How Aviation in Africa Is Changing and Expanding

AF – When you think of innovative developments in aviation, you’re first thought probably doesn’t involve Africa. However, Africa is making great strides in developing their aviation industry. In fact, the aviation industry in Africa is developing so quickly that it got its own seminar in March at the NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference on how to organize business trips to this rapidly growing area. Of course, you may be wondering who’s spearheading all of this growth in Africa. The shortlist is Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. Let’s take a look at how these three countries are contributing to the astounding growth of the aviation industry on the continent.

Africa Aviation Statistics

Africa’s air traffic is growing. According to recent data collected by the IATA, Africa’s air travel numbers are currently one percent higher than they were in 2019, and it’s expected to increase four-fold over the next 20 years. It’s projected that Africa will need more than 1,000 new aircraft to keep up with this demand. Of course, these statistics and estimates are a tribute to Africa’s successful airline competition, connectivity, and economic growth.

Airlines in Africa

African airlines have been instrumental in improving connectivity within the continent. This has allowed commerce and people to travel between areas easily. Currently, Africa is served by 26 major airlines, including Air Algerie, Cameroon Airlines, Djibouti Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Ghana Airways, Air Guinea, Kenya Airways, Airkenya Aviation, Air Madagascar, Air Malawi, Royal Air Maroc, Atlas Blue, LAM, Air Nambia, RiteTime, Air Senegal, Air Seychelles, South African Airways, Cameroon Airlines South Africa, Sudan Airways, Air Tanzania, Tunisair, Uganda Airlines, Zambian Airways and Air Zimbabwe. These airlines are responsible for transporting almost 100 million people a year, and in the next few years, they will need to expand their fleets and replace their older airplanes.

The Three Countries Spearheading African Air Travel Advancements

The leading countries in Africa that are leading in aviation advancement are Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. Each country brings a unique advantage to the continent’s aviation endeavors.

The Perfect Location for Aviation Expansion in Africa is Morocco

Morocco is spearheading Africa’s global advancement in aviation and aviation-related businesses. Morocco is known as a beautiful country. It’s located next to the Atlantic Ocean and the Alboran Sea. Its aviation industry is forecast to grow an impressive 2.6 percent, and its business policies make it an ideal location for expansion by pioneering global aviation firms. This means that if you’re an aviation business that is looking to expand overseas, especially in Africa, you might want to consider scheduling some business trips to the area.

Commercial Aviation in Nigeria

Nigeria’s air traffic is predicted to expand by 17.4 percent over the next 20 years. The country’s growing economy is helping the population rise into the middle class. This means that they can afford trips inside and outside the country. As a result, aviation passenger traffic is predicted to increase by more than 17 percent over the next 20 years. If this happens, Nigeria would create an additional 555,700 jobs, and its GDP would increase by $4.7 billion dollars. This represents a unique opportunity for global aviation entrepreneurs and businesses to invest in infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics.

Innovation in South Africa

South Africa is arguably the most developed in terms of the aviation industry. It leads the continent in civilian and military aviation and shows promise with drone technology. Currently, there are more than 120 aviation companies in the country. South African Airways is currently looking to triple its fleet, and the entire aviation industry in the country is projected to grow 102 percent in the next 20 years. Over the next two decades, the country will transport more than 21 million additional passengers, resulting in almost 800,000 additional jobs. Needless to say, this would be a boom to the country regarding job creation and GDP growth.

What Does This Mean for Global Aviation Businesses?

Global Aviation businesses should start paying attention to the African aviation industry. The market is poised for dramatic expansion that could benefit aviation professionals, cargo companies, investors, global aviation companies, and entrepreneurs who are ready to expand and diversify.