Global aerospace and aviation leader Airbus has published an analysis identifying several key unserved African routes that could enhance connectivity for travelers, stimulate economic growth in local economies, and significantly boost airline revenues. The analysis, which draws data from Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast (GMF), highlights top unserved routes focusing on cities like Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Dakar, and Douala.
Airbus also provided strategic recommendations to capitalize on the opportunities presented by a more connected continent and showcased its capabilities to help realize this potential. “Despite significant traffic between certain city-pairs, some identified routes still lack regularly scheduled non-stop flights. Factors such as restrictive bilateral air service agreements, economic variables, and challenges with capacity, frequency and operating cost efficiency contribute to these routes remaining unserved,” said Geert Lemaire, Market Intelligence and Consulting Director, Airbus. “With our capacity to make analyses about route and network development potential in-house, Airbus remains committed to partnering with airlines across Africa to identify optimised fleet solutions inline with network development requirements that further stimulate the continent’s air transport industry growth and improve connectivity for travellers.”
The forecast predicts a 4.1% overall growth in air traffic over the next 20 years, leading to an anticipated demand for 1,180 new aircraft by 2043. The aviation sector’s continued growth in Africa is expected to drive a 3.3% increase in real GDP, surpassing the global average of 2.6%. This growth is supported by data from Airbus’ Global Services Forecast, which estimates that Africa will need 15,000 more pilots, 20,000 technicians, and 24,000 cabin crew to meet the rising demand for air travel.
