Africa’s aviation market is on course for significant expansion, with passenger traffic projected to more than double to 300 million travelers by 2040, according to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
The forecast was highlighted at the conclusion of the 14th Aviation Stakeholders Convention in Johannesburg, where aviation leaders examined opportunities and challenges shaping the future of air transport on the continent.
AFRAA noted that passenger traffic is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of approximately 5.8 percent over the next 15 years, driven by population growth, urbanization, economic development, and increasing demand for regional connectivity.
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Industry stakeholders also pointed to the potential impact of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which currently has 38 signatory countries. Full implementation of the initiative is expected to increase intra-African passenger traffic by 51 percent while reducing airfares by 26 percent.
Speakers at the convention stressed that achieving these gains will require accelerated market liberalization, infrastructure investment, improved safety standards, stronger airline partnerships, and enhanced access to aircraft financing.
The convention concluded with a renewed commitment from airlines, regulators, airports, manufacturers, and governments to work together to unlock Africa’s vast aviation potential and position the continent as one of the fastest-growing air transport markets in the world.
