Speaking to the media at the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2024, Airbus’ Marketing Director for Africa said the company sees great potential for Africa.
AIRCRAFT PRODUCER AIRBUS
European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services.
While most people associate Airbus as the brand behind many airline operators whose flights are operated with Airbus aircraft, the company also produces military aircraft and helicopters and offers space-related services.
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.
AIRBUS HISTORY
For the last 55 years, the Toulouse-based aircraft producer has transformed the global aviation landscape with its innovative and reliable offerings.
Up to the end of August 2024, Airbus has sold 24 208 aircraft to 447 customers including airlines and aircraft lessors.
To date, 494 air service operators across the globe utilise Airbus-produced aircraft to operate flights.
AVIATION CONNECTS PEOPLE AND PLACES
Without aviation, the world would indeed be a very different place.
Speaking to the media, Airbus’ Airline Marketing Director for Africa, Joep Ellers, said, “Aviation connects the dots.” By this Ellers means that aviation is what connects and unites us.
Development is integrally linked to aviation. It is thus an enabler for socio-economic development across the world.
Aviation facilitates trade and tourism, it generates foreign direct investment, and very importantly, it creates jobs for people.
AIRBUS’ PRESENCE IN AFRICA
At present, Airbus aircraft are being widely used by various airline operators across the African continent.
There are currently 257 Airbus passenger aircraft in service with 36 African airlines, including Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Rwandair and South African Airways amongst others.
The aircraft producer has a positive outlook for Africa. Airbus projects that the continent’s population will grow by 740 million people by 2043.
This means significant growth for the aviation sector which would provide flights for increasingly more passengers and cargo.
GROWTH OF AFRICAN AVIATION
Airbus forecasts that air traffic in Africa will in fact double by 2043.
The company projects intra-regional traffic will in fact grow by 6 percent by 2043.
Therefore air service providers will need to think about purchasing new aircraft to accommodate this.
Furthermore, the continent will need 15 000 pilots and 20 000 aircraft technicians within the next 20 years.
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FACTORS DRIVING AFRICA’S GROWTH
Ellers believes that several factors drive the growth in air traffic in Africa, including :
- Africa has the world’s fastest-growing population
- Economic growth for Africa is faster than the world’s average
- Growth in the tourism sector (inbound, outbound and regional tourism sectors)
- Rising rates of urbanisation across the continent
- A growing middle class with more disposable income
- The development of low-cost carriers on the continent
- Liberalisation in the air transport market
AIRCRAFT FOR AFRICA
The growth forecast for African aviation thus has immense potential for countries and economies.
However, to prepare for the future and to facilitate economic and social development air transport operators and relevant stakeholders must act fast as aircraft producers are struggling with deliveries.
Airbus projects that the continent will need 1460 new aircraft by 2043. This includes both narrow and widebody aircraft.
PRODUCTION BACKLOGS IMPACT DELIVERY
Since there are production backlogs for new aircraft, the delivery of new aircraft orders is delayed.
The build time required for modern commercial aircraft is significant.
This therefore means that customers ordering new Airbus aircraft are subjected to delays in delivery.
“The build time for a single-aisle aircraft typically takes 12 months.” Ellers said.
Ellers said that single-aisle aircraft orders placed now are only likely to be delivered in 2031 or 2032.
This means that airlines may indeed be stuck with existing aircraft for many years before they can receive newer planes.
