Boeing Predicts Africa's Aircraft Fleet Will Double by 2045

Africa's commercial aircraft fleet is expected to more than double by 2045, according to Boeing's latest forecast. The U.S. planemaker predicts that Africa's fleet will grow to 1,625 aircraft in 2045 from 755 in 2025, requiring 1,165 airplane deliveries over the next two decades.

The majority of these deliveries, around three-quarters, will be single-aisle aircraft used mainly on domestic and regional routes. Wide-body jets, typically used on longer international routes, are expected to account for a smaller share of deliveries, with Boeing forecasting 240 such planes will be delivered by 2045.

Passenger traffic within Africa is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5% through 2045, while Africa-Middle East traffic would expand at the fastest rate among major travel markets, growing 7.1% annually. Traffic between Africa and Europe is expected to grow at a slower rate of 3.4% per annum.

The region's cargo fleet is also expected to increase, with Boeing forecasting that it will rise to 150 freighters from 60 by 2045, driven by growth in logistics, e-commerce, and exports.