Africa's Air Travel Set for Double-Digit Boom by 2045: Boeing

African air travel is expected to experience a sustained boom, with passenger growth averaging nearly 6% annually through 2045, according to Boeing's forecast. The continent's population will increase from 1.4 billion to 2 billion over the next two decades, driving infrastructure investment and strong passenger traffic growth.

African airlines will need 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years, with single-aisle jets accounting for 75% of those deliveries to serve domestic and regional markets. The region's commercial jet fleet is set to more than double from 755 aircraft today to 1,625 by 2045.

Boeing's Managing Director of Commercial Marketing, Shahab Matin, emphasized the need for a broader commitment to fleet modernization, expanded capacity, digital solutions, and workforce development. The company estimates that airlines will need 75,000 new aviation professionals, including 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians, and 28,000 cabin crew.