In a new report, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has predicted the rapid expansion of the commercial aviation market in China in the next 20 years.
Released in the last few days, China Regional Aviation Market Outlook 2012-2031 claims that the Chinese regional aviation market will be responsible for 15 per cent of the world deliveries of 61 to 120-seat jet aircraft.
The new report follows recent industry papers by Airbus and Boeing which also point towards China and the Asia-Pacific region as the key market for growth in the next two decades.
Embraer says deployment versatility and low operating costs have allowed jets in the 61 to 120-seat segment to fill the gap between smaller regional jets and larger, single aisle mainline aircraft.
The aircraft manufacturer says airlines around the world are using the new jets to replace their ageing fleets, right size capacity and open new markets.
Traffic in the Asia Pacific region, including China, is forecast to grow the fastest with demand for new 61 to 120-seat aircraft eventually exceeding that of Europe. Airlines in China are expected to purchase 975 of these jets, about 13 per cent of global orders.