Airbus sees need for 970 new aircraft for the African market

Africa needs 970 new passenger aircraft over the next 20 years – 300 to support South African growth - European manufacturer Airbus said today.

Airbus projects a need in Africa for 970 new passenger aircraft by 2032, with a value of US$126billion according to its latest Global Market Forecast. This includes 729 single aisle aircraft, such as the A320 Family, 213 twin aisles such as the A350 XWB and A330 Families, and 28 very large aircraft such as the A380.

Economic growth, growing middle classes, affordability, ease of travel, urbanisation, tourism, and migration are some of the key factors which contribute to attracting increasing connectivity between people and regions and how often they travel. Airbus forecasts that Africa will achieve average annual passenger growth rates of 5.7 per cent. This figure is well above the 4.7 per cent world average growth rate and far outstrips more developed markets such as North America and Western Europe.

Seven out of the top 20 fastest growing traffic flows in the world are to/from or within Africa. The low cost market, with just eight per cent of African traffic today, has huge potential to grow when considering more mature markets which typically have a low cost share of over 25 per cent. This will help to bring the benefits of flying within reach for more people, thus attracting more first time flyers.

“International and domestic passenger traffic growth for South Africa is projected to grow at a rate of 5.4 per cent over the next 20 years,” said Andrew Gordon, Director Strategic Marketing and Analysis. “South Africa is helping drive the development of aviation on the African continent with a requirement of over 300 passenger aircraft to serve the South African market by 2032. Johannesburg will reinforce its position as one of the world’s aviation mega-cities, a focal point for traffic coming into the region and then connecting these passengers to the rest of Africa.”

With these positive developments in the region, the Airbus Global Market Forecast predicts that the African aircraft fleet (>100 seats) is set to more than double from around 600 aircraft to almost 1,550 by 2032.

Airbus continues to be the preferred choice for new airlines in the region, with 13 airlines selecting Airbus aircraft for their operations since 2011. Airbus is well placed to meet this growing demand thanks to its modern and efficient aircraft and 24/7 customer support facilities in the region.

With a world-wide demand for over 29,000 passenger and freight aircraft in the next 20 years, two South African companies are set to benefit through their work with Airbus on its modern and eco-efficient aircraft family. Cobham South Africa provides the satellite communication system for all Airbus commercial aircraft, while Aerosud produces aerostructures for the A350 XWB and the A320 family.