Demand for Domestic flights in Africa set to grow by 6 per cent: Boeing survey reveals

NAIROBI - African domestic flight is set to grow by 6 percent, this is according to aircraft maker Boeing. This survey reveals that the continent’s intra-regional and domestic flight networks across Africa will grow at a rate of 6.1 percent while the continent’s air traffic growth is expected to hit 5.2 percent, the third highest globally, driving demand for 1,010 new airplanes by 2040, valued at $176 billion.

Randy Heisey, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for the Middle East and Africa.“We forecast an increase in the average aircraft size and seats per aircraft for the African fleet, as mid-size, single aisles, like the Boeing 737 MAX, will be the most in demand for the continent African carriers are well-positioned to support inter-regional traffic growth and capture market share by offering services that efficiently connect passengers and enable commerce within the continent.”

Boeing also pointed out that Europe remains the most prominent destination for African carriers. The aircraft manufacturer provided the data as part of its 2022 Commercial Market Outlook which is a long-term assessment of global demand for commercial airplanes and services across the globe.

Their survey also revealed that the African aviation traffic has recovered strongly in 2022, with pent-up demand and economic growth driven by higher global commodity prices allowing African airlines to recover flight operations to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels.
The annual economic growth pace of 3.1 percent, increasing rates of urbanization, and a growing middle-class population in the African continent are some of the drivers for long-term traffic demand.

The African Airlines Association [AFRAA] data cites that air transport supports 7.7 million jobs and $ 63 billion in African economic activity. That is 2.2 percent of all employment and 2.7 percent of all GDP in African countries in 2018.

“Each person employed by the aviation sector directly, and in aviation enabled tourism, supported another 16.5 jobs elsewhere in Africa. Similarly, $6 of economic activity was supported elsewhere in Africa for every $1 created by the air transport sector.” AFRAA report.

In Africa, the aviation sector employed over 500,000 people directly in 2018 and a $5.5 billion contribution to the continent’s GDP.
The Analysis of these workers suggests that:

• 57% [ 252,000] were employed by airlines or handling agents in roles such as flight crew, check-in staff, maintenance crew, or head office staff.
• 10% [45,000] had jobs with airport operators such as airport management, maintenance, and security.
• 5% [112,000 ] worked on-site in airports in retail outlets, restaurants, and hotels.
• 4% [17, 000 ] are employed in civil aircraft manufacturing, including systems, components, airframes, and engines.
• 3% [3,000] worked for air navigation service providers in jobs like air traffic control and engineering.

GAROWE ONLINE