Boeing Forecasts Africa Will Need 22,000 New Pilots as Fleet More Than Doubles by 2045

Africa – US aircraft manufacturer Boeing forecasts that Africa's commercial aircraft fleet will more than double from 755 aircraft in 2025 to 1,625 by 2045, supported by passenger traffic growth of nearly 6% annually. The expansion is projected to create demand for 22,000 new pilots over the 20-year period, providing a long-term requirement for additional airline training capacity across the continent.

• Boeing forecasts demand for 75,000 new commercial aviation professionals in Africa between 2026 and 2045:
  • Pilots: 22,000
  • Maintenance technicians: 25,000
  • Cabin crew: 28,000.
• The 2026 Commercial Market Outlook projects 1,165 new aircraft deliveries to African operators through 2045:
  • Regional jets: 40
  • Single-aisle aircraft: 870
  • Widebody aircraft: 240
  • Freighters: 15. Single-aisle aircraft account for approximately 75% of projected deliveries.
• Boeing expects the commercial fleet to increase by 870 aircraft, from 755 to 1,625, over the forecast period. New deliveries exceed net fleet growth because part of the 1,165-aircraft requirement will replace aircraft leaving service.
• Compared with Boeing's previous Africa outlook, the 2026 forecast reduces projected 20-year deliveries from 1,205 to 1,165 and the end-of-period fleet from 1,680 to 1,625. At the same time, projected pilot demand increases from 21,000 to 22,000 and total aviation personnel demand rises from 74,000 to 75,000.
• Boeing forecasts nearly 6% annual passenger traffic growth across Africa through 2045. Intra-African traffic is expected to grow faster than the regional average as connectivity improves, while Europe is forecast to remain Africa's largest international passenger market.
• The manufacturer also expects the African freighter fleet to increase from 60 to 150 aircraft as logistics, e-commerce and higher-value export markets develop. Widebody demand is forecast to more than double as airlines modernize fleets and expand long-haul networks.
• Boeing values Africa's commercial aviation services and support requirement at $140 billion through 2045, covering areas including maintenance, repair, overhaul and modifications, digital services and other fleet-support activities.
• AFM previously reported that Boeing's 2025 Africa outlook projected 1,205 aircraft deliveries, a fleet of 1,680 aircraft and demand for 21,000 pilots through 2044. AFM subsequently reported in July 2026 that Boeing's global Pilot and Technician Outlook increased worldwide demand to 674,000 new commercial pilots, of which Africa accounts for 22,000. 

Statements

• “Africa’s aviation market is entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties across the continent and with key global markets. Meeting this demand will require a broader commitment to fleet modernization, expanded capacity, digital solutions and workforce development. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet. The opportunity extends well beyond airplanes. It will require investment in affordable access, and the people who will support a larger fleet,” said Shahab Matin, Managing Director of Commercial Marketing at Boeing. 

About Boeing
Boeing is a US aerospace manufacturer producing commercial aircraft, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Its commercial aircraft portfolio includes the 737, 767, 777/777X and 787 families.

Source: Boeing