new jets with capacities of 70-130 seats over the next 20 years, according to estimates by Embraer Commercial Aviation. This pipeline of aircraft, valued at US$70 billion at list prices, represents nearly 20 per cent of worldwide demand for the segment over this timespan.

Speaking to the media at the Singapore Airshow yesterday, Mark Dunnachie, vice-president Asia Pacific for Embraer Commercial Aviation, made it clear that the company has set its sights on expanding its influence in the region. "We should be in places like Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. We have tremendous opportunities in these markets," Mr Dunnachie said.

The way air travel is currently structured in the region has created a niche that Embraer could fill, the firm believes.