Africa’s air fleet will more than double by 2044, says Boeing 

Africa’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 over the next two decades to accomodate a rise in air travel across the continent, according to predictions by US aerospace manufacturing giant Boeing.

The firm’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook predicts that passenger air traffic on the continent will average 6% annual growth through 2044 – compared to a global increase of 3.1% –  “driven by a young population, growing middle class, rapid urbanisation and airport and connectivity investments.” 

Low-cost airlines to capitalise on more routes

Of Africa’s expanded fleet, 1,205 are expected to be new aircraft deliveries – comprising 856 single-aisle jets, 240 widebody jets, 90 regional jets and 10 freighter jets. 

Boeing says single-aisle airplanes, which account for 70% of the new aircraft, will expand in order to service the expected growth of domestic and short-haul international networks in Africa. Boeing predicts that low-cost carriers will capitalise on more routes throughout the continent and into the Middle East and Africa.

Demand for widebody airplanes, meanwhile, will be fuelled by airline plans to modernise their fleets and expand long-haul international routes.

Service ecosystem grows

As carriers grow their fleets and expand route networks, there will be more demand for broader ecosystem investment and the need for new aviation personnel with 74,000 pilots, technicians and cabin crew projected over the next 20 years. That includes 23,000 pilots, 24,000 technicians and 27,000 cabin crew.

Services demand to support fleet growth and operational resilience is valued at approximately $130bn over the period. 

“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intra-continental connection, building on industry growth we’ve seen across the region over the last 20 years,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of commercial marketing, Middle East and Africa. 

“More efficient, versatile airplanes – paired with investments and strategies to make air travel more accessible to more Africans – will unlock further growth opportunities for the region’s airlines and hubs.”

Globally, Boeing expects 42,600 new aircraft deliveries by 2044 and total traffic growth of 4.2% a year.