Africa's Air Travel Boom: Boeing Forecasts Double Fleet 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 Africa will need 1,165 airplane deliveries over the next two decades to meet growing demand for air travel within the continent and to the Middle East.
The region's passenger traffic is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5% through 2045, with Africa-Middle East traffic expanding by 7.1% per year - the fastest rate among major travel markets. Traffic between Africa and Europe is projected to grow at a slower pace of 3.4% annually.
Boeing estimates that the region's cargo fleet will rise to 150 freighters from 60, driven by growth in logistics, e-commerce, and exports. The company also expects the aviation services market in Africa to be worth $140 billion over the 2026-2045 period.
To meet this expansion, Boeing says that an additional 75,000 aviation workers will be needed, including 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians, and 28,000 cabin crew. Shahab Matin, Boeing's Managing Director Commercial Marketing Africa and Middle East, describes the region as 'entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties.'