The world's two largest plane makers laid out forecasts for Latin America, where they see a market for 100 new commercial planes or more yearly for the next two decades as consumer spending expands with economic growth above the global average.
Airbus sees a total market in the region for some 2,000 commercial aircraft, worth USD$197 billion, over the next 20 years, said Rafael Alonso, the senior executive for Latin America at Chile's FIDAE regional air show.
Boeing has a more ambitious projection. It sees 2,500 new commercial planes in the region by 2032, requiring an investment of USD$250 billion, said Van Rex Gallard, the head of sales for the region.
The trans-Atlantic rivals delivered a combined total of more than 1,000 jets in 2011 for the first time, with about 6 percent destined for Latin America.
Boeing was in Santiago showcasing its 787 Dreamliner before it starts delivering the aircraft by year end to Chile's flagship carrier LAN Airlines, which will integrate 32 of the model within the next 10 years.
LAN is expected to complete its takeover of Brazil's TAM in early May to create one of the world's largest carriers, with flights to 115 destinations.
LAN said it would begin flying the 787 on its routes to Santiago, Buenos Aires, Lima, Los Angeles, Madrid and Frankfurt.
