Why it Matters
- Capacity planning: A projected 6% annual growth rate and a fleet expanding to 1,680 aircraft by 2044 provide airlines, airports and regulators with a clear demand signal for long-term fleet, infrastructure and airspace planning.
- Network economics: The dominance of single-aisle aircraft, accounting for around 70% of new deliveries, underlines a shift towards domestic and short-haul international routes, supporting higher frequency, lower unit costs and improved intra-African connectivity.
- Low-cost carrier growth: The forecast strengthens the business case for African low-cost carriers to expand regionally and into Europe and the Middle East, increasing competition, affordability and market stimulation.
- Skills and ecosystem pressure: The requirement for an estimated 74,000 pilots, technicians and cabin crew, alongside USD 130 billion in services demand, highlights the urgency of investment in training, MRO capacity and aviation support services within Africa.
- Broader economic impact: Sustained aviation growth directly supports tourism, trade, logistics corridors and investment flows, reinforcing aviation’s role as a structural enabler of Africa’s economic integration and development.
On the sidelines of the recently held 57th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in Luanda, Boeing presented its Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.
- Growing African demand for airplanes and services fuelled by urbanisation and a growing middle class
- Fleet growth will favour single-aisle airplanes for regional, international travel
Africa’s passenger air traffic will average 6% annual growth through 2044, driven by a young population, growing middle class, rapid urbanisation and airport and connectivity investments. The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 airplanes over the next two decades to accommodate this rise in air travel, as projected in Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.
Single-aisle airplanes will account for 70% of the more than 1,200 new airplanes to be delivered over the next 20 years, underpinning opportunities for domestic and short-haul international network expansion. African low-cost carriers are poised to capitalise on the growing demand for more routes throughout the continent and into Europe and the Middle East, offering affordable travel options that enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
“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.”
Aviation’s economic impact in Africa extends beyond direct airline jobs, and also stimulates tourism, trade, investment, logistics corridors, and thousands of indirect roles in hotels, manufacturing and services. 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.
The Africa CMO also forecasts through 2044:
- Services demand valued at approximately $130 billion to support fleet growth and operational resilience.
- Demand for widebody airplanes fuelled by airline plans to modernise fleets and expand long-haul international routes.
- Continued Freighter demand tailored to Africa’s developing logistics and export markets.
| New deliveries (2025-2044) | |
| Regional Jet | 90 |
| Single-Aisle | 865 |
| Widebody | 240 |
| Freighter | 10 |
| Total | 1,205 |
Published annually since 1961, the CMO serves as a key resource for airlines, suppliers, and policymakers shaping the future of aviation. Learn more at cmo.boeing.com.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our global supplier base and workforce drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing has been a committed partner to African airlines and aviation institutions for over seven decades, supporting safe, reliable, and sustainable growth across the continent.
