African passenger traffic is project to grow by an average of six percent year-on-year over the next two decades, driving a doubling of the continent’s commercial fleet by 2044, according to Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook for Africa.
The report attributes the growth to Africa’s young population, growing middle class, rapid urbanisation and increased investments in airports and connectivity. To accommodate this demand, Boeing anticipates the continent’s fleet will increase to around 1 680 aircraft by 2044.
Boeing’s order book for passenger aircraft in Africa, between 2025 and 2044, records 90 regional jet orders, 240 widebody orders and 865 single-aisle orders.
Of the 1 195 new aircraft to be delivered over the next 20 years, single-aisle aircraft will account for about 70%, indicating the continent’s focus on expanding its domestic and short-haul international network. Widebody demand is comparatively lower, but driven by airlines’ plans to modernise fleets and expand long-haul capacity.
The report also predicts that Africa’s low-cost carriers will capitalise most on this growing demand for more capacity on domestic and regional routes, as they offer some of the most affordable fares.
“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intra-continental connection, building on industry growth we’ve seen across the region over the last 20 years,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing MD of Commercial Marketing, Middle East and Africa. “More efficient, versatile airplanes, paired with investments and strategies to make air travel more accessible to more Africans, will unlock further growth opportunities for the region’s airlines and hubs.”
