According to Boeing, the intra-African passenger air traffic is expected to increase more than four times in the next twenty years, making Africa's growth one of the highest in the world. Boeing also estimates that 1,025 new planes will be required to meet this increased demand over the next two decades.
According to the aircraft manufacturer, the passenger air traffic growth in Africa is expected to reach 7.4%, the third highest among all other regions globally and higher than the global average growth rate of 6.1%. The African air traffic has shown a strong recovery in 2023, thanks to pent-up demand and economic growth, which rising global commodity prices have driven. The African airline flights are 8%, higher than the pre-pandemic levels.
Africa's long-term annual economic growth rate of 3.4% is higher than the global average. Coupled with the increasing rate of urbanization and the growth of the middle-class population, it will continue to drive long-term traffic demand. Also, economic cooperation initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market are expected to increase intra-regional trade and connectivity further.
Europe remains the foremost destination for African travelers. As a result, regional airlines are estimated to increase their fleets by 4.5% annually to accommodate passenger traffic growth. More than 70% of commercial deliveries are expected to be single-aisle aircraft, with 730 new aircraft primarily catering to domestic and intra-regional demand. Furthermore, African carriers are estimated to require 275 new wide-body aircraft, comprising passenger and freighter models, to support long-haul routes and air cargo growth.