• Growing African demand for airplanes and services fueled by urbanization and growing middle class
• Fleet growth will favor single-aisle airplanes for regional, international travel
LUANDA, Angola, Dec. 2, 2025 — Africa’s passenger air traffic will average 6% annual growth through 2044, driven by a young population, growing middle class, rapid urbanization and airport and connectivity investments, Boeing [NYSE: BA] said today. The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double to 1,680 airplanes over the next two decades to accommodate this rise in air travel, as projected in the company’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.
Single-aisle airplanes will account for 70% of the more than 1,200 new airplanes to be delivered over the next 20 years, underpinning opportunities for domestic and short-haul international network expansion. African low-cost carriers are poised to capitalize on the growing demand for more routes throughout the continent and into Europe and the Middle East, offering affordable travel options that enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intra-continental connection, building on industry growth we’ve seen across the region over the last 20 years,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing, Middle East and Africa. “More efficient, versatile airplanes – paired with investments and strategies to make air travel more accessible to more Africans – will unlock further growth opportunities for the region’s airlines and hubs.” (....)