In the next 20 years, Africa will experience some of the highest annual air passenger demand growth rates, yet aircraft deliveries will remain low.
The Brazilian narrowbody aircraft manufacturer Embraer revealed these findings at the Farnborough International Airshow in its Market Outlook 2024.
While Africa's gross domestic product is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 3,6% between 2024 and 2043, air passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, is expected to grow at a rapid yearly rate of 4,4%.
Africa currently has a fleet of 470 small single-aisle jets and turboprops in service, but the report says the manufacturer expects this to grow to 850 aircraft by 2043.
Despite Africa being one of the fastest-growing regions, carriers face the persistent problem of low load factors. Although the majority of load factors on intra-regional flights, measured by available passenger kilometres, is for larger jets, about 63% of markets served by these aircraft carry fewer than 130 passengers upon departure.
