Boeing predicts huge expansion across Africa
Africa’s growing population is expected to drive a massive expansion in air travel, according to the latest projection from Boeing.
The US plane maker’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) predicts that the continent’s commercial fleet will more than double by 2043.
This surge is driven by a burgeoning population eager for travel opportunities, with over 800 new single-aisle jets projected to be delivered in the coming years.
Regional aviation associate AFRAA estimates there will be a 15% growth in passenger traffic for African airlines in 2024 alone, compared to the previous year.
And this is reflected in Boeing’s latest assessment of the market and its potential. Boeing’s CMO anticipates a robust annual growth rate of 6.4% in passenger air traffic across the continent.
This positions Africa as the third fastest-growing region globally in terms of air travel.
Shahab Matin, Boeing’s managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa, emphasised the need for additional single-aisle aircraft to efficiently serve key routes.
He noted: “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.”
Currently, over 60 airlines operate approximately 500 Boeing aircraft in Africa, reflecting nearly eight decades of partnership between the manufacturer and the region.
The forecast also highlights several key trends for Africa’s aviation industry through 2043:
- 82% of aircraft deliveries will be aimed at fleet growth, the highest proportion among all global regions.
- The freighter fleet is expected to triple, supporting expanding export markets and the rise of e-commerce.
- Aviation services will experience an average annual growth rate of 5.7%, driven by the increased fleet size.
- To meet the burgeoning demand, Africa will need to recruit and train 76,000 new pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew, effectively tripling the current workforce.
