The bullish outlook came despite growing concern about the impact of airline pollution and EU plans to impose carbon dioxide emissions quotas on the industry from 2011.

"Air travel is going to continue to grow, driven by economic growth, world trade liberalisation and by the availability of new, more capable and more efficient airplanes," said Boeing's vice-president for commercial airplanes, Randy Tinseth, as he delivered the report to journalists.

Boeing said that demand over the next 20 years would be led by low-cost carriers seeking more environmentally friendly planes, while looking towards expansion into the United States market, Boeing added.

"This growth will occur in an environmentally responsible and accountable manner that addresses greenhouse gas reduction efforts with progressive new aircraft and increased operational efficiencies," Tinseth said.

The Asia-Pacific region would account for a 36-percent stake of the 2.8-trillion-dollar market, North America would have 26 percent, while Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States would represent one quarter.

The projected deliveries would take the world's total commercial airplanes fleet to 36,400 jets by 2026, according to Boeing.

The upbeat forecast of demand for the next two decades demonstrates the level of optimism in the industry ahead of the opening of the Paris Air Show next week.

The week-long event, one of the world's biggest aviation shows, is expected to feature more frenetic deal-making for Boeing and European rival Airbus when it kicks off on Monday.

European jet maker Airbus admitted last week that it was lagging Boeing in orders so far this year. Airbus is owned by Franco-German aerospace firm EADS.

Boeing noted that the greatest demand for the industry would continue to be for single-aisle commercial planes for use on shorthaul routes between 2007 and 2026.

"This is partially driven by continued high growth in low-cost carriers," Tinseth said.

No-frills airlines in Europe are seeking to expand into the US market after EU transport ministers gave clearance for plans to free up the transatlantic aviation market under a long-sought "open skies" accord.

Last month, low-cost Irish carrier Ryanair gave a boost to Boeing by ordering 27 Boeing 737-800 jets worth 1.9 billion dollars (1.4 billion euros, 962 million pounds) at list prices.

Airbus had revealed last week that it had received 201 orders in the first five months of the year, a performance that leaves it well behind the 407 recorded by Boeing.

The group is struggling to overcome major delays in its A380 superjumbo programme, and is about to undergo a sweeping overhaul that will see the loss of 10,000 jobs in France, Germany, Britain and Spain.

European airlines have meanwhile expressed concern about recent EU proposals to introduce carbon dioxide emissions quotas.

From 2011, the carriers would have to meet targets by reducing their emissions or buying carbon dioxide credits from other industries.

The real impact of their carbon dioxide emissions on global warming is amplified two to four times because planes flying at high altitude leave condensation trails which add to the greenhouse gas effect.

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