10 African countries with the lowest number of aircraft in 2024

In Africa, the aviation sector is taking off in a big way. Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa are increasing their fleet and improving air connectivity.

Ethiopian Airlines, for instance, has become a major global player with one of the largest and most modern fleets on the continent. Kenya Airways and South African Airways are also expanding, making travel around Africa much easier and more connected.

This growth is fuelled by a few key factors including economic growth across the continent which has boosted travel demand, whether for business or leisure. Plus, investments in new airports and better air traffic systems are making air travel smoother and more efficient.

Boeing forecasts a surge in intra-African passenger traffic over the next two decades, with numbers expected to skyrocket more than fourfold. This growth trajectory positions Africa’s aviation sector among the fastest-growing worldwide.

The continent’s air traffic growth is expected to soar at a rate of 7.4%, ranking as the third highest among global regions. This surpasses the global average growth rate of 6.1%.

To keep up with this growth, the region will need to add more aircraft over the next twenty years. According to data from Planespotter, Africa’s aircraft fleet varies widely across its 54 countries. While some nations boast a substantial number of aircraft, others have far fewer.