Internal growth potential
Air travel within Africa will grow at 6.4 percent per year over the next 20 years, a growth rate comparable to that of the world's emerging economies. Increasing trade and commerce are fueling growth among the region's airlines, and new airlines are emerging as the number of people who can afford to fly rises. Geographical challenges and the lack of good roads and railways emphasize the importance of air travel to economic development. Single-aisle airplanes provide most service within the continent, accounting for about 75 percent of the region's internal capacity, measured in available seat-kilometers (ASK).
Tourism and trade
Intercontinental travel represents about 80 percent of the region's total air travel market. Routes to and from Europe will continue to be the largest market segment, accounting for nearly 67 percent of Africa's intercontinental service. A wide variety of tourist attractions and cultural interests, particularly in North Africa -- already very popular with European holiday travelers and becoming more so, as currency exchange rates remain favorable -- enhance demand for intercontinental service.
Trade links with the Middle East and China are growing. African carriers are also extending service to less traditional destinations in North and South America and the Asia Pacific region, including nonstop flights to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, New York, Washington, Montreal, Perth and Sydney.
Twin-aisle prospects
Twin-aisle airplanes provide about 75 percent of Africa's intercontinental capacity, with small- and intermediate-size twin-aisle airplanes gaining significant market share. Cargo is also an important component of air service in Africa. Europe is the major air trade partner, along with the Middle East and North America.
More open aviation policies
Low-cost airlines are entering many markets as countries within Africa adopt less-restrictive policies on air services, more open bilateral agreements with China to promote tourism, and measures to harmonize legislation, licensing and technical standards across the African continent.
