ADDIS ABABA, 13 October 2026
Africa will need an additional 20,000 pilots, 30,000 aircraft mechanics and 21,000 cabin crew as airlines prepare for a sharp increase in passenger traffic over the next two decades.
The projections by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus come as the company forecasts demand for 1,640 new passenger aircraft across Africa by 2045.
According to the Airbus Global Market Forecast 2026, African airlines will require 1,310 single-aisle aircraft and 330 widebody jets to meet growing demand for domestic, regional and international flights.
Passenger traffic to, from and within Africa is expected to nearly triple over the next 20 years, growing at an average annual rate of 4.9%. This would make Africa the world’s second-fastest-growing aviation market after Asia.
Airbus President for Africa and the Middle East, Gabriel Semelas, said aviation would play an important role in expanding trade, tourism and economic activity across the continent.
“Aviation is one of the most powerful catalysts for Africa’s broader economic development,” Semelas said.
The forecast comes as Africa’s population is projected to exceed two billion by 2045, an increase of 720 million people.
The continent’s middle-class population is expected to grow by 180 million, while the urban population will increase by 450 million.
Airbus also projects annual economic growth of 4% and trade growth of 3.9% between 2025 and 2045.
The manufacturer says airline capacity on African routes more than doubled between 2005 and 2025, with further growth expected from tourism, regional trade and improved air connectivity.
Greater visa openness, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market could also support the expansion of airline networks.
African carriers are meanwhile expected to acquire more fuel-efficient aircraft as they replace ageing fleets and expand operations.
Airbus estimates that latest-generation aircraft will account for 65% of Africa’s commercial fleet by 2035, up from 30% in 2025.
The manufacturer currently has approximately 300 commercial aircraft operating with nearly 40 African airlines, including Uganda Airlines, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and EgyptAir.
Airbus has maintained a presence in Africa for 50 years, beginning with the introduction of the A300 to South African Airways in 1976.
Beyond aircraft deliveries, the anticipated growth is expected to increase demand for aviation training, maintenance facilities and airport infrastructure.
The projected requirement for 71,000 additional aviation professionals also places greater attention on pilot training institutions, aircraft maintenance training and the development of skilled personnel across the continent.
