(2 minutes read)
· Africa will be the fastest growing region for aviation in
the next 20 years with an annual growth of nearly 5%, according to
the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
· Importantly, Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in the
continent with a fleet of over 90, will acquire a 45% stake in Zambia
Air, resurrecting the Zambian flag-carrier more than two decades after
its shut down
Africa will be the fastest growing region for aviation in the next 20
years with an annual growth of nearly 5%, according to the
International Air Transport Association (IATA). International and
African carriers are adding more routes on the continent and scaling
up their operations by acquiring or forging partnerships with other
airlines operating there.
For instance, Turkish Airlines has tripled the number of African
cities it serves — from 18 to 56. Middle Eastern, European and Asian
airlines are also expanding routes. There are many other African
carriers raising capital to fund their expansion. Some of them are
selling stakes to realize the required capital and others are sourcing
funds from financing agencies. Since airlines are mostly in the
public sector, the states are also increasing budgetary allocation for
expanding the operations .
Importantly, Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in the continent
with a fleet of over 90, will acquire a 45% stake in Zambia Air,
resurrecting the Zambian flag-carrier more than two decades after its
shut down. The same is the case with Vanity airlines, the operations
of the same is being streamlined. Another trend seen in the continent
is the increase in the number of low cost airlines operations.
Countries like Zimbabwe, Kenya etc. have more number of low cost
carriers destined for various routes. The industry’s expansion will
create millions of jobs in construction, airport technical support and
maintenance, customer service, and other fields. Once aviation
development hits a critical mass, it will become a major driver of
Africa’s economy, including taking the continent’s hospitality and
tourism industries to newer heights.
