Africa to Need Over 1,100 New Jets and 75,000 Aviation Workers by 2045

Boeing has released its latest Commercial Market Outlook, which forecasts that Africa's commercial aircraft fleet will more than double over the next two decades. By 2045, the continent is expected to need 1,165 new planes and 75,000 additional aviation workers. The US aircraft manufacturer estimates that this expansion will create a $140 billion aviation-services market.

The forecast does not mean African airlines have ordered 1,165 Boeing aircraft. Instead, it represents Boeing's estimate of deliveries from all manufacturers, including Airbus and producers of smaller regional aircraft. Single-aisle aircraft are expected to account for most of the growth, with 870 projected deliveries.

Africa's dedicated cargo fleet is also expected to grow significantly, with an increase in demand for transporting flowers, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, and e-commerce parcels. Boeing expects passenger traffic within Africa to increase by 6.5% annually through 2045, while traffic between Africa and the Middle East is projected to grow even faster.