- Air cargo is set to play a crucial role in Africa’s aviation growth over the next two decades, with Boeing forecasting the region’s commercial fleet will more than double by 2044.
- While new deliveries will be dominated by single-aisle aircraft, the company expects a steady rise in demand for dedicated freighter aircraft and broad-based growth to support the expanding trade, logistics and export activities on the continent.
Africa’s growing commercial and logistics activity is expected to contribute significantly to doubling the region’s commercial aircraft fleet by 2044, according to Boeing’s latest 2025 commercial market forecast. The forecast expects the continent’s fleet to expand to 1,680 aircraft, with dedicated freighter demand and widebody growth supporting the region’s long-term cargo capacity needs.
While single-aisle aircraft will make up the majority of new deliveries, Boeing expects to add 10 freighters to the Africa fleet over the next 20 years, along with 240 widebody aircraft – many of which will carry cargo in the belly on long-haul routes. This trend reflects the increasing demand for regional and international connectivity of goods and people.
“Aviation is a catalyst for Africa’s economic expansion and intercontinental connectivity, building on the industry growth we have seen across the region over the past 20 years,” said Shehab Mateen, Boeing’s managing director of commercial marketing for the Middle East and Africa.
“More efficient and diverse aircraft – combined with investments and strategies to make air travel accessible to more Africans – will open up more growth opportunities for airlines and hubs in the region.”
| New deliveries (2025-2044) | |
| Regional Jet |
90 |
| Single lane |
865 |
| Wide |
240 |
| Cargo ship |
10 |
| the total |
1,205 |
Boeing also expects strong demand for aftermarket and services worth approximately $130 billion, supporting aircraft maintenance, operational flexibility and supply chain continuity across the continent. The expansion will create workforce demand for approximately 74,000 new aviation employees, including pilots, maintenance technicians and cabin crew – critical to passenger and cargo operations.
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