(Posted 03rd December 2025)
Africa’s passenger air traffic will average 6% annual
growth through 2044, driven by a young population, growing middle class, rapid
urbanization and airport and connectivity investments, Boeing [NYSE: BA] said today.
The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 airplanes over the
next two decades to accommodate this rise in air travel, as projected in the company’s
2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.
Single-aisle airplanes will account for 70% of the more than 1,200 new airplanes to be
delivered over the next 20 years, underpinning opportunities for domestic and short-haul
international network expansion. African low-cost carriers are poised to capitalize on the
growing demand for more routes throughout the continent and into Europe and the
Middle East, offering affordable travel options that enhance connectivity and stimulate
economic growth.
“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 managing director 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.”
Aviation’s economic impact in Africa extends beyond direct airline jobs, and also
stimulates tourism, trade, investment, logistics corridors, and thousands of indirect roles
in hotels, manufacturing and services. As carriers grow their fleets and expand route
networks, there will be more demand for broader ecosystem investment and the need
for new aviation personnel with 74,000 pilots, technicians and cabin crew projected over
the next 20 years.
The Africa CMO also forecasts through 2044:
Services demand valued at approximately $130 billion to support fleet growth
and operational resilience.
Demand for widebody airplanes fueled by airline plans to modernize fleets and
expand long-haul international routes.
Continued Freighter demand tailored to Africa’s developing logistics and export
markets.
New deliveries
(2025-2044)
Regional Jet 90
Single-Aisle 865
Widebody 240
Freighter 10
Total 1,205
Published annually since 1961, the CMO serves as a key resource for airlines,
suppliers, and policymakers shaping the future of aviation.
