Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet is forecast to more than double by 2045, rising from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1,625, according to projections released on Thursday, 3 July, by US manufacturer Boeing.
Citing Reuters, Boeing attributes the expected growth to the continent’s expanding young population and accelerating urbanisation — factors set to drive demand for travel both within Africa and between the continent and the Middle East.
According to Boeing’s annual Commercial Market Outlook report, the projected fleet expansion will require the delivery of 1,165 aircraft over the next 20 years.
Narrow-body aircraft, used primarily on domestic and regional routes, are expected to account for 870 of the new deliveries — approximately three-quarters of the total.
Boeing also forecasts the delivery of 240 wide-body aircraft, typically deployed on long-haul international routes, along with 15 freighter aircraft.
Intra-African passenger traffic is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.5% through to 2045. Traffic between Africa and the Middle East is expected to increase by 7.1% per year, representing the highest growth rate among the region’s major aviation markets.
Traffic between Africa and Europe is forecast to expand at a more moderate pace of 3.4% annually. In the cargo segment, Africa’s freighter fleet is projected to grow from 60 to 150 aircraft, driven by the expansion of logistics, e-commerce, and export activity.
Airlines including Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Kenya Airways are among the continent’s leading operators, deploying Boeing and Airbus aircraft primarily on long-haul routes. For regional connectivity, Africa’s major carriers typically operate aircraft manufactured by Embraer, ATR, and De Havilland.
Shahab Matin, Boeing’s Managing Director of Commercial Marketing for Africa and the Middle East, said the African market is entering a period of sustained growth, underpinned by improved connectivity, rising intra-continental travel, and deepening economic ties.
Boeing also estimates that Africa’s aviation services market — encompassing maintenance, repair, overhaul, modifications, and digital services — will be worth approximately US$140 billion between 2026 and 2045.
To support the projected expansion, the industry will require around 75,000 new aviation professionals, including 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians, and 28,000 cabin crew members, according to the manufacturer. Boeing notes that the forecast represents a long-term outlook on market development and is not a projection of aircraft orders.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/04/mundo/africa/africa-frota-de-avioes-comerciais-devera-mais-do-que-duplicar-ate-2045/
