Africa’s Aviation Sector Struggles Despite Huge Population, Old Fleet Highlights Structural Gaps – AASA

The Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), Aaron Munetsi, has raised concerns over the performance and structure of the aviation industry in Africa, noting that despite the continent’s vast population and landmass, its contribution to global aviation remains very low.
Speaking at the two-day Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit (NAAIS) organised by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Lagos, Munetsi referenced data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to highlight the challenges facing African aviation.
According to him, Africa operates some of the oldest aircraft in the world while maintaining one of the smallest commercial fleets, despite having a population of about 1.4 billion people spread across approximately 31 million square kilometres.
Citing industry statistics, he noted that the continent accounts for only about two per cent of global aviation activity.
“According to statistics from IATA and ICAO, we have the oldest aircraft in the world and we have the smallest fleet in the world. This is a continent of 1.4 billion people, 31 million square kilometres, and we are endowed with so much wealth. If you think about it, despite the population, our contribution to global aviation is only about two per cent. With all these resources, something must be wrong somewhere,” he said.
Munetsi further stated that out of about 52 national airlines and flag carriers across Africa, only seven are fully operational, and among those, just one is profitable. He added that African airlines earn less than one US dollar profit per passenger, describing this as a major barrier to aircraft acquisition and industry growth.
He attributed the challenges largely to regulatory constraints and inefficient frameworks across the continent, arguing that the current environment is not conducive for airline profitability or expansion.
He also noted that concerns about Africa operating older aircraft should be viewed in context, stressing that aircraft safety depends on proper maintenance rather than age alone.
“As long as an aircraft is properly maintained, it remains safe. Even in the United States, many older aircraft are still in operation,” he said.
Munetsi added that Africa’s total number of commercial aircraft remains below a thousand, a figure he contrasted with major global carriers such as Delta Air Lines, which he said operates about 1,500 aircraft on its own.