Boeing expects Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet to grow from 755 jets in 2025 to 1,625 by 2045 as passenger traffic rises nearly 6% a year, driven by a young, urbanising population, a growing middle class and improving infrastructure. The forecast, issued in Nairobi, forms part of the planemaker’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook for Africa and points to demand for nearly 1,200 new airplanes over the period.
Single-aisle aircraft will account for most of the growth, with 870 deliveries projected, or about three-quarters of the total. Boeing also expects 240 widebodies, 40 regional jets and 15 freighters, taking total deliveries to 1,165 aircraft by 2045. The cargo fleet is forecast to expand from 60 to 150 freighters as logistics, e-commerce and higher-value exports develop across the continent.
The outlook underscores continued demand for narrowbody aircraft on domestic and regional routes, alongside wider long-haul and cargo requirements. Boeing’s projections cover the 2026-2045 period and are a market forecast rather than an order announcement or immediate operational change.