African Aviation Market Set for Rapid Expansion by 2045

Africa's commercial aircraft fleet is expected to more than double by 2045, according to Boeing's annual Commercial Market Outlook. The US planemaker forecasts that the continent's fleet will grow from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1,625 by 2045, requiring 1,165 airplane deliveries over the next two decades.

The majority of these deliveries - 870 out of 1,165 - will be single-aisle aircraft used on domestic and regional routes. Boeing also expects 240 wide-body jets and 15 cargo planes to be delivered during this period.

Passenger traffic within Africa is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5% through 2045. Traffic between Africa and the Middle East is expected to expand at a faster rate, with a growth rate of 7.1% annually. In contrast, traffic between Africa and Europe is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.4%.

Africa's cargo fleet is also expected to increase significantly, rising from 60 freighters in 2025 to 150 by 2045, driven by growth in logistics, e-commerce, and exports.