Africa Set for 1,165 New Aircraft as Fleet More Than Doubles | By Dominick Andoh
Africa’s commercial aviation industry is projected to require 1,165 new airplanes over the next 20 years, as passenger traffic expands and airlines modernise fleets to meet rising demand, according to Boeing’s 2026 Africa Commercial Market Outlook.
The forecast points to continued strong growth in the continent’s aviation market, with passenger air traffic expected to increase by an average of 5.8% annually through 2045. Boeing said Africa’s commercial jet fleet is expected to more than double from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1,625 by 2045, representing annual fleet growth of 3.9%.
Single-aisle aircraft will dominate the new deliveries, accounting for 870 airplanes, or 75% of total demand. Boeing said these aircraft will be critical to expanding domestic, intra-African and short-haul international connectivity, including links to Europe, the Middle East and Eurasia.
Widebody aircraft are forecast to account for another 240 deliveries, or 21%, reflecting the expected expansion of African aviation hubs and intercontinental networks. Regional jets will account for 40 aircraft, while freighters will represent 15 deliveries.
The fleet transformation is expected to go beyond numerical growth. Boeing forecasts that the African commercial fleet will be substantially renewed over the period, with 92% of the fleet comprising newer-technology aircraft by 2045. Fewer than 125 of the 755 aircraft currently operating are expected to remain in service by then.
The outlook also points to stronger intra-African connectivity. Passenger traffic within Africa is projected to grow by 6.5% annually, with revenue passenger kilometres more than tripling between 2025 and 2045.
The forecast suggests the coming two decades could represent a major fleet-renewal and network-expansion cycle for African airlines, creating opportunities for aircraft manufacturers, lessors, airports, maintenance providers and aviation finance institutions.
Africa Set for 1,165 New Aircraft as Fleet More Than Doubles | AviationGhana
