(Posted 05th September 2026)
African airlines will need nearly 1,200 new airplanes; 75% will be single-aisle jets
Aviation services demand will fuel the need for 75,000 new aviation professionals
IntraAfrica and Africa–Middle East traffic will lead regional fleet growth and network
expansion
Africa’s young, increasingly urban population,
growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow
nearly 6% annually through 2045, one of the fastest rates globally, Boeing [NYSE: BA]
said today. The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double from 755 to
1,625 over the next 20 years to support this demand, as projected in Boeing’s 2026
Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.
Fleet expansion
Of the nearly 1,200 newly delivered airplanes expected by 2045, 870 will be singleaisle
jets to support expanding domestic and regional networks.
Demand for widebody airplanes will more than double, supporting fleet modernization
and longhaul network growth. Boeing also forecasts that the cargo fleet will grow from
60 to 150 freighters as the continent’s logistics, ecommerce and highvalue export
markets develop.
Passenger traffic growth
IntraAfrican passenger traffic is expected to grow at a faster pace than the regional
average, enabled by better flight connections. Europe remains the largest international
passenger market for flights to and from Africa and is forecast to remain so through
2045. This is driven by expanding economic ties, enduring cultural and family
connections, and rising tourism investment.
“Africa’s aviation market is entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving
connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties across the
continent and with key global markets. Meeting this demand will require a broader
commitment to fleet modernization, expanded capacity, digital solutions and workforce
development The opportunity extends well beyond airplanes. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet,’ said Shahab Matin, Boeing Managing Director of Commercial Marketing.
Commercial services and workforce needs
The expansion of Africa’s aviation ecosystem will create growing demand for services
and skilled personnel through 2045. Boeing’s Commercial Services Market Outlook
forecasts a $140 billion market for maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications
(MRO), digital solutions.
Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that as airlines grow their fleets and
expand route networks, they will need 75,000 new aviation professionals: 22,000 pilots,
25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew.
New deliveries (2026-2045)
Airplane type Deliveries
Regional jet 40
Single-aisle 870
Widebody 240
Freighter 15
Total 1,165
The Boeing Commercial Market Outlook is an annual forecast published since 1961 that
provides 20year demand projections for airplanes and services worldwide. For more
information, visit: cmo.boeing.com.
