Intra-African passenger traffic to quadruple in 20 years

Highlights

• US aero maker giant Boeing projects that intra-African passenger traffic will more than quadruple in the next twenty years, placing the continent’s growth among the highest globally. To support this, 1,025 new airplanes will be needed over the next two decades.
• Overall African air traffic growth is forecast at 7.4%, the third highest region and above the global average growth of 6.1%.
• Boeing included the data as part of its 2023 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), the company’s long-term assessment of global demand for commercial airplanes and services.

Source: Boeing CMO

Our Takeaway

African aviation traffic has witnessed a robust resurgence, driven by growing demand and bolstered by the economic upturn fueled by rising global commodity prices. Presently, African airline operations are operating 8% higher than their pre-pandemic levels. The continent’s economic growth rate of 3.4%, surpassing the global average, coupled with the escalating rates of urbanization and a burgeoning middle-class populace, are expected to remain key drivers for sustained long-term demand for aviation in Africa. Moreover, initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market are anticipated to further boost trade and enhance intra-regional connectivity.