Airbus sees demand for 160 new aircraft in Nigeria |

Airbus predicts demand for nearly 160 new passenger and freight aircraft in Nigeria two decades from now, propelled by a dynamic economy and urbanization in Africa’s most populous nation. The number will equal 13.5 percent of all new aircraft demand in Africa over the reference period. The market forecast, representing a nearly three-fold increase in demand, was presented to the media on September 12, on the eve of the 7th edition of the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, as part of the airframer’s 2023 Global Market Forecast. Aviation Africa 2023 was held in Abuja September 13-14. Details of demand in Africa were already shared in the full GMF that was released ahead of the Paris Airshow in June. Airbus, which has 265 aircraft flying with 36 operators in Africa, says with Lagos and Abuja being among some of the world’s fastest-growing cities, airlines serving Nigeria will require 131 single-aisle aircraft in the category of the A220, A320 families, and 28 widebody aircraft in the A330 and A350 families. Demand growth will further be supported by ongoing airspace liberalization initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market SAATM, to which more than three dozen states have already signed. [caption id="attachment_77256" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Green Africa A220-300[/caption] “Aviation plays a pivotal role in driving economic development across the African continent creating jobs, facilitating domestic, intra-African, and global trade and regional integration. Its significance is particularly profound in the case of Nigeria. Africa’s most populous country, marked by substantial landmass, a vibrant, dynamic and ever-expanding economy. The aviation industry in Nigeria possesses the potential to emerge as the connective tissue that binds together its diverse regions and fuels economic progress,” Airbus says. Nigeria’s aviation growth will partially feed off the sector’s growth across Africa, which Airbus predicts will “drive average yearly services demand up by 4.1%, from US$2 billion to US$7 billion.” MRO services Airbus adds that the expanding Maintenance Repair and overhaul (MRO) services at both local and regional levels will be central to the sector’s growth, safety, and resilience. In Nigeria’s case, the expansion of MRO capabilities could bring in additional revenues, reduce aircraft maintenance costs, and provide even further job creation and skills development opportunities in Nigeria and the continent. “As Nigeria and indeed Africa’s aerospace industry grows and becomes more dynamic, an increasing demand for specialized skills is creating thousands of new opportunities for young people on the continent. Already, an estimated 7.7 million direct and indirect jobs have been created by the industry in Africa. Airbus predicts that 17 000 technicians, 14 000 pilots, and 23 000 cabin crew positions will be required across Africa in the next 20 years.” Airbus predicts that 1.180 new aircraft will be needed for Africa by 2042. Of these, 295 will be widebodies, while 885 will be single-aisle. “During this period, the fleet in the region will transition to new generation types such as the A220, A320neo family, A330neo, and A350, bringing significant efficiency improvement and a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions per passenger,” Airbus added.

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