• Boeing projects Africa’s aircraft fleet to double to 1,680 units by 2044
• Passenger traffic expected to grow 6% annually, driven by urbanization and rising incomes
• Forecast calls for 1,205 new aircraft and 74,000 additional aviation professionals

Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet is expected to more than double to 1,680 units by 2044 to keep pace with rising demand, according to Boeing’s updated Commercial Market Outlook released on Monday.

The U.S. manufacturer forecasts that passenger traffic in Africa will grow by an average of 6 percent per year over the next two decades. The report highlights a young population, an expanding middle class, rapid urbanization and increased investment in airports and connectivity as the main drivers of growth.

African airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, are projected to play a significant role in expanding intra-African routes and strengthening links with Europe and the Middle East, the report said.

Boeing expects 1,205 new aircraft to be delivered to African operators over the next 20 years. About 70 percent of these will be single-aisle models, totaling 865 units. Deliveries will also include 240 wide-body aircraft, 90 regional jets and 10 dedicated freighters.

The company noted that aviation’s economic impact in Africa extends beyond direct airline employment. Growth in air transport supports tourism, trade, investment and logistics development, as well as thousands of indirect jobs in hospitality, manufacturing and services.

As fleets expand and route networks grow, Boeing said demand will increase for investment across the wider aviation ecosystem, including maintenance, digital services, spare parts, training and operational support. It estimates the value of required commercial aviation services at around 130 billion dollars over the period.

To support this expansion, Africa will need 74,000 new aviation professionals by 2044, including pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew, according to the forecast.

Henoc Dossa