The African Business Aviation Association (AFBAA) has launched a research initiative designed to improve understanding, perception and knowledge of business aviation across Africa and provide the sector with comprehensive data-driven analysis.
The multiphase project is already underway, with initial findings expected to be released in early September 2026.
Conducted by independent behavioral economics and strategic marketing consultancy Seefeld Group, the research will gather and analyze data on business aviation activity across the continent to help inform investment decisions, policy development and industry advocacy.
AFBAA Chairperson Dawit Lemma said the initiative addresses a longstanding need for reliable information about Africa’s business aviation market, which has often been characterized by “fragmented or anecdotal” data.
“This type of research is long overdue for our members and those seeking to operate effectively in Africa,” Lemma said. “We anticipate that the data will provide foundations for smarter investment, create platforms from which to increase advocacy, enhance safety and enable more resilient operations and business longevity.”
The study, led by Seefeld Group President Charles Porteous, aims to create a unified dataset that will help AFBAA better understand the sector, deliver greater value to existing members and attract new participants to the organization.
Unlike previous assessments, the research will examine not only aircraft types and routes but also how business aviation contributes to economic activity across Africa. The first phase will focus on fleet composition, maintenance trends, economic analysis and media perceptions of the industry.
The project will cover a broad range of unscheduled aviation activity, including business jets, turboprops, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, reflecting the diversity of AFBAA’s membership.
Porteous described Africa as “one of the most dynamic yet least understood business aviation markets in the world” and said the research would provide operators and policymakers with “credible, data-driven insights to support better decision-making and long-term sector growth.”
AFBAA, founded in 2012, is Africa’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of aircraft owners, operators and suppliers in the business aviation sector.
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