US aircraft manufacturer Boeing expects African airlines to receive 1,165 new commercial aircraft between 2026 and 2045 as carriers expand their fleets to meet growing demand for air travel.

The forecast is contained in Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook for Africa, a 20-year assessment of the continent’s aviation market and fleet requirements.

The deliveries are expected to increase Africa’s commercial aircraft fleet from 755 currently to 1,625 by 2045, while passenger traffic is forecast to grow by nearly 6 per cent annually.

Boeing said Africa’s youthful population, growing middle class and improving aviation infrastructure will support sustained growth in air travel and prompt airlines across the continent to expand and modernise their fleets.

“Africa’s young, increasingly urban population, growing middle class and improving infrastructure will drive passenger traffic to grow nearly 6 per cent annually through 2045, one of the fastest rates globally,” Boeing said.

“The region’s commercial airplane fleet will more than double from 755 to 1,165 over the next 20 years to support this demand, as projected in Boeing’s 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for Africa.”

Boeing expects Africa’s fleet expansion to be driven largely by single-aisle and widebody aircraft, with the continent projected to receive 870 single-aisle and 240 widebody jets over the period.

Africa’s cargo fleet is also forecast to more than double from 60 to 150 freighters, while demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul services and digital solutions could generate a market worth $140 billion.

Intra-African passenger traffic is expected to grow faster than the regional average, while Europe is projected to remain Africa’s largest international passenger market through 2045.

Boeing also forecasts a $140 billion market for MRO and digital solutions as aviation activity across the continent expands.

The company estimates that Africa will need an additional 75,000 aviation professionals, including 22,000 pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew, according to its Pilot and Technician Outlook.

The projections highlight rising demand for aircraft, airport infrastructure, maintenance facilities, digital solutions and skilled aviation professionals to support the continent’s expanding air transport industry.

Airlines serving African markets scheduled 25.8 million seats in September 2026, up 9.4 per cent from 23.5 million seats recorded a year earlier, according to OAG.

International services accounted for 78 per cent of total capacity, increasing 8.9 per cent year-on-year, while domestic capacity rose 11.6 per cent.

Low-cost carriers also recorded 5.3 million scheduled seats, representing an 11.5% increase from the previous year.