Boeing projects 1,165 new aircraft deliveries to Africa by 2045

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing projects that African airlines will take delivery of 1,165 new commercial aircraft between 2026 and 2045 as carriers expand their fleets to meet rising air travel demand.

The projection is contained in Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa, which provides a 20-year outlook for the continent’s aviation market.

The deliveries are expected to grow Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet from 755 aircraft to 1,625 by 2045, while passenger traffic is projected to increase by nearly 6% annually.

What Boeing is saying

Boeing said Africa’s young population, expanding middle class and improving infrastructure will drive air travel growth and encourage airlines to expand and modernise their fleets.

• “Africa’s young, increasingly urban population, growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow nearly 6% annually through 2045, one of the fastest rates globally,” Boeing said.
• “The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double from 755 to 1,165 over the next 20 years to support this demand, as projected in Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.”

Boeing expects Africa’s fleet growth to be driven mainly by single-aisle and widebody aircraft, with 870 single-aisle and 240 widebody jets projected among future deliveries.

The continent’s cargo fleet is expected to more than double from 60 to 150 freighters, while MRO and digital solutions could create a $140 billion market.

Africa’s aviation market set for wider growth

Intra-African passenger traffic is expected to grow faster than the regional average, while Europe is projected to remain Africa’s largest international passenger market through 2045.

Boeing also forecasts a $140 billion market for maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications (MRO) and digital solutions as aviation activity expands.

Africa will require an additional 75,000 aviation professionals, comprising 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew, according to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook.

The projections point to growing demand for aircraft, airport infrastructure, maintenance facilities, digital solutions and skilled workers to support the continent’s expanding aviation industry.

Current status of Africa’s aviation market

Airlines serving African markets scheduled 25.8 million seats in September 2026, up 9.4% from 23.5 million a year earlier, according to OAG. International services accounted for 78% of total capacity, rising 8.9% year-on-year, while domestic capacity grew 11.6% and low-cost carriers recorded 5.3 million seats, up 11.5%.

• Ethiopian Airlines led the market with 2.09 million scheduled seats, followed by Safair with 1.08 million and EgyptAir with 890,773 seats. Royal Air Maroc, Air Algérie, Airlink, Ryanair, Emirates, Air Cairo and Air Peace completed the top 10.
• Air Peace recorded the fastest capacity growth among the airlines, with scheduled seats rising 54.7% year-on-year to 354,804, making it the only Nigerian carrier in the top 10.

Meanwhile, scheduled capacity to and from Nigeria rose 37.4% year-on-year in September 2026, adding 322,800 seats.

More insights

Despite the projected growth, Africa remains one of the world’s least connected aviation markets. The continent accounts for just 2% of global air traffic despite having about 18% of the world’s population, according to the Atlantic Council.

Its report, Opening Africa’s Skies to Trade, Growth, and Jobs, attributed the gap largely to high fares, limited connectivity and restrictive air service agreements.

• Less than 20% of African airline traffic operates on intra-African routes, compared with about 60% within Europe.
• More than 70% of Africa’s air service agreements are considered restrictive.
• Reforms across 12 African countries could reduce airfares by 25% to 35% and attract about five million additional passengers.
• The reforms could also generate $1.3 billion in additional tourism spending.

The report recommended stronger implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), removal of capacity restrictions and greater competition among airlines.

What you should know

Africa will need significant investment in aviation infrastructure and fleet capacity to support the projected growth in passenger traffic.

• The African Union unveiled a $30 billion plan in October 2025 to modernise airports and airspace systems, while a joint AU, AFCAC, ICAO and World Bank study estimates that $25 billion to $30 billion will be needed over the next decade as passenger traffic rises from 160 million in 2024 to nearly 500 million by 2050.
• Nigeria is also taking steps to improve airlines’ access to aircraft as demand grows. The Federal Government approved the establishment of the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company in May 2026 to improve local airlines’ access to aircraft.

The developments underscore the need for aircraft financing, infrastructure and fleet expansion to support Africa’s projected aviation growth.