The struggle for market domination among major aircraft manufacturers is intensifying in the global air travel ecosystem.
This follows the announcement of manufacturers of different strategies aimed at integrating footprints in the African frontier market, including Nigeria.
Manufacturers: Airbus, Boeing, Embler and Bombardier are delivering aircraft, setting up service centers, partnering with aircraft maintenance centers, training pilots in Africa, training pilots, latches each other.
The investigation revealed that over 40 African airlines, including Nigerian airlines, operate more than 260 Airbus aircraft.
The country's findings reveal that there are over 500 Boeing planes run by African airlines. This accounts for almost 70% of the regional market.
There are nearly 200 Embraer aircraft flying across the continent.
The survey shows 69 Bombardier Q400 aircraft with more than 20 operators throughout the African continent.
Additionally, 58 Bombardier CRJ series aircraft are operating on 21 African airlines.
To control the sky, aircraft manufacturers have introduced a variety of incentives, including introducing new models of aircraft types to airlines on the continent, including Nigeria, which have different kinds of planes in their fleets.
Nigerian carriers: Airpeace, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Ranoa Air, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Azman, Green Africa Airlines, Xejet Airlines, NG Eagle Air, Pioneer Airlines, Air, Max Air, Curry Air, Curry Air, Ngua Air, Umza Air, Overland Airway, and other Embreaa and Airbus Airlines.
Boeing Corporation and Embraer have a technical partnership with Air Peace, while Airbus has a partnership with Ibom Air, which could drive a technology transaction to revive the Akwa Ibom State Maintenance Repair and Overhoul Facility (MRO) in Uyo, state-capitalized.
United Nigeria Airlines is consolidating discussions with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer: Embraer to establish an aircraft repair centre in Nigeria.
Over the past few years, Arik Air had a strong technical partnership with Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier and Boeing.
Experts say African countries, including Nigeria, are becoming increasingly focused as airlines acquire more economically efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft and nurture their fleets.
In an interview, Gabriel Semeras, president of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa, said that Airbus has been in Africa since 1976, when the first A300 was delivered to the continent.
His position is consistent with the company's global services forecast.
Airbus is foreseen over the next 20 years on the African continent. This requires 14,000 new pilots and 21,000 mechanics and engineers to face a surge in demand for air travel.
Last week only, Airbus opened a new customer service centre in Johannesburg, South Africa
A key move to heighten Africa's commitment to aviation.
The strategic move has reached nearly 50 years, bringing comprehensive technical assistance, engineering, maintenance and training services closer to the continent's growing airline operators, covering all Airbus commercial aircraft families.
This expansion cements Airbus' role in fostering job creation, skill development and economic growth across the continent, along with 30 years of Airbus helicopter service in South Africa and continued support from Airbus defense and space, through extensive industry presence and local partnerships.
The facility said it will provide all services to help Airbus approach continental airline customers, increase customer proximity and help operators maintain a safe, efficient and reliable fleet.
The Center said it will provide technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services and on-site customer support to all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330 and A350.
Semelas said: “The new centre emphasizes confidence in the potential of the region as it expands Airbus presence in Africa, invests in regional capabilities, empowers customers, promotes connectivity and shares progress across the continent.”
On that side, Brazilian aerospace giant Embral said it is considering installing production or assembly facilities in Tunisia as part of its strategic plan to diversify its supplier base and expand its production capacity.
Embraer has been in Africa for several years and is looking to expand its original equipment manufacturing capacity.
Tunisia is not currently home to Embraer operators, but the hub supports Operation Embraer in Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe.
Embraer already has a large market share in Africa, and the presence of new industries will boost the footsteps of growth on the continent.
Francis Komoraz, Embraer's Vice President of Africa, confirmed the development.
Officials said the company's team is evaluating the possibility of integrating the expertise of Brazilian manufacturers into Tunisia's national aerospace ecosystem as Tunisia joins Embraer's global value chain. Embraer's delegation examined the industrial capabilities of North African countries, particularly in subcontracting, engineering and skilled labor.
Tunisia has over 80 aerospace companies and over 17,000 workers in the aviation sector.
The strategic geographical locations, financial incentives and specialized infrastructure of countries near Europe make them more attractive to major international contractors.
Embraer already holds a significant market share in Africa, and many operators prefer local jets on short-term routes.
New aircraft production or assembly facilities mark the strategic turning point of the country's aerospace industry, solidifying its role in the global value chain, generating important economic and technological benefits.
Boeing opened an office in South Africa, worked closely with more than 60 airlines on the continent, formed strategic partnerships, strengthened safety standards and contributed to continuing efforts to expand Africa's aviation industry, a key driver of the region's economy.
Boeing also has representatives of field services stationed in airlines in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania and Togo.
“We are pleased to announce that Boeing Africa is managing director, Henok Teferra Shawl. “Africa is one of the most promising markets in terms of economic and business growth. The proximity to customers, government stakeholders and suppliers will enable us to develop solutions that are best suited to the needs of the African aviation sector.”
As a leading provider of commercial airplanes in Africa, Boeing will work closely with airlines to modernize its fleet and strengthen safety standards. Through training, digital tools and collaboration with aviation authorities and organizations such as the African Aviation Association (AFRAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Boeing supports the continent's efforts to increase regulatory integrity, improve operational efficiency and ensure safe air transport operations.
Boeing has helped to promote growth in investment in Africa's aviation industry in the talent pipeline, promote innovation, support the development of industrial bases, and advocate for market liberalization and free trade.
Boeing works with suppliers in Ethiopia, Morocco and South Africa, and the partnership is worth around $40 million. Since 2008. Boeing has invested $22 million in collaborative efforts with academia and nonprofits to support systematic improvements in education and economic empowerment in Africa.
Canadian aircraft manufacturer: Bombardier continues to increase its presence and influence in the African aviation market, particularly with its Q400 turboprop and regional jet homes.
The expansion will include establishing service facilities like Addis Ababa with Ethiopian airlines and strategically focusing on regional connections and growth opportunities on the continent.
Bombardier is added to the African support network and is an important example of service facilities approved by Ethiopian airlines.
The CRJ family of regional jets developed by Bombardier is considered a strong asset in the African market, contributing to connectivity within the region.
The Q400 is its versatility and cost-effectiveness, and is another important part of Bombardier's strategy, especially for African operators.
Bombardier expects significant growth in Africa's intra-regional connectivity, expecting triple routes over the next 20 years, with potentially hundreds of regional and small single-pass aircraft involved.
