With rising demand for travel on the continent pushing the need for new aircraft at unprecedented rates, Africa’s aviation industry is set for takeoff.
Boeing forecasts that 82% of new aircraft purchases on the continent will be for expansion rather than replacement, marking the highest growth rate of any region globally.
“African demand will mark the highest growth rate of any region globally.” the giant plane maker notes in its 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO).
To explore new opportunities in Africa and abroad, the continent’s booming air travel market is fuelled by a young and rapidly growing population eager.
With over 800 new single-aisle jets expected to be delivered to meet rising demand, Boeing anticipates that Africa’s commercial fleet will double by 2043.
To grow at an annual rate of 6.4%, air traffic across the region is also projected more than tripling over the next two decades.
Boeing’s managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa Shahab Matin said that as demand for air travel rises, African airlines will need more single-aisle airplanes to efficiently serve many routes in the continent’s largest aviation markets, including Europe, the Middle East, and within Africa.
To serve high-traffic short- and medium-haul routes more efficiently, this growth will primarily be driven by single-aisle jets, which are expected.
These jets will be crucial for connecting key markets across Africa and beyond as airlines focus on expanding their networks.
Major hubs like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Addis Ababa are already seeing increased traffic, and the trend is set to continue as more routes are introduced.
Cargo operations will also benefit from this expansion. “Africa’s freighter fleet will triple by 2043, reflecting the growing importance of air freight in supporting the region’s export markets and the expanding e-commerce sector.” Boeing forecasts.
African carriers are set to play a larger role in global supply chains with agricultural goods and other exports fuelling international trade.
However, this fleet growth presents challenges that require attention. The continent will need to significantly scale up its aviation workforce to keep pace with the demand.
To manage the increased fleet and ensure operational efficiency, Boeing estimates that African airlines will require 76,000 new pilots, technicians, and cabin crew over the next two decades.
In human resources, this rise in personnel needs underscores the importance of training programs and investment.
The aviation services sector will also see strong growth in addition to workforce expansion.
Boeing projects an average annual growth of 5.7% for aviation services in Africa, including maintenance, repair, and operational support.
To step in and fill these gaps as more aircraft take to the skies, demand for these services will rise, providing opportunities for local and regional businesses.
To play a central role in supporting the continent’s aviation ambitions, Boeing’s long-standing partnerships with African airlines will continue.
Across the region, over 60 African carriers currently operate nearly 500 Boeing aircraft, and this relationship will be key as airlines prepare to expand their fleets and improve connectivity.
Airlines are gearing up to meet the challenge as Africa’s air travel demand continues to rise.
On the global stage, Boeing’s outlook shows that this growth phase will be characterized by new routes, increased capacity, and a greater role for African carriers.
Africa will continue to be one of the fastest-growing regions in the industry with the continent’s aviation market set for its biggest expansion yet.
