Africa's passenger airline industry is still in a period of growth and development and the continent has been identified as one with huge potential. African airlines only have around 2% of the total of revenues of the traffic between Africa and the rest of the world,
potential exists for new route development.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure, political and technological challenges must be first navigated if they are to fully meet that potential. Africa has been for long time ignored by global investors due to chronic poverty and political instability. The airline industry in Africa has also been ignored by global economic players. Just a few international airlines used to fly to Africa from North America and
Europe.
The African airline industry lagged far behind from the rest of the world but the situation has been changing for the better in recent years. The economic situation is improving and an average GDP growth rate in Africa over last decade of 5% is presenting
new opportunities for investment in the country. Thanks to the Chinese who have realised the benefits of long term investment in the vast natural resources in Africa, Africa is now able to attract investors from new regions.
European airlines such as British Airways have a strong presence in Africa through their franchise with Comair as do several Middle East and Asian carriers which are aggressively expanding their routes in the region, with the US carriers beginning to return to the African market. Moreover, low cost carriers such Ryanair and EasyJet are opening new routes to North Africa.
Successful national African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air and Kenya Airways are starting to become more competitive with the mega carriers of Europe, US, Middle East and Asia. But Africa still faces many challenges and the airline industry is still over-taxed and overcharged, making it difficult to establish lower fares. Some African airports need to reduce their overpriced fees which are well above the world average.
The infrastructure needs to be developed in line with the rate of development of the carriers and only by bringing the governments, airlines and investors together can Africa really start to develop its potential.
Download Report
potential exists for new route development.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure, political and technological challenges must be first navigated if they are to fully meet that potential. Africa has been for long time ignored by global investors due to chronic poverty and political instability. The airline industry in Africa has also been ignored by global economic players. Just a few international airlines used to fly to Africa from North America and
Europe.
The African airline industry lagged far behind from the rest of the world but the situation has been changing for the better in recent years. The economic situation is improving and an average GDP growth rate in Africa over last decade of 5% is presenting
new opportunities for investment in the country. Thanks to the Chinese who have realised the benefits of long term investment in the vast natural resources in Africa, Africa is now able to attract investors from new regions.
European airlines such as British Airways have a strong presence in Africa through their franchise with Comair as do several Middle East and Asian carriers which are aggressively expanding their routes in the region, with the US carriers beginning to return to the African market. Moreover, low cost carriers such Ryanair and EasyJet are opening new routes to North Africa.
Successful national African carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air and Kenya Airways are starting to become more competitive with the mega carriers of Europe, US, Middle East and Asia. But Africa still faces many challenges and the airline industry is still over-taxed and overcharged, making it difficult to establish lower fares. Some African airports need to reduce their overpriced fees which are well above the world average.
The infrastructure needs to be developed in line with the rate of development of the carriers and only by bringing the governments, airlines and investors together can Africa really start to develop its potential.
Download Report
