United States-based aerospace manufacturer Boeing has shared a forecast as far as the African continent is concerned, saying the sales will go up.
The company believes Africa will need 1 010 new aircraft, with a total value of $176 billion by 2041 and this demand is due to robust increases in African domestic, intra-regional and inter-regional air passenger traffic.
Boeing predicts that the demand will grow at an annual rate of 6.1% and that is the sentiment shared by Boeing Commercial Marketing: the Middle East and Africa MD Randy Heisey.
“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,” said Heisey.
“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.”
Taking a glance at this year’s performance, the continent’s air traffic has displayed a strong rate of recovery and this is driven by economic growth impelled by higher global prices for commodities and the release of pent-up travel demand, following the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic.
Engineering News published that as a result, African airlines are now operating 80% of their pre-pandemic flights.
“For the future, Africa’s annual economic growth rate of 3.1% is above the global average figure. Urbanisation continues to increase and middle-class populations are growing across the continent,” reports the website.
“These factors will continue to drive the growth in the continent’s air traffic. Further, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market are predicted to boost intra-regional air connectivity.
“Boeing forecasts that, between now and 2041, African air passenger traffic will grow at 5.2% annually (the global average growth will be 3.8%), leading to the African airlines increasing their fleets at a yearly rate of 3.5%. More than 70% (in numbers, 740) of the new airliners that African operators will acquire will be single-aisle types.”
However, it is reported that the continent’s carriers will also need 250 wide-body aircraft, both passenger and freighter aeroplanes, to meet future long-haul passenger and air cargo demands.
In addition, the aviation company forecasted that out of acquisitions, 20% will be to replace older airliners and 80% will be to grow airline fleets.
The future acquisitions will be more fuel-efficient and sustainable aircraft, such as Boeing’s 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner.
“In terms of personnel, over the next 20 years, African airlines will need 20 000 new pilots, 21 000 new technicians, and 26 000 new cabin crew members. Manufacturing, repair, overhaul and supply chain services to support these new aircraft are predicted to be worth $80-billion,” said Boeing.
Main Image: Boeing/BBC
