Growth of African Airlines in November 2024
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a remarkable 12.4% year-on-year increase in demand for African airlines during November 2024, compared to the same month in 2023. This surge in demand highlights the resilience and potential of the African aviation sector, which is increasingly becoming a vital component of the continent's economic landscape.
Global Context and Capacity Insights
While African airlines experienced significant growth, IATA noted that total global demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), rose by 8.1% in November 2024 compared to the previous year. This broader context underscores the competitive nature of the aviation market, where African airlines are carving out a more substantial share. In terms of capacity, IATA reported that total capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), increased by 5.7% year-on-year. The load factor for November reached 83.4%, reflecting a 1.9% improvement from November 2023, which was an all-time high for that month. This indicates that airlines are effectively filling their seats, a positive sign for profitability and operational efficiency.
Specifics on African Capacity and Load Factors
Willie Walsh, the Director-General of IATA, emphasized that the capacity for African airlines grew by 6% year-on-year, with the load factor rising to 72.9%. He remarked, “November was another month of strong growth in the demand for air travel, with an overall expansion of 8.1%. However, it also served as a reminder of the ongoing supply chain issues that are preventing airlines from acquiring the aircraft they need to meet this growing demand.” Walsh pointed out that the capacity growth is lagging behind demand by 2.4 percentage points, which means that airlines are facing challenges in scaling up their operations to match the increasing passenger numbers. This situation is limiting their ability to enhance customer service, modernize their fleets, and improve their environmental performance due to delays in aircraft deliveries.
The Need for Solutions in Aerospace Manufacturing
He further stated, “The 2025 New Year’s resolution for the aerospace manufacturing sector must be to find a fast and durable solution for their supply chain issues.” This call to action is particularly relevant for African airlines, which are eager to expand their services and improve connectivity across the continent.
Regional Performance and the Importance of African Aviation
IATA's findings indicate that all regions experienced growth in international passenger markets in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. While Europe had the highest load factors at 85%, and the Asia-Pacific region led in growth with a 19.9% year-on-year increase in demand, the African aviation sector is poised for further development. The potential for growth in Africa is immense, given that the continent comprises 54 nations and approximately 1.5 billion people, representing about 28% of the world’s countries and nearly 20% of the global population. Despite this, African aviation currently accounts for only 2.1% of total air traffic, indicating significant room for expansion and improvement.
Domestic Market Trends and Future Outlook
In the domestic market, demand increased by 3.1% over the previous year, showing a slight deceleration from the 3.5% growth recorded in October. While most markets displayed signs of stable growth, the United States experienced a 2.7% contraction, which was a deeper decline than the 1.2% year-on-year dip noted in October. In conclusion, the air travel industry in Africa is witnessing a period of robust growth, particularly in demand, which reflects the continent's increasing connectivity and economic potential. As African airlines continue to expand, addressing supply chain challenges will be crucial for sustaining this momentum and maximizing the benefits of aviation for economic and social development across the continent.
