Africa’s commercial airplane fleet is expected to more than double by 2044, driven by a 6% annual growth in passenger air traffic, according to Boeing’s latest market outlook.
Boeing has released its 2025 Commercial Market Outlook for Africa, projecting that the continent’s passenger air traffic will grow at an average annual rate of 6% through 2044. This increase is attributed to factors such as a young population, a growing middle class, rapid urbanization, and investments in airport infrastructure and connectivity.
The report anticipates that Africa’s commercial airplane fleet will expand to 1,680 aircraft over the next two decades. Of the more than 1,200 new airplanes expected to be delivered during this period, 70% will be single-aisle aircraft. These airplanes are seen as key to expanding domestic and short-haul international networks, with low-cost carriers positioned to meet the rising demand for routes within Africa and to Europe and the Middle East.
The growth in aviation is expected to have a broad economic impact across Africa, contributing to tourism, trade, investment, and logistics. The expansion of airline fleets and route networks will also create demand for aviation personnel, with Boeing projecting a need for 74,000 pilots, technicians, and cabin crew over the next 20 years.
Boeing’s outlook also highlights a demand for services valued at approximately $130 billion to support fleet growth and operational resilience. Additionally, demand for widebody aircraft is expected to continue as airlines modernize their fleets and expand long-haul international routes. Freight demand is also anticipated to grow, in line with Africa’s developing logistics and export markets.
The detailed forecast includes the following projected new deliveries from 2025 to 2044: 90 regional jets, 865 single-aisle airplanes, 240 widebody airplanes, and 10 freighters, totaling 1,205 new aircraft.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook is published annually and serves as a resource for airlines, suppliers, and policymakers involved in shaping the future of aviation.
