ZHUHAI - China will need 5,483 new civil aircraft in the next 20 years to cope with rising demand, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) predicted Wednesday.

The estimate includes 4,491 large jets and 992 regional aircraft. By the end of 2033, there is expected to be 6,785 civil aircraft.

The AVIC said China's expanding economy, ongoing urbanization and growing consumption will drive sustainable growth in the aviation industry, but a lack of pilots, crowded air routes, as well as competition from high-speed railways are likely to challenge the sector.

Boeing forecast in September that China would need 98,000 more pilots and 101,000 maintenance technicians in the next 20 years.