Boeing Forecasts Demand for New Airplanes from Africa

In the next twenty years, Boeing expects that intra-African passenger traffic would more than quadruple placing the continent’s growth as one of the highest in the world. Over the next two decades, 1,025 new aircraft will be required to support this.

African aviation traffic is expected to expand by 7.4% overall, ranking third among all areas of the world and above the 6.1% average growth. The information was incorporated by Boeing into its 2023 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), a long-term analysis of the demand for commercial aircraft and services around the world.

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The recovery of African aircraft traffic in 2023 has been fueled by pent-up demand and economic expansion brought on by rising global commodities prices. Currently, pre-pandemic levels of flights on African airlines have increased by 8%.

According to Boeing, the continent’s 3.4% long-term annual economic growth will continue to outpace the world average, along with rising urbanisation rates and an expanding middle-class population. Economic and growth initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area are anticipated to significantly boost trade and intra-regional connectivity.

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The 2023 Africa CMO also includes these projections through 2042:

• With Europe remaining the most prominent origin/destination for travelers to and from Africa, airlines in the region will grow their fleets by 4.5% per year to accommodate passenger traffic growth.
   
• Single aisle jets are expected to account for more than 70% of commercial deliveries, with 730 new planes mainly supporting domestic and intra-regional demand. In addition, African carriers are estimated to need 275 new widebodies, including passenger and cargo models, to support long-haul routes and air freight growth.
   
• Approximately 90% of African jet deliveries are expected to serve fleet growth with more fuel-efficient models such as the 737 MAX, 777X and 787 Dreamliner, with nearly one in five deliveries replacing older airplanes.
   
• Estimated demand for aviation personnel will rise to 69,000 new professionals, including 21,000 pilots, 22,000 technicians and 26,000 cabin crew members.
   
• Commercial services opportunities such as supply chain, manufacturing, repair and overhaul are valued at $105 billion.