The African aviation sector is experiencing significant growth, fueled by strong government support, increased investments, and rising passenger demand, as highlighted in Cirium’s new report, Africa’s Skies in Focus.
According to airlinergs.com, Mike Malik, Cirium’s Chief Marketing Officer, highlighted the region’s aviation successes, saying: “African carriers and airports have among them global leaders, and that is not hyperbole.
“Look at the breadth and development of the Ethiopian Airlines network, or the operational excellence of Safair.
“That’s African aviation today, with more exciting developments on the way.”
South Africa’s Safair has become a standout performer, earning accolades for its industry-leading on-time performance in 2024.
It currently ranks as the top airline for punctuality across the Middle East and Africa and is a significant player among global low-cost carriers.
Passenger numbers across Africa have surged past pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, African airports handled 161 million passengers, up from 144 million in 2019.
The continent’s busiest hubs remain Cairo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, with African-flagged airlines dominating capacity on these routes.
According to Cirium’s report, African airline fleets are projected to more than double by 2043, driven by sustained demand and fleet modernisation initiatives.
This growth underscores the continent’s increasing significance in global aviation.
With strong performances from key players like Ethiopian Airlines and Safair, and a growing focus on infrastructure and fleet expansion, African aviation is poised for continued growth and development.
The report paints a promising picture of a continent ready to take its place as a rising force in the global aviation industry.
