Airbus raises forecast for jet demand

[TOULOUSE, France] Airbus raised its 20-year forecast for jet demand on Wednesday, citing growth in emerging markets, with China on the brink of becoming the world's aviation powerhouse.

The European planemaker said it saw strong demand for wide-body long-distance jets as airport constraints force airlines to upgrade from smaller planes on some routes, and said it might speed up production plans for A330neo and A350 jets.

Airbus sees a total demand for 31,400 passenger and freighter aircraft between 2014 and 2033, an increase of 7 per cent from its previous rolling 20-year forecast. That would be equivalent to US$4.6 trillion of industry revenue at list prices.