FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Table of Contents

FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS........................................................................................................................................................1

REVIEW OF 2014..................................................................................................................................................................3

U.S. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ........................................................................................................................................................5

WORLD ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ..................................................................................................................................................8

COMMERCIAL AVIATION..........................................................................................................................................................9

World Travel Demand..........................................................................................................................................................9

U.S. Travel Demand ...........................................................................................................................................................15

Commercial Air Carriers – Passenger................................................................................................................................................. 16

Domestic Passenger Markets ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

International Passenger Markets ...................................................................................................................................................... 22

Commercial Air Carriers – Cargo........................................................................................................................................................ 24

International Air Cargo Revenue Ton Miles by Region...................................................................................................................... 25

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers 2014 Financial Results .........................................................................................................26

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers 2014 Aircraft Fleets..............................................................................................................29

GENERAL AVIATION ...............................................................................................................................................................31

FAA OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................34

FAA AEROSPACE FORECASTS .............................................................................................................................................38

FISCAL YEARS 2015 – 2035.................................................................................................................................................38

ECONOMIC FORECASTS..........................................................................................................................................................40

World Economy..................................................................................................................................................................45

AVIATION TRAFFIC AND ACTIVITY FORECASTS.......................................................................................................................47

Commercial Aviation Forecasts..........................................................................................................................................47

Domestic Markets ............................................................................................................................................................................. 48

International Markets........................................................................................................................................................................ 53

U.S. and Foreign Flag Carriers............................................................................................................................................53

U.S. Flag Air Carriers..........................................................................................................................................................55

Commercial Air Carriers – Air Cargo ..................................................................................................................................57

Commercial Aircraft Fleet ..................................................................................................................................................58

General Aviation ................................................................................................................................................................60

FAA Operations Forecasts..................................................................................................................................................65

FAA and Contract Towers.................................................................................................................................................................. 65

En-route Centers ............................................................................................................................................................................... 66

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS ...........................................................................................................................................68

UAS Test Sites.....................................................................................................................................................................68

UAS Center of Excellence ...................................................................................................................................................68

Section 333 Exemptions.....................................................................................................................................................69

Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) .................................................................................................................69

UAS in the Arctic ................................................................................................................................................................70

UAS Forecast......................................................................................................................................................................70

UAS Small Commercial Forecast ........................................................................................................................................70

COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION...............................................................................................................................71

Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................71

Review of 2014...................................................................................................................................................................72

Global Orbital Launch Forecast..........................................................................................................................................73

Suborbital Reusable Vehicle Forecast ................................................................................................................................74

RISKS TO THE FORECASTS ..................................................................................................................................................76

APPENDIX A: ALTERNATIVE FORECAST SCENARIOS...........................................................................................................79

SCENARIO ASSUMPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................................80

ALTERNATIVE FORECASTS .............................................................................................................................................................84
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Passengers.........................................................................................................................................................................84

Revenue Passenger Miles...................................................................................................................................................85

Available Seat Miles...........................................................................................................................................................85

Load Factor........................................................................................................................................................................86

Yield ...................................................................................................................................................................................87

APPENDIX B: FAA FORECAST ACCURACY...........................................................................................................................92

APPENDIX C: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................94

APPENDIX D: FORECAST TABLES .......................................................................................................................................96
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

FORECAST HIGHLIGHTS

2015-2035

Since its deregulation in 1978, the U.S. commercial air carrier industry has been characterized 

by boom-to-bust cycles. The volatility that was associated with these cycles was thought by 

many to be a structural feature of an industry that was capital intensive but cash poor. However 

the great recession of 2007-09 marked a fundamental change in the operations and finances of 

U.S Airlines. Air carriers fine-tuned their business models to minimize losses by lowering 

operating costs, eliminating unprofitable routes, and grounding older, less fuel efficient aircraft. 

To increase operating revenues, carriers initiated new services that customers were willing to 

purchase and started charging separately for services that were historically bundled in the price 

of a ticket. The industry experienced an unprecedented period of consolidation with four major 

mergers in five years. These changes along with capacity discipline exhibited by carriers have 

resulted in a fifth consecutive year of profitability for the industry in 2014. Looking ahead there 

is optimism that the industry has been transformed from that of a boom-to-bust cycle to one of 

sustainable profits.

As the economy recovers from the most serious economic downturn since World War II and the 

slowest expansion in recent history, aviation will continue to grow over the long run. 

Fundamentally, over the medium and long term, demand for aviation is driven by economic 

activity. The 2015 FAA forecast calls for U.S. carrier passenger growth over the next 20 years 

to average 2.0 percent per year, slightly lower than last year’s forecast. The sharp decline in the 

price of oil in 2015 is a catalyst for a short lived uptick in passenger growth. Although oil prices 

are projected to fall to around $60 per barrel in 2015, our forecast assumes that they will rise 

over the next five years to exceed $100 by 2021, keeping a lid on U.S. economic growth during 

the same period. One of the many factors influencing the muted recovery is the uncertainty that 

surrounds the U.S. and the global economy. The global economy has been hit by a number of 

headwinds during the past few years, from recession in Europe to a “soft landing” in China and 

inconsistent performance in other emerging economies. The uncertainty over the future course 

of oil prices is just one more item on the list. Although the U.S. economy has managed to avoid 

a double dip recession, a prolonged period of faster economic growth (e.g. > 3%) may not be 

forthcoming.

System capacity in available seat miles (ASMs) – the overall yardstick for how busy aviation is 

both domestically and internationally – is projected to increase by 2.4 percent this year after

posting a 2.2 percent increase in 2014; it will then grow at an average annual rate of 

2.5 percent through 2035. In the domestic market, capacity growth in 2015 is forecast to be 2.8

percent and then grow at an average annual rate of 1.8 percent for the remainder of the 

forecast period. Domestic mainline carrier capacity is projected to increase 2.6 percent in 2014 

after rising 1.8 percent in 2014. For the regional carriers, domestic capacity growth is projected 

to be 4.0 percent in 2015 after falling in each of the past three years, including a 1.5 percent 

decline in 2014. Commercial air carrier domestic revenue passenger miles (RPMs) are forecast 

to increase 2.8 percent in 2015, and then grow at an average of 1.9 percent per year through

2035; domestic enplanements in 2015 will increase 2.6 percent, and then grow at an average 

annual rate 1.6 percent for the remainder of the forecast period.

1
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The average size of domestic aircraft is expected to increase by 1.1 seats in FY 2015 to 128.2

seats. Average seats per aircraft for mainline carriers are projected to increase by 1.2 seats as 

network carriers1 continue to reconfigure their domestic fleets. While demand for 70-90 seat 

aircraft continues to increase, we expect the number of 50 seat regional jets in service to fall, 

increasing the average regional aircraft size in 2015 by 0.8 seats to 57.8 seats per mile. 

Passenger trip length in all domestic markets will increase by 2.8 miles during the same period.

General aviation market continues its recovery. In 2014, the turbo jet sector recorded its first 

increase in deliveries by U.S. manufacturers since 2008. For a third year in a row, single 

engine piston deliveries have increased. The long term outlook for general aviation is 

favorable, and near term also looks promising especially for piston aircraft activity which is

sensitive to fuel price movements. While it is slightly lower than predicted last year, the growth 

in business aviation demand over the long term continues. As the fleet grows, the number of 

general aviation hours flown is projected to increase an average of 1.4 percent per year through 

2035.

After sputtering in the early part of 2014, the U.S. economy began to show improvement in the 

latter half of 2014 while the economies in the rest of the world showed mixed results. With 

lower energy prices, U.S. carrier profitability should remain steady or increase as an economy 

in its sixth year of recovery leads to strengthening demand and increased revenues, while

operating costs are falling or stable. Over the long term, we see a competitive and profitable 

aviation industry characterized by increasing demand for air travel and airfares growing more 

slowly than inflation, reflecting over the long term a growing U.S. economy.

1 Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and U.S. Airways.

2

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

REVIEW OF 2014

The year 2014 began with a good deal of uncertainty which never really let up. Despite the 

uncertainty surrounding the impacts of a government shutdown, severe winter weather, slow 

economic growth in Europe and Japan, 2014 saw the U.S. airline industry post solid results.

The changes that U.S. carriers have made since the start of the global recession in 2008 

helped the industry to make a profit for the fifth year in a row. Many industry professionals see 

these changes as providing traction towards profitability, even during future periods of 

uncertainty. The biggest change that U.S. passenger airlines have made is the shift in focus 

from increasing market share to one of boosting shareholder return on investment. The U.S. 

airline industry has become more nimble adjusting capacity either upward or downward to seize 

opportunities or minimize losses. U.S. airlines have developed additional revenue streams such 

as charging fees for services that used to be included in airfare (e.g. meal service), as well as

for charging for services that were not previously available (e.g. premium boarding and fare lock 

fees). The impact from these initiatives gives reason for optimism as the industry (passenger 

and cargo carriers combined) posted profits for the fifth consecutive year in 2014. 

Demand for air travel in 2014 grew at a modest pace amid an improving economic 

environment in the U.S. In 20142 system revenue passenger miles increased 2.5 percent as 

enplanements increased 2.3 percent. Commercial air carrier domestic enplanements were up 

by 2.1 percent, while international enplanements were up 3.4 percent. The system-wide load 

factor rose to 83.4 percent (up 0.2 points from 2013). Domestic enplanement market share 

continued to rise for low-cost, network, and “other” carriers in 2014 while regional carrier share

decreased. Domestic low cost carrier enplanement share increased by 0.3 points to 29.5

percent, while the share of network and “other” carriers rose by 0.4 points to 47.4 percent. 

Regional carrier share dropped by 0.8 points to 23.0 percent.

Improving yields helped by continued capacity restraint by the carriers helped boost industry 

profits in FY 2014. Data for FY 2014 show that the reporting passenger carriers had a 

combined operating profit of $14.9 billion (compared to a $9.6 billion operating profit for FY

2013). The network carriers reported combined operating profits of $11.1 billion while the low 

cost carriers reported combined operating profits of $3.2 billion, with all carriers posting profits.

The general aviation market showed improvements in business jet and single engine piston 

segments, while declines in turboprop and multi-engine piston markets translated into a slight 

overall improvement. Overall deliveries were up by 1.0 percent in calendar year (CY) 2014; 

with a 5.6 percent increase in U.S. billings. Single engine piston shipments were up for the 

third year in a row, by 6.2 compared to the previous year. Because of a 10.0 percent decrease 

in the smaller multi-engine category, total piston aircraft shipments by U.S. manufacturers went

up by 4.5 percent. Business jet shipments increased by 12.3 percent. However, an 11.2 

percent decline in the turboprop deliveries generated a 2.1 percent decrease in turbine aircraft 

2 All stated years and quarters for U.S. economic and U.S. air carrier traffic and financial data and forecasts are 

on a fiscal year (FY) basis (October 1 through September 30). All stated years and quarters for international 

economic and world traffic and financial data are on a calendar year (CY) basis, unless otherwise stated.

3

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

shipments (total of turboprop and business jets) by U.S. manufacturers in CY 2014. Turboprop 

shipments, which had increased by 13.8 percent in 2013, were nearly back to their 2012 

levels. General aviation activity at FAA and contract tower airports recorded a 1.1 percent

decline in 2014, which was caused by a decrease in itinerant activity; local operations were 

slightly down (0.6 percent) compared to previous year.

Total operations at FAA and contract towers fell again in 2014 by 0.9 percent, as activity declines 

in the air taxi, general aviation, and military categories offset an increase in air carrier activity. 

Activity at large hubs fall by 0.5 percent, while medium hubs and small/non hub airports saw 

declines of 1.6 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively. With increasing numbers of regional and 

business jets in the nation’s skies, fleet mix changes, and carriers consolidating operations in their 

large hubs, we expect increased activity growth which has the potential to increase controller 

workload.

4
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

U.S. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

U.S. economic performance in 2014 continued to be mixed with modest growth in real GDP

and real incomes, a falling unemployment rate, and oil prices and consumer inflation remaining

in check. The economy grew at an average annual rate of 2.6 percent in fiscal year (FY) 2014 

after expanding 1.8 percent in FY 2013. GDP growth was strong in the second half of the year 

after shrinking in the second quarter due to the negative effects of the polar vortex. There 

were favorable signs in the data as the stock market entered record territory, and the labor 

market saw steady improvement with almost 2.8 million new jobs created during the year, the 

best figure since 1999.

0.1

2.7

1.8

4.5

3.5

-2.1

4.6

5.0

-3.0

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

2012 Q4 2013 Q1 2013 Q2 2013 Q3 2014 Q4 2014 Q1 2014 Q2 2014 Q3

Annualized Percent Change

Year/Qtr

U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product

Seasonally Adjusted Annualized Growth

Source: IHS Global Insight Fiscal Year 2013 Fiscal Year 2014

5
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Much had been written about the weak rate of job creation and the slow improvement of the 

nation’s unemployment rate during the course of the current economic recovery. In FY 2014, 

the rate of job creation picked up, and the improvement in the labor market was reflected in the 

falling unemployment rate. At the beginning of FY 2014, the nation’s unemployment rate stood 

at 7.2 percent and steadily fell throughout the year, falling to 5.9 percent in September 2014, a 

1.3 point decline over the course of the year, the largest annual decline in the current 

expansion.

9.0

8.6

8.3 8.2 8.0 7.8 7.7 7.5 7.2 7.0

6.6

6.2 6.1

 -

 1.00

 2.00

 3.00

 4.00

 5.00

 6.00

 7.00

 8.00

 9.00

 10.00

2011 Q3 2012 Q1 2012 Q3 2013 Q1 2013 Q3 2014 Q1 2014 Q3

Percent Unemployed

U.S. Civilian Unemployment Rate

Year/Quarter

Source: IHS Global Insight, 10 Year Baseline Forecast

6
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The price of oil, as measured by the U.S. Refiners’ Acquisition Cost (for West Texas 

Intermediate, or WTI), remained relatively stable in FY 2014, averaging $97.76 per barrel, 

down 3.0 percent from the FY 2013 figure of $100.78.

Source: HIS Global Insight, 10 Year Baseline Forecast

Finally, consumer prices increased at a modest rate in 2014. Core inflation (excluding food and 

energy) was moderate (1.7 percent); while headline inflation (including food and energy) was up 

1.6 percent as energy prices increased just 0.4 percent.

 -

 20.00

 40.00

 60.00

 80.00

 100.00

 120.00

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

$ Per Barrel of (WTI) Oil

U.S. Refiners' Acquistion Cost

Fiscal Year

7
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

WORLD ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Based on preliminary figures,3 the U.S. and rest of the world economies both grew 2.5 percent 

in 2014. The advanced economies (U.S., Western Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, 

and Canada) expanded 1.7 percent overall.

All world regions saw their economies grow. The combined economies of the Asia-Pacific 

region grew the fastest (4.3 percent), Europe (1.4 percent) and the U.S. had only moderate 

growth, while Latin America and the Caribbean had the lowest growth (0.9 percent) Among the 

countries with the largest economies, China, India and Indonesia grew the fastest (7.3, 5.9 and 

5.1, respectively) while Japan only grew 0.2 percent. In Europe, Ireland had the largest growth 

at 5.0 percent, followed by Poland at 3.3 percent. Canada slightly edged out the U.S. at 2.4 

percent.4

Overall, the Asia-Pacific, region excluding Japan, is still the world leader in GDP growth (5.7 

percent), followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (4.5 percent), then Central Europe and the Balkans 

(2.6 percent). The Non-OECD countries (4.1) percent) had an almost four fold increase over 

the OECD countries (1.7) in 2014.5

3 IHS Global Insight.

4 Ibid.

5 Ibid.

2.7 

1.8 

(0.3)

(2.8)

2.5 

1.6 

2.3 2.2 2.2 

4.4 4.3 

1.8 

(1.7)

4.3 

3.0 

2.4 2.5 2.5 

 (4.0)

 (3.0)

 (2.0)

 (1.0)

 -

 1.0

 2.0

 3.0

 4.0

 5.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

U.S. and World Real Gross Domestic Product

U.S. Rest of World

Source: IHS Global Insight

8

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

COMMERCIAL AVIATION

Worldwide commercial aviation continued a slow recovery in 2014 as stable jet fuel prices

offset relatively disappointing global economic growth. The U.S. industry posted a net profit in

2014, with a similar outcome predicted for foreign carriers. After registering net profits of $10.6

billion in 2013, global industry net profits for calendar year 2014 are expected to be $19.9

billion.

6

 All global regions are projected to see an increase in profits as fuel costs fell.

World Travel Demand

Based on data compiled by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), world air

carriers are expected to post another moderate growth performance in CY 2014 as demand for 

air travel continues to recover from the depressed levels recorded during 2009. Preliminary 

traffic results for full year 2014 released by ICAO show worldwide revenue passenger 

kilometers (RPKs) increased 5.9 percent, a 0.4 percentage point increase compared to last 

year’s growth rate.7

6 IATA Economic Performance of the Airline Industry, End Year Report, December 2014. 7 ICAO press release dated December 18, 2014.

5.6

8.8

1.5

-1.4

8.2

5.1

4.6

5.3 5.0

6.9

8.0

1.9

-1.1

7.9

6.3

5.1

5.5

5.9

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

World Passenger Demand

(International and Domestic)

Passengers RPKs

9

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

For calendar year 2014, preliminary data from ICAO show passengers were up 5.0 percent 

over calendar year 2013. Data for the same period shows capacity, as measured by available 

seat kilometers (ASKs), to be up 5.7 percent.

Traffic and capacity data from the Association of European Airlines (AEA) for calendar year 2014

showed year over year gains in RPKs ranging between 1.5 percent to 6.1 percent and year over 

year changes in ASKs ranging between 0.4 percent to 5.2 percent.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

European Carriers Capacity and Traffic

Calendar Year 2014

ASKs RPKs

10
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) reported an increase of 4.7 percent in 

international RPKs and a 6.0 percent increase in international ASKs; international passengers 

in the region were up 4.8 percent during the same period.8

8 Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, “Asia Pacific Full Year 2014 Traffic Results”, Press Release dated 28 

January 2015, Issue 2015: 02.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

Asia Pacific Carriers International Capacity and Traffic

Calendar Year 2014

ASKs RPKs

Source: Association of Asia Pacific Airlines

11

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

In CY 2014, U.S. and foreign flag carriers transported an estimated 195.7 million passengers 

between the United States and the rest of the world, a 5.5 percent increase from 2013. Yearover-year growth occurred in all markets (up 4.6, 7.4, 4.9, and 3.5 percent, respectively, for 

Atlantic, Latin America, Pacific, and Canada Transborder).

50 53 57 55 56 58 61 63 66

47 49 50 48 53 57 61 65 70

26 26 26 24

27

28

31 32

34

21 22 22 20

22

23

25

26

27

0

50

100

150

200

250

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Millions of Passengers

Calendar Year

Total Passengers To/From the U.S.

American and Foreign Flag Carriers

Atlantic L. America Pacific Canada Transborder

Source: US Customs & Border Protection data processed and released by Department of Commerce; data also received from Transport Canada

12
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Worldwide air cargo demand increased strongly in 2014. According to ICAO, worldwide freight 

ton kilometers were estimated to increase 4.6 percent in calendar year 2014 compared to

2013. Freight ton kilometers (FTKs) of AEA member carriers fell 2.0 percent in calendar year 

2014 while the international FTKs of AAPA member carriers rose 5.4 percent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that world air carriers (including U.S. 

airlines) are expected to register an operating profit of $38.3 billion for 2014. IATA estimates

global airline industry net profits to be $19.9 billion for the same period with all regions to be in 

the black. Based on financial data compiled by ICAO and IATA, between 2004 and 2014 world 

airlines produced cumulative operating profits of $172.8 billion (with ten years out of eleven

posting gains) and net profits of $41.5 billion (with seven years out of eleven posting gains).9

9 IATA Financial Forecast, December 2014.

2.5

6.2 6.3

-3.3

-0.7

19.2

1.4

-1.4

2.3

4.1

2.5

6.3

4.7

-0.7

-8.8

19.4

0.4

-0.9

0.6

4.6

-15.0

-10.0

-5.0

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

World Air Cargo Demand

Tonnes RTKs

Source: IATA

13

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

4.4 

15.0 

19.9 

(1.1)

1.9 

27.6 

19.8 18.4 

25.3 

38.3 

(4.1)

5.0 

14.7 

(26.1)

(4.6)

17.3 

8.3 

6.1 

10.6 

19.9 

 (30.0)

 (20.0)

 (10.0)

 -

 10.0

 20.0

 30.0

 40.0

 50.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Billions of Dollars

Calendar Year

World Air Carrier Profit/Loss

Operating Net

Source IATA

14
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

U.S. Travel Demand

By year end of FY 2014, the U.S. commercial aviation industry consisted of 16 scheduled 

mainline air carriers that used large passenger jets (over 90 seats) and 70 regional carriers 

that used smaller piston, turboprop, and regional jet aircraft (up to 90 seats) to provide 

connecting passengers to the larger carriers. Mainline and regional carriers offer domestic 

and international passenger service between the U.S. and foreign destinations, although 

regional carrier international service is confined to the border markets in Canada, Mexico, and 

the Caribbean. Twenty-six all-cargo carriers were providing domestic and/or international air 

cargo service at the end of 2014.

Shaping today’s commercial air carrier industry are three distinct trends: (1) continuing industry 

consolidation and restructuring; (2) continued capacity discipline in response to external 

shocks, and (3) the proliferation of ancillary revenues.

The restructuring and consolidation of the U.S. airline industry that began in the aftermath of the 

terror attacks of September 11, 2011 continued in 2014. During the year, Southwest continued to 

integrate the former AirTran network into its operations while American and US Airways moved 

ahead with combining their networks and reservations systems. Consequently, when compared to 

2007, 5.7 percent fewer domestic ASMs were flown and 2.9 percent less passengers were carried 

domestically in 2014. This has had clear implications on the size of the aircraft being used and the 

load factors, topics that will be discussed later in this document.

One of the most striking outcomes of industry restructuring has been the unprecedented period of 

capacity discipline, especially in domestic markets. Between 1978 and 2000, ASMs in domestic 

markets increased at an average annual rate of 4 percent a year, recording only two years of 

decline. Even though domestic ASMs shrank by 6.9 percent in FY 2002, following the events of 

September 11, 2001, growth resumed and by 2007, domestic ASMs were 3.6 percent above the 

FY 2000 level. However, since 2007, U.S. domestic market ASMs have decreased by 5.7

percent, as the industry responded first to the sharp rise in oil prices (up 155% between 2004 and 

2008) and then the global recession that followed (2009 to the present).

The 5.7 percent reduction in domestic capacity since 2007 has not been shared equally between 

the mainline carriers and their regional counterparts. To better match demand to capacity, the 

mainline carriers contracted out “thin” routes to their regional counterparts because they could 

provide lift at a lower cost, or else they simply removed the capacity altogether. In 2014, the 

mainline carrier group provided 6.3 percent less capacity than it did in 2007 (and carried 3.6

percent fewer passengers). Capacity flown by the regional group has shrunk by 1.9 percent over 

the same period (with passengers carried down 0.7 percent).

The most recent trend to take hold is that of ancillary revenues. Carriers generate ancillary

revenues by selling products and services beyond that of an airplane ticket to customers. This 

includes the un-bundling of services previously included in the ticket price such as checked bags 

and on-board meals, and by adding new services such as boarding priority. As noted earlier, U.S.

passenger carriers posted net profits for the fifth consecutive year in 2014 with ancillary revenues 

a contributing factor to the favorable outcome.

15
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Commercial Air Carriers – Passenger

U.S. commercial air carriers’ traffic and capacity in 2014 showed mild growth for the second 

year in a row which is an improvement over 2013. System, that is, the sum of domestic plus 

international capacity, increased 2.2 percent to 1.025 trillion ASMs while RPMs increased 2.5

percent to 855.1 billion. During the same period system-wide enplanements increased

2.3 percent to 756.3 million; U.S. mainline carrier enplanement growth was 3.0 percent while

regional carriers carried 0.2 percent fewer passengers. In the domestic market, mainline 

enplanements saw an increase for the fourth consecutive year, up 2.9 percent, marking the 

first time since 2000 that the industry recorded four consecutive years of passenger growth in 

the domestic market. Mainline passengers in international markets posted a fourth year of 

growth, up 3.6 percent. 

Even though the recession was officially over in June 200910, carriers continued to face 

economic uncertainty in 2014 as corporate travel budgets remained strained, unemployment 

was still high relative to the early 2000s, the housing market remained volatile, and 

government spending remained stagnant. In such an uncertain, but slowly improving,

environment, industry capacity growth was restrained (up 2.2 percent), after only a 0.8 percent 

increase in 2013. Given the minimal increase in seats available to the travelling public, 

carriers were still able to raise airfares despite the slow growth in demand. Higher airfares and 

ancillary revenues, coupled with flat to rapidly falling fuel prices resulted in U.S. carriers

finishing up 2014 with a net profit.

System load factor and trip length continued to edge slightly upwards in 2014, even as seats 

per aircraft mile increased. The average load factor reached a record-breaking 83.4 points, up

0.3 points from 2013 while passenger trip length increased 2.4 miles, to 1,131 miles. Seats 

per aircraft mile increased to 145.2 seats (up 2.3 seats per aircraft mile), the highest level 

since 1999.

10 According to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

16

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

(3.4)

0.9 

(2.0)

(8.4)

(1.3)

0.2 

(1.6) (2.0) (1.6)

(0.2)

2.7 

1.4 

(7.3)

(0.5)

3.4 

0.1 

0.8 

2.2 

-10.0

-8.0

-6.0

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

System ASMs and Aircraft Operations

Operations ASMs

17
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Domestic Passenger Markets

Domestic11 ASMs increased 1.4 percent in 2014 after increasing just 0.8 percent in 2013. 

Departures were down 1.9 percent for the year after falling 2.1 percent in FY 2013. Mainline 

carrier ASMs were up 1.8 percent for the year, while regional carrier ASMs fell 1.5 percent. At 

the end of FY 2014, domestic ASMs were still 5.7 percent below pre-recession levels (2007) 

with departures down 17.3 percent.

11 The 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2.7 

3.9 

0.8 

(7.1)

2.1 

3.6 

0.9 

1.5 

2.5 

0.4 

3.2 

(0.6)

(7.2)

1.1 

2.7 

0.8 0.4 

2.3 

-8.0

-6.0

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

System RPMs and Enplanements

RPMs Enplanements

18

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

In a turnaround from 2013, domestic passenger enplanements grew at a faster rate than ASMs 

in 2014, up 2.1 percent for the year. Mainline carrier enplanements were up 2.9 percent for 

the year while regional carrier enplanements fell 0.2 percent, continuing the downward trend 

that began in 2011.

-6.0

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

Oct-13 Nov Dec Jan-14 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

U.S. Commercial Carriers

Domestic Capacity*

Fiscal Year 2014

Departures ASMs

*Scheduled and Non-Scheduled

19
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Domestic RPMs also grew faster than ASMs in FY 2014 with domestic RPMs up 2.5 percent

and mainline carrier RPM growth was 2.8 percent, while regional carrier RPMs increased 0.5 

percent.

Domestic carrier load factor increased1.1 points to 84.4 percent, with both the mainline and 

regional carriers groups posting record high loads. Mainline carrier load factor increased 0.8

points from FY 2013 to 85.0 percent, while regional carrier load factor increased 1.6 points to 

80.0 percent.

Since FY 2007, total domestic capacity has decreased by 5.7 percent. Mainline carriers have 

reduced their domestic capacity by 6.3 percent with cutbacks by network carriers more than 

offsetting the growth of low-cost carriers, while regional carrier capacity has declined by a 

smaller amount (down 1.9 percent since 2007). 

During the same period, mainline carrier RPMs have decreased 0.9 percent, while 

enplanements have fallen 3.6 percent. In comparison, over this same period, regional carrier 

RPMs increased 4.0 percent while enplanements have fallen 0.7 percent. As a result, mainline 

carrier domestic capacity share has fallen from 87.6 percent in 2007 to 87.1 percent in 2014,

with the share of domestic RPMs flown by mainline carriers dropping from 88.3 percent to 87.7 

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

Oct-13 Nov Dec Jan-14 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

U.S. Commercial Carriers

Domestic Traffic*

Fiscal Year 2014

Enplanements RPMs

*Scheduled and Non-Scheduled

20
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

percent during the same period. In 2014 the regional carriers’ domestic enplanement share 

was 23.2 percent, up from 22.6 percent in 2007.

516 534 522 477 474 488 495 499 513

152 156 159

154 162 162 159 156 155

 -

 100.0

 200.0

 300.0

 400.0

 500.0

 600.0

 700.0

 800.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Millions

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Domestic Enplanements by Carrier Group

Mainline Regional

21
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

International Passenger Markets

U.S. carrier international ASMs were up 4.0 percent and departures were up 3.6 percent in

2014. ASMs increased in the Latin, Pacific and Atlantic markets, up 8.4, 1.2 and 2.8 percent, 

respectively.

U.S. carrier international RPMs were up 2.6 percent and passenger enplanements were up 3.4

percent in 2014. The Pacific market posted negative results, with RPMs falling 0.1 percent 

while enplanements decreased 2.9 percent. RPMs and enplanements increased 7.7 and 7.5

percent, respectively, in the Latin American market, while RPMs and enplanements increased 

0.8 and 0.6 percent, respectively, in the Atlantic market.

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Oct-13 Nov Dec Jan-14 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

U.S. Commercial Carriers

International Capacity*

Fiscal Year 2014

Departures ASMs

*Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Ops. Source: DOT-F41

22
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The international load factor decreased 1.2 percentage points overall in 2014 to 81.4 percent. 

Load factor decreased in all markets: in the Latin market the load factor went down 0.5 points 

to 80.6 percent; in the Pacific market load factor was down 1.1 points to 82.0 percent and in 

the North Atlantic market the load factor decreased by 1.7 points to 81.7 percent.

In 2014, 54 percent of the passengers flying abroad on U.S. flag carriers traveled to the Latin 

America market. The remaining 46 percent of international passengers was split between the 

Atlantic market (29 percent) and the Pacific market (17 percent); these percentages are 

unchanged from 2013.

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Oct-13 Nov Dec Jan-14 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Year over Year Percent Change

Month

U.S. Commercial Carriers

International Traffic*

Fiscal Year 2014

Enplanements RPMs

*Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Ops. Source: DOT-F41

23
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Commercial Air Carriers – Cargo

Air cargo traffic contains both domestic and international freight/express and mail. The 

demand for air cargo is a derived demand resulting from economic activity. Cargo moves in 

the bellies of passenger aircraft and in dedicated all-cargo aircraft on both scheduled and 

nonscheduled service. Cargo carriers face price competition from alternative shipping modes 

such as trucks, container ships, and rail cars.

U.S. air carriers flew 34.8 billion revenue ton miles (RTMs) in 2014, unchanged from 2013. . 

Domestic cargo revenue ton miles (RTMs) increased 2.3 percent to 12.7 billion. However, 

international RTMs decreased by 1.2 percent to 22.2 billion.

Air cargo RTMs flown by all-cargo carriers comprised 78.2 percent of total RTMs in 2014, with 

passenger carriers flying the remainder. Total RTMs flown by the all-cargo carriers decreased

1.8 percent in 2014 from 27.7 billion to 27.2 billion. Total RTMs flown by passenger carriers 

were 7.6 billion in 2014, 7.0 percent higher than in 2013.

16 16 15 15 14

12 13 12 12 13 13

20

23 24 25 24

19

23 25 24 22 23

 -

 5.0

 10.0

 15.0

 20.0

 25.0

 30.0

 35.0

 40.0

 45.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015E

Billions

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Cargo Revenue Ton Miles

Domestic RTMs International RTMs

24
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

International Air Cargo Revenue Ton Miles by Region

U.S. carrier international air cargo traffic can be divided into four components consisting of 

Atlantic, Latin, Pacific, and ‘Other International.’ In 2014 total international RTMs decreased

1.2 percent from 22.4 billion to 22.2 billion with declines in the Latin and Other International 

regions more than offsetting increases in the Atlantic and Pacific regions. The largest decrease 

was posted in the ‘Other International’ category where cargo RTMs fell by 12.1 percent from 

5.8 billion RTMs to 5.1 billion RTMs. The Latin market saw cargo RTMs fall by 2.7 percent 

from 1.8 billion RTMs to 1.7 billion RTMs. The Atlantic market posted a modest increase, up 

3.4 percent from 6.7 billion to 6.9 billion while the Pacific region saw cargo RTMs rise from 8.2

billion RTMs to 8.4 billion RTMs an increase of 3.0 percent.

25
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers 2014 Financial Results

U.S. commercial air carriers posted a net profit of $ 15.4 billion during FY 2014 after reporting 

a net profit of $5.2 billion one year earlier.

Operating revenues (passenger and cargo) for FY 2014 were up 4.2 percent from FY 2013. 

Passenger carriers saw their revenue increase 5.4 percent buoyed by rising yields and modest 

increases in traffic. The increase in revenue underscored the ability of passenger carriers to 

push through fare increases and to offer value-added services that leisure and business 

passengers were willing to buy. Revenues for cargo carriers fell for the second year in a row, 

down 0.7 percent, with the continued slowdown in cargo traffic after falling1.5 percent in FY 

2013.

During the same period, operating expenses for all carriers rose 1.2 percent following a 0.8

percent decrease in FY 2013. The small rise in operating expenses during FY 2014 was driven 

in large part by a 2.6 percent fall in the price of fuel for the year.

In FY 2014, passenger carriers reported operating income of $14.9 billion and net income of 

$14.4 billion, while air cargo carriers reported an operating profit of $1.9 billion and a net income

(1.2)

5.6 

10.2 

(2.0)

0.8 

9.6 

7.6 7.5 

10.8 

16.8 

(11.7)

(0.2)

5.9 

(18.6)

(7.8)

3.4 

2.0 

0.2 

5.2 

15.4 

 (25.0)

 (20.0)

 (15.0)

 (10.0)

 (5.0)

 -

 5.0

 10.0

 15.0

 20.0

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Billions of Dollars ($)

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Operating and Net Profit/Loss

Operating Profit/Loss Net Profit/Loss

Source: DOT Forms 41 & 298C

26
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

of $1.0 billion. In the domestic market, passenger carriers generated an operating profit of $10.5

billion and net income of $10.2 billion. In the international market, this carrier group posted

operating and net profits of $4.4 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively. Cargo carriers posted an 

operating profit of $4.7 billion and a net income of $3.0 billion in domestic markets. In 

international markets, the cargo carriers reported an operating loss of $2.8 billion and net loss of 

$2.0 billion.

The industry’s financial results in FY 2014 reflected the strong results posted by the passenger 

carriers, especially the network carriers. After posting a net profit in FY 2013 of $3.6 billion, this 

carrier group posted operating profits of $11.1 billion and net income of $12.1 billion. For the eight

reporting low-cost carriers, operating profits totaled $3.2 billion and net income totaled $2.1

billion for the full year.

Solid demand growth buoyed by the improving economy coupled with continued capacity 

discipline by the mainline carriers led to healthy increase in mainline carrier passenger yield for

the year. Domestic mainline carrier passenger yield increased to 15.12¢ in 2014, up 4.8

percent from the 2013 level of 14.44¢.

Of the reporting regional carriers, operating profits totaled $376 million and net income totaled

$99 million for FY 2014, despite domestic yield falling 2.8 percent. As the industry continues to 

12.4 12.5

13.1

12.0

12.9

13.6 14.1 14.4

15.2

19.7 19.9

21.2

17.2

15.8

15.2

13.3

11.8 11.4

 -

 5.0

 10.0

 15.0

 20.0

 25.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Revenue Per Mile (¢)

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Domestic Passenger Yield

Mainline Regionals

27
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

restructure, network carriers have negotiated contracts with their regional partners that shift

more of the financial risk of contract flying to the regional carriers. Since 2007, regional carrier 

yield is down 50 percent in real terms (compared to an increase of 5.7 percent in mainline 

carrier yield for the same period). In addition, longer trip lengths (due to a growing number of

larger and faster regional jet aircraft entering the fleet) and higher load factors have also 

contributed to the drop in regional yield. All other things being equal, an increase in either the 

trip length or the load factor results in a drop in yield since fee-for-departure revenues are 

spread over a broader base of RPMs.

28
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers 2014 Aircraft Fleets

The commercial passenger carrier fleet is undergoing transformation. The mainline carriers 

are retiring older, less fuel efficient aircraft (e.g. 737-300/400/500, 757/767, and MD-80) and 

replacing them with more technologically advanced A320 and 737-700/800/900 aircraft. The 

regional carriers are growing their fleet of 70 to 90 seat regional jet aircraft and reducing their 

fleet of 50-seat jet aircraft.

The total number of aircraft in the U.S. commercial fleet (including regional carriers) is 

estimated at 6,676 for 2014, a decrease of 57 aircraft from 2013. This includes 3,770 mainline 

air carrier passenger aircraft (over 90 seats), 758 mainline air carrier cargo aircraft, and

2,148 regional carrier aircraft (jets, turboprops, and pistons).

3,770 

3,779 

3,735 

3,730 

3,722 

3,694 

3,784 

3,982 

3,897 

2,148 

2,213 

2,340 

2,566 

2,613 

2,653 

2,682 

2,780 

2,732 

758 

741 

838 

870 

850 

841 

960 

974 

1,012 

 - 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000

2014E

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

Number of Aircraft

Calendar Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Aircraft Fleet

Cargo Regionals Mainline AC

29
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The mainline carriers’ passenger jet fleet decreased by 9 aircraft in 2014, following a 44 unit 

increase in 2013, as both network carriers and low cost carriers added to their fleets. With the 

decrease in the fleet in 2014, the mainline carrier fleet now stands at 16.0 percent below (723 

aircraft) the level it was in 2000. Like the mainline carrier fleet, the regional carrier fleet shrank

in 2014, falling by 65 units. Since reaching a peak in 2007, the U.S. regional carrier fleet has 

been reduced by more than 22 percent (632 units). Consolidation among regional carriers and 

high fuel prices continue to spur retirements of 50 seat and smaller regional jets as well as 

small piston and turboprop aircraft.

30
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

GENERAL AVIATION

The general aviation industry continued its modest growth in 2014, especially with the help 

from growth in business jet and single engine piston deliveries. The strong growth of

turboprop and multi-engine piston segments in 2013 slowed down to closer to their 2012 

levels. Based on figures released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), 

U.S. manufacturers of general aviation aircraft delivered 1,631 aircraft in CY 2014, 1.0 percent 

more than CY 2013. This was the fourth year of increase in shipments. Overall piston 

deliveries increased by 4.5 percent, with single-engine deliveries up 6.2 percent but the much 

smaller multi-engine category down 10.0 percent. In the turbine categories, turbojet deliveries 

were up by 12.3 percent. Turboprop deliveries went down by 11.2 percent in 2014. U.S.

billings in CY 2014 were totaled $11.7 billion, up 5.6 percent from 2013.

General Aviation operations at combined FAA and contract towers decreased 1.1 percent in 

2014, led by a 1.4 percent decline in itinerant operations. Local operations fell 0.6 percent. 

General aviation activity at consolidated traffic facilities (FAA TRACONs) fell 0.2 percent, while 

the number of general aviation aircraft handled at FAA en-route centers increased by 4.7

percent.

The FAA uses estimates of fleet size, hours flown, and utilization from the General Aviation 

and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey), which has been conducted annually since 1977, as 

baseline figures upon which forecast growth rates are applied. Beginning with the 2004 GA 

Survey, there were significant improvements to the survey methodology. These improvements 

2,857 

3,147 

3,279 

3,079 

1,585 

1,334 

1,465 1,518 1,615 1,631 8.7

10.4

11.9

13.3

9.1

7.9 8.3 8.0

11.1

11.7

0.0

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

 -

 500

 1,000

 1,500

 2,000

 2,500

 3,000

 3,500

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Billings ($B)

Shipments

Calendar Year

General Aviation

U.S. Manufacturers Shipments and Billings

Shipments Billings ($ Billion) Source: GAMA

31
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

included conducting 100 percent samples for turboprops and turbojets, all rotorcraft, all aircraft 

in Alaska and all aircraft operating on-demand under Part 135. In addition, the sample design 

was revised to stratify by aircraft type (15 categories), FAA region (9 categories), whether the 

aircraft was manufactured in the past 5 years (2 categories), and whether the aircraft operates 

under a Part 135 certificate (2 categories). Furthermore, a large fleet reporting form was 

incorporated to allow owners/operators of multiple aircraft to report aggregate data for their 

entire fleet on a single form. In 2005 an additional aircraft category (light sport aircraft) was 

added. As a result of these changes the sample size nearly doubled. Between 2003 and 2005 

large changes in both the number of aircraft (turbojets up by 22.8 percent, total rotorcraft up by 

33.7 percent) and hours (single-engine piston down by 17.6 percent) in many categories 

occurred. The results of 2011 survey were not available to use. Therefore, estimates of 2011 

fleet and hours were based on estimated number of general aviation aircraft in the FAA civil 

aircraft registration database by the end of CY 2011, and past rates of active aircraft and 

utilization by type of aircraft and age of the fleet. The results of the 2013 Survey, the latest one 

available, were consistent with the results of past surveys since 2004. This reinforces our 

belief that methodological improvements have brought about superior estimates relative to 

those in the past and they are used as the basis for our forecast.

In 2010 FAA issued a Rule for Re-Registration and Renewal of Aircraft Registration.

According to this rule, all aircraft registered in the U.S. had to re-register over the three-year 

period from 2011 to 2013, and afterwards registrations must be renewed every three years. 

The effect of this Rule was initially recorded in the results of the 2012 GA Survey that saw the 

number of active GA aircraft fall by 6.4 percent, from 223,370 in 2010 to 209,034 in 2012. The 

2013 GA Survey showed a further decline of 4.4 percent to 199,927 total active aircraft. The 

biggest decline was in the piston aircraft category, in which the number of active aircraft 

decreased 11.4 percent from 155,419 in 2010 to 137,655 in 2013. In individual segments, 

other aircraft category (including balloons and gliders) recorded the largest decline by 24.8 

percent, from 5,684 to 4,277 aircraft, followed by the experimental aircraft by 16.0 percent, 

from 29,662 to 24,918. Piston rotorcraft segment also showed a significant fall by 12.6 

percent, from 3,588 aircraft in 2010 to 3,137 in 2013.

General aviation flight hours decreased by 7.8 percent from 24.8 million in 2010 to 22.9 million 

in 2013. The largest percentage decline was observed in the piston rotorcraft segment with 20

percent from 794,000 hours to 636,000 hours. Utilization rate in this category fell by 8 percent,

from 221 hours per year to 203 hours. Turbine rotorcraft hours declined by 11 percent, from 

2.6 million to 2.3 million, while utilization in this segment fell by 13 percent from 401 hours per 

year to 349 hours. Single engine piston aircraft hours declined by 12 percent from 12.2 million 

in 2010 to 10.7 million in 2013, the largest component of the overall drop in GA flight hours. 

The decline in the size of the single engine piston fleet was the primary reason for the fall in 

hours during this period as utilization in this segment fell only by 1 percent from 87 to 86 hours. 

There were increases in turboprop (up 11%, from 2.3 million to 2.6 million), turbojet (up 3%, 

from 3.4 million to 3.5 million), and special light-sport aircraft hours (up 25%, from 138,000 to 

173,000), but not large enough to offset the decline in other areas. The turboprop utilization 

rate increased by 8 percent from 248 to 269 hours, and the turbojet utilization rate increased 

by 2 percent, from 294 to 300 hours.

Student pilots are important to general aviation and the aviation industry as a whole. Student 

pilot numbers had been in decline for many years, but in 2010 the FAA issued a rule that 

32
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

increased the duration of validity for student pilot certificates for pilots under the age of 40 from 

36 months to 60 months. As a result, according to statistics compiled by the FAA’s Mike 

Monroney Aeronautical Center, the number of student pilots at the end of 2010 increased by 

64.8 percent, or approximately by 47,000 pilots, compared to calendar year end 2009. While 

the impact of the new rule on the long term trend in student pilots has yet to be fully 

determined, the number of student pilots slightly increased by 0.2 percent from its 2013 level to 

120,546. The average age of a U.S. pilot in 2014 was 44.8 years old.

33
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

FAA OPERATIONS

In 2014, activity at FAA facilities declined for the seventh consecutive year. Commercial air 

traffic activity fell for the sixth time in seven years as increases in air carrier activity were more 

than offset by declines in air taxi activity. Noncommercial activity also declined as both general 

aviation and military levels fell. The decline in annual totals were driven primarily by the 

impacts of the unusually severe weather in January-March 2014 quarter, as total operations at 

FAA and contract tower airports posted year over year gains in six of the remaining nine

months of FY 2014.

Total activity at combined FAA and contract tower airports (the set of 516 towers where FAA 

provides service, ranging from Chicago O’Hare (the busiest with 879,000 operations) to towers 

with as few as 7,200 operations (Branson, MO) was 49.6 million operations in 2014, down 0.9

percent from 2013 and 27.8 percent below the peak activity level recorded in 2000. In 2014, 

commercial activity (the sum of air carrier and commuter/air taxi) at combined FAA and contract 

towers fell by 0.6 percent. Air carrier operations were up 1.9 percent while commuter/air taxi 

operations declined 4.1 percent. Commercial operations in 2014 were 17.7 percent lower than 

their peak in 2005.

Non-commercial activity (the sum of general aviation and military) at combined FAA and contract 

towers decreased 1.1 percent in 2014 after a 0.8 percent decrease in 2013. General aviation 

activity (25.6 million) was down 1.1 percent while military activity (2.5 million) was down 1.4

percent. At the end of 2014, non-commercial aircraft activity was 34.1 percent below the activity 

in 2000.

In FY 2014, total operations at the large hubs decreased by 0.5 percent to 12.5 million, and 

constituted 25.2 percent of all towered operations. Activity at the medium hubs fell by 1.6

percent to 4.9 million while activity at the small and non-hub towers decreased by 1.1 percent, 

from 32.6 million to 32.3 million. The share of total towered operations at the medium, and small 

and non-hub towers in FY 2014 were 9.8 and 65.0 percent, respectively. Since 2000, operations 

at large hubs have declined by 13.3 percent, while operations at medium hubs have fallen by 

42.8 percent, and operations at small and non-hub towers have declined by 29.5 percent.

34
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The FAA pays close attention to the trends occurring at the “Core 30” airports. These airports 

represent the top 30 airports in the country in terms of passenger activity (except Memphis which 

is a major freight hub) and account for about 70 percent of commercial passengers. Commercial 

activity at the Core 30 airports peaked in 2005, but subsequent industry restructuring has 

resulted in a drop in combined commercial activity at these airports since then. In 2014, 

commercial activity at the Core 30 airports fell by 0.9 percent from the previous year and was

11.1 percent below 2005 activity levels. Of the Core 30 airports, ten recorded increases in 

activity from 2013 with the largest increases occurring at Seattle (up 6.1 percent) and Honolulu

(up 5.2 percent). The largest decreases in activity occurred at Memphis (down 10.9 percent), 

and Detroit (down 6.3 percent). Only six of the Core 30 airports exceeded 2005 peak activity 

levels during FY 2014, unchanged from the number in prior three years.

36 36

34

31

29 29 29 28 28

25 25 25

22 22 22 22 22 21

 -

 5.0

 10.0

 15.0

 20.0

 25.0

 30.0

 35.0

 40.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Millions

Fiscal Year

Aircraft Activity

at Combined FAA and Contract Towers

Non Commercial Commercial

35
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Since 2005 there has been a pronounced shift in demand which is reflected in the relative 

growth of commercial operations across the Core 30 airports. Commercial operations at San 

Francisco (up 26.7 percent), New York-Kennedy (up 18.5 percent), and Charlotte (up 8.0

percent) have increased the most relative to their 2005 activity levels. Commercial operations 

at Dulles (down 45.5 percent) and Memphis (down 45.4 percent) have shown the largest 

declines from 2005 levels. These activity level shifts reflect the impact of airline industry

restructuring. The demise of Independence Air and United’s continuing restructuring of its

network resulted in a dramatic reduction of operations at Dulles; while the bankruptcy of Delta,

its subsequent merger with Northwest, and the restructuring of the combined network has led 

to a dramatic shrinking of operations in Memphis.

Non-commercial activity, 91 percent of which is in general aviation, decreased 1.1 percent in 

2014 with general aviation activity falling by the same amount. Breaking down the general 

aviation activity by hub size, general aviation activity at large hubs and medium hubs rose by 1.5

and 1.3 percent, respectively, while activity at small and non-hubs decreased by 1.2 percent. 

However, general aviation activity at all hub categories has fallen substantially since 2005, down 

39.5, 37.8, and 28.4 percent, respectively, at large, medium, and small/non hubs. Rising fuel 

prices, stagnant household incomes, falling household wealth, and a shrinking pilot population 

are all viewed as contributing to the long run decline in general aviation activity.

In 2014, total activity at FAA en-route centers (41.3 million) increased for the first time since 

2011, up 3.5 percent from 2013 levels, and 12.9 percent below their peak in 2005. Commercial 

activity increased 2.9 percent with air carrier aircraft handled up 4.7 percent while commuter/air 

taxi aircraft handled fell 1.9 percent, respectively. Non-commercial activity was up 5.6 percent 

for the year as general aviation activity went up 4.7 percent while military activity increased 9.2

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

SFO

JFK

CLT

MIA

DENDCA

LAX

SEA

HNL

EWR

IAH

DFW

LGA

ORD

ATL

BOS

SAN

LAS

MDW

MCO

BWI

FLL

PHX

PHL

MSP

DTW

TPASLC

MEM

IAD

Percent of 2005 Ops

Airport

Only Six of the Core 30 Airports

Are Above 2005 Activity Levels

FY 2014 vs FY 2005 Commercial Activity

36
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

percent. In 2014, air carrier operations were 2.9 percent below their 2005 activity levels and air 

taxi/commuter operations were 15.4 percent below activity levels for 2005. Operations for the 

general aviation and military user groups were 19.5 and 54.8 percent below their 2005 activity 

levels, respectively.

12 12 11

9 10 9 8 8 9

34 35 34

31 31

32 33 32 33

 -

 5.0

 10.0

 15.0

 20.0

 25.0

 30.0

 35.0

 40.0

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Millions

Fiscal Year

Aircraft Handled at FAA En Route Centers

Non Commercial Commercial

37
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

FAA AEROSPACE FORECASTS

FISCAL YEARS 2015 – 2035

Developing forecasts of aviation demand and activity levels continues to be challenging as the 

aviation industry evolves and prior relationships change. In times of amplified volatility, the 

process is filled with uncertainty, particularly in the short-term. Once again, the U.S. aviation 

industry has shown that the demand for air travel is resilient as it rebounds from its most recent

downward spiral caused by the Great Recession. As 2015 begins, lingering questions remain. 

Are the U.S. and global economies on firm ground? Will oil prices rebound sharply or remain at 

current levels for a sustained period into the future? Have the structural changes undertaken by 

the industry over the past 5 years revamped the industry from one of boom-to-bust to one of 

sustainable profits? Has industry consolidation finished?

The FAA has developed a set of assumptions and forecasts consistent with the emerging trends 

and structural changes currently taking place within the aviation industry. The intent of these 

forecasts is to accurately predict future demand; however, due to the large uncertainty of the 

operating environment, the variance around the forecasts is wider than it was in prior years.

The commercial aviation forecasts and assumptions are developed from econometric models that 

explain and incorporate emerging trends for the different segments of the industry. In addition,

the commercial aviation forecasts are considered unconstrained in that they assume there will 

be sufficient infrastructure to handle the projected levels of activity. These forecasts do not 

assume further contractions of the industry through bankruptcy, consolidation, or liquidation. They 

also do not assume any drastic changes in federal government operations.

The commercial aviation forecast methodology is a blended one. The starting point for developing 

the commercial aviation forecasts (air carriers and regionals) is the future schedules published by 

airlines through Innovata. To generate the short-term forecast (i.e., one year out) current monthly 

trends are used in conjunction with published monthly schedules to allow FAA forecasters to 

develop monthly capacity and demand forecasts for both mainline and regional carriers for fiscal 

and calendar years 2015-16. The medium to long-term forecasts (2016-2035) are based on the 

results of econometric models.

The general aviation forecasts rely heavily on discussions with industry experts conducted at 

industry meetings, including four Transportation Research Board (TRB) meetings of Business 

Aviation and Civil Helicopter Subcommittees in May 2014 and January 2015 along with the results 

of the 2013 General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey. The assumptions have been updated 

by FAA analysts to reflect more recent data and developing trends, as well as further information 

from industry experts.

The FAA also presents the draft forecasts and assumptions to industry staff and aviation 

associations, who are asked to comment on the reasonableness of the assumptions and 

38
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

forecasts. Their comments and/or suggestions have been incorporated into the forecasts as 

appropriate.

39
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

ECONOMIC FORECASTS

For this year’s Aerospace Forecast, the FAA is using economic forecasts developed by IHS 

Global Insight, Inc. to project domestic aviation demand. Furthermore, the FAA uses world 

and individual country economic projections provided by IHS Global Insight, Inc. to forecast the 

demand for international aviation services. Annual historical data and economic forecasts are 

presented in Tables 1 through 4. U.S. economic forecasts are presented on a U.S. government 

fiscal year (October through September) basis, whereas international forecasts are presented 

on a calendar year basis.

As the recovery is now entering its sixth year, the U.S. economy continues to face headwinds

that could limit growth over the next few years. While the decline in oil prices would normally 

lead to faster economic growth, a higher dollar, slower foreign economic growth, and reduced 

investment in energy drilling equipment and infrastructure, mitigates a significant portion of the 

growth benefit from lower oil and gasoline prices. In the global economy, the outlook for 

Europe outside of the United Kingdom remains uncertain and recent data from China point to a 

GDP growth between 6.5 and 7 percent. The dollar appreciated versus other major currencies 

in 2014 as U.S. economic growth accelerated while China slowed down and Europe and 

Japan stagnated. The stronger dollar will make U.S. exports more expensive and widen the 

trade deficit. Falling oil prices are curtailing investment in drilling equipment and infrastructure 

as revenue from oil production declines due to the falling prices.

U.S. economic growth is projected to accelerate through most of FY 2015 as higher consumer 

spending kicks in spurred on by solid gains in employment, improving consumer finances, and 

lower gasoline prices. Government spending will no longer be a drag on growth, unlike the 

past few years. On a quarter-by-quarter basis, U.S. economic growth is projected to range

between 2.1 to 3.1 percent on an annualized basis for the next two years.

40
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The modest pace of economic recovery has been most evident in the nation’s unemployment 

rate. Since peaking at 9.9 percent in the first quarter of FY 2010, the unemployment rate has 

come down gradually, dropping to 6.1 percent in the fourth quarter of FY 2014. IHS Global 

Insight is projecting that with the pickup in economic growth, growth in employment will remain 

solid and the unemployment rate will drop in FY 2015, averaging 5.6 percent for the year. The 

growth in employment (and the accompanying fall in the unemployment rate) will result in an 

uptick in income growth with real disposable income (income after taxes) projected to rise 3.0 

percent in 2015 providing a boost to aviation demand in domestic markets, after increasing 

1.5 and 1.2 percent in 2013 and 2014, respectively

In the medium term, (the three year period between 2016 and 2019), U.S. economic growth is 

projected to average 2.6 percent per year with rates ranging between 2.4 and 2.7 percent. 

Income growth picks up during the same period averaging 3.2 percent per year. For the 

balance of the forecast period, annual average growth of U.S. real GDP growth and real 

income slow to 2.4 and 2.5 percent, respectively. The long-term stability of U.S. economic 

growth depends on sustained growth in the workforce and capital stock along with improved 

productivity and competitiveness.

2.1

2.4

2.6

2.4

2.2 2.2

2.9

3.1

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

2014 Q4 2015 Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2016 Q1 2016 Q2 2016 Q3

Annual Percent Change

Year/Qtr

U.S. Gross Domestic Product

Seasonally Adjusted Annual Growth by Quarter

Fiscal Year 2015 Fiscal Year 2016

41
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

1.8 

2.5 2.6 

2.4 

2.7 

2.4 2.4 

 -

 0.5

 1.0

 1.5

 2.0

 2.5

 3.0

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Real Gross Domestic Product

Source: IHS Global Insight

1.5 

1.2 

3.0 

2.7 

3.5 

3.2 

2.5 

 -

 0.5

 1.0

 1.5

 2.0

 2.5

 3.0

 3.5

 4.0

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Real Disposable Income

Source: IHS Global Insight

42
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

After falling by 3.0 percent in 2014, IHS Global Insight projects the price, as measured by the 

Refiners’ Acquisition Cost, to fall sharply to $60 per barrel in 2015 (down 38.1 percent from 

2014) as increasing supply (especially in the U.S. from new technologies) coupled with slowing 

global demand has resulted in a glut of oil. IHS Global Insight believes the glut of oil in the 

world market is a long term situation as oil prices are forecast to not reach $100 per barrel until 

2021. For the remainder of the forecast period, oil prices are projected to grow slightly faster 

than general inflation, reaching $162 per barrel by 2035.

Inflation continues to remain in check as energy prices fall in 2015. After increasing 1.6

percent in FY 2014, the inflation rate (as measured by the CPI), is projected to rise only 

0.3 percent but then accelerate to 1.7 percent in 2016. After 2016, consumer price inflation is 

projected to grow between 2.0 and 2.5 percent per year for the balance of the forecast.

To reflect the uncertainty in the projection of economic growth, the FAA Aerospace Forecast 

uses high and low economic growth cases along with the base forecast. The optimistic and 

pessimistic economic growth cases are based on optimistic and pessimistic scenarios from 

IHS Global Insight’s December 2014 U.S. economic forecast and extend to 2024. The 

optimistic case sees oil prices falling to around $45 per barrel by the end of FY 2015, driving 

down the price of gasoline and providing an additional boost to consumer spending. Recent 

moves by the European Central Bank (ECB) successfully lift European growth and pent-up 

demand in Europe is released. Emerging market growth also accelerates as these markets 

implement structural reforms to increase labor productivity. The stock market responds 

favorably to all these developments which helps reinforce higher consumer spending.

Employment and wage growth pick up further lifting consumer spending. Real GDP growth 

between 2014 and 2024 in the optimistic case averages 3.0 percent annually compared to 2.5

percent in the base case. The pessimistic case assumes recent improvements in the labor 

(2.0) (3.0)

(38.1)

7.5 9.4 9.0 

3.8 

 (50.0)

 (40.0)

 (30.0)

 (20.0)

 (10.0)

 -

 10.0

 20.0

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

Refiners' Acquisition Cost

Source: IHS Global Insight

43
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

market don’t translate into wage growth while access to credit remains tight for many. As a 

result, household formation continues to fall as do housing prices. Declines in the stock 

market weaken consumer confidence and the combination of falling equity values and 

declining housing prices lead to a slowdown in consumption spending. In addition, foreign 

growth is slow reducing demand for U.S. exports. In the face of slow consumption growth at 

home and slow exports, private sector hiring slows and the unemployment rate climbs back up 

over 6% in 2015. U.S. economic growth is below 2.0 percent in 2015-18 before finally picking 

up. Real GDP growth in the pessimistic case averages 1.8 percent annually between 2014

and 2024, 0.7 percentage points lower than the base case. Further details about the high and 

low scenarios can be found in Appendix A.

44
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

World Economy

After weathering the first contraction in global GDP since the Great Depression, a very slow 

recovery from the recession in Europe, a sharp decline in energy prices, and political 

stalemates in the U.S. over what to do with the U.S. federal budget, worldwide economic 

activity is estimated by IHS Global Insight to have expanded by 2.5 percent in calendar year 

2014, the same rate as 2013. The advanced economies (U.S., Canada, Western Europe, 

Australia, New Zealand, and Japan) posted growth in output ranging from a low of 0.2 percent 

to a high of 3.1 percent. 12

The emerging market economies grew 4.1 percent, 0.6 points lower than in 2013 with the 

economy of China up 7.3 percent, India up 5.9 percent, Brazil remained stagnant with no 

growth, and Russia was up 0.1 percent. In 2015, world economic growth is projected to 

increase slightly by 2.8 percent as employment levels improve, consumer confidence 

improves, and public sector austerity continues to ease in most countries.13

While growth in the U.S. and in the emerging market economies edges up, the recovery in 

Europe continues to be weak, especially in Russia, Greece, Italy, and Spain.14

12 Source: IHS Global Insight, GDP Components Tables, Interim Forecast, Release date December 15, 2014. 13 Ibid.

14 Ibid.

0.8 0.9 

1.6 

2.4 

2.5 2.7 

0.9 

3.4 

4.7 4.6 

4.3 4.3 

1.9 2.0 

2.4 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.5 

3.1 

 -

 0.5

 1.0

 1.5

 2.0

 2.5

 3.0

 3.5

 4.0

 4.5

 5.0

2012 2013 2014 2014-2035

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

Real Gross Domestic Product by World Region

Europe/Africa/Middle East Latin America/Caribbean Asia-Pacific Canada World

Source: IHS Global Insight

45

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The Asia/Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean regions will continue to experience the world’s 

highest economic growth rates. These regions are expected to see their economic activity 

grow at annual rates of 4.3 and 3.4 percent a year, respectively, over the forecast period

(2014-2035). China, which became the world’s second largest economy in 2009 (surpassing 

Japan), is projected to grow 5.6 percent a year, while India, projected to see its GDP almost

quadruple in size, is growing at an average rate of 6.6 percent a year during the forecast period. 

In contrast, Japan, recently hampered by a new sales tax hike, grows at just 0.8 percent a year 

over the forecast horizon as structural impediments, and an aging population continues to limit 

growth15.

From 2014-2035, worldwide real GDP is projected to increase an average of 3.1 percent per 

calendar year.16

15 Ibid.

16 Ibid.

46

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

AVIATION TRAFFIC AND ACTIVITY FORECASTS

Total traffic and activity forecasts for commercial air carriers (the sum of mainline and regional 

carriers) are presented in Tables 5 through 9. These tables contain year-to-year historical data 

and forecasts.

Mainline air carrier traffic and activity forecasts and the forecast assumptions are displayed in 

Tables 10 through 18, 21, and 23. These tables contain year-to-year historical data and 

forecasts.

Regional carrier forecasts and assumptions are found in Tables 24 through 27. These tables 

provide year-to-year historical and forecast data.

Tables 19 and 20 provide year-to-year historical and forecast data for cargo activity. Table 22

provides year-to-year historical and forecast data for the cargo jet fleet.

General aviation forecasts are found in Tables 28 through 31. These tables provide year-toyear historical data and forecasts.

Tables 32 through 34 provide forecasts of aircraft activity at FAA and contract facilities.

Commercial Aviation Forecasts

System capacity is projected to increase modestly (up 2.4 percent) in 2015. In the domestic 

market, mainline carrier capacity expanded only slightly (1.8 percent) in 2014 but is projected 

to grow at a more robust rate (2.6 percent) in 2015, while capacity for the regional carriers is 

projected to post its first increase since FY 2011 (up 4.0 percent). In the international sector, 

capacity is forecast to increase slowly in the Atlantic and Pacific markets, respectively, and 

increase modestly in the Latin market -- resulting in an overall international capacity increase 

of 1.6 percent in 2015. Passenger demand growth is in line with capacity growth in 2015 with 

system RPMs forecast to grow 2.6 percent.

Supported by a growing U.S. and world economy, year over year RPM growth is forecast to be 

2.5 percent, on average, over the 2016-2035 period. Over the same time period, system

capacity growth averages of 2.5 percent per year as well.

System passengers are projected to increase an average of 1.9 percent a year, with mainline 

carriers growing at 2.0 percent a year, slightly higher than their regional counterparts (up 1.6

percent). By 2035, U.S. commercial air carriers are projected to fly 1.71 trillion ASMs and 

transport 1.14 billion enplaned passengers a total of 1.44 trillion passenger miles.

Planes will remain crowded, with load factors projected to grow moderately during the early 

years of the forecast period then tapering during the mid to latter years to 84.2 percent in 2035

(up 0.6 points compared to the beginning of the forecast period in 2015).

47
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Passenger trip length is forecast to increase by more than 139 miles over the forecast period

to 1,270 miles in 2035. The growth in passenger trip length reflects the faster growth in the 

relatively longer international and domestic trips as compared to shorter-haul flights.

Domestic Markets

After expanding slightly in FY 2014 (up 1.4 percent), domestic capacity is projected to increase 

by 2.8 percent in 2015. For the remainder of the forecast period, domestic commercial carrier 

capacity is expected to remain sluggish but steady at an average of 1.8 percent per year as 

U.S. economic growth accelerates, with mainline carriers growing slower than regional 

carriers, 1.8 percent versus 2.0 percent.

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

2014 2017 2020 2023 2026 2029 2032 2035

Millions of Passengers

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

System Enplanements

Mainline Regionals

48
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Since economic growth is picking up in the U.S., U.S. carrier domestic RPM growth in 2015 is 

projected to increase by 2.8 percent. Mainline carrier RPMs are projected to increase by 2.7

percent during 2015, while regional carrier RPMs are projected to increase at a faster rate (3.4

percent). Traffic growth remains steady for the next decade with annual RPM growth 

averaging 1.8 percent as the economic recovery slowly gains steam. For the balance of the 

forecast period (2026-2035) modest economic growth and falling real yield drive domestic 

RPM growth of 2.1 percent a year. Over the entire forecast period (2014-2035), domestic 

RPMs grow an average of 1.9 percent a year with mainline carriers growing more slowly than 

the regional carriers (1.8 percent a year versus 2.1 percent a year, respectively).

1.8 

2.6 

1.8 

(1.5)

4.0 

2.1 

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Domestic Available Seat Miles

Mainline Regionals

49
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Enplanements are forecast to grow moderately (up 2.6 percent) in 2015 after a 2.1 percent 

increase in 2014. Similar to RPMs, passenger growth is expected to remain steady in the next 

decade (up 1.5 percent a year) as the recovery gains momentum and then average 1.8

percent per year for the period 2026-2035. Over the entire forecast period (2014-2035), 

domestic enplanements are projected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.7 percent with 

mainline and regional carriers growing at the same rate.

The continued modest recovery in demand, coupled with restricted capacity growth, provided 

pricing power for the mainline carriers during 2014, with nominal yield increasing 4.5 percent

(up 2.9 percent in real terms). In spite of slow demand growth, continued tight capacity will 

provide support for higher fares in 2015, with an increase in nominal yield of 3.0 percent (2.7

percent in real terms). For the entire forecast period, nominal yield is projected to increase at 

an average rate of 2.0 percent a year, while in real terms it is projected to decline at an 

average rate of 0.1 percent a year. The decline in real yield over the forecast period assumes 

technological improvements, competition between carriers, and the increasing convergence of 

cost structures between network carriers and their low-cost counterparts. The convergence in 

cost structures between the carrier groups arises from gains in productivity as network carriers 

retire fuel inefficient aircraft and hold the line on labor costs while existing low-cost carriers 

contend with aging fleets, maturing work forces, and larger and more complex networks.

Domestic commercial carrier activity (departures) at FAA air traffic facilities is projected to grow 

more slowly than passenger traffic over the forecast period (1.0 percent per year for 

departures versus 1.9 percent for RPMs). This reflects increased carrier efficiencies in three

operational measures: aircraft size, load factor, and trip length.

2.8 2.7 

1.9 

0.5 

3.4 

2.1

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Domestic Revenue Passenger Miles

Mainline Regionals

50
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Overall domestic aircraft size increased by 2.0 seats to 126.9 in 2014 as a result of the 

combination of the increased mainline carrier domestic capacity share and increases in the 

aircraft size of the mainline carrier group. Mainline carrier aircraft size increased 1.2 seats with 

the retirement of older aircraft (i.e. MD-80’s, 737-300/400/500, and 757’s). Regional aircraft 

size increased by 0.9 seats as 50-seat jets were retired and replaced by larger 70-90 seat jet 

aircraft entered the fleet. Domestic seats per aircraft are forecast to increase in 2015 (up 0.9

seats) as both mainline and regional carrier aircraft will increase in size. Over the balance of

the forecast (2016-2035), domestic seats per aircraft are projected to gradually increase to 

137.5 seats by 2035, an average increase of 0.5 seats per year.

The FAA’s projection of domestic carrier average aircraft size is greatly influenced by carrier 

fleet plans, publicly known aircraft order books, and the FAA’s expectations of the changing 

domestic competitive landscape. In the near-term (through 2016), the forecast incorporates 

several assumptions: 1) mainline carriers desire to keep ASM growth in line with GDP growth; 

2) the retirement of older inefficient aircraft (many of which are narrow-body); 3) the shifting of 

wide-body and larger narrow-body aircraft to international services, and 4) growing use of 70-

90 seat regional jet aircraft.

In the longer-term, network carriers will replace their older narrow-body aircraft (A320’s/B757-

200/300) in their domestic route networks with next generation, narrow-body aircraft like the 

A320 Neo and the 737 Max. The use of smaller aircraft, like the 100-seat Embraer 190, to 

supplement carrier route structures will be limited. The use of the next generation, narrowbody aircraft will allow mainline carriers to better serve their customers by more closely 

matching supply (the number of seats) with demand (the number of passengers), and improve 

profitability through lower operating costs.

Mainline carrier domestic aircraft size increased in 2014 by 1.2 seats to 155.1 seats, and is 

projected to increase by another 1.2 seats in 2015. Domestic aircraft size for mainline carriers 

is projected to increase by 0.6 seats in 2016 and then gradually increase for the balance of the 

forecast. Overall, average aircraft size for the mainline group will increase by 11.3 seats

between 2014 and 2035, going from 155.1 to 166.4.

Regional carrier aircraft size flown domestically is projected to grow at a faster pace than that 

of the mainline carriers. The faster growth in aircraft size for regional carriers is stimulated by

continued deliveries of 70 to 90 seat regional jet aircraft that are entering the fleet as well as 

reductions in the 50-seat and under jet fleet. The larger share of 70 to 90-seat regional jets in 

the fleet, coupled with 50-seat jet and small turboprop retirements over the next few years,

increases the average seating capacity of the regional fleet from 57.0 seats in 2014 to 59.5

seats by 2017. Over the course of the forecast, seats per aircraft for regional carriers 

increases an average of 0.6 seats per year to 69.3 seats in 2035. The changing aircraft fleet 

mix is narrowing the gap between the size and aircraft types operated by the mainline and 

regional carriers.

The commercial carrier domestic load factor increased 1.1 points during FY 2014 to an all-time 

high of 84.4 percent, with record load factors posted by the mainline and regional carrier 

groups. The mainline carrier group posted a load factor of 85.0 percent, up 0.9 percentage 

points from 2013. Regional carrier load factor increased 2.1 points to 80.0 percent. In 2015, 

51
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

the domestic load factor is forecast to remain at 84.4. Thereafter, the commercial carrier 

domestic load factor gradually rises to 85.7 percent by 2035.

In 2014 the average domestic passenger trip length increased by 3.0 miles to 895.4 miles in 

total, after increasing by 8.8 miles in 2013. Passenger trip length is forecast to increase by 1.8

miles in 2015 as carriers continue to restructure their networks and realign capacity. After 

2015, trip length is projected to remain relatively stable for a number of years before steadily 

increasing from 2018 onwards, reaching 943.8 miles by 2035. The increase in trip length 

reflects longer trips flown by the mainline and regional carrier group. Mainline carrier trip 

length increases as service in thinner, relatively shorter haul markets is dropped or 

relinquished to regional partners and replaced with longer domestic trips. Regional carrier trip 

length increases as flying in shorter haul markets is abandoned and/or reduced as more of the

larger 70 and 90-seat regional jets continue to penetrate thinner longer-haul markets

previously served with mainline equipment. 

Another key factor in predicting aviation activity relative to passenger demand is the level of 

connecting versus non-stop (origin-destination) traffic. However, as the current cycle of U.S. 

airline industry restructuring unfolds and hub structures change, the impact on local communities 

and airport activity levels can vary significantly.

The FAA analyzes the ratio of passenger enplanements to origin-destination (O&D) 

passengers over time to identify changes in connecting versus non-stop traffic. This ratio is an 

indicator of the tendency of the average passenger to connect during a typical journey. The 

closer the ratio is to 1.0, the more passengers fly on a point-to-point routing. As the chart 

below shows, the overall ratio for the U.S. domestic industry peaked in 2002, and then trailed 

downward to its lowest level (1.32 enplanements for every O&D passenger) by 2007. The 

decline in the ratio during this six year period is characterized by a drop in connectivity by the 

network carriers and a rising passenger share for the low-cost carriers. As demand for air 

travel fell during the great recession and fuel costs skyrocketed, the ratio jumped up to over 

1.34 in 2009. Between 2009 and 2013 the ratio fell between 1.341 and 1.351 enplanements 

for every O&D passenger, but the 2014 figure fell below 1.34 to 1.335, the lowest figure since 

2008. The FAA’s forecast recognizes the changing pattern of domestic traffic connectivity and 

these trends are captured in the forecast’s passenger enplanement totals.

52
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

International Markets

U.S. and Foreign Flag Carriers

The FAA provides forecasts of total international passenger demand17 for travel between the 

United States and three world travel areas: Atlantic, Latin America (including Mexico and the 

Caribbean), and Asia/Pacific, as well as for U.S.–Canadian transborder traffic. These 

forecasts are based on historical passenger statistics provided by the U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection18 and Transport Canada, and on regional world historical data and economic 

projections from Global Insight, Inc.

Total passenger traffic between the United States and the rest of the world is estimated to 

total 195.7 million in CY 2014, 5.5 percent higher than in 2013. Passenger demand growth 

slows in 2015 and 2016 (up 4.7 and 3.3 percent, respectively) but picks up again in 2017 (up 

4.2 percent) as the U.S. and world economic recovery solidifies. For the balance of the 

forecast period (2017-35), stable worldwide economic growth leads international passengers to

grow at an average rate of 4.1 percent a year, totaling 452.9 million in 2035.

17 The sum of U.S. and foreign flag carriers.

18 Customs and border protection data is processed and released by the Department of Commerce.

1.29

1.30

1.31

1.32

1.33

1.34

1.35

1.36

1.37

1.38

1.39

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E

Ratio

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Carriers Domestic Enplanements Per 

Origin-Destination Passenger

Source: DOT T100 and O&D Survey

53

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

In the Latin America region, sustained economic growth drives passenger growth to an 

average rate of 4.2 percent a year over the entire forecast period (2014-2035). The highest 

growth is projected for Mexico (average annual growth of 4.7 percent) while the second largest 

market in the region, Brazil, grows at an average of 4.4 percent a year. The slowest rates of 

growth are projected to occur in the Bahamian and Jamaican markets (averaging growth of 

zero and 3.3 percent a year, respectively).

Emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific market boost passenger demand an average of 4.0

percent per year. Taiwan, South Korea, India and China (passenger growth of 4.2, 4.5, 4.2, 

and 6.2 percent a year, respectively) are forecast to be the fastest growing markets in the 

region. Growth in the Japan market (the largest and most established in the region) is 

projected to be well below the regional average at 2.7 percent a year.

In the more mature Atlantic market, the Open Skies agreement between the European Union 

and the United States along with competition between global airline alliances helps fuel 

passenger growth of 3.9 percent a year over the forecast period. Over the 20-year forecast 

horizon, average annual passenger growth in the top four Atlantic country specific markets, the 

United Kingdom, Germany, France and the Netherlands, is 3.7, 3.4, 2.9, and 3.6 percent, 

respectively.

Growth in the Canadian transborder market is forecast to be higher than that of the domestic 

U.S. market19 (1.7 percent), averaging 3.3 percent a year over the forecast period.

19 Mainline and regionals.

3.9 

4.4 

4.0 

3.3 

 -

 0.5

 1.0

 1.5

 2.0

 2.5

 3.0

 3.5

 4.0

 4.5

 5.0

Atlantic Latin America Asia/Pacific Canada Transborder

Annual Percent Change

Region

U.S. and Foreign Flag Carriers 

Passengers to/from U.S. 

Calendar Years 2015-2035

Source: U.S. Customs & Border Protection data processed and released by the Department of Commerce; data also received from 

Transport Canada.

54

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

U.S. Flag Air Carriers

International U.S. commercial air carrier capacity grew modestly in 2014, up 4.0 percent from 

2013. The Atlantic market recovered from a loss the previous year (up 2.8 percent) after 

declining 2.9 percent in 2013. The Latin America market posted a solid 8.4 percent increase 

while the Pacific market showed more modest growth, up 1.2 percent.

In 2015, moderate demand and increasing competition between global alliances is expected to 

boost total international capacity by 1.6 percent as all markets are expected to grow. The 

fastest growth is projected for the Latin market (up 4.7 percent), followed by the Pacific (up 2.6

percent); on the other hand, the Atlantic will show a slight loss (down 1.3 percent). Systemwide capacity is projected to inch up in 2015 (up 1.6 percent), fueled by stronger economic 

growth projected for all world regions, and is projected to average 3.8 percent a year for the 

remainder of the forecast period (2016-2035). Moderate growth over the forecast period

reflects favorable U.S. and world economic activity as it recovers from the global contraction.

U.S. commercial air carrier international RPMs and enplanements increased 2.6 and 3.4

percent, respectively, in 2014. Increases in RPMs for the Latin market (up 7.7 percent) and 

the Atlantic market (up 0.8 percent) offset a decrease in the Pacific market (down 0.1 percent).

In 2015, U.S. carrier international RPMs are expected to increase by 2.3 percent as increases 

in the Latin American market (up 4.3 percent) compensate for the more anemic upticks in the 

Atlantic market (up 1.5 percent) and the Pacific market (up 1.2 percent).

2.8 

(1.3)

3.1 

8.4 

4.7 4.5 

1.2 

2.6 

3.7 4.0 

1.6 

3.7 

 (2.0)

 -

 2.0

 4.0

 6.0

 8.0

 10.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

International Available Seat Miles

Atlantic Latin Pacific Total

55
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

For the balance of the forecast (2016-2035), RPMs increase an average of 3.7 percent a year 

with the fastest growth in the Latin region (up 4.5 percent).

International enplanement growth for 2015 by U.S. commercial air carriers is projected to be 

2.4 percent as solid growth in both the Latin (up 4.0 percent) and Atlantic (up 1.5 percent) 

markets offset a decline in the Pacific region (down 1.5 percent) where a slowdown in both 

China and India’s economic growth affects demand. Over the balance of the forecast period

(2016-2035), enplanements are forecast to increase an average of 3.7 percent a year with the 

fastest growth in Latin and Pacific markets (up 4.3 and 3.7 percent a year, respectively).

International enplanement growth in U.S. carrier over the period 2014-2035 compares 

favorably to the growth in overall international passengers by U.S. and foreign flag carriers (4.1

percent a year, including the U.S.-Canada transborder market). Forecasts of international 

demand assume U.S. and foreign flag carriers will benefit from improving economic activity in 

both the United States and world markets.

International load factor for U.S. commercial carriers was 81.4 percent in 2014, a decrease of 

1.2 points from 2013. Load factor is expected to slightly increase to 81.9 in 2015 as capacity 

increases in line with demand. International load factor is projected to remain steady around 

81.9 percent over the balance of the forecast period to 2035 as traffic growth matches capacity 

growth in all three world markets.

0.8 

1.5 

3.1 

7.6 

4.3 4.4 

(0.1)

1.2 

3.7 

2.6 2.3 

3.7 

 (1.0)

 -

 1.0

 2.0

 3.0

 4.0

 5.0

 6.0

 7.0

 8.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

International Revenue Passenger Miles

Atlantic Latin Pacific Total

56
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

International passenger real yields for U.S. commercial carriers were down 0.8 percent in 2014

as decreases in the Pacific market (down 3.4 percent) and in the Latin market (down 2.0

percent) offset an increase in the Atlantic market (up 1.3 percent). In 2015 international real 

yield is expected to decrease by 0.5 percent; for the remainder of the forecast period, real yield

decreases an average of 0.6 percent a year. In nominal terms, international yields are forecast 

to decrease 0.2 percent in 2015, and then grow at an annual rate of 1.5 percent over the

remainder of the forecast. The decline in real yields assumes competitive pressures (including 

established and relatively new international carriers) and technological improvements will hold 

the line on fare increases.

Commercial Air Carriers – Air Cargo

Historically, air cargo activity tracks with GDP. Additional factors that affect air cargo growth are

fuel price volatility, movement of real yields, and globalization. Significant structural changes have 

occurred in the air cargo industry; among these are air cargo security regulations by the FAA and 

TSA, maturation of the domestic express market, a shift from air to other modes (especially truck),

use of all-cargo carriers (e.g., FedEx) by the U.S. Postal Service to transport mail, and the

increased use of mail substitutes (e.g. e-mail, cloud-based services).

The forecasts of Revenue Ton Miles (RTMs) are based on several assumptions specific to the 

cargo industry. First, security restrictions on air cargo transportation will remain in place. Second, 

most of the shift from air to ground transportation has occurred. Finally, long-term cargo activity 

will be tied to economic growth.

The forecasts of RTMs were based on models that link cargo activity to GDP. Forecasts of 

domestic cargo RTMs were developed with real U.S. GDP as the primary driver. Projections of 

international cargo RTMs were based on growth in world GDP, adjusted for inflation. The 

distribution of RTMs between passenger and all-cargo carriers was forecast based on an analysis 

of historic trends in shares, changes in industry structure, and market assumptions.

Total RTMs did not change in 2014 but are forecast to grow 3.7 percent in 2015. Driven by steady 

U.S. and world economic growth, total RTMs are projected to increase at an average annual rate 

of 3.6 percent for the balance of the forecast period.

Domestic cargo RTMs increased 2.3 percent in 2014 and are forecast to grow 1.7 percent in 2015

as the U.S. economic recovery continues. Between 2015 and 2035, domestic cargo RTMs are 

forecast to increase at an average annual rate of 0.5 percent.

The freight/express segment of domestic air cargo is highly correlated with capital spending. 

Thus, this segment’s growth will be tied to growth in the economy. The mail segment of domestic 

air cargo will be affected by price and substitution (e.g. e-mail).

The all-cargo carriers have increased their share of domestic cargo RTMs flown from 70.1 percent 

in 2000 to 88.6 percent in 2014. This is because of the shrinkage of the domestic freight/express 

business for passenger carriers as they have responded to the substantial shocks to the aviation 

system during this time. Shrinking networks, elimination of unprofitable flying, and consolidation 

have reduced opportunities for growth in their freight/express business. The all-cargo share is 

57
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

forecast to grow to 90.2 percent by 2035 based on increases in capacity for all-cargo carriers and 

ongoing security considerations.

International cargo RTMs fell for the third year in a row, down 1.2 percent in 2014 as 

stagnation in Europe and a slowdown in China’s economic growth slowed worldwide trade. 

They are projected to grow 4.9 percent in 2015 as global trade growth resumes. For the 

forecast period (2014-35) international cargo RTMs are forecast to increase an average of 4.7

percent a year based on projected growth in world GDP.

The share of international cargo RTMs flown by all-cargo carriers increased from 50.3 percent 

in 2000 to 72.3 percent in 2014. Continuing the trend experienced over the past decade, the 

all-cargo share of international RTMs flown is forecast to increase modestly to 78.6 percent by

2035.

Commercial Aircraft Fleet

The number of commercial aircraft is forecast to grow from 6,676 in 2014 to 8,131 in 2035, an 

average annual growth rate of 0.9 percent or 69 aircraft annually. The commercial fleet is 

projected to decrease by 2 aircraft in 2015 after shrinking by 57 aircraft in 2014 as the slow 

recovery in demand and rising fuel prices prompted carriers to prune their fleets. Since 2007, 

the U.S. commercial airline fleet has contracted by 1,056 aircraft. In comparison, the U.S. 

2.3

1.7

0.5

-1.2

4.9 4.7

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Commercial Air Carriers

Revenue Ton Miles

Domestic International

58
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

commercial fleet contracted by 262 aircraft between 2000 and 2003, the last downturn in 

aviation.

The number of passenger jets in the U.S. mainline carrier fleet fell by 9 aircraft in 2014 and is 

projected to rise by 49 aircraft in 2015 as network carriers continue to remove older, less fuel 

efficient narrow body aircraft. After 2015, the mainline air carrier passenger fleet increases an 

average of 60 aircraft a year over the remaining years of the forecast period, totaling 5,015

aircraft in 2035. The narrow-body fleet (including E-190’s at JetBlue and American Airways) is

projected to grow by 38 aircraft annually over the period 2014-2035; the wide-body fleet grows 

by 21 aircraft a year as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350’s enter the fleet.

The regional carrier passenger fleet is forecast to decrease by 57 aircraft in 2015 as increases 

in larger regional jets are more than offset by reductions in 50 seat and smaller regional jets

and turboprops. After 2015, the regional carrier fleet is projected to decrease by an average of

3 aircraft (-0.1 percent) a year over the remaining years of the forecast period, totaling 2,034

aircraft in 2035. The number of regional jets (90 seats or fewer) at regional carriers is 

projected to grow from 1,593 in 2014 to 1,852 in 2035, an average annual increase of 0.7

percent. All of the growth in regional jets over the forecast period occurs in the larger 70 to 90-

seat aircraft. During the forecast period, all regional jets of 50 or less seats are removed from 

the fleet, reflecting the relaxation of scope clauses. The turboprop/piston fleet is expected to 

shrink from 555 units in 2014 to 182 in 2035. Turboprop/piston aircraft are expected to 

account for just 8.9 percent of the regional carrier passenger fleet in 2035, down from a 25.8

percent share in 2014.

Cargo large jet aircraft are forecast to increase by 6 aircraft in 2015 to 764 aircraft after 

increasing by 17 aircraft in 2014 primarily due to 757F’s to Federal Express. For the 

1.1 0.8

1.5

-5.4

-0.5 -0.1

-11.7

-0.3

2.4

-14.0

-12.0

-10.0

-8.0

-6.0

-4.0

-2.0

0.0

2.0

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

U.S. Commercial Aircraft Fleet

Calendar Years 2014-2035

Mainline AC Regional Cargo

59
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

remainder of the forecast period, cargo large jet aircraft at U.S. carriers are forecast to grow at 

an average annual rate of 1.8 percent to 1,082 aircraft in 2035. The narrow-body, cargo jet 

fleet is projected to increase by 3 aircraft a year over the 21-year forecast period as older 757’s 

and 737’s are converted to cargo service. The wide-body, cargo jet fleet is projected to 

increase by 13 aircraft yearly.

General Aviation

The FAA forecasts the fleet and hours flown for single-engine and multi-engine piston aircraft, 

turboprops, turbojets, piston and turbine powered rotorcraft, and light sport, experimental and 

“other” (which consists of gliders and lighter than air vehicles) aircraft. The forecasts are 

carried out for “active aircraft,”20 not total aircraft. The FAA uses estimates of fleet size, hours 

flown, and utilization from the General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) as 

baseline figures upon which assumed growth rates can be applied. Beginning with the 2004 

GA Survey, there were significant improvements to the survey methodology. Coinciding with 

the changed survey methodology, large changes in many categories were observed, both in 

the number of aircraft and hours flown. The results of the 2013 GA Survey are consistent with 

the results of surveys conducted since 2004, reinforcing our belief that the methodological 

improvements have resulted in superior estimates relative to those of the past. Thus, they are 

used as the basis for our forecast. Because results from the GA Survey are not published until 

the following year, the 2013 statistics are the latest available. As an additional note, the results 

of the 2011 survey were not available to use. Therefore, estimates of 2011 fleet and hours 

were based on estimated number of general aviation aircraft in the FAA civil aircraft registration 

database by the end of CY 2011, and past rates of active aircraft and utilization by type of 

aircraft and age of the fleet. The 2013 GA Survey results reflect the majority of the anticipated 

effect of the 2010 Rule for Re-Registration and Renewal of Aircraft Registration. The complete 

effect of this Rule, which requires all aircraft registered in the U.S. to re-register within the 

three-year period from 2011 to 2013, will be noted after the 2014 Survey, when the residual 

Registry cleanup efforts are taken into account. The 2013 Survey showed that between 2010 

and 2013 the number of active GA aircraft went down by 10.5 percent, from 223,370 to 

199,927. There may be an additional marginal decline in the active fleet due to cleaning of the 

Registry. General aviation flight hours for 2014 are estimated based on the active fleet and 

other activity indicators at 23.1 million, with an increase of 0.8 percent from the previous year.

Activity forecasts begin in 2015 and continue through 2035.

After growing rapidly for most of the past decade, and then slowing over the past few years, 

the most recent shipment activity indicates the modest growth continues in the overall general 

aviation aircraft market. While the recovery in the business jet market has been slow, 2014 

recorded the first increase in shipments by U.S. manufacturers since 2008. The forecast calls 

for robust growth in the long term outlook, driven by higher corporate profits and the growth of 

worldwide GDP, though at rates slightly lower than those predicted last year. Continued 

concerns about safety, security, and flight delays keep business aviation attractive relative to 

commercial air travel. As the industry experts and prior year’s survey results report a 

significant portion of piston aircraft hours are also used for business purposes, we predict 

20 An active aircraft is one that flies at least one hour during the year.

60

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

business usage of general aviation aircraft will expand at a faster pace than that for personal

and recreational use. Increased demand for turboprop aircraft also contributes to increased 

turbine fleet and hours.

The active general aviation fleet is projected to increase at an average annual rate of 

0.4 percent over the 21-year forecast period, growing from an estimated 198,860 in 2014 to 

214,260 aircraft by 2035. The more expensive and sophisticated turbine-powered fleet 

(including rotorcraft) is projected to grow to a total of 45,905 aircraft at an average rate of 2.4

percent a year over the forecast period, with the turbine jet portion increasing at 2.8 percent a 

year, reaching a total of 20,815 by 2035.

The number of active piston-powered aircraft (including rotorcraft) is projected to decrease at an 

average annual rate of 0.5 percent from the 2014 total of 139,890 to 125,935 by 2035, with 

declines in both single and multi-engine fixed wing aircraft, but with the smaller category of pistonpowered rotorcraft growing at 2.1 percent a year. Single-engine fixed-wing piston aircraft, which 

are much more numerous within this group, are projected to decline at a rate of 0.6 percent, while 

multi-engine fixed wing piston aircraft are projected to decline by 0.4 percent a year.

Starting in 2005, a new category of aircraft (previously not included in the FAA's aircraft 

registry counts) was created: "light sport" aircraft. At the end of 2013, a total of 2,056 active

special light-sport aircraft were estimated in this category (Beginning in 2009, experimental 

light-sport aircraft category was reported in the FAA statistics as a separate category and until 

2012 reported under light sport aircraft together with the special light-sport aircraft. Starting in 

2012, this experimental light-sport group was re-classified within the experimental aircraft 

-0.5

0.0

0.4

0.7

1.2

2.4

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

Active General Aviation Aircraft

Total Turbines

61
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

category). The forecast assumes about 4.3 percent annual growth of the fleet by 2035, to a 

total of 5,360 light sport aircraft.

The total number of general aviation hours flown is projected to increase by 1.4 percent yearly 

over the forecast period. The FAA projects faster growth in hours will occur after 2023 with 

increases in the fixed wing turbine aircraft fleet, as well as increasing utilization of both single 

and multi-engine piston aircraft as the aging of this fleet starts to slow down. In the medium 

term, much of the increase in hours flown reflects strong growth in the rotorcraft and turbine jet 

fleets. It is also expected that declining fuel prices will slow down the decrease in piston flight 

hours over the short to medium term.

Hours flown by turbine aircraft (including rotorcraft) are forecast to increase 2.9 percent yearly 

over the forecast period, compared with a decline of 0.3 percent for piston-powered aircraft. 

Although hours flown by piston rotorcraft are forecast to increase an average of 2.2 percent 

per year during the forecast period, they have a relatively small share (less than 10 percent) in 

this segment of hours flown by general aviation aircraft; and thus have a small impact on the 

overall trend. Jet aircraft are forecast to account for most of the increase, with hours flown 

increasing at an average annual rate of 3.6 percent over the forecast period. The large 

increases in jet hours result mainly from the increasing size of the business jet fleet, along with 

continued recovery in utilization rates from recession induced record lows. Turboprop hours 

are also expected to continue their increase, as indicated by the 2013 GA Survey.

Rotorcraft hours were less impacted by the economic downturn when compared to other 

categories and rebounded earlier. However, the 2013 GA survey recorded declines in the 

active rotorcraft fleet and utilization rates. It is uncertain if the decrease in utilization is

permanent. The decline in oil prices has different effects on various segments of this sector. 

While decreasing activity is expected in oil exploration area, and some other functions such as 

aerial mapping/ photography, patrol, and surveillance may see decreasing use of rotorcrafts, 

yet other uses, including corporate, air taxi, air medical, and air tours, may experience 

offsetting increases. Rotorcraft hours are projected to grow by 3.0 percent yearly over the 

forecast period with utilization of rotorcraft projected to increase by 0.4 percent a year. Turbine 

rotorcraft hours are forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent over the forecast 

period.

Lastly, the light sport aircraft category, which now includes only the special light sport 

(experimental light-sport aircraft is now considered as part of the experimental aircraft 

category), is expected to see an increase of 5.1 percent a year in hours flown, primarily driven 

by growth in the fleet.

62
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The number of active general aviation pilots (excluding air transport pilots) is projected to be 

448,400 in 2035, an increase of about 8,000 (up 0.1 percent yearly) over the forecast period. 

Between 2011 and 2014, there was a decline of 16,543 in the number of commercial pilots, 

accompanied by an increase of 10,422 in the number of air transport pilots (ATPs). A substantial

part of the decline in commercial pilot certifications is thought to be a result of these pilots 

obtaining the higher level ATP certificates as required by the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation 

Administration Extension Act of 2010. This Act mandated that all part 121 (scheduled airline) flight 

crew members would hold an ATP certificate by August 2, 2013. The FAA estimated there were 

about 13,000 airline pilots holding a commercial pilot certificate, most of which were serving at 

Second in Command positions at the regional airlines. Since airline pilots could no longer operate 

with only a commercial pilot certificate after August 2013 (excluding a limited number of special 

cases as specified by 2013 FAA Final Rule for Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements 

for Air Carrier Operations), we have reduced the rate of increase of our commercial pilot forecast 

compared to the previous years. Thus, commercial pilots are projected to increase from 

104,322 in 2014 to 113,350 in 2035 with an average annual growth rate of 0.4 percent over the 

forecast period, compared to the 0.6 percent average growth rate of the past year’s forecast. 

Our ATP forecast, while higher than previous year’s forecast during near to medium term, 

remains close to the last year’s forecast after 2024, with a similar average annual rate of 

increase (0.5 percent) overall.

In other pilot certificate categories, the number of student pilots is forecast to decrease at an 

average annual rate of 0.3 percent over the forecast period, declining from 120,546 in 2014 to 

112,200 in 2035. The number of private pilots is projected to decrease at an average yearly 

rate of 0.3 percent over the forecast period to a total of 163,600 in 2035, from 174,883 in 2014.

0.8

2.2

1.3

3.1

3.4

2.9

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Calendar Year

Hours Flown in General Aviation Aircraft

Total Turbines

63
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The number of rotorcraft-only pilot certificates is forecast to increase at an average rate of 2.2 

percent, from 15,511 in 2014 to 24,440 in 2035. In addition, the FAA is projecting that by the end 

of the forecast period a total of 14,950 sport pilots will be certified. As of December 31, 2014, 

the number of sport pilot certificates issued was 5,157 reflecting a steady increase in this new 

“entry level” pilot certificate that was only created in 2005.

64
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

FAA Operations Forecasts

FAA and Contract Towers

Activity at the 516 FAA (264) and contract towers (252) totaled 49.6 million operations in 2014, 

down 0.9 percent from 2013. Activity is projected to rise slightly (0.4 percent) in 2015, with

increases in both commercial and non-commercial activity. Growth in total activity at FAA and 

contract towers accelerates in 2016 (1.1 percent) and for the balance of the forecast, activity 

grows at an average rate of 0.9 percent per year, reaching 59.9 million operations in 2035.

Most of the growth over the forecast period results from increased commercial aircraft activity 

(up 1.5 percent annually). Air carrier activity is projected to increase sharply (4.2 percent) in 

2015 as carriers swap in larger regional jets for smaller (50 seats or less) regional jets and 

increase capacity to meet growing demand. Beyond 2015, air carrier activity is projected to 

increase an average of 2.7 percent per year over the forecast period. The increase in air 

carrier activity is driven by combination of mainline carriers increasing capacity in response to 

growing demand as well as an increase in the operations of 70-90 seat jets which are counted 

in the air carrier category. Commuter/air taxi operations are forecast to fall 4.9 percent in 2015

and decrease 1 percent a year for the balance of the forecast period as regional jets less than 

50 seats exit the industry.

General aviation activity decreased 1.1 percent in 2014 as itinerant activity fell 1.4 percent. 

Overall general aviation activity is projected to increase 0.3 percent in 2015 reflecting the 

impact of an improving economy on flight hours and operations. For the entire forecast period, 

general aviation activity at towered airports is projected to increase an average of 0.4 percent 

a year, to 28.0 million operations in 2035. General aviation activity at combined FAA/contract 

towers grows in line with the modest increase forecast for general aviation hours already cited. 

Most operations at the smaller towers are in piston aircraft, while those at the largest airports tend 

to be turbine operations.

Military activity fell 1.4 percent in 2014 and is assumed to remain at 2014 levels (2.5 million) 

throughout the balance of the forecast period.

The forecasted growth in operations is not uniform across all facility categories. Over the 

forecast period, total operations at large hub airports (those airports that enplane 1% or more 

of total US enplanements) are projected to increase from 12.5 million in 2014 to 17.6 million in 

2035, an average annual rate of 1.7 percent a year. Operations at these facilities are 

overwhelmingly commercial in nature (95.0 percent in 2014) and their growth will mirror the 

growth in total commercial operations. Total operations at medium hub airports (those airports 

that enplane 0.25 to 0.99 percent of total US enplanements) are projected to increase a bit 

slower than the large hubs, averaging 1.5 percent a year over the forecast period, to total 6.5

million in 2035. In the largest category, small and non-hub airports, where 81.6 percent of the 

operations are non-commercial in nature, total operations are projected to increase from 32.3

million in 2014 to 35.8 million in 2035, an average annual rate of 0.5 percent a year.

65
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Operations21 at FAA TRACONs (Terminal Radar Approach Control) fell 0.4 percent in 2014, 

the tenth year in a row. They are projected to remain steady in 2015 as declines in noncommercial activity offset a slight rise in commercial activity. After 2015, TRACON operations 

are forecast to increase at an average annual rate of 1.1 percent for the balance of the 

forecast, reflecting the increasingly commercial nature of TRACON operations. For the entire 

forecast period, TRACON operations grow an average of 1.1 percent per year, totaling 46.1

million in 2035.

Over the forecast period, commercial aircraft operations at FAA TRACONs are forecast to 

increase at 1.5 percent per year driven by growth in air carrier activity. General aviation 

operations at FAA TRACONs are projected to grow 0.6 percent a year, reflecting the slow 

growth in the general aviation fleet and hours. Military activity is expected to remain at its 2014

level (2.2 million) of activity throughout the forecast period.

En-route Centers

The number of IFR aircraft handled at FAA en-route traffic control centers increased 3.4

percent to 41.3 million in 2014, with increases in all categories except commuter/air taxi. In 

2015 increases in air carrier activity and general aviation activity, result in en-route center

activity increasing by 1.2 percent. After 2015, through the balance of the forecast period, enroute activity increases 1.5 percent annually, reaching 56.1 million aircraft handled in 2035. 

21 TRACON operations consist of itinerant Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) arrivals 

and departures at all airports in the domain of the TRACON as well as IFR and VFR overflights.

-0.2

0.0

1.1

-0.6

0.4

1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

Tracon Operations

Total Commercial

66

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Between 2014 and 2034 commercial activity is projected to increase at an average annual rate 

of 1.7 percent, reflecting increases in the commercial fleet and aircraft stage lengths. During 

the same period, general aviation activity is projected to grow 0.8 percent per year, reflecting 

growth in business aviation. Military activity is held constant at the 2014 activity level 

throughout the forecast period.

Activity at FAA en-route centers is growing faster than at towered airports because more of the 

activity at en-route centers is from the faster growing commercial sector and high-end (mainly 

turbine) general aviation flying. Much of general aviation activity at towered airports, which is 

growing more slowly, is local in nature, and does not impact the centers.

3.4

1.2

1.5

-1.4

0.1

1.7

-2.0

-1.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2035

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

IFR Aircraft Handled at FAA En-Route Centers

Total Commercial

67
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

2014 has shown significant growth in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Six UAS Test Sites 

were selected in late 2013 and are operational, the FAA is evaluating submissions for a UAS 

Center of Excellence (COE), and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for small UAS is 

being coordinated. All of these efforts help the FAA develop regulations and operational 

procedures to achieve the end goal of safe integration of public, commercial and civil UAS in 

the National Airspace System (NAS).

UAS Test Sites

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) directed the FAA to establish a Test 

Site program to further the integration of UAS into the NAS. The agency solicited proposals 

from public entities, including state and local governments and eligible universities, interested 

in operating the Test Sites. During 2014, all six Tests Sites became operational. The six Test 

Sites have affiliate states where they plan to conduct operations, shown below.

The Test Sites will provide valuable safety data along with operational expertise to enable the 

safe operation of aircraft in the NAS.

UAS Center of Excellence

68
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

This year, the FAA will establish a Center of Excellence (COE) for UAS. The COE will be a 

geographically dispersed consortium of university partners and their affiliates. Specific projects 

will be defined and funded through grants. The goal is to create a cost-sharing relationship 

between academia, industry, and government that will focus on research areas of primary 

interest to the FAA and the UAS community. The FAA expects the COE to perform short- and 

long-term basic and applied research through a variety of analyses, simulations, and 

prototyping activities.

Section 333 Exemptions

Section 333 of the FMRA grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to determine 

whether an airworthiness certification is required for certain UAS to operate safely in the NAS. 

This determination is based on the size, weight, speed and operational capabilities of the 

aircraft. After the Secretary makes this determination, a petition for exemption undergoes a 

safety evaluation by the FAA to determine what additional conditions and limitations are 

required for the proposed UAS operation.

In 2014, the Department of Transportation and FAA made progress in furthering integration of 

UAS under the authority of Section 333 of the FMRA. As of January 30, 2015, there have 

been 24 approvals for commercial UAS operations in the United States granted under Section 

333 authority. These approvals cover a wide range of operations including motion picture, 

flare stack inspection, crop survey and construction use.

Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs)

Since unmanned aircraft have no pilot on board, the ability to “see and avoid” other aircraft is 

accomplished by an “Alternate Means of Compliance (AMOC)” with the applicable Chapter of 

FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System, Volume 16, Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems. The Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) is the mechanism used to 

provide that alternate means. COAs are issued to agencies wishing to operate unmanned 

aircraft for purposes other than hobby or recreation. A COA is not required for operations in 

restricted areas, warning or prohibited areas. Public operators normally belong to government 

or state agencies and routinely conduct unmanned aircraft operations for strictly governmental 

purposes. These agencies include but are not limited to the Department of Defense, 

Department of Homeland Security, state and local law enforcement agencies, and public 

universities.

In the 2012 FMRA Section 333, Congress provided guidelines that allowed civil UAS to 

operate in the NAS for commercial purposes. In late 2014, the first COAs for commercial 

purposes were issued to applicants in the film and movie making industry. Since that time the 

FAA has issued more than sixty-three (63) COAs to various companies in a variety of 

industries to operate unmanned aircraft in the NAS. The COA provides specific operating 

areas and specific mitigations that help to ensure the safety of the NAS. The FAA predicts the 

number of COAs issued for commercial purposes will soon outpace the number of COAs 

approved for public operators.

69
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

UAS in the Arctic

The first commercial beyond line of sight operations in the United States were authorized in the 

Arctic in 2013. The FAA is continuing to work with industry partners to evolve the maturity of 

beyond line of sight operations in remote operating areas.

UAS Forecast

FAA uses the Teal Group's 2014 World Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Market Profile and Forecast 

as the basis for our forecast. Teal points out that the current market for unmanned aircraft 

outside the military is extremely small but will be one of the fastest growing segments in 

aviation over the next ten (10) years. There is the start of a non-military UAS market, but the 

size of the market will directly relate to regulations that are adopted. Once enabled, UAS 

weighing less than 55 pounds will become commercially viable.

The FAA is working to enable a new thriving industry to flourish while maintaining the safety of 

the NAS. Once small UAS are routinely authorized to operate in commercial markets, there 

will be a surge in the commercial applications of UAS. Potential markets will include aerial 

photography, precision agriculture and law enforcement. 

UAS Small Commercial Forecast

Today, unmanned aircraft are flying in the NAS under very controlled conditions, and 

operations range from ground level to above 50,000 feet, depending on the specific type of 

aircraft. UAS are authorized to operate only on a case-by-case basis in Class B airspace, 

which exists over major urban areas and contains the highest density of manned aircraft in the 

National Airspace System.

Once the regulatory structure is developed and industry standards have been established, the 

FAA expects a commercial UAS market to mature rapidly. Relatively inexpensive UAS 

systems weighing less than 55 pounds are economically viable from a commercial standpoint, 

and the expectation is that market demand for UAS will occur within the constraints of the 

regulatory requirements. The number of small UAS forecasted is highly uncertain and is 

dependent on the regulatory structure finally adopted.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

COMMERCIAL SPACE TRANSPORTATION

Since 1989, the Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration has licensed 

over 230 U.S. commercial space launches. The FAA has also granted over 30 experimental 

permit launches since 2006. Activity in the U.S. commercial sector is expected to increase for 

both orbital and suborbital launches.

The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) licenses and regulates U.S. 

commercial space launch activity including launch vehicles and non-federal launch sites 

authorized by Executive Order 12465 and Title 51 U.S. Code, Subtitle V, Chapter 509 

(formerly the Commercial Space Launch Act). Title 51 and the Executive Order also direct the 

Department of Transportation to encourage, facilitate, and promote U.S. commercial launches. 

AST’s mission is to license and regulate commercial launch and reentry operations and nonfederal launch sites to protect public health and safety, the safety of property, and the national 

security and foreign policy interests of the United States.

Overview

The FAA licenses several expendable vehicles used for commercial orbital launches. The most 

frequently used orbital launch vehicles are: 

• Falcon 9, an intermediate-class launch vehicle built, operated, and marketed by Space 

Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX);

• Antares, Minotaur, and Pegasus vehicles built, operated, and marketed by Orbital 

Sciences Corporation (now Orbital ATK, Inc.);

• Zenit-3SL, a heavy-class vehicle built by the Ukrainian company KB Yuzhnoye for the 

Russian-owned Sea Launch venture, launched from a floating launch platform based at 

Long Beach, CA;

• Atlas V, a heavy-class vehicle built by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture 

between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and marketed by Lockheed Martin Commercial 

Launch Services (LMCLS); and

• Delta IV, a heavy-class vehicle built and provided by ULA.

Companies such as Armadillo Aerospace have also carried out suborbital licensed launches.

In addition to launch licenses, experimental permits were first granted by the FAA in 2006. 

Permits are used for suborbital reusable vehicle development and test flights. Companies that 

have been active in conducting permitted launches include Blue Origin, Scaled Composites, 

and SpaceX.

The FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation does not license or grant permits for 

amateur-class rockets which are unmanned rockets that have less than 200,000 poundseconds of total impulse and cannot reach an altitude greater than 150 kilometers above the 

Earth’s surface.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The FAA licenses launches or reentries carried out by U.S. persons inside or outside the 

United States. The FAA does not license launches or reentries the U.S. Government carries 

out for the Government (such as those operated for and by NASA or the Department of 

Defense).

Nine commercial spaceports are currently licensed by the FAA. These are located in six states: 

Alaska (Kodiak Launch Complex), California (California Spaceport, part of Vandenberg Air 

Force Base, and Mojave Air and Space Port), Florida (Cape Canaveral Spaceport and Cecil 

Field Spaceport), New Mexico (Spaceport America), Oklahoma (Oklahoma Spaceport), Texas 

(Midland International Air and Space Port), and Virginia (Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport). 

Several other commercial spaceports around the United States have been proposed, including 

locations in Colorado, Georgia, and Hawaii.

Review of 2014

There were twelve orbital FAA-licensed launches in 2014, an increase from seven in 2013. 

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 vehicle was used for six launches including two Dragon missions to the 

International Space Station (ISS), three missions to geosynchronous orbit, and one multiple 

satellite launch to low Earth orbit. There are nearly 50 future launches on the SpaceX manifest. 

Orbital Sciences conducted three launch attempts of the new Antares vehicle, two successful 

and one resulted in a launch failure. ULA performed two FAA-licensed launches, one by an 

Atlas V and the other by a Delta IV Heavy. Sea Launch (a multinational launch provider) 

conducted one launch of the Zenit 3SL launch vehicle. SpaceX carried out two licensed reentry 

missions when both Dragon capsules returned from orbit for an ocean landing after being 

berthed at the ISS for about two weeks following launch. The third licensed reentry was of the 

Orion space capsule, successfully concluding the NASA EFT 1 test mission.

In addition, there were seven suborbital flights during 2014 conducted under experimental 

permits. Five were carried out by SpaceX in Texas using its Falcon 9R Dev 1 test vehicle. Two 

permitted suborbital flights were performed by Scaled Composites with SpaceShipTwo; the 

second test flight resulted in a failure. Other companies are preparing experimental permit 

flights in 2015.

Launch providers such as SpaceX plan an increased number of licensed orbital launches in 

2015. The increase in the number of permit flights and the commencement of licensed 

suborbital flights could take place in the years following 2015, depending on the results of the 

SpaceShipTwo launch failure investigation.

2013 2014 2015 Forecast

Licensed Launches 7 12 16 - 18

Permitted Launches 7 7 7 - 10

FAA Licensed and Permitted Launches

Overall there were 92 civil, commercial and military orbital launches worldwide in 2014, 

compared to 81 in 2013. Of these, 23 were commercial launches, the same number as in 

2013.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Launch providers in the United States led with 11 orbital commercial launches of U.S.-

manufactured vehicles in 2014, followed by six by Europe, four by Russia, one by India, and 

one by Sea Launch.

For more details, see the annual Compendium and Year in Review reports available online at: 

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/reports_studies/#accst

Global Orbital Launch Forecast

In July 2014, the FAA and the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee 

(COMSTAC) published their annual global forecast for commercial launch demand, the 2014

Commercial Space Transportation Forecasts. The report calculates satellite demand and then 

applies models to estimate international commercial launch demand. Multiple satellites can fly 

on one launch vehicle. The 2014 forecast estimated an average global demand of about 16 

commercial launches per year to geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and a global demand of about 

14 launches per year to non-geosynchronous orbits (NGSO). The forecast covers the years 

2014-2023. The 2014 forecast is up slightly down from the 2013 forecast for GSO and up for 

NGSO destinations.

Combined 2014 GSO and NGSO Historical Launches and Launch Forecasts

Commercial GSO launches are used for communications satellites with masses ranging from 

2,500 to over 6,000 kilograms. Demand for commercial NGSO launches spans a number of 

markets and payload sizes, including resupply of the ISS, commercial remote sensing; science 

and technology demonstration; and replenishment and replacement of low Earth orbit 

communications satellite systems reaching the end of their lifespan. The forecast shows a 

continuing trend in demand for medium-to-heavy sized launch vehicles. Many small satellites, 

including a rapidly growing number of very small satellites known as CubeSats, find rides 

aboard medium-to-heavy lift launch vehicles as secondary payloads. The forecast demand for 

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

small launch vehicles is an average of only one launch per year; however, it is up slightly from 

only 0.3 projected in the 2013 forecast.

The GSO and NGSO forecasts are not a prediction of what will actually be launched but 

instead represents the expected demand for launch services, based on a variety of inputs. The 

complete forecast report is available at:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/reports_studies/forecasts/

Suborbital Reusable Vehicle Forecast

The most recent global forecast for suborbital reusable vehicles (SRVs) was completed in July 

2012. A report prepared by the Tauri Group for FAA AST and Space Florida covered a 10-year 

period that estimated demand once new suborbital vehicles begin flying. The goal of the study 

was to provide information for government and industry decision makers on the emerging SRV 

market by analyzing trends and areas of uncertainty in eight distinct markets SRVs could 

address. The eight markets include: Commercial Human Spaceflight, Basic and Applied 

Research, Aerospace Technology Test and Demonstration, Media and Public Relations, 

Education, Satellite Deployment, Remote Sensing, and Point-to-Point Transportation. The 

forecast includes three demand scenarios: baseline, growth, and constrained. Instead of 

flights, the forecast estimates seat demand. The demand is either for one seat for a single 

occupant or a cargo equivalent of 3.3 lockers (based on the size of mid-deck lockers used 

aboard the Space Shuttle).

Total projected demand for SRVs, across all eight markets, is estimate to begin at around 373 

seat/cargo equivalents in Year 1 and increasing to 533 seat/cargo equivalents in the tenth year 

of the baseline case. Year 1 represents the first year of regular SRV operations. Demand 

under the growth scenario, which reflects increases due to factors such as marketing, research 

successes, and flight operations, grows from about 1,100 to more than 1,500 seat/cargo 

equivalents over ten years. The constrained scenario, which reflects significantly reduced 

consumer spending and government budgets, shows demand from about 213 to 255 

seat/cargo equivalents per year.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Total

Baseline 

Scenario 373 390 405 421 438 451 489 501 517 533 4,518

Growth 

Scenario 1,096 1,127 1,169 1,223 1,260 1,299 1,394 1,445 1,529 1,592 13,134

Constrained 

Scenario 213 226 232 229 239 243 241 247 252 255 2,378

Total projected demand for suborbital reusable vehicles by seat/cargo equivalents

Demand for SRVs is dominated by Commercial Human Spaceflight. The analysis indicates 

that about 8,000 high net worth individuals from across the globe are sufficiently interested and 

have spending patterns likely to result in the purchase of a suborbital flight. The second largest 

area of demand is Basic and Applied Research, funded primarily by government agencies, and 

also by research for not-for-profits, universities, and commercial firms. Aerospace Technology 

Test and Demonstration, Education, Satellite Deployment, and Media and PR generate the 

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

remaining demand. The Remote Sensing and Point-to-Point Transportation markets are not 

forecasted to drive launches at this time.

10-year Suborbital Reusable Vehicle demand forecast

For more details, see the Suborbital Reusable Vehicles: A 10-Year Forecast of Market 

Demand report available online at:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/reports_studies/forecasts/

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

RISKS TO THE FORECASTS

The forecasts in this document are forecasts of aviation demand, driven by models built on 

forecasts of economic activity. There are many assumptions in both the economic forecasts 

and in the FAA models that could impact the degree to which these forecasts are realized.

This year’s forecast is driven, at least in the short-term, by a number of factors including the 

strength of the economic recovery and any impact resulting from the U.S. government fiscal 

situation. Also, as numerous incidents in the past few years (like the attempted bombing of a 

Northwest airliner on Christmas Day 2009, the discovery of multiple devices on cargo flights 

out of Europe in October 2010) remind us, terrorism remains among the greatest risks to 

aviation growth. Any terrorist incident aimed at aviation would have an immediate and significant 

impact on the demand for aviation services that would be greater than its impact on overall 

economic activity.

Although oil prices remained high for most of 2014, the recent volatility reminds us there is still 

considerable uncertainty as to the future direction of oil prices. The FAA’s baseline forecast 

(derived from economic assumptions in IHS Global Insight’s December 2014 U.S. macro 

forecast and 30-Year Focus released during the fourth quarter of 2014) calls for a sharp 

decrease in oil prices in 2015 to $60.50/bbl. Over the next six years (2015-21), the price of oil 

increases an average of 10.8% a year, to $112/barrel. After 2021, price increases moderate to 

average 2.7 percent a year for the remainder of the forecast period, reaching $162/barrel by 

the end of the forecast period in 2035. Some forecasters are calling for a more gradual

rebound in the price of oil. In January 2015, the World Bank released its latest commodity 

price forecast. The forecast calls for oil prices to fall to $53/bbl in 2015, then rising to about 

$74 in 2020, and only exceeding $100/bbl in 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) 

also sees oil price increasing at a more moderate rate than the FAA’s base forecast, as its 

January 2015 forecast called for oil prices increasing from $51/bbl in 2015 to only $68.5/bbl by 

2020. Over the long run, lower oil prices give consumers an impetus for additional spending, 

including air travel, and should enhance industry profitability. However lower oil prices could 

delay orders for new aircraft as carriers focus on maintaining and increasing cash balances

and weigh the savings from new aircraft vs the costs of operating an older fleet.

The baseline forecast assumes that global economic growth will accelerate, over the next few 

years, but weakness in certain areas may threaten the strength and sustainability of the 

expansion. The baseline forecast assumes that growth in the emerging market economies will 

be significantly higher than in the other large economies, in particular the U.S., Japan and the 

European Union. While economic growth appears to be picking up in the U.S., there are 

concerns about the strength of demand in Japan and in the European Union as these areas 

continue to be constrained by structural economic problems and institutional constraints. In 

addition, many countries in the European Union are still grappling with the impacts of fiscal 

austerity policies, aimed at reducing government spending and debt, implemented during the 

past four years which have prolonged the regional downturn. Furthermore the steps that were 

taken to resuscitate the global economy may prove to be excessive, since the resulting surge 

in liquidity growth may cause asset bubbles and exacerbate existing global imbalances. The 

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

current forecasts assume strong passenger growth for travel between the United States and 

other world regions. Any slowing of worldwide economic activity could seriously inhibit the 

growth in global passenger demand.

With the merger of American Airlines and US Airways completed, the outlook for further 

consolidation via mergers and acquisitions (M&A) appears to be rather limited. Based on FY 

2014 data, the Big 3 (American, Delta, and United) plus Southwest accounted for almost 77% 

of the U.S. airline industry capacity and traffic. Of the network carriers, only Alaska remains 

independent, although it does have code share agreements with both American and Delta. In 

the low cost carrier sector, the merger between Southwest and AirTran achieved full 

integration of the fleet and a single ticketing system during 2014. Aside from Southwest and 

AirTran, there appears to be little scope for further consolidation as there are significant 

obstacles. In particular the financial situation of many low cost carriers limits the possibilities of 

additional merger activity. For many low cost carriers, the sheer size of merger transactions or 

the amount of financial risk associated with a merger makes further merger activity unlikely. 

However, U.S. airlines are continuing to explore other options including global alliances. Many 

of the major carriers in the U.S. are members of global alliances that operate with some 

measure of anti-trust immunity from the U.S. DOT. While anti-trust immunity may provide 

flexibility for airline operators across borders, it may create an anti-competitive environment in 

the marketplace. These market consolidating vehicles, particularly the anti-trust immunity 

provisions, may invite increased regulatory scrutiny. If such oversights are launched in the 

future, this will complicate the evolving structure of the airline industry and may impact demand 

via new regulations.

The forecast assumes the addition of sizable numbers of large regional jets (70 to 90 seats) 

into the fleet of regional carriers. However, the regional carriers’ future is closely linked to 

those of the larger network carriers. As demand continues to slowly recover, financial 

pressures on regional operators have increased. Furthermore, as consolidation has occurred 

among the network carriers, many regional carriers have found themselves either saddled with 

excess capacity or lack of sufficient capacity, or lack of feed traffic. The network carriers 

continue to make adjustments to the size and breadth of their networks, without providing 

opportunities for regional carriers to backfill the loss of the mainline service. Delta is well along 

in its plans to reduce its small (read 50 seat) regional jet fleet and plans to retire another 50 to 

bring its total to just 125, down from almost 500 at the end of 2009. United is adding 85 

Embraer 175’s to its partners’ regional fleet and reducing the number of small regional jets 

flown by its partners to 242 by the end of 2015 from an estimated 380 at the end of 2012. 

Meanwhile the new American Airways is planning to reduce its small regional jet fleet by 21 

aircraft in 2015. While these actions may provide some opportunities for well positioned 

regional carriers, the overall impact of consolidation so far has been to reduce opportunities for 

regional flying substantially.

After suffering through a significant downturn in 2009-10, business and corporate aviation have 

seen a partial recovery during the past four years, with promising increases in aircraft 

deliveries in 2014. The pace of the recovery in business and corporate aviation is largely 

based upon the future prospects of economic growth and corporate profits. Future uncertainty 

in these leading indicators could pose a risk to the forecast, but the risk is not limited to these 

factors. Public perception of business and corporate aviation, potential environmental 

regulations and taxes, along with increased security measures placed on business jets, will 

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

place downward pressure on the forecast. On the other hand, while corporate profits are 

currently high, perceived economic and political uncertainties are causing companies to 

postpone their purchase of new business aircraft. Translation of this pent-up demand into

sales of business jets in the near future can create an upward impact on the forecast. The 

impact of fuel price decline on business aircraft demand is also uncertain. While a positive 

effect on corporate profits will increase the demand, revenue losses resulted from low fuel 

prices may move the demand in the other direction.

Other factors, such as new and more efficient product offerings and increased competition 

from new entrant manufacturers, serve to broaden the potential of the industry. Estimates 

show that a record number of new business jets are delivered overseas and, with the potential 

easing of regulations on the use of airspace in foreign countries, the scenario for business jet 

manufacturers looks all the more promising. Raising the level of security restrictions, and the 

subsequent travel hassles placed on airline passengers, could make corporate jet travel look 

increasingly appealing.

Not only is the volume of aircraft operating at most large hubs expected to increase over the 

next 20 years, but the mix of aircraft is changing for this same period. The expected increases 

in the numbers of regional jets and business jets will increase the impact on the national 

airspace system and make the FAA’s job more challenging. This change in the mix of aircraft 

will impact workload strictly due to the increasing demand for aviation services projected over 

the forecast period.

Although overall activity at FAA and contract towers fell in 2014, activity at 10 of the Core 30 

airports increased in 2014 and delays remained at historically high levels at many U.S. 

airports. As demand recovers and workload increases, congestion and delays could become a 

critical limit to growth over the forecast period. FAA’s forecasts of both demand and 

operations are unconstrained in that they assume that there will be sufficient infrastructure to 

handle the projected levels of activity. Should the infrastructure be inadequate and result in 

even more congestion and delays, it is likely that the forecasts of both demand and operations

would not be achieved.

There are concerns that aviation’s impact on the environment could potentially restrict the 

ability of the aviation sector to grow to meet national economic and mobility needs. Airport 

expansion or new construction is often a contentious issue because of noise, air quality, and 

water quality concerns. There is also an ongoing effort to address the climate impacts of 

aviation. Aviation currently accounts for two to three percent of global carbon emissions, but 

this percentage is expected to increase with the growth in operations unless mitigated with 

new technologies and standards, renewable fuels, operational improvements and potentially 

as a gap filler, market based measures. While certain measures to address climate impacts 

can result in reduced costs, such as increased fuel efficiency, other measures, such as market 

instruments could pose additional constraints on growth. Energy concerns are also rising, 

driven by spikes in fuel prices, supply and security issues, and concerns about fossil fuel 

emissions contributing to global climate change. Lack of progress in improving the 

environmental and energy outlook for the future fleet may result in more access restrictions or 

operating limitations on the fleet in service which in turn may depress growth. By contrast, 

breakthroughs in quieter, cleaner aircraft technologies and renewable fuels could reduce 

environmental and energy constraints on the forecast, and enable sustainable growth.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

APPENDIX A: ALTERNATIVE FORECAST 

SCENARIOS

Uncertainty exists in all industries, but especially in the commercial air travel industry. As 

volatility in the global environment has increased, the importance of scenarios for planning 

purposes has increased. In order to help stakeholders better prepare for the future, the FAA 

has begun to provide alternative scenarios to our baseline forecasts of airline traffic and 

capacity.

To create the baseline domestic forecast, economic assumptions for both U.S. and international 

regions from IHS Global Insight’s 10-year and 30-year U.S. Macro Baseline (released in 

December 2014) were used to generate enplanements, mainline real yield and nominal yield. 

To develop the alternative scenarios, assumptions from IHS Global Insight’s 10-year optimistic 

and pessimistic forecasts from their December 2014 Baseline U.S. Economic Outlook forecast

were used. Inputs from these scenarios were substituted for the baseline scenario inputs to 

create a “high” and “low” traffic, capacity, and yield forecast.

International passengers and traffic are primarily determined by country specific Gross 

Domestic Product (GDP) forecasts provided by IHS Global Insight. Thus, the baseline forecast 

of GDP for both the U.S. and international regions is modified using the optimistic and 

pessimistic forecasts of GDP described above in order to create a high and low case. Since 

only the ten-year alternative GDP forecasts by Global Insight were available at the time of this 

analysis, the domestic and international alternative scenarios extend to 2024 only.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Scenario Assumptions

The FAA’s baseline forecast assumes that the economy recovers from the current downturn 

and experiences very low oil prices in the short term, suffers no major swings in macroeconomic policy, or financial sector collapses.

The FAA’s high case forecast uses IHS Global Insight’s optimistic forecast. The optimistic 

forecast sees improved business confidence leading to renewed vigor in the labor market, 

consumer spending, and sustained improvements in the housing sector as well as sustained

low consumer prices, higher real disposable income, relatively low Brent crude prices, and a 

high GDP. Furthermore, in the optimistic case, it is assumed that fiscal deficits will diminish 

substantially in North America, Western Europe, and Japan. In this scenario GDP and real 

disposable income (DI) growth are about 0.67 and 0.87 percentage points, respectively, faster

per year than the baseline forecast and unemployment averages 0.8 points lower on an annual 

basis than the baseline.

22

Conversely, FAA’s low case forecast uses IHS Global Insight’s pessimistic scenario; in this 

forecast, the same assumptions apply as in the optimistic case, only the U.S. economy

recovers at a much slower pace and the prices of Brent crude rise higher than in the base case. 

Moreover, the Eurozone’s recovery will stall and growth in emerging markets will be less robust. 

Lastly, GDP and real DI grow 0.8 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively, slower per year than 

in the baseline; and unemployment, on average, is 1.5 points higher on an annual basis than in 

the baseline.

22 Real disposable income and unemployment are used as an input variables to the FAA’s base, high and low 

forecasts of enplanements.

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

 

2.3

1.6

1.9

2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5

4.3

3.2

-0.5

0.5

1.5

2.5

3.5

4.5

2014 2015 2015-24

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

Real Gross Domestic Product

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

1.2

2.4 2.3

1.2

3.0

2.8

1.2

3.7

3.3

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

Real Disposable Personal Income

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Oil prices affect the supply of, and demand for, air travel and have a direct impact on the 

profitability of the industry. The pessimistic scenario does not feature a drop in the refiners 

acquisition cost (RAC) after 2014 due to a weaker dollar and lower productivity gains. The 

baseline features a large price drop in 2015 then an immediate rebound whereas the optimistic 

case shows a far more moderate drop in 2015 but continues dropping through 2017 before 

starting to climb again. The optimistic case is characterized by availability of energy, further 

gains in technology, and a stronger dollar; all of these factors help to temper prices compared 

to the baseline.

In the baseline forecast, technological improvements act as a counterbalance to partially offset 

rising prices.

-3.0

-40.0

10.5

-3.0

-38.1

9.2

-3.0

-47.7

10.2

-60.0

-50.0

-40.0

-30.0

-20.0

-10.0

0.0

10.0

20.0

2014 2015 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

U.S. Refiners' Acquisition Cost

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic Source: IHS Global Insight

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

The price of energy is one of the critical drivers in the growth of consumer prices over the 

forecast period. In the optimistic case, energy prices, wages, and import prices grow more 

slowly than in the baseline. In the pessimistic case the opposite occurs with energy prices, 

wages and import prices rising more rapidly compared to the baseline. Please note that the 

annual rates amongst the alternatives do not begin to change significantly until fiscal year 2018.

 -

 20

 40

 60

 80

 100

 120

 140

 160

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Price per Barrel ($)

Fiscal Year

U.S. Refiners' Acquisition Cost

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic Source: IHS Global Insight

2.36 2.36 2.54 

2.79 2.90 

2.36 2.37 2.51 

2.70 

2.24 

2.36 2.36 2.47 

2.64 

1.97 

 -

 0.50

 1.00

 1.50

 2.00

 2.50

 3.00

 3.50

2014 2015 2018 2021 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

Consumer Price Index - All Urban Consumers

Source: IHS Global Insight Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Alternative Forecasts

Passengers

In the baseline forecast, system passengers are forecast to grow at an average annual rate of

1.9 percent a year over the forecast horizon of 2014-2024 (with domestic and international 

passengers up 1.6 and 3.7 percent, respectively).

In the optimistic case, passengers grow at a quicker pace, averaging 2.3 percent per year (up 

1.9 percent domestically and 4.8 percent internationally). This scenario is marked by a more 

favorable business environment, lower inflation, and lower fuel prices which make the price of 

flying more affordable to business and leisure travelers. By the end of the forecast period in 

2024, system passengers in the optimistic case are 4.4 percent above the baseline, totaling 951 

million, 40 million than in the baseline.

The pessimistic case is characterized by a period of weakened consumer confidence brought 

on by persistent unemployment, low consumer demand, and higher inflation. In this scenario 

passengers grow an average of 1.2 percent per year (domestic up 0.9 percent and international 

up 2.8 percent). In the pessimistic case, system passengers in 2024 are 6.6 percent below the 

baseline case, totaling 851 million, 61 million fewer than in the baseline.

2.3 2.5

1.0

2.3

2.6

1.9

2.3

3.0

2.3

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

2014 2015 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

System Enplanements

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Revenue Passenger Miles

In the baseline forecast, system RPMs grow at an average annual rate of 2.5 percent a year

over the forecast horizon (2014-2024), with domestic RPMs increasing 1.9 percent annually 

and international RPMs growing 3.8 percent annually.

In the optimistic case, the faster growing economy coupled with lower energy prices drives 

RPMs higher than the baseline, with growth averaging 3.0 percent per year (domestic and 

international RPMs up 2.1 and 4.9 percent, respectively).

In the pessimistic case, the combination of a slower growing economy and higher energy prices 

result in RPM growth averaging 1.8 percent annually with domestic markets growing 1.1

percent a year while international traffic grows 3.1percent annually.

Available Seat Miles

In the base case, system capacity is forecast to increase an average of 2.4 percent annually 

over the forecast horizon with growth averaging 1.7 percent annually in domestic markets and 

3.7 percent a year in international markets.

In the optimistic case, capacity grows at a faster clip than in the baseline forecast, averaging 

3.0 percent annually (up 2.1 percent domestically and up 4.9 percent internationally). Carriers 

increase capacity compared to the baseline forecast to accommodate increased travel demand 

2.5

2.2

1.0

2.5 2.6

2.4 2.5

3.3

3.0

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

2014 2015 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

System Revenue Passenger Miles

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

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FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

brought about by a more favorable economic environment and by the end of the forecast 

horizon, system capacity in the optimistic case is 6.3 percent above the baseline case.

In the pessimistic case, demand for air travel is lower than in the baseline, thus system capacity 

grows at a slower pace of 1.7 percent annually (domestic growth of 1.0 percent annually and 

international up 3.1 percent annually). Total system capacity in the pessimistic case in 2024 is 

5.9 percent below the baseline and 11.5 percent below the optimistic case.

Load Factor

System load factors over the 10-year forecast period are relatively similar for all three forecast 

scenarios. In the base case and in the optimistic scenario, system load factor rises from 83.4

percent in 2014 to 84.1percent and 83.5 in 2024, respectively.

In all three scenarios it is assumed that carriers will keep load factors on the high side by 

actively managing capacity (seats) to more precisely meet demand (passengers).

The domestic load factor increases over the forecast horizon from 84.4 percent to 85.3, 84.8, 

and 83.7 percent in the baseline, optimistic and pessimistic scenarios, respectively.

The international load factor forecast is slightly different in the three scenarios, reflecting in part 

the relative growth in demand and capacity in the three (Atlantic, Latin, and Pacific) international regions under each scenario.

2.5 2.4

1.6

2.2

2.4 2.4

2.2

3.8

2.9

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

2014 2015 2015-2024

Annual Percent Change

Fiscal Year

System Available Seat Miles

Pessimistic Baseline Optimistic

86
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

In the base case, international load factor is relatively steady, going from 81.4 percent in 2014

to 81.9 percent in 2024.

In the optimistic scenario, international load factor is lower than in the other scenarios, falling to 

81.2 percent by 2024, reflecting the faster growth in the relatively lower load factor Latin 

America market.

In the pessimistic scenario, the load factor remains at 81.3 for the forecast period.

Yield

In the baseline forecast, nominal system yield increases 2.2 percent annually, going from 14.79

cents in 2014 to 18.36 cents in 2024. In domestic markets, yield in the baseline forecast rises 

from 14.72 cents in 2014 to 19.02 cents in 2024, while international yield rises from 14.94 cents

in 2014 to 17.10 cents in 2024.

System yield rises more slowly in the optimistic case, up 2.1 percent annually to be 18.25 cents 

at the end of the forecast period. Domestic yield increases to 18.89 cents while international 

yield increases to 17.12 cents. The slower growth in yield in the high case is due to 

advancements in technology, gains in productivity, more favorable fuel prices, and lower 

inflation. Increased competition is also assumed in this scenario. In the domestic market, fares 

are driven lower than baseline levels due to increased levels of competition between low cost 

and legacy carriers. In the international market, increased competition from growing 

liberalization puts downward pressure on fares.

In the pessimistic case, nominal yields rise more rapidly than in the baseline, growing an 

average of 2.7 percent annually, reaching 19.21 cents by 2024 (20.35 cents domestically and 

17.05 cents internationally). This scenario reflects higher general inflation and higher energy 

prices than in the baseline, forcing carriers to increase fares in order to cover the higher costs 

of fuel, labor, and capital.

87
TABLE A-1

FAA FORECAST ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS

FISCAL YEARS 2014-2024

Historical FORECAST PERCENT A

Variable Scenario 2014E 2015 2016 2020 2024 2014-15 20

Economic

AssumptionsReal Disposable Income Pessimistic 11,848 12,134 12,246 13,483 14,849 2.4% 0

(BIL 10$) Baseline 11,848 12,206 12,538 14,179 15,613 3.0% 2

Optimistic 11,848 12,281 12,900 14,917 16,476 3.7% 5

Refiners Acquisition Cost - Pessimistic 97.8 58.7 64.4 107.5 144.5 -40.0% 9

Average - $ Per Barrel Baseline 97.8 60.5 65.1 98.8 133.6 -38.1% 7

Optimistic 97.8 51.1 51.2 89.0 122.3 -47.7% 0

Consumer Price Index Pessimistic 2.36 2.36 2.40 2.71 3.05 0.0% 1All Urban, 1982-84 = 1.0 Baseline 2.36 2.37 2.41 2.64 2.89 0.3% 1

Optimistic 2.36 2.36 2.38 2.58 2.81 -0.1% 1

Civilian Unemployment Rate Pessimistic 6.5 5.9 6.4 7.1 7.1 -0.1 (%) Baseline 6.5 5.6 5.4 5.2 5.0 -0.1 

Optimistic 6.5 5.7 5.1 4.2 4.5 -0.1 

Sources: Baseline - IHS Global Insight, 30-Year Focus, December 8, 2014; Optimistic and Pessimistic - IHS Global Insight, 10 Year Optimistic Ou

88
TABLE A-2

FAA FORECAST OF AVIATION ACTIVITY*

FISCAL YEARS 2014-2024

Historical FORECAST PERCENT AVER

Variable Scenario 2014E 2015 2016 2020 2024 2014-15 2015-1

System 

Aviation Activity

Available Seat Miles Pessimistic 1,027.8 1,052.7 1,055.9 1,122.0 1,219.1 2.4% 0.3% 

(BIL) Baseline 1,024.8 1,049.6 1,070.3 1,180.1 1,295.8 2.4% 2.0% 

Optimistic 1,024.7 1,063.8 1,110.0 1,251.0 1,377.7 3.8% 4.3% 

Revenue Passenger Miles Pessimistic 857.2 876.1 879.7 937.8 1,020.6 2.2% 0.4% 

(BIL) Baseline 855.1 877.7 896.2 991.4 1,090.1 2.6% 2.1% 

Optimistic 855.1 883.3 922.9 1,043.4 1,150.3 3.3% 4.5% 

Enplanements Pessimistic 756.2 775.1 770.9 798.7 850.6 2.5% -0.5% 

(MIL) Baseline 756.3 775.8 789.5 851.1 911.1 2.6% 1.8% 

Optimistic 756.4 778.8 811.8 891.3 951.0 3.0% 4.2% 

Psgr Carrier Miles Flown Pessimistic 7,070.3 7,247.0 7,215.8 7,512.3 8,038.7 2.5% -0.4% 

(MIL) Baseline 7,058.9 7,198.5 7,287.0 7,790.0 8,346.0 2.0% 1.2% 

Optimistic 7,061.4 7,334.4 7,628.5 8,425.3 9,086.1 3.9% 4.0% 

Psgr Carrier Departures Pessimistic 9,030.4 9,162.6 9,082.2 9,327.2 9,818.9 1.5% -0.9% 

(000s) Baseline 9,030.9 9,155.4 9,229.8 9,609.1 10,018.6 1.4% 0.8% 

Optimistic 9,032.5 9,247.2 9,600.4 10,462.0 11,009.2 2.4% 3.8% 

Nominal Passenger Yield Pessimistic 14.80 15.16 15.49 17.42 19.21 2.4% 2.2% 

(cents) Baseline 14.79 15.09 15.39 16.94 18.36 2.0% 2.0% 

Optimistic 14.81 15.13 15.27 16.88 18.25 2.2% 0.9% 

* Includes domestic and international activity.

89
TABLE A-3

FAA FORECAST OF DOMESTIC AVIATION ACTIVITY

FISCAL YEARS 2014-2024

Historical FORECAST PERCENT AVER

Variable Scenario 2014E 2015 2016 2020 2024 2014-15 2015-1

International

Aviation Activity

Available Seat Miles Pessimistic 709.4 727.0 718.2 738.4 786.3 2.5% -1.2% (BIL) Baseline 709.4 729.1 739.1 790.6 842.7 2.8% 1.4% 

Optimistic 709.4 729.1 757.6 822.7 869.3 2.8% 3.9% 

Revenue Passenger Miles Pessimistic 598.5 611.5 605.3 626.0 668.9 2.2% -1.0% (BIL) Baseline 598.5 615.1 624.9 672.5 719.2 2.8% 1.6% 

Optimistic 598.5 611.5 636.8 695.6 737.5 2.2% 4.1% 

Enplanements Pessimistic 668.4 685.6 678.5 694.9 734.5 2.6% -1.0% (MIL) Baseline 668.4 685.6 696.2 742.0 784.9 2.6% 1.5% 

Optimistic 668.4 685.6 713.7 772.1 809.7 2.6% 4.1% 

Psgr Carrier Miles Flown Pessimistic 5,590.6 5,737.7 5,656.3 5,762.8 6,086.7 2.6% -1.4% (MIL) Baseline 5,590.6 5,705.7 5,746.8 5,996.5 6,278.4 2.1% 0.7% 

Optimistic 5,590.6 5,773.1 5,988.2 6,445.1 6,755.0 3.3% 3.7% 

Psgr Carrier Departures Pessimistic 8,396.3 8,517.9 8,421.2 8,603.4 9,026.3 1.4% -1.1% (000s) Baseline 8,396.3 8,509.9 8,564.7 8,849.0 9,157.1 1.4% 0.6% 

Optimistic 8,396.3 8,571.9 8,893.1 9,620.5 10,033.2 2.1% 3.7% 

Nominal Passenger Yield Pessimistic 14.78 15.22 15.62 18.11 20.35 3.0% 2.6% (cents) Baseline 14.72 15.16 15.53 17.34 19.02 3.0% 2.5% 

Optimistic 14.78 15.22 15.36 17.27 18.89 3.0% 0.9% 

*Includes mainline and regional carriers.

90
TABLE A-4

FAA FORECAST OF INTERNATIONAL AVIATION ACTIVITY*

FISCAL YEARS 2014-2024

Historical FORECAST PERCENT AVER

Variable Scenario 2014E 2015 2016 2020 2024 2014-15 2015-

International

Aviation Activity

Available Seat Miles Pessimistic 318.4 325.7 337.7 383.7 432.7 2.3% 3.7% 

(BIL) Baseline 315.4 320.5 331.2 389.4 453.2 1.6% 3.4% 

Optimistic 315.3 334.8 352.3 428.3 508.4 6.2% 5.2% 

Revenue Passenger Miles Pessimistic 258.7 264.6 274.4 311.8 351.7 2.3% 3.7% 

(BIL) Baseline 256.7 262.5 271.3 318.9 371.0 2.3% 3.4% 

Optimistic 256.6 271.9 286.1 347.8 412.8 5.9% 5.2% 

Enplanements Pessimistic 87.9 89.4 92.4 103.8 116.1 1.8% 3.4% 

(MIL) Baseline 88.0 90.2 93.4 109.1 126.2 2.5% 3.5% 

Optimistic 88.0 93.2 98.0 119.2 141.2 5.9% 5.2% 

Psgr Carrier Miles Flown Pessimistic 1,479.7 1,509.2 1,559.5 1,749.5 1,952.0 2.0% 3.3% (MIL) Baseline 1,468.3 1,492.9 1,540.1 1,793.5 2,067.6 1.7% 3.2% 

Optimistic 1,470.8 1,561.3 1,640.3 1,980.2 2,331.2 6.1% 5.1% 

Psgr Carrier Departures Pessimistic 634.1 644.6 661.0 723.8 792.6 1.7% 2.5% 

(000s) Baseline 634.6 645.5 665.0 760.1 861.5 1.7% 3.0% 

Optimistic 636.2 675.3 707.3 841.6 976.0 6.2% 4.7% 

Nominal Passenger Yield Pessimistic 14.87 15.03 15.19 16.03 17.05 1.1% 1.0% 

(cents) Baseline 14.94 14.92 15.08 16.07 17.10 -0.2% 1.1% 

Optimistic 14.88 14.93 15.08 16.09 17.12 0.3% 1.0% 

*Includes mainline and regional carriers.

91
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

APPENDIX B: FAA FORECAST ACCURACY

Forecasts, by their nature, have a degree of uncertainty incorporated in them. They involve 

not only statistical analyses and various scientific methods, but also judgment and reliance on 

industry knowledge and the forecaster’s experience to incorporate industry trends not yet 

reflected in recent results. The FAA’s annual Aerospace Forecast is no exception. Given the 

volatile nature of the U.S. airline industry, it is not surprising that each year’s forecast would 

contain a certain degree of forecast variance. Therefore, FAA forecasters have tried to build 

forecast models that give a consistent and predictable pattern of results. Analysts relying on 

the forecasts produced by the models would then be able to adjust for the predictable variance 

from actual results.

The table below presents an analysis of the variance from historical results for a primary 

forecast assumption along with five key forecast metrics during the FY 2005-2014 forecast 

period. Although this period has experienced industry upheaval, the FAA’s forecast 

methodology remained consistent during this time. For this reason, inclusion of prior periods in 

an analysis of forecast variance might lead to inconclusive or inaccurate implications about the 

accuracy of FAA’s current forecast methodology.

The table below contains the mean absolute percent errors for the projected values versus the 

actual results for U.S. carriers’ domestic operations along with the projected values versus 

actual results for U.S. GDP. Each metric has five values showing the relative forecast 

variance by the number of years in advance the preparation of the forecast took place. For 

example, the “3 Years” column for ASMs shows that the mean absolute percent error was 8.2

percent for ASM forecasts prepared 3 years in advance. For the period under examination, 

preparation of the forecasts for FY 2005 through FY 2014 occurred in FY 2004, FY 2005, FY 

2006, FY 2007, FY 2008, FY 2009, FY 2010, FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013 respectively.23

23 It should be noted that the first forecasted year for each respective fiscal year is that very same year. 

Therefore, FY 2003’s first forecasted year is FY 2003, and the third forecasted year is FY 2005. 

92

 
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

Presenting forecast variances from actual data in such a manner simplifies a review of longerterm trends. Typically, one would expect the variances to decrease as the forecast year is 

closer to the year the forecast is prepared. Presenting forecast variances in this way allows an 

examination of changes in the relative variances by time horizon, signaling when dramatic 

shifts in accuracy occur.

Examination of the forecast variances reveals several items. First, the forecast variances for 

GDP, a key exogenous variable, are similar to the variances of the key traffic measures, 

Passenger Enplanements and RPMs. This suggests that a substantial amount of the forecast 

variance for the traffic variables may be attributed to the forecast error in the exogenous 

variables. Second, all the metrics examined show increasing variances as the forecast time 

horizon lengthens. Third, the ASM forecast variance being larger than the RPM forecast 

variance indicates a consistent underestimation of load factors which is an important factor in 

translating passenger demand into aviation activity. All other things being equal, large 

variances in forecasts of load factor can lead to large variances in the forecasts of ASMs 

which in turn will typically result in variances of aviation activity, as can been seen in the 

variances of the IFR aircraft handled forecasts.

Furthermore, ASMs and aircraft handled are difficult to forecast beyond a relatively short time 

horizon, as carriers often react to changing market conditions not always tied to the general 

economic trends that have long term impacts. The relatively large variances in these forecasts 

beyond two years suggest that carriers have been permanently removing capacity by reducing 

flights and by changing the mix of aircraft to satisfy demand. In the short term, such capacity 

reductions can be identified by using advance schedule information. However, the FAA’s 

longer-term forecasts rely on anticipated aircraft deliveries and retirements as well as historic 

relationships between economic activity and capacity deployed. Given the volatile nature of 

many of the factors that may influence longer term ASM and aircraft handled forecasts, a 

simpler approach to projecting ASMs, such as RPMs divided by load factors, may improve the 

long run accuracy of the ASM and aircraft handled forecasts. 

Mean Absolute Percent Error (Combined FY 2005 - FY 2014)

Forecast (Forecast Variance from Actual)

Variable Forecast Performed Years Prior to Actual

1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years

U.S. Real GDP 2.1% 3.7% 5.6% 7.2% 8.5%

ASMs 0.8% 4.1% 7.5% 11.3% 16.3%

RPMs 1.1% 3.2% 6.0% 8.7% 11.8%

Passenger Enplanements 1.0% 2.8% 5.9% 8.4% 11.9%

Mainline Domestic Yield 3.1% 5.0% 7.0% 8.8% 10.9%

IFR Aircraft Handled* 2.4% 5.8% 9.1% 12.1% 16.6%

Total - scheduled and nonscheduled commercial plus noncommercial

U.S. AIR CARRIERS

DOMESTIC SCHEDULED PASSENGER ACTIVITY

FORECAST EVALUATION

93
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

APPENDIX C: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document was prepared by the Forecasts and Performance Analysis Division (APO-100), 

Office of Aviation Policy and Plans, under the direction of Mr. Roger D. Schaufele, Jr. The 

following individuals were responsible for individual subject areas:

Section Contact Name Phone number

Economic Environment Roger Schaufele (202) 267-3306

Commercial Air Carriers

• Passengers Roger Schaufele (202) 267-3306

Katherine Lizotte (202) 267-3302

• Cargo Nick Miller (202) 267-3309

General Aviation

• Forecasts H. Anna Barlett (202) 267-4070

• Survey Data H. Anna Barlett (202) 267-4070

FAA Workload Measures

• Forecasts Roger Schaufele (202) 267-3306

• Data Forecasts and Performance 

Analysis Division, APO-100

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Michael Lukacs (202) 267-9641

Merideth Tracey (202) 267-4600

Commercial Space Mary Carolyn Thies Becker (202) 267-8863

Commercial Space 

Transportation, AST-100

APO Websites

• Forecasts/Statistical 

Publications

http://www.faa.gov/data_statist

ics

• APO Data System http://aspm.faa.gov

Email

• APO Staff first name.last name@faa.gov

94
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

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95
FAA Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2015-2035

APPENDIX D: FORECAST TABLES

96
TABLE 1

U.S. SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC FORECASTS

ECONOMIC FISCAL YEAR 2014 FISCAL YEAR 2015 FIS

VARIABLE 1ST. QTR. 2ND. QTR. 3RD QTR. 4TH. QTR. 1ST. QTR. 2ND. QTR. 3RD QTR. 4TH. QTR. 1ST. QTR. 2ND

Real Disposable Income

(Billions of chained 2010 $) 11,810.1 11,900.4 11,969.5 12,051.1 12,192.4 12,262.9 12,316.8 12,401.9 12,487.7 12,Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate 3.1% 2.3% 2.8% 4.8% 2.3% 1.8% 2.8% 2.8% 2

Refiners' Acquisition Cost - Average(Dollars per barrel) 97.63 101.03 96.35 71.32 58.39 53.58 58.79 59.99 64.03 6Annual rate - not seasonally adjusted 14.7% -17.3% -70.0% -55.1% -29.1% 45.0% 8.4% 29.8% 23Consumer Price Index(1982-84 equals 100) 235.2 237.0 237.7 237.0 235.8 236.3 237.8 238.8 240.3 2

Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate 3.0% 1.1% -1.1% -2.0% 0.8% 2.6% 1.7% 2.5% 2

Source: Global Insight Dec 2014 Baseline U.S. Economic Outlook

97
TABLE 2

U.S. LONG-TERM ECONOMIC FORECASTS

REAL GROSS REAL DISPOSABLE CONSUMER PRICE REFINERS' ACQUISITION

FISCAL DOMESTIC PRODUCT PERSONAL INCOME INDEX COST AVERAGE

YEAR (Billions 2010 $) (Billions 2010 $) (1982-84=1.00) (Dollars per barrel)

Historical

2001 12,675.8 9,106.6 1.76 25.802007 14,805.0 10,788.6 2.05 60.62

2008 14,934.1 10,956.8 2.14 101.52

2009 14,427.5 10,962.4 2.14 54.68

2010 14,684.5 10,983.9 2.17 74.61

2011 14,957.8 11,284.9 2.23 96.00

2012 15,308.3 11,533.0 2.29 102.81

2013 15,589.7 11,706.2 2.32 100.78

2014E 15,980.6 11,847.9 2.36 97.76

Forecast

2015 16,397.3 12,205.8 2.37 60.52

2016 16,798.3 12,538.5 2.41 65.06

2017 17,257.2 12,978.0 2.46 71.17

2018 17,673.6 13,396.7 2.51 77.59

2019 18,132.1 13,782.0 2.57 88.79

2020 18,638.0 14,178.8 2.64 98.76

2021 19,124.8 14,532.6 2.70 112.00

2022 19,579.5 14,886.3 2.76 120.60

2023 20,041.3 15,248.8 2.83 125.36

2024 20,500.8 15,613.0 2.89 133.56

2025 20,974.2 15,992.0 2.96 141.17

2026 21,464.3 16,399.0 3.02 145.79

2027 21,960.2 16,834.0 3.09 148.80

2028 22,473.3 17,276.8 3.15 150.87

2029 22,991.5 17,713.8 3.21 151.80

2030 23,523.3 18,149.9 3.28 152.47

2031 24,058.6 18,580.5 3.34 153.21

2032 24,606.6 19,025.6 3.41 153.84

2033 25,174.8 19,488.1 3.48 156.13

2034 25,754.7 19,953.2 3.56 158.88

2035 26,345.0 20,419.8 3.63 162.37

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.8% 2.0% 2.3% 10.8%

2014-15 2.6% 3.0% 0.3% -38.1%

2014-24 2.5% 2.8% 2.0% 3.2%

2014-35 2.4% 2.6% 2.1% 2.4%

Source: Global Insight Baseline U.S. Economic Outlook and U.S. Macro - 30 Year Baseline, Dec 2014

98
TABLE 3

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT(In Billions of 2010 U.S. Dollars)

CALENDAR YEAR CANADA

EUROPE / AFRICA/ 

MIDDLE EAST

LATIN AMERICA / 

CARIBBEAN / 

MEXICO

JAPAN / PACIFIC 

BASIN / CHINA / 

OTHER ASIA / 

AUSTRALIA / NEW 

ZEALAND WORLD

Historical2001 1,359.2 20,209.1 3,787.6 12,051.0 50,244.02007 1,586.3 24,573.0 4,762.5 16,439.6 62,416.12008 1,605.0 24,953.9 4,948.8 17,016.6 63,535.02009 1,561.5 24,082.4 4,882.7 17,340.7 62,461.42010 1,614.2 24,800.6 5,173.4 18,619.5 65,171.22011 1,661.9 25,415.1 5,388.3 19,482.9 67,151.52012 1,693.9 25,612.8 5,524.8 20,389.8 68,777.42013 1,727.8 25,848.3 5,671.7 21,330.1 70,479.32014E 1,769.6 26,274.2 5,722.3 22,239.5 72,264.2Forecast

2015 1,812.8 26,782.6 5,809.8 23,208.2 74,309.62016 1,857.1 27,441.3 5,975.4 24,294.5 76,687.42017 1,906.0 28,174.7 6,185.4 25,418.6 79,258.82018 1,954.9 28,928.4 6,412.8 26,665.3 81,958.32019 2,002.9 29,676.4 6,645.6 28,020.1 84,823.12020 2,050.6 30,446.3 6,889.3 29,449.6 87,828.52021 2,099.3 31,232.8 7,135.8 30,923.2 90,863.72022 2,146.9 32,017.3 7,389.8 32,426.6 93,914.42023 2,195.3 32,799.3 7,653.1 33,947.8 96,997.82024 2,245.2 33,592.6 7,922.2 35,491.8 100,117.7

2025 2,295.8 34,387.6 8,199.5 37,062.7 103,298.9

2026 2,347.3 35,178.9 8,483.6 38,662.7 106,522.7

2027 2,399.6 35,980.1 8,776.6 40,290.1 109,805.6

2028 2,453.4 36,793.8 9,077.5 41,922.4 113,130.3

2029 2,508.1 37,618.4 9,388.1 43,539.9 116,467.4

2030 2,564.2 38,458.6 9,706.5 45,164.8 119,850.2

2031 2,623.7 39,312.0 10,036.0 46,829.9 123,299.92032 2,683.8 40,174.5 10,374.2 48,502.3 126,785.12033 2,743.6 41,050.2 10,723.7 50,231.6 130,375.42034 2,804.6 41,938.9 11,083.4 51,971.5 134,018.02035 2,868.1 42,839.1 11,454.9 53,737.7 137,727.4Avg Annual Growth2001-14 2.1% 2.0% 3.2% 4.8% 2.8%

2014-15 2.4% 1.9% 1.5% 4.4% 2.8%

2014-24 2.4% 2.5% 3.3% 4.8% 3.3%

2014-35 2.3% 2.4% 3.4% 4.3% 3.1%

Source: Global Insight website, GDP Components Tables (Interim Forecast, Monthly), Release date 15 December 2014

INTERNATIONAL GDP FORECASTS BY TRAVEL REGION

99
TABLE 4

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT(In Billions of 2010 U.S. Dollars)

NORTH

CALENDAR AMERICA UNITED

YEAR (NAFTA) EUROZONE KINGDOM JAPAN CHINA

Historical

2001 15,071.9 11,446.1 2,082.8 5,114.3 2,370.5

2007 17,676.6 12,874.2 2,477.4 5,617.6 4,486.5

2008 17,665.9 12,921.5 2,469.1 5,557.5 4,917.1

2009 17,156.4 12,344.6 2,362.7 5,250.7 5,370.2

2010 17,629.7 12,587.6 2,407.9 5,496.4 5,931.4

2011 17,959.6 12,797.1 2,447.5 5,473.6 6,483.1

2012 18,388.3 12,709.7 2,463.6 5,569.3 6,979.4

2013 18,783.3 12,653.5 2,506.2 5,658.2 7,515.1

2014E 19,207.1 12,762.1 2,581.5 5,669.3 8,065.7

Forecast

2015 19,727.1 12,938.0 2,648.7 5,730.0 8,589.2

2016 20,239.2 13,160.2 2,723.6 5,808.4 9,169.0

2017 20,794.4 13,388.5 2,790.6 5,841.8 9,791.3

2018 21,320.8 13,605.9 2,854.8 5,893.3 10,486.92019 21,901.9 13,816.1 2,919.9 5,963.0 11,250.72020 22,517.0 14,033.5 2,986.5 6,022.0 12,070.02021 23,095.7 14,259.1 3,055.1 6,077.7 12,904.52022 23,655.6 14,476.6 3,122.7 6,132.0 13,773.32023 24,225.9 14,696.0 3,190.1 6,185.7 14,632.32024 24,791.4 14,917.8 3,257.1 6,238.9 15,507.52025 25,384.9 15,134.8 3,325.5 6,291.7 16,389.72026 25,989.6 15,351.3 3,394.0 6,344.1 17,289.82027 26,609.0 15,569.4 3,464.3 6,396.6 18,204.82028 27,246.0 15,789.6 3,535.3 6,448.3 19,111.82029 27,892.5 16,011.6 3,607.8 6,498.2 19,996.72030 28,554.5 16,237.1 3,682.1 6,546.1 20,872.12031 29,223.1 16,465.5 3,757.9 6,592.5 21,774.42032 29,903.5 16,689.5 3,836.1 6,637.4 22,666.02033 30,610.1 16,912.4 3,914.3 6,680.7 23,589.42034 31,337.0 17,137.7 3,993.4 6,722.3 24,501.12035 32,084.2 17,363.4 4,073.7 6,762.0 25,412.5Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.9% 0.8% 1.7% 0.8% 9.9%

2014-15 2.7% 1.4% 2.6% 1.1% 6.5%

2014-24 2.6% 1.6% 2.4% 1.0% 6.8%

2014-35 2.5% 1.5% 2.2% 0.8% 5.6%

Source: Global Insight website, GDP Components Tables (Interim Forecast, Monthly), Release date 15 December 2014

INTERNATIONAL GDP FORECASTS – SELECTED AREAS/COUNTRIES 

100
FISCAL REVENUE PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS (Millions) REVENUE PASSENGER MILES (Billions)

YEAR DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Historical2001 625.3 56.7 682.0 507.5 183.3 690.8

2007 688.5 75.3 763.8 600.5 221.2 821.7

2008 680.7 78.3 759.1 594.6 233.8 828.5

2009 630.8 73.6 704.4 548.6 221.3 770.0

2010 634.8 77.3 712.1 555.3 231.0 786.3

2011 650.1 81.0 731.1 572.2 242.5 814.6

2012 653.8 82.9 736.7 577.7 244.6 822.2

2013 654.4 85.1 739.5 584.0 250.3 834.22014E 668.4 88.0 756.3 598.5 256.7 855.1

Forecast2015 685.6 90.2 775.8 615.1 262.5 877.72016 696.2 93.4 789.5 624.9 271.3 896.22017 708.8 97.0 805.8 637.1 282.3 919.4

2018 720.6 100.5 821.1 649.5 293.2 942.7

2019 729.5 104.6 834.1 659.3 305.6 965.0

2020 742.0 109.1 851.1 672.5 318.9 991.4

2021 752.0 113.3 865.3 683.4 331.9 1,015.2

2022 762.4 117.5 879.9 694.7 344.7 1,039.4

2023 774.2 121.9 896.1 707.4 357.8 1,065.2

2024 784.9 126.2 911.1 719.2 371.0 1,090.1

2025 796.6 130.8 927.4 731.9 384.8 1,116.7

2026 809.2 135.5 944.7 745.4 399.0 1,144.4

2027 823.8 140.4 964.2 760.9 413.6 1,174.5

2028 839.4 145.5 984.9 777.5 428.7 1,206.2

2029 855.1 150.7 1,005.8 794.1 444.1 1,238.3

2030 871.0 156.1 1,027.1 811.2 460.0 1,271.2

2031 886.4 161.5 1,048.0 827.7 476.0 1,303.82032 902.6 167.1 1,069.7 845.1 492.5 1,337.6

2033 918.9 173.0 1,091.9 862.6 509.7 1,372.32034 935.3 179.1 1,114.4 880.4 527.5 1,407.8

2035 951.0 185.5 1,136.5 897.6 545.8 1,443.4

Avg Annual Growth

2001-14 0.5% 3.4% 0.8% 1.3% 2.6% 1.7%

2014-15 2.6% 2.5% 2.6% 2.8% 2.3% 2.6%

2014-24 1.6% 3.7% 1.9% 1.9% 3.8% 2.5%

2014-35 1.7% 3.6% 2.0% 1.9% 3.7% 2.5%

Source: Forms 41 and 298-C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

1 Sum of U.S. Mainline and Regional Air Carriers.

TABLE 5

U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS1

TOTAL SCHEDULED U.S. PASSENGER TRAFFIC 

101
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

FISCAL ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD

YEAR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTORHistorical

2001 731.5 507.5 69.4 246.6 183.3 74.3 978.1 690.8 70.62007 752.5 600.5 79.8 275.9 221.2 80.2 1,028.4 821.7 79.9

2008 749.6 594.6 79.3 292.7 233.8 79.9 1,042.4 828.5 79.52009 682.5 548.6 80.4 283.3 221.3 78.1 965.8 770.0 79.72010 679.5 555.3 81.7 281.3 231.0 82.1 960.8 786.3 81.82011 693.5 572.2 82.5 300.4 242.5 80.7 993.9 814.6 82.02012 694.4 577.7 83.2 300.5 244.6 81.4 994.9 822.2 82.62013 699.8 584.0 83.4 303.2 250.3 82.6 1,003.0 834.2 83.22014E 709.4 598.5 84.4 315.4 256.7 81.4 1,024.8 855.1 83.4

Forecast2015 729.1 615.1 84.4 320.5 262.5 81.9 1,049.6 877.7 83.6

2016 739.1 624.9 84.5 331.2 271.3 81.9 1,070.3 896.2 83.72017 752.2 637.1 84.7 344.6 282.3 81.9 1,096.8 919.4 83.82018 765.5 649.5 84.8 358.0 293.2 81.9 1,123.5 942.7 83.92019 776.1 659.3 85.0 373.1 305.6 81.9 1,149.3 965.0 84.02020 790.6 672.5 85.1 389.4 318.9 81.9 1,180.1 991.4 84.0

2021 802.6 683.4 85.1 405.3 331.9 81.9 1,207.9 1,015.2 84.02022 815.2 694.7 85.2 421.0 344.7 81.9 1,236.2 1,039.4 84.1

2023 829.5 707.4 85.3 437.0 357.8 81.9 1,266.5 1,065.2 84.1

2024 842.7 719.2 85.3 453.2 371.0 81.9 1,295.8 1,090.1 84.12025 857.0 731.9 85.4 470.1 384.8 81.9 1,327.1 1,116.7 84.12026 872.4 745.4 85.4 487.5 399.0 81.8 1,359.9 1,144.4 84.22027 890.1 760.9 85.5 505.4 413.6 81.8 1,395.5 1,174.5 84.22028 909.0 777.5 85.5 524.0 428.7 81.8 1,433.0 1,206.2 84.22029 928.1 794.1 85.6 542.8 444.1 81.8 1,470.9 1,238.3 84.22030 947.7 811.2 85.6 562.2 460.0 81.8 1,509.9 1,271.2 84.22031 966.6 827.7 85.6 581.9 476.0 81.8 1,548.6 1,303.8 84.22032 986.5 845.1 85.7 602.1 492.5 81.8 1,588.7 1,337.6 84.22033 1,006.8 862.6 85.7 623.2 509.7 81.8 1,629.9 1,372.3 84.22034 1,027.1 880.4 85.7 645.0 527.5 81.8 1,672.1 1,407.8 84.22035 1,046.9 897.6 85.7 667.5 545.8 81.8 1,714.4 1,443.4 84.2Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -0.2% 1.3% 2.1% 2.8% 0.4% 1.8%2014-15 2.8% 2.8% 1.6% 2.3% 2.4% 2.6%2014-24 1.7% 1.9% 3.7% 3.8% 2.4% 2.5%2014-35 1.9% 1.9% 3.6% 3.7% 2.5% 2.5%Source: Forms 41 and 298-C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

1Sum of U.S. Mainline and Regional Air Carriers.

TABLE 6

U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS1

SCHEDULED PASSENGER CAPACITY, TRAFFIC, AND LOAD FACTORS

102
U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS1

TOTAL SCHEDULED U.S. INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC

REVENUE PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS

LATIN TOTAL LATIN 

FISCAL ATLANTIC AMERICA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL ATLANTIC AMERICA PACIFIC INT

YEAR (Mil) (Mil) (Mil) (Mil) (Bil) (Bil) (Bil) 

Historical

2001 20.5 23.1 11.4 55.0 86.2 37.2 59.4 

2007 24.1 37.6 13.6 75.2 102.2 57.7 61.4 

2008 26.0 39.1 13.2 78.3 112.7 60.7 60.4 

2009 24.7 36.8 12.0 73.6 108.9 57.7 54.7 

2010 24.5 39.9 12.9 77.3 108.6 63.1 59.2 

2011 25.3 42.2 13.5 81.0 111.7 67.2 63.6 

2012 24.8 44.1 14.0 82.9 107.9 70.3 66.4 

2013 24.8 45.9 14.4 85.1 107.0 74.6 68.6 

2014E 25.0 49.1 14.0 88.0 107.9 80.3 68.5 

Forecast

2015 25.3 51.0 13.8 90.1 109.5 83.7 69.4 

2016 26.1 50.0 14.4 90.4 113.7 87.0 70.6 

2017 26.8 52.2 14.9 93.9 117.7 91.0 73.5 

2018 27.6 54.3 15.5 97.4 121.6 95.0 76.7 

2019 28.4 56.9 16.2 101.5 125.7 99.7 80.2 

2020 29.2 59.7 17.0 105.9 130.1 105.0 83.8 

2021 30.0 62.4 17.7 110.1 134.5 110.0 87.4 

2022 30.8 65.1 18.4 114.3 138.7 114.9 91.1 

2023 31.6 67.8 19.1 118.6 143.1 120.0 94.7 

2024 32.4 70.6 19.8 122.9 147.4 125.1 98.4 

2025 33.2 73.6 20.6 127.4 151.9 130.6 102.2 

2026 34.1 76.7 21.3 132.1 156.5 136.4 106.1 

2027 34.9 79.9 22.1 136.9 161.2 142.4 110.0 

2028 35.8 83.3 22.9 142.0 166.1 148.6 114.0 

2029 36.7 86.8 23.7 147.1 171.0 155.1 118.0 

2030 37.6 90.4 24.4 152.4 176.1 161.9 122.0 

2031 38.5 94.1 25.2 157.8 181.3 168.7 126.0 

2032 39.4 97.9 26.0 163.3 186.5 175.8 130.1 

2033 40.3 102.0 26.9 169.1 191.9 183.4 134.4 

2034 41.2 106.2 27.7 175.2 197.5 191.3 138.7 

2035 42.2 110.7 28.5 181.4 203.2 199.6 143.1 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.5% 5.9% 1.6% 3.7% 1.7% 6.1% 1.1% 

2014-15 1.5% 4.0% -1.5% 2.4% 1.5% 4.3% 1.2% 

2014-24 2.6% 3.7% 3.6% 3.4% 3.2% 4.5% 3.7% 

2014-35 2.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.5% 3.1% 4.4% 3.6% 

Source: Forms 41 and 298-C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

1Sum of U.S. Mainline and Regional Air Carriers.

TABLE 7

REVENUE PASSENGER MILES

103
TOTAL PASSENGERS BY WORLD TRAVEL AREA (Millions)

CALENDAR U.S./CANADAYEAR ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC TRANSBORDER TOTAL

Historical

2001 47.5 38.8 23.2 19.2 128.7

2007 53.3 48.6 26.3 21.5 149.7

2008 57.1 49.8 25.8 21.7 154.4

2009 55.0 48.0 24.4 20.2 147.5

2010 55.9 53.1 26.7 21.8 157.5

2011 58.1 57.2 27.8 22.5 165.6

2012 60.8 61.0 30.8 24.8 177.4

2013 62.7 64.7 32.3 25.7 185.5

2014E 65.6 69.5 33.9 26.7 195.7

Forecast

2015 68.5 73.8 35.3 27.3 204.9

2016 71.2 75.4 37.0 28.1 211.8

2017 74.6 78.3 38.6 29.1 220.6

2018 77.8 81.8 40.4 30.1 230.1

2019 81.2 85.6 42.5 31.2 240.4

2020 84.8 89.8 44.5 32.4 251.5

2021 88.3 94.1 46.6 33.5 262.5

2022 91.9 98.5 48.6 34.7 273.6

2023 95.4 103.1 50.7 35.8 285.02024 99.1 107.8 52.7 37.0 296.62025 102.8 112.8 54.9 38.2 308.7

2026 106.7 117.9 57.1 39.4 321.1

2027 110.6 123.3 59.3 40.7 334.0

2028 114.7 129.0 61.5 42.1 347.3

2029 118.9 134.8 63.7 43.5 360.9

2030 123.3 140.9 66.0 44.9 375.0

2031 127.7 147.3 68.2 46.3 389.5

2032 132.2 153.9 70.5 47.8 404.4

2033 136.9 160.8 72.8 49.4 420.0

2034 141.8 168.1 75.2 51.0 436.1

2035 146.9 175.7 77.6 52.7 452.9

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 2.5% 4.6% 3.0% 2.6% 3.3%

2014-15 4.3% 6.1% 4.3% 2.5% 4.7%

2014-24 4.2% 4.5% 4.5% 3.3% 4.2%

2014-35 3.9% 4.5% 4.0% 3.3% 4.1%

Source: US Customs & Border Protection data processed and released by Department of Commerce; data also received from Transport Canada.

TABLE 8

U.S. AND FOREIGN FLAG CARRIERS

TOTAL PASSENGER TRAFFIC TO/FROM THE UNITED STATES

104
FISCAL DOMESTIC INT'L. SYSTEM DOMESTIC INT'L. SYSTEM

YEAR (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Miles) (Miles) (Miles)

Historical

2001 127.5 226.9 143.4 811.6 3,233.9 1,012.9

2007 120.4 216.1 136.6 872.1 2,939.3 1,075.8

2008 120.8 218.6 138.2 873.5 2,985.2 1,091.4

2009 121.8 219.0 140.0 869.8 3,008.1 1,093.1

2010 121.8 216.4 139.7 874.8 2,988.0 1,104.2

2011 122.5 216.8 141.1 880.1 2,992.7 1,114.2

2012 123.4 213.9 141.5 883.6 2,949.6 1,116.1

2013 124.9 214.0 142.9 892.4 2,942.1 1,128.2

2014E 126.9 214.8 145.2 895.4 2,917.4 1,130.6

Forecast

2015 127.8 214.7 145.8 897.2 2,911.3 1,131.3

2016 128.6 215.0 146.9 897.5 2,906.5 1,135.1

2017 129.4 215.6 148.0 898.9 2,911.6 1,141.1

2018 130.3 216.1 149.2 901.3 2,917.4 1,148.1

2019 131.2 216.7 150.4 903.8 2,921.7 1,156.8

2020 131.8 217.1 151.5 906.3 2,924.3 1,164.9

2021 132.5 217.6 152.5 908.8 2,928.2 1,173.3

2022 133.1 218.2 153.5 911.2 2,932.2 1,181.2

2023 133.6 218.7 154.4 913.7 2,935.6 1,188.7

2024 134.2 219.2 155.3 916.2 2,939.1 1,196.4

2025 134.7 219.7 156.1 918.7 2,941.6 1,204.0

2026 135.3 220.1 157.0 921.2 2,943.7 1,211.4

2027 135.8 220.6 157.8 923.7 2,945.2 1,218.1

2028 136.4 221.0 158.6 926.2 2,946.1 1,224.7

2029 136.9 221.4 159.3 928.7 2,946.6 1,231.1

2030 137.4 221.8 160.1 931.3 2,946.6 1,237.6

2031 137.9 222.3 160.8 933.8 2,946.8 1,244.1

2032 138.4 222.7 161.6 936.3 2,946.5 1,250.4

2033 138.9 223.0 162.3 938.8 2,945.7 1,256.8

2034 139.4 223.4 163.0 941.3 2,944.3 1,263.3

2035 139.9 223.8 163.8 943.8 2,942.7 1,270.1

Source: Forms 41 and 298-C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

1Sum of U.S. Mainline and Regional Air Carriers.

TABLE 9

AVERAGE SEATS PER AIRCRAFT MILE AVERAGE PASSENGER TRIP LENGTH

U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS' FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS1

SEATS PER AIRCRAFT MILE AND PASSENGER TRIP LENGTH

105
REVENUE PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS REVENUE PASSENGER MILES

FISCAL (Millions) (Billions)

YEAR DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL TOTAL DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL TOTAL

Historical2001 544.9 53.5 598.4 483.2 182.3 665.6

2007 532.3 71.9 604.1 529.9 219.5 749.4

2008 521.6 74.8 596.5 521.3 231.9 753.3

2009 476.8 71.0 547.8 478.3 220.0 698.3

2010 473.1 74.6 547.7 480.3 229.6 709.9

2011 488.4 78.6 567.0 496.7 241.2 737.9

2012 494.8 79.9 574.6 503.3 242.7 746.1

2013 498.9 82.2 581.1 511.0 248.4 759.4

2014E 513.2 85.1 598.3 525.1 254.8 779.9

Forecast2015 527.0 87.3 614.3 539.3 260.6 799.9

2016 535.2 90.4 625.6 547.6 269.4 817.0

2017 544.9 93.9 638.8 558.2 280.3 838.5

2018 554.0 97.4 651.4 568.9 291.1 860.0

2019 560.9 101.5 662.4 577.4 303.5 881.0

2020 570.5 105.9 676.4 588.8 316.8 905.6

2021 578.2 110.1 688.4 598.3 329.7 928.0

2022 586.3 114.3 700.6 608.1 342.4 950.5

2023 595.4 118.6 714.0 619.1 355.5 974.6

2024 603.7 122.9 726.6 629.3 368.7 998.0

2025 612.7 127.4 740.2 640.3 382.4 1,022.8

2026 622.4 132.1 754.5 652.1 396.6 1,048.6

2027 633.7 136.9 770.7 665.5 411.2 1,076.7

2028 645.7 142.0 787.7 679.9 426.2 1,106.1

2029 657.9 147.1 805.0 694.4 441.5 1,135.9

2030 670.2 152.4 822.6 709.2 457.3 1,166.5

2031 682.0 157.8 839.8 723.5 473.4 1,196.9

2032 694.4 163.3 857.8 738.5 489.7 1,228.3

2033 707.0 169.1 876.2 753.8 506.9 1,260.6

2034 719.6 175.2 894.8 769.1 524.6 1,293.7

2035 731.7 181.4 913.1 784.0 542.9 1,326.9

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -0.5% 3.6% 0.8% 0.6% 2.6% 1.7%2014-15 2.7% 2.5% 2.6% 2.7% 2.3% 2.6%

2014-24 1.6% 3.7% 1.9% 1.8% 3.8% 2.5%

2014-35 1.7% 3.7% 2.0% 1.9% 3.7% 2.5%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 10

U. S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS

SCHEDULED PASSENGER TRAFFIC

106
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

FISCAL ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOADYEAR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR

Historical

2001 690.1 483.2 70.0 244.9 182.3 74.4 935.0 665.6 71.2

2007 659.0 529.9 80.4 273.4 219.5 80.3 932.4 749.4 80.4

2008 650.2 521.3 80.2 290.1 231.9 80.0 940.3 753.3 80.1

2009 587.8 478.3 81.4 281.5 220.0 78.2 869.3 698.3 80.3

2010 581.0 480.3 82.7 279.5 229.6 82.2 860.5 709.9 82.5

2011 594.4 496.7 83.6 298.6 241.2 80.8 893.0 737.9 82.6

2012 598.7 503.3 84.1 297.9 242.7 81.5 896.6 746.1 83.2

2013 606.8 511.0 84.2 300.7 248.4 82.6 907.5 759.4 83.7

2014E 617.7 525.1 85.0 312.9 254.8 81.4 930.6 779.9 83.8

Forecast

2015 633.8 539.3 85.1 317.9 260.6 82.0 951.7 799.9 84.1

2016 642.0 547.6 85.3 328.5 269.4 82.0 970.6 817.0 84.2

2017 653.1 558.2 85.5 341.9 280.3 82.0 994.9 838.5 84.3

2018 664.4 568.9 85.6 355.2 291.1 82.0 1,019.6 860.0 84.4

2019 673.4 577.4 85.8 370.3 303.5 82.0 1,043.7 881.0 84.4

2020 685.7 588.8 85.9 386.6 316.8 81.9 1,072.3 905.6 84.5

2021 695.9 598.3 86.0 402.4 329.7 81.9 1,098.3 928.0 84.5

2022 706.7 608.1 86.1 418.0 342.4 81.9 1,124.7 950.5 84.5

2023 718.8 619.1 86.1 434.0 355.5 81.9 1,152.8 974.6 84.5

2024 730.1 629.3 86.2 450.1 368.7 81.9 1,180.2 998.0 84.6

2025 742.4 640.3 86.3 467.0 382.4 81.9 1,209.3 1,022.8 84.6

2026 755.5 652.1 86.3 484.3 396.6 81.9 1,239.8 1,048.6 84.62027 770.7 665.5 86.4 502.2 411.2 81.9 1,272.8 1,076.7 84.62028 786.9 679.9 86.4 520.6 426.2 81.9 1,307.5 1,106.1 84.62029 803.3 694.4 86.4 539.4 441.5 81.9 1,342.7 1,135.9 84.62030 820.1 709.2 86.5 558.7 457.3 81.9 1,378.8 1,166.5 84.62031 836.3 723.5 86.5 578.4 473.4 81.8 1,414.7 1,196.9 84.62032 853.3 738.5 86.5 598.5 489.7 81.8 1,451.8 1,228.3 84.62033 870.6 753.8 86.6 619.5 506.9 81.8 1,490.1 1,260.6 84.62034 888.0 769.1 86.6 641.2 524.6 81.8 1,529.2 1,293.7 84.62035 905.0 784.0 86.6 663.6 542.9 81.8 1,568.6 1,326.9 84.6Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -0.8% 0.6% 1.5% 1.9% 2.6% 0.7% 0.0% 1.2% 1.3%

2014-15 2.6% 2.7% 0.1% 1.6% 2.3% 0.7% 2.3% 2.6% 0.3%

2014-24 1.7% 1.8% 0.1% 3.7% 3.8% 0.1% 2.4% 2.5% 0.1%

2014-35 1.8% 1.9% 0.1% 3.6% 3.7% 0.0% 2.5% 2.6% 0.0%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 11

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS

SCHEDULED PASSENGER CAPACITY, TRAFFIC, AND LOAD FACTORS

107
U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS

FISCALYEAR ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC TOTAL

Historical2001 20.5 21.7 11.4 20.5

2007 24.1 34.2 13.6 71.9

2008 26.0 35.6 13.2 74.8

2009 24.7 34.3 12.0 71.0

2010 24.5 37.2 12.9 74.6

2011 25.3 39.8 13.5 78.6

2012 24.8 41.0 14.0 79.9

2013 24.8 43.0 14.4 82.2

2014E 25.0 46.2 14.0 85.1

Forecast2015 25.3 48.2 13.8 87.3

2016 26.1 50.0 14.4 90.4

2017 26.8 52.2 14.9 93.92018 27.6 54.3 15.5 97.4

2019 28.4 56.9 16.2 101.5

2020 29.2 59.7 17.0 105.9

2021 30.0 62.4 17.7 110.1

2022 30.8 65.1 18.4 114.3

2023 31.6 67.8 19.1 118.6

2024 32.4 70.6 19.8 122.9

2025 33.2 73.6 20.6 127.4

2026 34.1 76.7 21.3 132.1

2027 34.9 79.9 22.1 136.9

2028 35.8 83.3 22.9 142.0

2029 36.7 86.8 23.7 147.1

2030 37.6 90.4 24.4 152.4

2031 38.5 94.1 25.2 157.8

2032 39.4 97.9 26.0 163.32033 40.3 102.0 26.9 169.12034 41.2 106.2 27.7 175.2

2035 42.2 110.7 28.5 181.4

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.5% 6.0% 1.6% 11.6%

2014-15 1.5% 4.3% -1.5% 2.5%

2014-24 2.6% 4.3% 3.6% 3.7%

2014-35 2.5% 4.2% 3.5% 3.7%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 12

SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS

REVENUE PASSENGER ENPLANEMENTS (MIL)

108
ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL

FISCAL ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % 

YEAR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) FACTOR (BIL) (BIL) F

Historical

2001 112.9 86.2 76.4 53.0 36.6 69.2 79.1 59.4 75.2 244.9 182.3 

2007 126.6 102.2 80.7 72.7 55.9 76.9 74.1 61.4 82.9 273.4 219.5 

2008 141.0 112.7 80.0 74.2 58.8 79.3 74.9 60.4 80.6 290.1 231.9 

2009 138.2 108.9 78.9 73.5 56.4 76.8 69.9 54.7 78.3 281.5 220.0 

2010 130.9 108.6 82.9 78.0 61.8 79.2 70.5 59.2 84.1 279.5 229.6 

2011 138.3 111.7 80.7 82.5 65.9 79.9 77.8 63.6 81.8 298.6 241.2 

2012 132.3 107.9 81.5 84.7 68.5 80.9 81.0 66.4 82.0 297.9 242.7 

2013 128.4 107.0 83.3 89.7 72.8 81.1 82.6 68.6 83.1 300.7 248.4 

2014E 132.1 107.9 81.7 97.2 78.4 80.6 83.6 68.5 82.0 312.9 254.8 

Forecast

2015 130.3 109.5 84.0 101.8 81.7 80.3 85.7 69.4 80.9 317.9 260.6 

2016 135.4 113.7 84.0 105.9 85.0 80.3 87.3 70.6 80.9 328.5 269.4 

2017 140.2 117.7 84.0 110.8 89.0 80.3 90.9 73.5 80.9 341.9 280.3 

2018 144.7 121.6 84.0 115.7 92.9 80.3 94.7 76.7 80.9 355.2 291.1 

2019 149.7 125.7 84.0 121.6 97.6 80.3 99.1 80.2 80.9 370.3 303.5 

2020 154.9 130.1 84.0 128.0 102.8 80.3 103.6 83.8 80.9 386.6 316.8 

2021 160.1 134.5 84.0 134.2 107.8 80.3 108.1 87.4 80.9 402.4 329.7 

2022 165.1 138.7 84.0 140.3 112.6 80.3 112.6 91.1 80.9 418.0 342.4 

2023 170.3 143.1 84.0 146.6 117.7 80.3 117.1 94.7 80.9 434.0 355.5 

2024 175.5 147.4 84.0 152.9 122.8 80.3 121.6 98.4 80.9 450.1 368.7 

2025 180.9 151.9 84.0 159.8 128.3 80.3 126.3 102.2 80.9 467.0 382.4 

2026 186.3 156.5 84.0 166.8 134.0 80.3 131.1 106.1 80.9 484.3 396.6 

2027 192.0 161.2 84.0 174.2 139.9 80.3 136.0 110.0 80.9 502.2 411.2 

2028 197.7 166.1 84.0 182.0 146.1 80.3 140.9 114.0 80.9 520.6 426.2 

2029 203.6 171.0 84.0 190.0 152.5 80.3 145.8 118.0 80.9 539.4 441.5 

2030 209.7 176.1 84.0 198.3 159.2 80.3 150.8 122.0 80.9 558.7 457.3 

2031 215.8 181.3 84.0 206.8 166.0 80.3 155.8 126.0 80.9 578.4 473.4 

2032 222.0 186.5 84.0 215.6 173.1 80.3 160.9 130.1 80.9 598.5 489.7 

2033 228.5 191.9 84.0 224.9 180.6 80.3 166.1 134.4 80.9 619.5 506.9 

2034 235.1 197.5 84.0 234.7 188.4 80.3 171.4 138.7 80.9 641.2 524.6 

2035 241.9 203.2 84.0 244.9 196.6 80.3 176.9 143.1 80.9 663.6 542.9 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.2% 1.7% 4.8% 6.0% 0.4% 1.1% 1.9% 2.6%

2014-15 -1.3% 1.5% 4.7% 4.3% 2.6% 1.2% 1.6% 2.3%

2014-24 2.9% 3.2% 4.6% 4.6% 3.8% 3.7% 3.7% 3.8%

2014-35 2.9% 3.1% 4.5% 4.5% 3.6% 3.6% 3.6% 3.7%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 13

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS

SCHEDULED PASSENGER CAPACITY, TRAFFIC, AND LOAD FACTORS

BY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REGIONS

109
FISCAL DOMESTIC ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC TOTAL SYSTEM

YEAR (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile)

Historical

2001 146.4 232.6 174.7 304.1 233.6 162.3

2007 150.6 229.2 176.2 279.6 222.3 166.3

2008 150.3 229.2 177.3 292.3 224.9 167.5

2009 151.2 230.0 175.8 291.3 223.7 168.9

2010 152.0 231.7 171.7 287.2 220.9 169.2

2011 152.3 230.5 173.2 282.9 221.0 170.0

2012 152.7 230.4 171.8 278.3 219.4 169.9

2013 153.9 233.3 171.8 276.2 219.2 170.8

2014E 155.1 236.1 173.0 276.2 219.7 172.1

Forecast

2015 156.3 236.6 173.5 276.9 219.7 173.0

2016 156.9 237.1 174.0 277.7 220.0 173.8

2017 157.5 237.6 174.5 278.4 220.4 174.6

2018 158.1 238.1 175.0 279.2 220.8 175.5

2019 158.8 238.6 175.5 279.9 221.3 176.5

2020 159.4 239.1 176.0 280.7 221.6 177.3

2021 160.0 239.6 176.5 281.4 222.0 178.2

2022 160.5 240.1 177.0 282.2 222.4 179.0

2023 161.1 240.6 177.5 282.9 222.9 179.8

2024 161.6 241.1 178.0 283.7 223.3 180.6

2025 162.1 241.6 178.5 284.4 223.7 181.4

2026 162.6 242.1 179.0 285.2 224.1 182.1

2027 163.1 242.6 179.5 285.9 224.5 182.8

2028 163.5 243.1 180.0 286.7 224.8 183.4

2029 164.0 243.6 180.5 287.4 225.2 184.1

2030 164.4 244.1 181.0 288.2 225.5 184.7

2031 164.8 244.6 181.5 288.9 225.9 185.3

2032 165.2 245.1 182.0 289.7 226.2 185.9

2033 165.6 245.6 182.5 290.4 226.6 186.5

2034 166.0 246.1 183.0 291.2 226.9 187.1

2035 166.4 246.6 183.5 291.9 227.2 187.7

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 14

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

SEATS PER AIRCRAFT MILE

INTERNATIONAL 

110
U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

AVERAGE PASSENGER TRIP LENGTH

FISCAL DOMESTIC ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC TOTAL SYSTEM

YEAR (Miles) (Miles) (Miles) (Miles) (Miles) (Miles)

Historical2001 886.9 4,211.8 1,688.3 5,228.8 3,405.0 1,012.9

2007 995.6 4,247.8 1,634.7 4,515.1 3,054.6 1,075.8

2008 999.4 4,332.7 1,651.6 4,583.5 3,100.1 1,091.4

2009 1,003.2 4,402.4 1,645.6 4,549.9 3,097.6 1,093.1

2010 1,015.2 4,433.0 1,660.1 4,586.6 3,077.2 1,104.2

2011 1,016.9 4,414.7 1,655.3 4,706.9 3,067.5 1,114.2

2012 1,017.3 4,355.7 1,668.2 4,725.1 3,039.6 1,116.1

2013 1,024.3 4,312.6 1,692.9 4,773.6 3,022.9 1,128.2

2014E 1,023.3 4,320.8 1,696.4 4,909.6 2,993.0 1,130.6

Forecast2015 1,023.3 4,322.9 1,696.4 5,044.1 2,986.2 1,131.3

2016 1,023.3 4,365.3 1,700.5 4,919.5 2,979.7 1,135.1

2017 1,024.4 4,387.8 1,705.6 4,924.5 2,983.3 1,141.1

2018 1,026.9 4,410.3 1,710.3 4,929.4 2,987.8 1,148.1

2019 1,029.5 4,433.0 1,715.7 4,934.4 2,990.2 1,156.8

2020 1,032.1 4,455.8 1,721.2 4,939.4 2,991.1 1,164.9

2021 1,034.7 4,478.7 1,726.1 4,944.4 2,993.2 1,173.3

2022 1,037.3 4,501.7 1,730.6 4,949.4 2,995.7 1,181.2

2023 1,039.9 4,524.9 1,734.9 4,954.4 2,997.8 1,188.7

2024 1,042.4 4,548.1 1,739.0 4,959.4 3,000.0 1,196.4

2025 1,045.0 4,571.5 1,743.0 4,964.4 3,001.2 1,204.0

2026 1,047.6 4,595.0 1,746.9 4,969.4 3,002.0 1,211.4

2027 1,050.2 4,618.6 1,750.7 4,974.5 3,002.4 1,218.1

2028 1,052.9 4,642.4 1,754.4 4,979.5 3,002.3 1,224.7

2029 1,055.5 4,666.2 1,757.9 4,984.5 3,001.7 1,231.1

2030 1,058.2 4,690.2 1,761.3 4,989.6 3,000.8 1,237.6

2031 1,060.8 4,714.3 1,764.5 4,994.6 3,000.0 1,244.1

2032 1,063.5 4,738.5 1,767.6 4,999.6 2,998.8 1,250.4

2033 1,066.1 4,762.9 1,770.6 5,004.7 2,996.9 1,256.8

2034 1,068.8 4,787.4 1,773.6 5,009.8 2,994.6 1,263.3

2035 1,071.5 4,812.0 1,776.4 5,014.8 2,992.0 1,270.1

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 15

INTERNATIONAL 

111
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

FISCAL CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $

YEAR (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents)Historical2001 13.54 18.13 10.34 13.85 13.36 17.89

2007 12.45 14.31 12.45 14.32 13.11 15.072008 13.11 14.43 13.37 14.72 13.90 15.302009 11.95 13.20 11.68 12.90 12.35 13.632010 12.62 13.70 12.84 13.93 12.98 14.102011 13.62 14.41 14.09 14.90 13.90 14.70

2012 14.08 14.55 14.77 15.25 14.20 14.672013 14.42 14.65 14.88 15.12 14.31 14.542014E 15.18 15.18 15.00 15.00 14.79 14.79Forecast2015 15.64 15.59 14.98 14.93 15.09 15.042016 16.02 15.70 15.13 14.83 15.39 15.09

2017 16.46 15.80 15.36 14.74 15.75 15.122018 16.86 15.83 15.61 14.66 16.10 15.112019 17.40 15.95 15.87 14.55 16.53 15.15

2020 17.89 16.01 16.13 14.43 16.94 15.15

2021 18.46 16.11 16.37 14.29 17.38 15.17

2022 18.88 16.12 16.63 14.19 17.72 15.13

2023 19.21 16.05 16.88 14.10 18.02 15.05

2024 19.62 16.02 17.15 14.01 18.36 15.00

2025 20.02 15.99 17.43 13.92 18.71 14.94

2026 20.36 15.91 17.71 13.83 19.01 14.85

2027 20.66 15.80 17.97 13.75 19.28 14.75

2028 20.93 15.68 18.24 13.67 19.53 14.64

2029 21.18 15.55 18.50 13.59 19.78 14.52

2030 21.41 15.42 18.76 13.51 20.01 14.412031 21.67 15.29 19.04 13.44 20.26 14.30

2032 21.93 15.16 19.32 13.36 20.51 14.18

2033 22.22 15.05 19.60 13.27 20.79 14.08

2034 22.52 14.95 19.87 13.19 21.06 13.98

2035 22.83 14.85 20.16 13.11 21.36 13.89

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 0.9% -1.4% 2.9% 0.6% 0.8% -1.5%

2014-15 3.0% 2.7% -0.2% -0.5% 2.0% 1.7%

2014-24 2.6% 0.5% 1.3% -0.7% 2.2% 0.1%

2014-35 2.0% -0.1% 1.4% -0.6% 1.8% -0.3%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 16

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

PASSENGER YIELDS

REVENUE PER PASSENGER MILE 

112
ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC TOTAL INTERNATIONAL

FISCAL CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 

YEAR (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents)

Historical

2001 9.71 11.96 13.38 16.48 9.38 11.55 10.34 12.74

2007 12.46 13.11 13.37 14.06 11.61 12.21 12.45 13.10

2008 13.29 13.46 14.19 14.38 12.73 12.90 13.37 13.55

2009 11.25 11.43 12.99 13.20 11.20 11.38 11.68 11.87

2010 12.73 12.73 13.33 13.33 12.50 12.50 12.84 12.84

2011 13.48 13.07 15.13 14.67 14.07 13.64 14.09 13.66

2012 13.95 13.25 15.90 15.10 14.95 14.20 14.77 14.03

2013 14.45 13.52 16.06 15.04 14.30 13.38 14.88 13.93

2014E 14.88 13.70 16.00 14.74 14.04 12.93 15.00 13.81

Forecast

2015 15.02 13.70 15.77 14.38 13.96 12.73 14.98 13.66

2016 15.18 13.63 15.91 14.29 14.11 12.67 15.13 13.59

2017 15.43 13.56 16.11 14.16 14.33 12.59 15.36 13.50

2018 15.70 13.50 16.35 14.05 14.58 12.54 15.61 13.42

2019 15.98 13.43 16.58 13.93 14.83 12.46 15.87 13.34

2020 16.26 13.36 16.82 13.82 15.08 12.39 16.13 13.25

2021 16.52 13.29 17.04 13.71 15.32 12.32 16.37 13.17

2022 16.80 13.23 17.27 13.60 15.56 12.26 16.63 13.09

2023 17.08 13.16 17.50 13.49 15.82 12.19 16.88 13.01

2024 17.37 13.10 17.74 13.38 16.08 12.12 17.15 12.93

2025 17.68 13.03 18.00 13.27 16.36 12.06 17.43 12.85

2026 17.97 12.97 18.24 13.16 16.64 12.00 17.71 12.77

2027 18.26 12.90 18.48 13.06 16.90 11.94 17.97 12.70

2028 18.55 12.84 18.72 12.96 17.17 11.88 18.24 12.62

2029 18.83 12.77 18.96 12.86 17.43 11.83 18.50 12.55

2030 19.10 12.71 19.20 12.77 17.70 11.77 18.76 12.48

2031 19.40 12.64 19.46 12.69 17.98 11.72 19.04 12.41

2032 19.70 12.58 19.70 12.58 18.27 11.66 19.32 12.34

2033 20.01 12.52 19.93 12.47 18.56 11.61 19.60 12.26

2034 20.31 12.46 20.17 12.37 18.85 11.56 19.87 12.19

2035 20.63 12.39 20.41 12.26 19.26 11.50 20.16 12.11

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 3.3% 1.0% 1.4% -0.9% 3.2% 0.9% 2.9% 0.6%

2014-15 1.0% 0.0% -1.5% -2.4% -0.5% -1.5% -0.2% -1.1%

2014-24 1.6% -0.5% 1.0% -1.0% 1.4% -0.6% 1.3% -0.7%

2014-35 1.6% -0.5% 1.2% -0.9% 1.5% -0.6% 1.4% -0.6%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 17

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER YIELDS BY REGION

REVENUE PER PASSENGER MILE

113
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

FISCAL CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $ CURRENT $ FY 2014 $YEAR (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents) (Cents)

Historical2001 82.66 110.70 86.37 115.67 83.68 112.072007 194.17 223.21 203.31 233.72 197.00 226.472008 292.53 322.00 314.57 346.26 299.65 329.83

2009 202.07 223.10 208.27 229.94 204.14 225.38

2010 219.16 237.90 220.12 238.94 219.49 238.262011 289.32 306.07 288.10 304.77 288.87 305.59

2012 314.56 324.87 309.52 319.67 312.64 322.892013 309.18 314.18 299.68 304.53 305.53 310.472014E 300.55 300.55 292.35 292.35 297.44 297.44Forecast2015 207.33 206.71 201.67 201.07 205.18 204.572016 201.20 197.18 195.71 191.80 199.12 195.142017 215.10 206.47 209.23 200.84 212.87 204.332018 233.46 219.22 227.09 213.24 231.04 216.952019 264.42 242.38 257.21 235.77 261.69 239.872020 294.71 263.70 286.67 256.51 291.66 260.97

2021 332.90 290.66 323.82 282.73 329.46 287.652022 361.14 308.29 351.29 299.88 357.41 305.10

2023 378.11 315.85 367.80 307.24 374.20 312.592024 401.43 327.84 390.48 318.89 397.28 324.45

2025 424.49 338.92 412.91 329.67 420.10 335.41

2026 440.15 343.83 428.14 334.45 435.59 340.272027 450.45 344.60 438.16 335.19 445.79 341.032028 457.45 342.79 444.97 333.44 452.72 339.242029 461.04 338.58 448.46 329.34 456.27 335.08

2030 463.36 333.68 450.72 324.58 458.57 330.232031 465.61 328.61 452.91 319.64 460.80 325.212032 467.58 323.27 454.82 314.45 462.74 319.932033 473.56 320.80 460.64 312.04 468.66 317.482034 481.45 319.60 468.31 310.88 476.47 316.292035 491.50 319.67 478.09 310.95 486.42 316.36

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 10.4% 8.0% 9.8% 7.4% 10.2% 7.8%2014-15 -31.0% -31.2% -31.0% -31.2% -31.0% -31.2%2014-24 2.9% 0.9% 2.9% 0.9% 2.9% 0.9%

2014-35 2.4% 0.3% 2.4% 0.3% 2.4% 0.3%Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation

TABLE 18

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

JET FUEL PRICES

114
ALL-CARGO CARRIER RTMS PASSENGER CARRIER RTMS TOTAL RTMS

FISCAL (Millions) (Millions) (Millions)

YEAR DOMESTIC INT'L. TOTAL DOMESTIC INT'L. TOTAL DOMESTIC INT'L. TOTAL

Historical

2001 9,992.3 7,380.0 17,372.4 3,945.6 7,166.9 11,112.5 13,937.9 14,547.0 28,484.9

2007 12,940.5 17,502.7 30,443.2 2,278.6 7,187.0 9,465.7 15,219.1 24,689.7 39,908.8

2008 12,260.7 17,516.1 29,776.7 2,147.0 6,905.4 9,052.4 14,407.6 24,421.5 38,829.1

2009 10,275.3 13,834.3 24,109.7 1,623.2 5,265.9 6,889.1 11,898.6 19,100.2 30,998.8

2010 11,243.2 16,732.7 27,975.9 1,579.8 6,331.9 7,911.7 12,823.1 23,064.5 35,887.6

2011 10,601.2 18,979.7 29,580.9 1,445.7 6,250.5 7,696.2 12,046.9 25,230.2 37,277.0

2012 10,886.1 18,310.1 29,196.1 1,408.7 5,952.4 7,361.1 12,294.8 24,262.5 36,557.2

2013 10,996.0 16,741.2 27,737.2 1,380.8 5,699.5 7,080.3 12,376.8 22,440.7 34,817.5

2014E 11,225.6 16,022.9 27,248.4 1,440.7 6,138.2 7,578.9 12,666.2 22,161.0 34,827.3

Forecast

2015 11,429.9 16,872.2 28,302.1 1,452.4 6,367.1 7,819.5 12,882.3 23,239.4 36,121.6

2016 11,539.2 17,781.2 29,320.4 1,455.3 6,609.4 8,064.7 12,994.5 24,390.6 37,385.0

2017 11,732.7 18,805.3 30,538.1 1,468.5 6,884.3 8,352.9 13,201.3 25,689.7 38,890.9

2018 11,811.9 19,821.6 31,633.4 1,467.2 7,145.9 8,613.1 13,279.1 26,967.4 40,246.5

2019 11,953.1 21,019.5 32,972.6 1,473.5 7,461.5 8,934.9 13,426.6 28,481.0 41,907.5

2020 12,165.2 22,338.3 34,503.5 1,488.1 7,807.1 9,295.2 13,653.3 30,145.4 43,798.6

2021 12,315.8 23,619.6 35,935.4 1,494.9 8,126.4 9,621.3 13,810.7 31,746.0 45,556.7

2022 12,382.3 24,883.7 37,266.0 1,491.3 8,427.0 9,918.3 13,873.7 33,310.7 47,184.3

2023 12,442.0 26,187.6 38,629.7 1,486.8 8,728.3 10,215.1 13,928.8 34,916.0 48,844.8

2024 12,477.8 27,509.7 39,987.5 1,479.4 9,022.8 10,502.2 13,957.2 36,532.5 50,489.7

2025 12,519.7 28,913.6 41,433.2 1,472.6 9,330.9 10,803.5 13,992.3 38,244.5 52,236.8

2026 12,571.9 30,365.4 42,937.3 1,467.0 9,640.7 11,107.7 14,038.9 40,006.1 54,045.0

2027 12,614.6 31,875.0 44,489.5 1,460.1 9,954.7 11,414.8 14,074.7 41,829.6 55,904.3

2028 12,667.2 33,440.4 46,107.6 1,454.4 10,271.5 11,725.9 14,121.6 43,711.9 57,833.5

2029 12,708.4 35,033.2 47,741.5 1,447.3 10,581.8 12,029.1 14,155.7 45,615.0 59,770.6

2030 12,752.6 36,682.3 49,434.9 1,440.5 10,894.1 12,334.6 14,193.0 47,576.4 61,769.4

2031 12,782.6 38,369.1 51,151.7 1,432.0 11,202.2 12,634.2 14,214.6 49,571.3 63,785.9

2032 12,813.6 40,103.3 52,916.9 1,423.6 11,508.4 12,932.1 14,237.2 51,611.8 65,849.0

2033 12,856.5 41,941.7 54,798.2 1,416.5 11,828.4 13,244.9 14,273.0 53,770.1 68,043.1

2034 12,897.5 43,848.3 56,745.7 1,409.1 12,150.7 13,559.8 14,306.5 55,999.0 70,305.5

2035 12,934.1 45,824.8 58,758.9 1,401.2 12,475.1 13,876.2 14,335.3 58,299.9 72,635.1

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 0.9% 6.1% 3.5% -7.5% -1.2% -2.9% -0.7% 3.3% 1.6%

2014-15 1.8% 5.3% 3.9% 0.8% 3.7% 3.2% 1.7% 4.9% 3.7%

2014-24 1.1% 5.6% 3.9% 0.3% 3.9% 3.3% 1.0% 5.1% 3.8%

2014-35 0.7% 5.1% 3.7% -0.1% 3.4% 2.9% 0.6% 4.7% 3.6%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation

1Includes freight/express and mail revenue ton miles on mainline air carriers and regionals/commuters.2Domestic figures from 2000 through 2002 exclude Airborne Express, Inc.; international figures for 2003 and beyond include new  reporting of contract service by U.S. carriers for foreign flag carriers. 3Domestic figures from 2003 and beyond include Airborne Express. Inc.

TABLE 19

U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS

AIR CARGO REVENUE TON MILES1, 2, 3

115
OTHER

FISCAL ATLANTIC LATIN AMERICA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL TOTALYEAR (MILLIONS) (MILLIONS) (MILLIONS) (MILLIONS) (MILLIONS)

Historical

2001 5,282.0 1,867.3 6,948.7 1,320.3 15,418.4

2007 6,124.7 2,304.2 9,497.3 6,763.5 24,689.7

2008 6,415.4 2,336.3 9,050.0 6,619.8 24,421.5

2009 5,740.1 1,793.4 6,855.4 4,711.2 19,100.2

2010 6,865.3 1,990.6 8,348.4 5,860.3 23,064.5

2011 7,235.5 1,832.4 9,105.4 7,056.9 25,230.2

2012 7,026.5 1,870.0 8,568.9 6,797.1 24,262.5

2013 6,661.7 1,788.6 8,184.2 5,806.3 22,440.7

2014E 6,886.7 1,740.5 8,428.8 5,105.1 22,161.0

Forecast

2015 7,138.5 1,761.6 9,016.0 5,323.3 23,239.4

2016 7,437.7 1,780.8 9,660.9 5,511.2 24,390.6

2017 7,776.6 1,799.9 10,419.9 5,693.2 25,689.72018 8,120.7 1,817.4 11,157.7 5,871.7 26,967.42019 8,489.1 1,835.8 12,101.7 6,054.3 28,481.02020 8,883.1 1,854.9 13,161.2 6,246.2 30,145.42021 9,280.1 1,872.7 14,147.4 6,445.8 31,746.02022 9,678.4 1,889.8 15,098.5 6,644.0 33,310.72023 10,086.1 1,906.9 16,077.6 6,845.3 34,916.0

2024 10,503.6 1,923.8 17,054.2 7,050.9 36,532.5

2025 10,937.4 1,941.2 18,105.2 7,260.8 38,244.5

2026 11,381.0 1,958.5 19,192.0 7,474.6 40,006.1

2027 11,840.0 1,976.1 20,320.2 7,693.2 41,829.6

2028 12,316.9 1,993.9 21,486.1 7,915.1 43,711.9

2029 12,808.0 2,011.6 22,657.3 8,138.1 45,615.0

2030 13,318.1 2,029.5 23,864.3 8,364.5 47,576.4

2031 13,841.5 2,047.3 25,086.4 8,596.2 49,571.3

2032 14,380.7 2,065.1 26,335.2 8,830.7 51,611.8

2033 14,943.3 2,083.4 27,670.8 9,072.7 53,770.1

2034 15,527.0 2,101.9 29,051.7 9,318.4 55,999.0

2035 16,131.0 2,120.5 30,479.3 9,569.0 58,299.9

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 2.1% -0.5% 1.5% 11.0% 2.8%

2014-15 3.7% 1.2% 7.0% 4.3% 4.9%

2014-24 4.3% 1.0% 7.3% 3.3% 5.1%

2014-35 4.1% 0.9% 6.3% 3.0% 4.7%

Source: Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation

1Includes freight/express and mail revenue ton miles on mainline air carriers and regionals/commuters.2Figures for 2003 and beyond include new reporting of contract service by U.S. carriers for foreign flag carriers.

TABLE 20

U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR CARRIERS

 INTERNATIONAL AIR CARGO REVENUE TON MILES BY REGION1, 2

116
TABLE 21

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS 

PASSENGER JET AIRCRAFT

CALENDAR LARGE NARROWBODY LARGE WIDEBODY LARGE REGIONAL 

YEAR 2 ENGINE 3 ENGINE 4 ENGINE TOTAL 2 ENGINE 3 ENGINE 4 ENGINE TOTAL JETS JETS 

Historical2001 3,412 187 0 3,599 451 89 85 625 4,224 26 

2007 3,354 29 0 3,383 477 12 47 536 3,919 63 

2008 3,170 10 1 3,181 471 9 44 524 3,705 79 

2009 3,108 9 1 3,118 447 9 42 498 3,616 78 

2010 3,120 8 1 3,129 470 9 43 522 3,651 71 

2011 3,127 7 1 3,135 471 7 41 519 3,654 76 

2012 3,123 7 0 3,130 480 3 40 523 3,653 82 

2013 3,159 5 0 3,164 482 0 40 522 3,686 93 

2014E 3,160 2 0 3,162 473 0 37 510 3,672 98 

Forecast

2015 3,192 2 0 3,194 498 0 29 527 3,721 98 

2016 3,204 2 0 3,206 522 0 17 539 3,745 98 

2017 3,216 2 0 3,218 546 0 15 561 3,779 98 

2018 3,238 2 0 3,240 575 0 0 575 3,815 88 

2019 3,276 2 0 3,278 591 0 0 591 3,869 78 

2020 3,325 2 0 3,327 608 0 0 608 3,935 78 

2021 3,354 2 0 3,356 624 0 0 624 3,980 78 

2022 3,393 1 0 3,394 644 0 0 644 4,038 78 

2023 3,423 0 0 3,423 663 0 0 663 4,086 78 

2024 3,450 0 0 3,450 671 0 0 671 4,121 78 

2025 3,476 0 0 3,476 684 0 0 684 4,160 79 

2026 3,506 0 0 3,506 699 0 0 699 4,205 80 

2027 3,545 0 0 3,545 718 0 0 718 4,263 80 

2028 3,588 0 0 3,588 744 0 0 744 4,332 80 

2029 3,635 0 0 3,635 760 0 0 760 4,395 80 

2030 3,693 0 0 3,693 787 0 0 787 4,480 80 

2031 3,752 0 0 3,752 820 0 0 820 4,572 78 

2032 3,808 0 0 3,808 853 0 0 853 4,661 78 

2033 3,874 0 0 3,874 883 0 0 883 4,757 78 

2034 3,931 0 0 3,931 917 0 0 917 4,848 78 

2035 3,990 0 0 3,990 947 0 0 947 4,937 78 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -0.6% -31.5% N/A -1.1% 0.4% N/A -6.7% -1.7% -1.2% 11.7% 

2014-15 1.0% 0.0% N/A 1.0% 5.3% N/A -21.6% 3.3% 1.3% 0.0% 

2014-24 0.9% -100.0% N/A 0.9% 3.6% N/A -100.0% 2.8% 1.2% -2.3% 

2014-35 1.1% -99.9% N/A 1.1% 3.4% N/A -99.9% 3.0% 1.4% -1.1% 

117
TABLE 22

U.S. MAINLINE AIR CARRIERS

 CARGO JET AIRCRAFT

CALENDAR LARGE NARROWBODY LARGE WIDEBODYYEAR 2 ENGINE 3 ENGINE 4 ENGINE TOTAL 2 ENGINE 3 ENGINE 4 ENGINE TOTAL 

Historical2001 180 343 143 666 190 192 85 467 2007 162 162 75 399 272 213 86 571 

2008 163 116 29 308 274 207 82 563 2009 154 107 30 291 253 196 82 531 

2010 153 104 31 288 265 200 97 562 

2011 176 89 26 291 281 203 96 580 2012 187 67 12 266 292 188 93 573 

2013 192 15 0 207 296 174 64 534 2014E 212 14 226 294 169 69 532 

Forecast2015 217 14 0 231 297 167 69 533 2016 222 14 0 236 310 162 69 541 2017 228 14 0 242 323 152 70 545 2018 236 14 0 250 339 142 70 551 

2019 242 12 0 254 354 133 72 559 

2020 245 10 0 255 368 129 73 570 

2021 249 9 0 258 386 126 75 587 

2022 252 4 0 256 398 120 76 594 

2023 258 2 0 260 411 116 78 605 

2024 264 0 0 264 424 111 80 615 

2025 265 0 0 265 437 111 82 630 

2026 267 0 0 267 450 111 83 644 

2027 270 0 0 270 465 112 86 663 

2028 271 0 0 271 478 112 87 677 

2029 272 0 0 272 493 112 89 694 

2030 276 0 0 276 507 112 92 711 2031 276 0 0 276 521 113 95 729 2032 279 0 0 279 535 113 97 745 2033 281 0 0 281 551 113 101 765 2034 283 0 0 283 565 113 103 781 2035 283 0 0 283 580 113 106 799 Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.4% -23.4% -100.0% -8.6% 3.7% -1.1% -1.7% 1.1% 

2014-15 2.4% 0.0% N/A 2.2% 1.0% -1.2% 0.0% 0.2% 2014-24 2.2% -100.0% N/A 1.6% 3.7% -4.1% 1.5% 1.5% 2014-35 1.4% -100.0% N/A 1.1% 3.3% -1.9% 2.1% 2.0% 

118
TABLE 23

TOTAL JET FUEL AND AVIATION GASOLINE FUEL CONSUMPTION

U.S. CIVIL AVIATION AIRCRAFT

(Millions of Gallons)

JET FUEL AVIATION GASOLINE TOTAL

FISCAL U.S. AIR CARRIERS1 GENERAL AIR GENERAL FUEL

YEAR DOMESTIC INT'L. TOTAL AVIATION TOTAL CARRIER AVIATION TOTAL CONSUMED

Historical2001 15,350 5,893 21,243 918 22,162 2 279 335 21,350

2007 13,882 6,309 20,191 1,486 21,676 2 274 276 21,952

2008 13,397 6,499 19,896 1,706 21,602 2 248 250 21,852

2009 11,896 6,033 17,929 1,447 19,376 2 227 229 19,606

2010 11,973 6,290 18,263 1,435 19,698 2 221 223 19,921

2011 12,092 6,547 18,639 1,456 20,095 2 216 218 20,313

2012 12,038 6,590 18,628 1,435 20,063 2 206 208 20,272

2013 12,246 6,488 18,734 1,260 19,993 2 197 199 20,193

2014E 12,357 6,361 18,718 1,370 20,088 2 197 199 20,287

Forecast2015 12,575 6,399 18,974 1,408 20,382 2 198 200 20,582

2016 12,620 6,548 19,168 1,451 20,619 2 196 198 20,817

2017 12,717 6,745 19,463 1,492 20,955 2 194 196 21,151

2018 12,815 6,938 19,752 1,534 21,286 2 192 194 21,480

2019 12,863 7,160 20,023 1,576 21,600 2 191 193 21,793

2020 12,974 7,398 20,373 1,621 21,994 2 190 192 22,186

2021 13,040 7,624 20,664 1,662 22,326 2 189 191 22,5172022 13,114 7,840 20,954 1,705 22,659 2 188 190 22,849

2023 13,211 8,059 21,270 1,747 23,017 2 188 190 23,207

2024 13,288 8,274 21,562 1,787 23,349 2 188 190 23,539

2025 13,381 8,498 21,879 1,826 23,704 2 188 190 23,894

2026 13,485 8,725 22,210 1,862 24,072 2 187 189 24,262

2027 13,623 8,956 22,579 1,902 24,482 2 188 190 24,671

2028 13,775 9,193 22,968 1,945 24,913 2 187 189 25,102

2029 13,925 9,429 23,355 1,991 25,346 2 188 190 25,536

2030 14,078 9,670 23,748 2,040 25,788 2 188 190 25,978

2031 14,217 9,910 24,127 2,090 26,218 2 189 191 26,409

2032 14,367 10,152 24,518 2,143 26,661 2 190 192 26,853

2033 14,516 10,403 24,919 2,196 27,115 2 191 193 27,308

2034 14,663 10,660 25,324 2,250 27,574 2 192 194 27,768

2035 14,798 10,923 25,721 2,306 28,027 2 194 196 28,223

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -1.7% 0.6% -1.0% 3.1% -0.8% 0.0% -2.7% -3.9% -0.4%

2014-15 1.8% 0.6% 1.4% 2.7% 1.5% 0.0% 0.9% 0.9% 1.5%

2014-24 0.7% 2.7% 1.4% 2.7% 1.5% 0.0% -0.4% -0.4% 1.5%

2014-35 0.9% 2.6% 1.5% 2.5% 1.6% 0.0% -0.1% -0.1% 1.6%

Source: Air carrier jet fuel, Form 41, U.S. Department of Transportation; all others, FAA APO estimates.

1Includes both passenger (mainline and regional air carrier) and cargo carriers.2Forecast assumes 1.0% annual improvement in ASMs/Gallon for U.S. Commercial Air Carrier

119
REVENUE PER

AVERAGE SEATS PER AIRCRAFT MILE AVERAGE PASSENGER TRIP LENGTH

FISCAL DOMESTIC INT'L. SYSTEM DOMESTIC INT'L. SYSTEM CURRENT $ 2014 $

YEAR (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Seats/Mile) (Miles) (Miles) (Miles) (Cents) (Cents)

Historical2001 40.5 43.0 40.6 302.1 302.9 302.1 31.65 42.39

2007 49.9 54.0 50.0 451.4 518.1 452.8 19.95 22.93

2008 52.9 53.4 53.0 460.8 532.7 462.3 21.04 23.16

2009 55.2 52.8 55.1 456.9 512.3 457.8 17.04 18.82

2010 56.1 53.2 56.0 464.0 502.9 464.6 15.74 17.08

2011 56.4 52.7 56.3 467.0 531.4 468.0 15.10 15.98

2012 56.1 54.8 56.0 467.4 605.7 470.0 13.16 13.60

2013 56.1 54.6 56.1 469.2 641.5 472.3 11.66 11.84

2014E 57.0 56.6 57.0 472.5 661.7 475.9 11.76 11.76

Forecast2015 57.8 56.9 57.7 478.1 669.5 481.5 12.10 12.07

2016 58.6 57.2 58.6 479.6 671.6 483.0 12.40 12.15

2017 59.5 57.5 59.5 481.6 674.4 485.1 12.73 12.22

2018 60.4 57.8 60.3 483.6 677.2 487.1 13.03 12.24

2019 61.3 58.1 61.2 485.6 680.1 489.1 13.45 12.33

2020 61.9 58.4 61.8 487.7 682.9 491.2 13.83 12.38

2021 62.5 58.7 62.4 489.7 685.7 493.2 14.26 12.45

2022 63.0 59.0 62.9 491.7 688.5 495.2 14.59 12.45

2023 63.5 59.3 63.3 493.7 691.4 497.3 14.84 12.40

2024 63.9 59.6 63.8 495.7 694.2 499.3 15.16 12.38

2025 64.4 59.9 64.3 497.8 697.0 501.4 15.47 12.35

2026 64.9 60.2 64.7 499.8 699.9 503.4 15.73 12.28

2027 65.4 60.5 65.2 501.8 702.7 505.4 15.95 12.20

2028 65.8 60.8 65.7 503.8 705.5 507.5 16.16 12.11

2029 66.3 61.1 66.2 505.8 708.3 509.5 16.36 12.01

2030 66.8 61.4 66.7 507.8 711.2 511.5 16.54 11.91

2031 67.3 61.7 67.1 509.9 714.0 513.6 16.73 11.81

2032 67.8 62.0 67.6 511.9 716.8 515.6 16.93 11.71

2033 68.3 62.3 68.1 513.9 719.6 517.6 17.16 11.62

2034 68.8 62.6 68.6 515.9 722.5 519.7 17.39 11.54

2035 69.3 62.9 69.1 518.0 725.3 521.7 17.63 11.47

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 2.7% 2.1% 2.7% 3.5% 6.2% 3.6% -7.3% -9.4%

2014-15 1.3% 0.5% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2% 2.9% 2.6%

2014-24 1.1% 0.5% 1.1% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 2.6% 0.5%

2014-35 0.9% 0.5% 0.9% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 1.9% -0.1%

Source: Form 41 and 298C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

** Reporting carriers.

TABLE 24

U.S. REGIONAL CARRIER FORECAST ASSUMPTIONS

PASSENGER MILE**

120
(In Millions)

FISCAL REVENUE PASSENGERS ENPLANEMENTS (Millions) REVENUE PASSENGER MILES (Billions)YEAR DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

Historical

2001 80.4 3.1 83.6 24,299 947 25,2462007 156.3 3.4 159.7 70,528 1,772 72,3002008 159.1 3.5 162.6 73,305 1,867 75,1722009 154.0 2.5 156.6 70,374 1,304 71,6782010 161.7 2.7 164.4 75,030 1,347 76,3772011 161.7 2.4 164.1 75,513 1,270 76,7832012 159.0 3.1 162.1 74,330 1,856 76,1872013 155.5 2.9 158.4 72,956 1,851 74,8072014E 155.2 2.9 158.1 73,338 1,888 75,226Forecast

2015 158.6 2.9 161.5 75,831 1,952 77,7842016 161.0 3.0 164.0 77,225 1,988 79,2132017 163.9 3.0 166.9 78,939 2,032 80,9722018 166.6 3.1 169.7 80,569 2,074 82,6442019 168.6 3.1 171.7 81,892 2,108 84,0002020 171.5 3.2 174.6 83,620 2,153 85,773

2021 173.7 3.2 176.9 85,075 2,190 87,2652022 176.1 3.2 179.3 86,588 2,229 88,8172023 178.8 3.3 182.1 88,273 2,273 90,5462024 181.2 3.3 184.6 89,842 2,313 92,1552025 183.9 3.4 187.3 91,534 2,357 93,8912026 186.7 3.4 190.2 93,330 2,403 95,7332027 190.1 3.5 193.6 95,380 2,456 97,8362028 193.6 3.6 197.2 97,553 2,512 100,065

2029 197.2 3.6 200.8 99,755 2,568 102,324

2030 200.8 3.7 204.5 102,000 2,626 104,626

2031 204.4 3.8 208.2 104,216 2,683 106,900

2032 208.1 3.8 211.9 106,532 2,743 109,274

2033 211.9 3.9 215.8 108,891 2,804 111,694

2034 215.7 4.0 219.6 111,263 2,865 114,127

2035 219.3 4.0 223.3 113,578 2,924 116,502

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 5.2% -0.7% 5.0% 8.9% 5.5% 8.8%2014-15 2.2% 2.2% 2.2% 3.4% 3.4% 3.4%

2014-24 1.6% 1.6% 1.6% 2.1% 2.1% 2.1%2014-35 1.7% 1.7% 1.7% 2.1% 2.1% 2.1%Source: Form 41 and 298C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 25

U.S. REGIONAL CARRIERS

SCHEDULED PASSENGER TRAFFIC

121
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM

FISCAL ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD ASMs RPMs % LOAD

YEAR (MIL) (MIL) FACTOR (MIL) (MIL) FACTOR (MIL) (MIL) FACTOR

Historical2001 41,418 24,299 58.7 1,633 947 58.0 43,051 25,246 58.6

2007 93,452 70,528 75.5 2,550 1,772 69.5 96,002 72,300 75.3

2008 99,469 73,305 73.7 2,632 1,867 70.9 102,101 75,172 73.6

2009 94,664 70,374 74.3 1,859 1,304 70.2 96,523 71,678 74.3

2010 98,461 75,030 76.2 1,857 1,347 72.5 100,318 76,377 76.1

2011 99,075 75,513 76.2 1,818 1,270 69.9 100,893 76,783 76.1

2012 95,748 74,330 77.6 2,595 1,856 71.5 98,343 76,187 77.5

2013 93,084 72,956 78.4 2,448 1,851 75.6 95,532 74,807 78.3

2014E 91,666 73,338 80.0 2,508 1,888 75.3 94,174 75,226 79.9

Forecast2015 95,333 75,831 79.5 2,608 1,952 74.9 97,941 77,784 79.4

2016 97,039 77,225 79.6 2,655 1,988 74.9 99,694 79,213 79.5

2017 99,149 78,939 79.6 2,713 2,032 74.9 101,861 80,972 79.5

2018 101,154 80,569 79.7 2,767 2,074 75.0 103,921 82,644 79.5

2019 102,774 81,892 79.7 2,812 2,108 75.0 105,586 84,000 79.6

2020 104,904 83,620 79.7 2,870 2,153 75.0 107,774 85,773 79.6

2021 106,692 85,075 79.7 2,919 2,190 75.0 109,611 87,265 79.6

2022 108,554 86,588 79.8 2,970 2,229 75.1 111,524 88,817 79.6

2023 110,632 88,273 79.8 3,027 2,273 75.1 113,659 90,546 79.7

2024 112,565 89,842 79.8 3,080 2,313 75.1 115,645 92,155 79.7

2025 114,654 91,534 79.8 3,137 2,357 75.1 117,791 93,891 79.7

2026 116,871 93,330 79.9 3,197 2,403 75.2 120,069 95,733 79.7

2027 119,409 95,380 79.9 3,267 2,456 75.2 122,676 97,836 79.8

2028 122,100 97,553 79.9 3,341 2,512 75.2 125,441 100,065 79.8

2029 124,828 99,755 79.9 3,415 2,568 75.2 128,243 102,324 79.8

2030 127,609 102,000 79.9 3,491 2,626 75.2 131,100 104,626 79.8

2031 130,354 104,216 79.9 3,566 2,683 75.2 133,921 106,900 79.8

2032 133,223 106,532 80.0 3,645 2,743 75.3 136,868 109,274 79.8

2033 136,147 108,891 80.0 3,725 2,804 75.3 139,872 111,694 79.9

2034 139,088 111,263 80.0 3,805 2,865 75.3 142,893 114,127 79.9

2035 141,957 113,578 80.0 3,884 2,924 75.3 145,841 116,502 79.9

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 6.8% 9.6% 2.6% 3.6% 5.9% 2.2% 6.7% 9.5% 2.6%

2014-15 4.0% 3.4% -0.6% 4.0% 3.4% -0.6% 4.0% 3.4% -0.6%

2014-24 2.1% 2.1% 0.0% 2.1% 2.1% 0.0% 2.1% 2.1% 0.0%

2014-35 2.1% 2.1% 0.0% 2.1% 2.1% 0.0% 2.1% 2.1% 0.0%

Source: Form 41 and 298C, U.S. Department of Transportation.

TABLE 26

U.S. REGIONAL CARRIERS

SCHEDULED PASSENGER CAPACITY, TRAFFIC, AND LOAD FACTORS

122
TABLE 27

U.S. REGIONAL CARRIERS

PASSENGER AIRCRAFT

REGIONAL AIRCRAFT

AS OF LESS THAN 10 TO 19 20 TO 30 31 TO 40 SEATS OVER 40 SEATS TOTAL FLEJANUARY 1 9 SEATS SEATS SEATS PROP JET TOTAL PROP JET* TOTAL NON JET JET 

Historical

2001 490 250 248 445 110 555 148 672 820 1,581 782 

2007 453 172 79 228 91 319 101 1,656 1,757 1,033 1,747 

2008 451 107 68 180 25 205 121 1,730 1,851 927 1,755 

2009 466 103 65 153 29 182 115 1,722 1,837 902 1,751 

2010 440 92 82 144 28 172 99 1,728 1,827 857 1,756 

2011 447 94 67 113 27 140 135 1,683 1,818 857 1,710 

2012 394 90 55 115 23 138 104 1,559 1,663 758 1,582 

2013 337 94 52 37 0 37 51 1,642 1,693 571 1,642 

2014E 321 90 56 32 0 32 56 1,593 1,649 555 1,593 

Forecast

2015 307 86 53 31 0 31 59 1,555 1,614 536 1,555 

2016 292 82 51 29 0 29 62 1,506 1,568 516 1,506 

2017 278 78 48 28 0 28 65 1,467 1,532 497 1,467 

2018 263 74 46 26 0 26 67 1,437 1,504 476 1,437 

2019 249 70 43 25 0 25 70 1,380 1,450 457 1,380 

2020 234 66 41 23 0 23 73 1,349 1,422 437 1,349 

2021 220 62 38 22 0 22 76 1,390 1,466 418 1,390 

2022 206 58 36 20 0 20 79 1,441 1,520 399 1,441 

2023 191 54 33 19 0 19 82 1,474 1,556 379 1,474 

2024 179 50 31 18 0 18 85 1,483 1,568 363 1,483 

2025 168 47 29 17 0 17 88 1,505 1,593 349 1,505 

2026 153 43 27 15 0 15 91 1,538 1,629 329 1,538 

2027 141 39 25 14 0 14 94 1,571 1,665 313 1,571 

2028 128 36 22 13 0 13 97 1,588 1,685 296 1,588 

2029 115 32 20 12 0 12 101 1,634 1,735 280 1,634 

2030 103 29 18 10 0 10 104 1,670 1,774 264 1,670 

2031 90 25 16 9 0 9 107 1,708 1,815 247 1,708 

2032 79 22 14 8 0 8 110 1,741 1,851 233 1,741 

2033 63 18 11 6 0 6 113 1,775 1,888 211 1,775 

2034 52 15 9 5 0 5 117 1,808 1,925 198 1,808 

2035 40 11 7 4 0 4 120 1,852 1,972 182 1,852 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -3.2% -7.6% -10.8% -18.3% -100.0% -19.7% -7.2% 6.9% 5.5% -7.7% 5.6% 

2014-15 -4.4% -4.4% -5.4% -3.1% N/A -3.1% 5.4% -2.4% -2.1% -3.4% -2.4% 

2014-24 -5.7% -5.7% -5.7% -5.6% N/A -5.6% 4.3% -0.7% -0.5% -4.2% -0.7% 

2014-35 -9.4% -9.5% -9.4% -9.4% N/A -9.4% 3.7% 0.7% 0.9% -5.2% 0.7% 

Source: The Velocity Group for the Regional Airline Association through 2004.*Independence Air A319 aircraft are included in Table 20 - U.S. Mainline Air Carriers Passenger Jet Aircraft.

123
FIXED WING TOTAL

PISTON GENERAL

AS OF SINGLE MULTI- TURBO TURBO ROTORCRAFT EXPERI- SPORT AVIATION 

DEC. 31 ENGINE ENGINE TOTAL PROP JET TOTAL PISTON TURBINE TOTAL MENTAL** AIRCRAFT** OTHER FLEET 

Historical*

2001 145,034 18,192 163,226 6,596 7,787 14,383 2,292 4,491 6,783 20,421 N/A 6,633 211,446 

2007 147,569 19,337 166,906 9,514 10,385 19,899 2,769 6,798 9,567 23,228 6,066 5,940 231,606 

2008 145,497 17,515 163,012 8,907 11,042 19,949 3,498 6,378 9,876 23,364 6,811 5,652 228,664 

2009 140,649 16,474 157,123 9,055 11,268 20,323 3,499 6,485 9,984 24,419 6,547 5,480 223,876 

2010 139,519 15,900 155,419 9,369 11,484 20,853 3,588 6,514 10,102 24,784 6,528 5,684 223,370 

2011E 136,895 15,702 152,597 9,523 11,650 21,173 3,411 6,671 10,082 24,275 6,645 5,681 220,453 

2012 128,847 14,313 143,160 10,304 11,793 22,097 3,292 6,763 10,055 26,715 2,001 5,006 209,034 

2013 124,398 13,257 137,655 9,619 11,637 21,256 3,137 6,628 9,765 24,918 2,056 4,277 199,927 

2014E 123,440 13,215 136,655 9,485 11,750 21,235 3,235 6,850 10,085 24,480 2,200 4,205 198,860 

Forecast2015 122,435 13,175 135,610 9,390 11,915 21,305 3,335 7,105 10,440 24,880 2,355 4,190 198,780 

2016 121,440 13,140 134,580 9,330 12,105 21,435 3,435 7,375 10,810 25,220 2,515 4,180 198,740 

2017 120,490 13,100 133,590 9,295 12,325 21,620 3,530 7,645 11,175 25,605 2,680 4,185 198,855 

2018 119,530 13,040 132,570 9,280 12,555 21,835 3,620 7,915 11,535 25,990 2,840 4,170 198,940 

2019 118,605 12,985 131,590 9,285 12,815 22,100 3,705 8,165 11,870 26,380 3,010 4,155 199,105 

2020 117,770 12,920 130,690 9,315 13,115 22,430 3,785 8,410 12,195 26,795 3,170 4,130 199,410 

2021 116,965 12,850 129,815 9,360 13,440 22,800 3,865 8,655 12,520 27,210 3,330 4,115 199,790 

2022 116,180 12,780 128,960 9,445 13,790 23,235 3,940 8,895 12,835 27,630 3,495 4,100 200,255 

2023 115,410 12,695 128,105 9,545 14,165 23,710 4,015 9,130 13,145 28,040 3,655 4,085 200,740 

2024 114,645 12,620 127,265 9,690 14,575 24,265 4,090 9,360 13,450 28,460 3,810 4,060 201,310 

2025 113,905 12,545 126,450 9,855 15,000 24,855 4,165 9,595 13,760 28,875 3,970 4,060 201,970 

2026 113,190 12,470 125,660 10,060 15,460 25,520 4,240 9,830 14,070 29,300 4,125 4,055 202,730 

2027 112,500 12,410 124,910 10,305 15,945 26,250 4,315 10,070 14,385 29,725 4,275 4,065 203,610 

2028 111,830 12,340 124,170 10,565 16,455 27,020 4,395 10,310 14,705 30,155 4,420 4,070 204,540 

2029 111,205 12,275 123,480 10,845 16,995 27,840 4,475 10,555 15,030 30,555 4,565 4,065 205,535 

2030 110,635 12,230 122,865 11,155 17,565 28,720 4,555 10,805 15,360 30,975 4,705 4,055 206,680 

2031 110,110 12,185 122,295 11,485 18,155 29,640 4,640 11,055 15,695 31,385 4,840 4,050 207,905 

2032 109,650 12,165 121,815 11,840 18,775 30,615 4,725 11,310 16,035 31,795 4,975 4,045 209,280 

2033 109,260 12,145 121,405 12,200 19,430 31,630 4,810 11,575 16,385 32,210 5,105 4,035 210,770 

2034 108,980 12,135 121,115 12,580 20,105 32,685 4,900 11,850 16,750 32,625 5,230 4,030 212,435 

2035 108,810 12,135 120,945 12,970 20,815 33,785 4,990 12,120 17,110 33,040 5,360 4,020 214,260 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -1.2% -2.4% -1.4% 2.8% 3.2% 3.0% 2.7% 3.3% 3.1% 1.4% N/A -3.4% -0.5% 

2014-15 -0.8% -0.3% -0.8% -1.0% 1.4% 0.3% 3.1% 3.7% 3.5% 1.6% 7.0% -0.4% 0.0% 

2014-24 -0.7% -0.5% -0.7% 0.2% 2.2% 1.3% 2.4% 3.2% 2.9% 1.5% 5.6% -0.4% 0.1% 

2014-35 -0.6% -0.4% -0.6% 1.5% 2.8% 2.2% 2.1% 2.8% 2.5% 1.4% 4.3% -0.2% 0.4% 

* Source: 2001-2010, 2012 and 2013, FAA General Aviation and Air Taxi Activity (and Avionics) Surveys.**Experimental Light-sport category that was previously shown under Sport Aircraft is moved under Experimental Aircraft category, starting in 2012. Note: An active aircraft is one that has a current registration and was flown at least one hour during the calendar year. 

TURBINE

TABLE 28

ACTIVE GENERAL AVIATION AND AIR TAXI AIRCRAFT

124
FIXED WING TOTAL

PISTON GENERAL

CALENDAR SINGLE MULTI- TURBO TURBO ROTORCRAFT EXPERI- SPORT AVIATION YEAR ENGINE ENGINE TOTAL PROP JET TOTAL PISTON TURBINE TOTAL MENTAL** AIRCRAFT** OTHER HOURS P

Historical*

2001 16,549 2,644 19,193 1,773 2,654 4,427 474 1,478 1,952 1,157 N/A 287 27,016 2007 13,571 2,686 16,257 2,661 3,938 6,600 704 2,541 3,245 1,275 260 215 27,852 

2008 12,746 2,328 15,074 2,457 3,600 6,057 751 2,470 3,222 1,155 293 209 26,009 

2009 11,730 1,903 13,634 2,215 3,161 5,376 755 2,248 3,003 1,286 286 178 23,763 

2010 12,161 1,818 13,979 2,325 3,375 5,700 794 2,611 3,405 1,226 311 181 24,802 

2011E 11,844 1,782 13,626 2,463 3,407 5,870 757 2,654 3,411 1,203 278 181 24,570 

2012 11,442 1,766 13,207 2,733 3,418 6,151 731 2,723 3,454 1,243 169 180 24,404 

2013 10,706 1,646 12,352 2,587 3,488 6,076 636 2,312 2,949 1,191 173 135 22,876 

2014E 10,602 1,627 12,228 2,582 3,599 6,181 689 2,463 3,152 1,178 187 133 23,060 

Forecast

2015 10,757 1,608 12,366 2,581 3,723 6,304 715 2,635 3,350 1,212 202 133 23,566 

2016 10,524 1,588 12,112 2,585 3,874 6,458 738 2,780 3,518 1,251 218 133 23,689 

2017 10,310 1,575 11,885 2,592 4,013 6,605 760 2,925 3,685 1,289 234 133 23,830 

2018 10,115 1,560 11,675 2,597 4,163 6,760 780 3,033 3,813 1,330 250 132 23,961 

2019 9,960 1,546 11,506 2,606 4,313 6,919 796 3,133 3,930 1,377 267 132 24,131 

2020 9,847 1,537 11,384 2,618 4,475 7,094 815 3,232 4,047 1,416 283 132 24,355 

2021 9,758 1,524 11,282 2,637 4,651 7,287 833 3,331 4,165 1,452 300 131 24,618 

2022 9,688 1,516 11,205 2,662 4,836 7,498 851 3,429 4,280 1,489 317 131 24,919 

2023 9,634 1,510 11,144 2,694 5,019 7,712 868 3,525 4,393 1,523 334 130 25,237 

2024 9,575 1,501 11,076 2,736 5,192 7,928 886 3,615 4,501 1,558 351 130 25,545 

2025 9,533 1,492 11,025 2,784 5,361 8,145 903 3,708 4,611 1,594 369 130 25,874 

2026 9,486 1,489 10,975 2,843 5,534 8,376 921 3,801 4,722 1,627 386 130 26,215 

2027 9,440 1,490 10,929 2,910 5,713 8,623 938 3,895 4,834 1,661 403 130 26,580 

2028 9,410 1,489 10,898 2,984 5,900 8,884 957 3,990 4,947 1,694 420 130 26,974 

2029 9,390 1,492 10,883 3,065 6,103 9,168 975 4,087 5,062 1,726 436 131 27,405 

2030 9,375 1,498 10,872 3,152 6,322 9,474 994 4,186 5,180 1,759 453 130 27,869 

2031 9,368 1,506 10,875 3,245 6,544 9,789 1,013 4,285 5,298 1,792 470 130 28,354 

2032 9,358 1,520 10,878 3,344 6,775 10,119 1,033 4,386 5,419 1,826 486 130 28,858 

2033 9,376 1,534 10,911 3,447 7,015 10,462 1,053 4,491 5,544 1,860 503 130 29,409 

2034 9,411 1,551 10,962 3,555 7,257 10,811 1,073 4,609 5,683 1,894 519 130 29,999 

2035 9,464 1,570 11,034 3,665 7,512 11,176 1,094 4,727 5,821 1,929 536 130 30,626 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -3.4% -3.7% -3.4% 2.9% 2.4% 2.6% 2.9% 4.0% 3.8% 0.1% N/A -5.7% -1.2% 

2014-15 1.5% -1.1% 1.1% 0.0% 3.5% 2.0% 3.8% 7.0% 6.3% 2.8% 8.1% -0.3% 2.2% 

2014-24 -1.0% -0.8% -1.0% 0.6% 3.7% 2.5% 2.5% 3.9% 3.6% 2.8% 6.5% -0.2% 1.0% 

2014-35 -0.5% -0.2% -0.5% 1.7% 3.6% 2.9% 2.2% 3.2% 3.0% 2.4% 5.1% -0.1% 1.4% 

* Source: 2001-2010, 2012 and 2013, FAA General Aviation and Air Taxi Activity (and Avionics) Surveys.**Experimental Light-sport category that was previously shown under Sport Aircraft is moved under Experimental Aircraft category, starting in 2012. Note: An active aircraft is one that has a current registration and was flown at least one hour during the calendar year. 

TURBINE

TABLE 29

ACTIVE GENERAL AVIATION AND AIR TAXI HOURS FLOWN

(In Thousands)

125
TABLE 30

ROTOR- TOTAL INS

AS OF RECREA- SPORT AIRLINE CRAFT GLIDER TOTAL LESS 

DEC. 31 STUDENTS TIONAL PILOT PRIVATE COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT ONLY ONLY PILOTS AT PILOTS 

Historical*

2001 94,420 316 N/A 243,823 120,502 144,702 7,727 8,473 619,963 475,261 

2007 84,339 239 2,031 211,096 115,127 143,953 12,290 21,274 590,349 446,396 

2008 80,989 252 2,623 222,596 124,746 146,838 14,647 21,055 613,746 466,908 

2009 72,280 234 3,248 211,619 125,738 144,600 15,298 21,268 594,285 449,685 

2010 119,119 2 212 3,682 202,020 123,705 142,198 15,377 21,275 627,588 485,390 

2011 118,657 227 4,066 194,441 120,865 142,511 15,220 21,141 617,128 474,617 

2012 119,946 218 4,493 188,001 116,400 145,590 15,126 20,802 610,576 464,986 

2013 120,285 238 4,824 180,214 108,206 149,824 15,114 20,381 599,086 449,262 

2014 120,546 220 5,157 174,883 104,322 152,933 15,511 19,927 593,499 440,566 

Forecast

2015 119,650 220 5,600 173,750 104,250 153,000 15,335 19,885 591,690 438,690 

2016 119,650 220 6,000 174,100 104,800 153,200 15,320 19,900 593,190 439,990 

2017 119,300 220 6,450 174,200 105,100 153,400 15,330 19,955 593,955 440,555 

2018 119,000 220 6,850 173,500 105,400 153,600 15,495 19,905 593,970 440,370 

2019 118,600 220 7,300 172,750 105,300 153,800 15,895 19,860 593,725 439,925 

2020 118,250 220 7,700 171,950 105,550 154,300 16,440 19,815 594,225 439,925 

2021 117,900 215 8,100 171,250 105,750 155,100 17,220 19,765 595,300 440,200 

2022 117,500 215 8,550 170,650 106,050 156,000 17,975 19,715 596,655 440,655 

2023 117,100 215 9,000 170,000 106,300 156,800 18,715 19,660 597,790 440,990 

2024 116,650 215 9,450 169,300 106,650 157,400 19,500 19,605 598,770 441,370 

2025 116,300 215 9,900 168,650 107,050 158,100 20,300 19,615 600,130 442,030 

2026 115,950 210 10,350 168,100 107,450 158,900 21,020 19,605 601,585 442,685 

2027 115,550 210 10,850 167,500 107,950 159,900 21,655 19,685 603,300 443,400 

2028 115,150 210 11,350 166,950 108,450 160,800 22,200 19,720 604,830 444,030 

2029 114,750 210 11,900 166,400 109,050 161,800 22,645 19,740 606,495 444,695 

2030 114,350 210 12,450 165,900 109,700 162,900 23,010 19,730 608,250 445,350 

2031 113,900 210 13,050 165,400 110,350 164,000 23,315 19,715 609,940 445,940 

2032 113,450 210 13,650 164,800 111,050 165,100 23,570 19,700 611,530 446,430 

2033 113,050 210 14,300 164,350 111,750 166,300 23,840 19,685 613,485 447,185 

2034 112,600 210 14,950 163,950 112,550 167,400 24,125 19,665 615,450 448,050 

2035 112,200 210 14,950 163,600 113,350 168,600 24,440 19,650 617,000 448,400 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 1.9% -2.7% N/A -2.5% -1.1% 0.4% 5.5% 6.8% -0.3% -0.6% 

2014-15 -0.7% 0.0% 8.6% -0.6% -0.1% 0.0% -1.1% -0.2% -0.3% -0.4% 

2014-24 -0.3% -0.2% 6.2% -0.3% 0.2% 0.3% 2.3% -0.2% 0.1% 0.0% 

2014-35 -0.3% -0.2% 5.2% -0.3% 0.4% 0.5% 2.2% -0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 

* Source: FAA U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics.

1Instrument rated pilots should not be added to other categories in deriving total.2In July 2010, the FAA issued a rule that increased the duration of validity for student pilot certificates for pilots under the age of 40 from 36 to 60 months.  This resulted in the increase in active student pilots to 119,119 from 72,280 at the end of 2009.

Note: An active pilot is a person with a pilot certificate and a valid medical certificate.

ACTIVE PILOTS BY TYPE OF CERTIFICATE

126
TABLE 31

(In Millions of Gallons)

FIXED WING

 PISTON EXPERICALENDAR SINGLE MULTI- TURBO- TURBO- ROTORCRAFT MENTAL**/ JET

YEAR ENGINE ENGINE PROP JET PISTON TURBINE OTHER SPORT** AVGAS FUEL 

Historical*

2001 180.4 76.4 149.1 726.7 7.2 42.6 15.3 N/A 279.2 918.3 2007 157.6 83.0 205.2 1,148.0 9.3 132.4 22.6 1.2 273.6 1,485.6 

2008 143.0 69.5 230.4 1,313.2 10.7 162.1 23.3 1.5 248.1 1,705.7 

2009 132.3 57.1 208.7 1,104.6 10.7 133.6 25.8 1.4 227.4 1,447.0 

2010 133.1 53.9 187.1 1,122.9 10.7 124.8 21.6 1.5 220.7 1,434.8 

2011E 129.9 52.9 195.3 1,124.6 10.3 136.4 21.5 1.4 216.0 1,456.3 

2012 125.8 53.9 208.8 1,077.2 10.2 148.9 15.7 0.8 206.4 1,434.9 

2013 117.2 53.9 188.6 945.0 8.8 126.0 16.5 0.9 197.3 1,259.6 

2014E 116.1 53.3 187.3 1,049.2 9.5 133.6 16.8 1.0 196.6 1,370.0 

Forecast

2015 117.5 52.7 185.3 1,080.0 9.9 142.2 17.2 1.0 198.3 1,407.5 

2016 115.0 51.9 184.7 1,118.0 10.2 148.5 17.7 1.1 195.9 1,451.2 

2017 112.5 51.4 184.3 1,152.6 10.5 155.5 18.2 1.2 193.8 1,492.3 

2018 110.4 51.0 183.7 1,189.5 10.7 160.4 18.7 1.3 192.1 1,533.5 

2019 108.7 50.5 184.3 1,226.3 11.0 165.7 19.3 1.3 190.8 1,576.3 

2020 107.2 50.2 184.3 1,266.0 11.2 170.9 19.8 1.4 189.9 1,621.2 

2021 106.3 49.6 184.6 1,302.5 11.4 174.4 20.1 1.5 188.9 1,661.6 

2022 105.3 49.3 185.5 1,340.8 11.7 178.6 20.5 1.6 188.4 1,705.0 

2023 104.7 49.1 186.8 1,377.6 11.9 182.7 21.0 1.7 188.4 1,747.1 

2024 104.1 48.8 189.7 1,410.9 12.1 186.5 21.4 1.8 188.2 1,787.1 

2025 103.4 48.4 192.1 1,442.3 12.4 191.2 21.8 1.8 187.9 1,825.6 

2026 102.7 48.2 194.1 1,473.9 12.6 194.1 22.0 1.9 187.5 1,862.1 

2027 102.0 48.3 198.2 1,506.3 12.8 197.9 22.5 2.0 187.5 1,902.4 

2028 101.5 48.0 203.0 1,540.3 13.0 201.7 22.9 2.1 187.5 1,945.0 

2029 101.1 48.1 207.4 1,577.2 13.3 206.6 23.3 2.2 187.9 1,991.3 

2030 100.6 48.3 212.7 1,617.4 13.6 209.5 23.7 2.2 188.4 2,039.6 

2031 100.2 48.6 218.3 1,657.6 13.8 214.4 24.1 2.3 189.1 2,090.3 

2032 99.8 49.0 224.3 1,698.9 14.1 219.5 24.5 2.4 189.9 2,142.7 

2033 99.6 49.5 230.0 1,741.6 14.4 224.7 25.0 2.5 190.9 2,196.3 

2034 99.6 50.0 236.1 1,783.4 14.6 230.7 25.4 2.6 192.2 2,250.1 

2035 99.7 50.6 242.2 1,827.7 14.9 236.6 25.8 2.7 193.8 2,306.4 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -3.3% -2.7% 1.8% 2.9% 2.2% 9.2% 0.7% N/A -2.7% 3.1% 

2014-15 1.3% -1.1% -1.0% 2.9% 3.6% 6.4% 2.5% 8.1% 0.9% 2.7% 

2014-24 -1.1% -0.9% 0.1% 3.0% 2.4% 3.4% 2.5% 6.3% -0.4% 2.7% 

2014-35 -0.7% -0.2% 1.2% 2.7% 2.2% 2.8% 2.1% 5.0% -0.1% 2.5% 

*Source: FAA APO Estimates.**Experimental Light-sport category that was previously shown under Sport Aircraft is moved under Experimental Aircraft category, starting in 2012. Note: Detail may not add to total because of independent rounding.

TURBINE TOTAL FUEL CONSU

GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT FUEL CONSUMPTION

127
TABLE 32

(In Thousands)

FISCAL AIR AIR TAXI/ GENERAL AVIATION MILITARY NUMB

YEAR CARRIER COMMUTER ITINERANT LOCAL TOTAL ITINERANT LOCAL TOTAL TOTAL FAA Historical

2001 14,762.7 10,882.2 21,432.9 16,193.6 37,626.5 1,479.5 1,437.5 2,917.0 66,188.4 266 2007 13,611.2 11,667.3 18,575.2 14,556.8 33,132.0 1,313.9 1,405.7 2,719.5 61,130.0 264 2008 13,780.1 11,032.1 17,492.7 14,081.2 31,573.8 1,285.0 1,245.6 2,530.6 58,916.6 264 2009 12,836.4 9,520.8 15,571.1 12,448.0 28,019.0 1,305.2 1,280.4 2,585.5 52,961.7 264 

2010 12,657.6 9,410.4 14,863.9 11,716.3 26,580.1 1,309.0 1,297.9 2,606.9 51,255.0 264 

2011 12,866.0 9,278.5 14,527.9 11,437.0 25,964.9 1,319.0 1,311.3 2,630.3 50,739.8 264 

2012 12,872.9 8,994.4 14,521.7 11,608.3 26,130.0 1,308.9 1,269.9 2,578.8 50,576.0 264 

2013 12,776.0 8,803.4 14,177.4 11,748.3 25,925.7 1,275.1 1,276.4 2,551.6 50,056.7 264 

2014E 13,014.9 8,439.3 13,977.5 11,674.1 25,651.6 1,269.8 1,245.4 2,515.2 49,620.9 264 

Forecast

2015 13,558.2 8,026.2 13,931.8 11,807.5 25,739.3 1,269.8 1,245.4 2,515.2 49,838.8 264 

2016 14,062.9 7,965.8 13,986.4 11,854.8 25,841.2 1,269.8 1,245.4 2,515.1 50,385.0 264 

2017 14,610.6 7,865.4 14,041.5 11,902.5 25,943.9 1,269.8 1,245.4 2,515.1 50,935.1 264 

2018 15,210.1 7,648.1 14,097.0 11,950.6 26,047.6 1,269.8 1,245.4 2,515.1 51,420.9 264 

2019 15,836.2 7,373.8 14,153.0 11,999.1 26,152.1 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.1 51,877.2 264 

2020 16,468.9 7,075.7 14,209.5 12,048.0 26,257.5 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.1 52,317.2 264 

2021 17,113.3 6,691.5 14,266.5 12,097.3 26,363.8 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.1 52,683.7 264 

2022 17,837.2 6,191.9 14,324.0 12,147.1 26,471.0 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.1 53,015.2 264 

2023 18,444.3 5,874.1 14,381.9 12,197.2 26,579.2 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.1 53,412.6 264 

2024 18,843.8 5,859.2 14,440.4 12,247.8 26,688.2 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.0 53,906.3 264 

2025 19,180.3 5,918.5 14,499.4 12,298.9 26,798.2 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.0 54,412.0 264 

2026 19,514.2 5,978.3 14,558.8 12,350.4 26,909.2 1,269.7 1,245.4 2,515.0 54,916.7 264 

2027 19,860.9 6,040.5 14,618.8 12,402.3 27,021.2 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 55,437.6 264 

2028 20,216.6 6,103.8 14,679.3 12,454.7 27,134.1 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 55,969.5 264 

2029 20,582.4 6,168.1 14,740.4 12,507.6 27,248.0 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 56,513.5 264 

2030 20,962.0 6,234.1 14,802.0 12,560.9 27,363.0 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 57,074.0 264 

2031 21,340.5 6,300.7 14,864.2 12,614.7 27,478.9 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 57,635.0 264 

2032 21,720.9 6,368.8 14,926.9 12,669.0 27,595.9 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 58,200.5 264 

2033 22,108.0 6,438.1 14,990.2 12,723.8 27,713.9 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,515.0 58,775.0 264 

2034 22,495.6 6,508.4 15,054.0 12,779.0 27,833.0 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,514.9 59,351.9 264 

2035 22,886.6 6,580.2 15,118.4 12,834.8 27,953.2 1,269.6 1,245.4 2,514.9 59,934.9 264 

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -1.0% -1.9% -3.2% -2.5% -2.9% -1.2% -1.1% -1.1% -2.2%

2014-15 4.2% -4.9% -0.3% 1.1% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%

2014-24 3.8% -3.6% 0.3% 0.5% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8%

2014-35 2.7% -1.2% 0.4% 0.5% 0.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9%

Source: FAA Air Traffic Activity.

TOTAL COMBINED AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS AT AIRPORTS

WITH FAA AND CONTRACT TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICE

128
TABLE 33

(In Thousands)

FISCAL AIR AIR TAXI/ GENERALYEAR CARRIER COMMUTER AVIATION MILITARY TOTALHistorical2001 15,879.1 11,307.8 19,269.6 3,464.9 49,921.32007 14,366.0 11,675.8 16,747.4 2,498.7 45,288.02008 14,443.0 11,048.3 15,763.0 2,399.5 43,653.8

2009 13,302.3 9,622.8 14,151.1 2,398.8 39,474.9

2010 13,174.3 9,511.3 13,863.6 2,437.5 38,986.72011 13,068.0 9,349.4 13,503.1 2,374.6 38,295.22012 13,045.1 8,977.0 13,423.6 2,332.2 37,778.02013 12,913.6 8,797.5 13,047.7 2,225.2 36,983.92014E 13,186.2 8,389.8 13,017.6 2,229.4 36,822.9

Forecast2015 13,728.9 7,938.6 12,939.6 2,229.3 36,836.5

2016 14,234.7 7,868.4 13,020.8 2,229.3 37,353.2

2017 14,783.9 7,753.7 13,102.3 2,229.3 37,869.2

2018 15,384.0 7,508.2 13,177.4 2,229.2 38,298.72019 16,010.2 7,198.9 13,249.6 2,229.2 38,687.9

2020 16,642.9 6,862.2 13,320.4 2,229.2 39,054.6

2021 17,286.2 6,428.8 13,384.2 2,229.2 39,328.42022 18,008.5 5,867.7 13,444.3 2,229.1 39,549.62023 18,615.2 5,508.0 13,512.0 2,229.1 39,864.42024 19,016.4 5,484.5 13,591.1 2,229.1 40,321.1

2025 19,354.8 5,542.8 13,672.2 2,229.0 40,798.92026 19,690.5 5,601.5 13,753.5 2,229.0 41,274.62027 20,039.3 5,663.1 13,836.6 2,229.0 41,768.02028 20,397.0 5,726.2 13,920.9 2,229.0 42,273.12029 20,765.0 5,790.4 14,006.6 2,228.9 42,790.92030 21,146.9 5,856.6 14,094.0 2,228.9 43,326.4

2031 21,527.6 5,923.4 14,181.7 2,228.9 43,861.7

2032 21,910.4 5,991.5 14,270.2 2,228.8 44,400.92033 22,300.0 6,060.8 14,359.7 2,228.8 44,949.42034 22,689.9 6,130.3 14,449.7 2,228.8 45,498.62035 23,083.3 6,200.7 14,540.5 2,228.8 46,053.3Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -1.4% -2.3% -3.0% -3.3% -2.3%2014-15 4.1% -5.4% -0.6% 0.0% 0.0%2014-24 3.7% -4.2% 0.4% 0.0% 0.9%

2014-35 2.7% -1.4% 0.5% 0.0% 1.1%

Source: FAA Air Traffic Activity.

TOTAL TRACON OPERATIONS

129
TABLE 34

(In Thousands)

IFR AIRCRAFT HANDLED

FISCAL AIR AIR TAXI/ GENERAL

YEAR CARRIER COMMUTER AVIATION MILITARY TOTAL

Historical2001 24,866 8,303 8,025 4,039 45,232

2007 25,006 9,653 8,294 3,803 46,757

2008 23,895 10,179 7,671 3,649 45,394

2009 22,407 8,562 6,332 2,993 40,293

2010 22,342 8,624 6,550 2,982 40,498

2011 23,432 9,010 6,557 2,228 41,227

2012 23,651 8,932 6,472 1,860 40,915

2013 23,205 8,673 6,440 1,676 39,994

2014E 24,267 8,507 6,741 1,830 41,346

Forecast2015 24,689 8,477 6,851 1,830 41,847

2016 25,329 8,535 6,962 1,830 42,656

2017 25,988 8,591 7,058 1,830 43,466

2018 26,596 8,619 7,135 1,830 44,180

2019 27,173 8,639 7,197 1,830 44,839

2020 27,733 8,651 7,249 1,830 45,463

2021 28,200 8,658 7,279 1,830 45,966

2022 28,615 8,655 7,291 1,830 46,390

2023 29,092 8,673 7,316 1,830 46,910

2024 29,665 8,733 7,365 1,830 47,593

2025 30,248 8,811 7,417 1,830 48,306

2026 30,829 8,892 7,469 1,830 49,020

2027 31,428 8,976 7,523 1,830 49,756

2028 32,040 9,060 7,578 1,830 50,508

2029 32,668 9,145 7,634 1,830 51,276

2030 33,310 9,235 7,693 1,830 52,068

2031 33,955 9,326 7,752 1,830 52,863

2032 34,608 9,419 7,811 1,830 53,667

2033 35,271 9,514 7,870 1,830 54,485

2034 35,939 9,607 7,930 1,830 55,305

2035 36,614 9,701 7,989 1,830 56,134

Avg Annual Growth2001-14 -0.2% 0.2% -1.3% -5.9% -0.7%

2014-15 1.7% -0.4% 1.6% 0.0% 1.2%

2014-24 2.0% 0.3% 0.9% 0.0% 1.4%

2014-35 2.0% 0.6% 0.8% 0.0% 1.5%

Source: FAA Air Traffic Activity

IFR AIRCRAFT HANDLED

AT FAA EN ROUTE TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTERS

130