African Aviation Sector Sees 19% Growth in Q1 2024
According to a report by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the aviation sector in Africa continued to grow in the first quarter of 2024, primarily driven by a strong demand for air travel, which saw a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite this positive news, the African aviation industry still only represents 2% of the global market.
In terms of sub-regions, North Africa led the way in air traffic, accounting for over 40% of the continent's total air traffic during the first three months of the year.
Furthermore, AFRAA revealed the ranking of airlines that recorded the highest number of passengers during the first quarter of 2024.
Ethiopian Airlines took the top spot, with 11.3 million passengers. The airline recently took delivery of the first A350-1000 in Africa, equipped with Thales' AVANT Up system.
Here is the complete top 10 list of airlines:
- Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia): 11.3 million passengers
- Egyptair (Egypt): 8.2 million passengers
- Safair (South Africa): 6.6 million passengers
- Royal Air Maroc (Morocco): 5.6 million passengers
- Air Algérie (Algeria): 4.6 million passengers
- Kenya Airways (Kenya): 2.7 million passengers
- Air Peace (Nigeria): 2.6 million passengers
- Air Mauritius (Mauritius): 1.1 million passengers
- Jambojet (Kenya): 1 million passengers
- TAAG Angola (Angola): 0.9 million passengers
