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The aviation industry in Africa is experiencing commendable growth, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. This expansion has led to an increase in the number of airline operators across the continent.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the African countries with the largest national carrier fleets as of 2024, highlighting the leading airlines by fleet size and their strategic developments:
Top African national carriers by fleet size
1. Ethiopian Airlines – Ethiopia
- Fleet Size: 156 aircraft
- Destinations: 161 passenger, 68 cargo
- Alliance: Star Alliance
- Overview: Ethiopian Airlines stands as Africa’s largest airline, both in fleet size and destinations served. The airline operates a diverse fleet, including Airbus A350s, Boeing 737s, 767s, 777s, 787s, and Bombardier Dash Q-400 aircraft. With plans to double its fleet and route network by 2035, Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its global footprint.
- Fleet Size: 78 aircraft
- Destinations: 102
- Alliance: Star Alliance
- Overview: EgyptAir, the national carrier of Egypt, operates a fleet of 78 aircraft, serving 102 destinations worldwide. The airline has recently expanded its fleet with an order of 18 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, aiming to modernize and enhance its services.
3. Air Algérie – Algeria
- Fleet Size: 56 aircraft
- Destinations: 78
- Overview: Air Algérie operates a fleet of 56 aircraft, connecting 78 destinations across 28 countries. The airline plays a significant role in linking Algeria with various regions, including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
4. Royal Air Maroc – Morocco
- Fleet Size: 52 aircraft
- Destinations: 89
- Alliance: Oneworld
- Overview: Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s flag carrier, operates a fleet of 52 aircraft, serving 89 destinations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The airline has ambitious plans to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, aligning with Morocco’s goal to attract 26 million tourists by 2030.
5. Kenya Airways – Kenya
- Fleet Size: 34 aircraft
- Destinations: 44
- Alliance: SkyTeam
- Overview: Kenya Airways, the national airline of Kenya, operates a fleet of 34 aircraft, connecting 44 destinations. The airline serves as a key player in East African aviation, offering extensive connectivity within Africa and to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Conclusion
Ethiopian Airlines leads the African aviation sector with the largest fleet and extensive global reach. Other national carriers like EgyptAir, Air Algérie, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenya Airways also play significant roles in connecting Africa to the world. With ongoing fleet expansions and strategic partnerships, these airlines are poised to enhance intra-African connectivity and global integration.
