Market Intelligence: Africa

Cessna 172 Skyhawk Celebrates 70 Years as World’s Leading Trainer Aircraft

USA – The Cessna 172 Skyhawk marks 70 years of flight this month, as it continues to lead the industry as the most popular aircraft in the world. The iconic high-wing Cessna 172, now known as the Skyhawk, first took flight in June 1955. Through the intervening decades, more than 45,000 172s have been delivered to customers across the globe.

“As the most popular aircraft in aviation history, the Cessna Skyhawk’s 70 years of success in pilot training and aviation programs highlight the aircraft’s exceptional design and enduring performance,” said Chris Crow, vice president, Piston Sales. “With our ongoing dedication to innovation, including the recent enhancements to the Cessna piston lineup, we look forward to seeing the Skyhawk continue to inspire the journey of flight as the go-to aircraft for flight schools and private pilots across the world.”

Customers taking delivery of the aircraft today enjoy new, modern features added to the legendary aircraft last year, including powered headset jacks, black instrument panels and upgraded seats for comfort and durability.

The Cessna Skyhawk is considered the aircraft of choice for pilot training. In 2015, Textron Aviation introduced the Top Hawk program to provide students with access to Skyhawks, the world’s most popular trainer aircraft. The program connects students from flight schools and universities with factory-new Cessna Skyhawks, supporting the industry with a robust pipeline of skilled aviators. Nearly 50 Cessna Skyhawks have been placed with various flight schools and universities as part of the program, both in the U.S. and the first U.K. recipient this year.

Source: Cessna
Photo Credit: Cessna

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Aviation Distance Learning Provider CPaT Announces New Contract with Nigerian Operator Rano Air

Nigeria – CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, announced they have been awarded a new contract with Rano Air. CPaT will be providing Rano Air with Aircraft Systems for the ERJ 145, Aircraft Procedures for the ERJ 145, and Cabin Crew Safety and General Subjects training. 

“With a strong and expanding presence across Africa, CPaT is honored to support Rano Air’s training initiatives,” said Capt. Greg Darrow, Vice President of Sales. “Our ERJ 145 and Cabin Crew courses will equip their team with high-quality, accessible resources to help achieve their learning goals.” 

“Rano Air’s collaboration with CPaT represents more than a mere partnership; it signifies a reinforcement of our community’s capabilities driven by mutual trust, unwavering commitment, and a unified strategic vision,” commented Captain Q. Ibrahim. 

Rano Air is based out of Nigeria.

About CPaT
CPaT Global, LLC (CPaT) is the market leader in distance learning for the aviation industry. CPaT delivers software-as-a-service applications to more than 400 global aviation customers, serving 100,000+ individual training users each year. CPaT pioneered the use of distance learning in aviation training 30 years ago and has built on that legacy to offer new and imaginative training solutions that are practical, forward-looking, and invaluable. CPaT transforms aviation instruction by providing smart training solutions, with in-depth content and interactive courseware spanning aircraft systems, general subjects, and operational procedures.

About Rano Air
Rano Air is a licensed Airline, incorporated in 2019, operating under the regulations, guidelines, and procedures of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) with the mandate to providing safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient schedule, charter, and cargo flights within and outside Nigeria. We focus on delivering exceptional inflight services, on-time departure and arrival, and other world class aviation services to our esteemed customers. The airline currently operates with a fleet of five EMB 145 aircrafts, with its operation base in Abuja, and it operates into Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri, and Sokoto.

Source: CPaT
Photo Credit: CPaT

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Pilot Training Content and Flight Equipment Supplier Pooleys to Exhibit at AERO Expo South Africa 2025

South Africa – Pooleys Flight Equipment is set to showcase its latest aviation products and pilot essentials at AERO Expo South Africa 2025, taking place from June 25–27 at Lanseria International Airport. With over six decades of excellence in the aviation industry, Pooleys invites visitors to experience their renowned flight equipment firsthand.

Pooleys will be exhibiting its full range of aviation gear, including pilot supplies, navigation tools, and training materials. The event marks another step in Pooleys’ global outreach, reinforcing its commitment to serving pilots and flight schools worldwide.

About Pooleys Flight Equipment
Founded in the UK in 1957, Pooleys has grown into one of the world’s most respected providers of aviation equipment and pilot supplies. Known for precision, quality, and innovation, Pooleys supports flight training organizations, aviation professionals, and private pilots globally.

Source: Pooleys Flight Equipment
Photo Credit: Pooleys

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Aircraft Manufacturer Embraer Forecasts Demand for 10,500 Regional Aircraft by 2044

  • Embraer expects demand for 10,500 sub-150-seat jets and turboprops within the next 20 years for the market in general
  • Value of new orders US$680 billion
  • China will lead annual RPK growth
  • North America will lead jet aircraft deliveries

Global –Embraer has published Market Outlook 2025, its annual 20-year forecast for commercial aircraft deliveries in the sub-150-seat category.

Market Outlook 2025 estimates 10,500 orders for new jets and turboprops through 2044. It also presents analyses of global influences and trends in seven world regions that impact the demand for new aircraft. Because of its growing prominence in commercial aviation, statistics for China are detailed separately in this year’s Market Outlook for the first time.

The document also analyzes demand for cargo aircraft, including a forecast for passenger-to-freighter conversions.

The overall forecast for the number of new sub-150-seat aircraft remains almost unchanged from Embraer’s previous estimate. Arjan Meijer, Embraer President and CEO of Commercial Aviation, attributes the consistency of the estimate to the longevity of social, supply chain, and geopolitical trends Embraer identified during the pandemic.

“Five years after the onset of the pandemic, many of the structural changes it triggered have proven to be quite long lasting. In our first post-pandemic Market Outlook, we highlighted the transition from globalization to a more polarized geopolitical outlook. Today, as countries and regions pursue greater strategic autonomy, the demand for regional access will continue to grow. We believe mixed fleets that combine small and large narrowbody aircraft are essential for that long-term growth. They provide the versatility needed to better match capacity with demand, expand networks, and support national and regional development goals.”

Highlights of the 20-Year Commercial Market Outlook – By the Numbers

World passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK) is forecast to grow 3.9% annually through 2044. China will lead among seven global regions.

Annual RPK regional growth rate – ranked

  • 5.7% China
  • 4.7% Latin America
  • 4.4% Africa
  • 4.4% Middle East
  • 4.1% Asia Pacific
  • 3.1% Europe & CIS
  • 2.4% North America

RPK share by the end of 2044

  • 39% Asia Pacific
  • 37% Europe + North America

Global demand for new aircraft up to 150 seats 10,500 units

  • 8,720 jets
  • 1,780 turboprops

Market value of all new aircraft USD 680 billion

Jet deliveries – 8,720 (% share) – by region

  • 2,680 North America (30.7%)
  • 1,990 Europe & CIS (22.8%)
  • 1,500 China (17.2%)
  • 1,050 Asia Pacific (12.1%)
  • 770 Latin America (8.8%)
  • 380 Africa (4.4%)
  • 350 Middle East (4.0%)

Turboprop deliveries – 1,780 (% share) – by region 640 Asia Pacific (36.0%)

  • 280 North America (15.7%)
  • 260 Europe & CIS (14.6%)
  • 220 Africa (12.4%)
  • 200 China (11.2%)
  • 160 Latin America (9.0%)
  • 20 Middle East (1.1%)

Download the complete Embraer 2025 Market Outlook here.

Source: Embraer

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Boeing CMO 2025 Forecasts 43,600 Aircraft Deliveries Through 2044, Led by Emerging Markets

Global – Boeing has released its 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), forecasting demand for 43,600 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years, fueled by passenger traffic growth of 4.2% annually and rapid fleet expansion in emerging markets. The projection was released ahead of the Paris Air Show 2025.

  • The forecast expects the global fleet to nearly double to 49,600 aircraft by 2044, with emerging markets accounting for over 50% of that fleet, up from 40% in 2024.

  • The report highlights a major replacement cycle: nearly half of new deliveries (~21,000 aircraft) will replace aging models, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability.

  • Boeing anticipates aircraft supply to catch up with demand by the end of the decade, giving airlines the capacity to renew and grow fleets more aggressively.

Aircraft demand by category (2025–2044):

  • Single-aisle: 33,285

  • Widebody: 7,815

  • Regional jets: 1,545

  • Freighters: 955

  • Total: 43,600

Key Trends:

  • Single-aisle aircraft will comprise 72% of the global fleet by 2044, up from 66% today, driven by low-cost carriers and short-haul growth in emerging markets.

  • The global widebody fleet will grow to 8,320 aircraft, with long-haul expansion increasingly led by carriers in developing regions.

  • Freighter fleet capacity is expected to grow by nearly two-thirds, requiring 2,900 new and converted freighters, driven by express cargo and supply chain diversification.

  • Airline networks now serve 30% more city pairs than a decade ago, offering more point-to-point connectivity.

Statement’s:

  • “Passenger air traffic has tripled and the global fleet has more than doubled since the start of the century,” said Brad McMullen, SVP of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Boeing. “We see strong demand for new airplanes with commercial aviation returning to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory.”

Find the complete CMO here.

Source: Boeing

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