‘Africa’s challenged despite potential for growth’

A former Assistant Secretary-General of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Alhaji Muhammed Tukur said Africa as a region, has experienced an increasing demand for air travel, driven by a rising middle class, growing international business relationships, and the increasing importance of tourism.

Despite these favourable factors, he noted that the aviation industry in the continent has faced numerous hurdles such as insufficient infrastructure, safety concerns, regulatory inefficiencies, and fragmented air travel networks that often limit intra-Africa connectivity.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air transport supports over 7 million jobs across the African continent, and contributes around $60 billion to Africa’s GDP.

However, despite these contributions, the region’s aviation market remains underdeveloped compared to other regions such as Asia and Europe.

Tukur who spoke with Aviation Metric further stated that the economic development of a country is one of the most critical drivers for the aviation sector, stressing that as a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) typically correlates with greater disposable income, higher demand for air travel, and a more developed infrastructure to support aviation.

His words, “The strongest aviation markets in Africa are generally those with the highest GDP, and those that have taken steps to improve aviation infrastructure and connectivity. The weakest markets highlight the vast differences across national borders.”

Taking a cursory look at some of the continent’s airlines particularly Ethiopian Airlines, Tukur said the airline’s achievements during the past year are too numerous to mention, but highlights include the signing of an MoU with Boeing for the purchase of up to 20 Boeing 777Xs; the signing of a sustainable aviation fuel production and acquisition agreement with Satarem; the entry of its first A350-1000 into service, and the announcement of plans to construct Africa’s largest airport at Abusera.

In May-2024 Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew called for the elimination of government interference in African airlines, stating: “Governments must remove their hands from the airlines if they want to see their airlines become successful, independent, self-sufficient in financing, and the like”.

“It might be an ambitious wish, but the success of Ethiopian Airlines in contrast to many of its regional competitors is proof that it is a goal worth striving for”.

Tukur reiterated that South Africa as Africa’s second largest economy, is home to major international airports like OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airport – but it has been put in the shadow because of Ethiopia’s rise.

The country has a highly developed aviation sector, with significant capacity in both international and domestic air travel.

“According to the World Bank, South Africa’s GDP was $419 billion in 2023, and the country is a regional hub for air traffic. Additionally, the airline industry benefits from global airlines and local operators like South African Airways. With continued investment in airports and modern aircraft, South Africa remains the key leader in African aviation”.

On Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy by GDP, standing at approximately $520 billion in 2023, he said the country’s aviation sector is experiencing substantial growth, driven by its burgeoning population, expanding middle class, and a strong oil-based economy with Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport as a key hub, and potential for increased connectivity within the continent.