Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) predicts that Africa’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double by 2043, fueled by a significant demand for single-aisle jets. According to the report, more than 800 new single-aisle aircraft will be delivered, forming the bulk of this growth as the continent’s young and expanding population seeks increased opportunities for air travel.
Passenger air traffic in Africa is expected to rise by 6.4% annually, more than tripling by 2043. This growth rate positions Africa as the third-fastest growing region among the ten tracked by Boeing.
“As air travel demand continues to rise, African airlines will require more single-aisle airplanes to efficiently serve key routes across the continent, as well as to Europe and the Middle East,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing’s Managing Director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa. Boeing’s relationship with African carriers spans nearly 80 years, with more than 60 airlines currently operating around 500 Boeing aircraft.
Key insights from Boeing’s 2024 Africa CMO include:
- 82% of deliveries will be for fleet growth, the highest percentage of any region.
- Africa’s freighter fleet is expected to triple, supporting growing e-commerce and export markets.
- Aviation services on the continent will see 5.7% average annual growth as the fleet expands.
- The region will need to hire and train 76,000 new pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew, tripling the current workforce.
Boeing forecasts the following new aircraft deliveries for Africa by 2043:
- 65 regional aircraft
- 830 single-aisle jets
- 260 widebody aircraft
- 15 freighters
- 1,170 total new aircraft
