The African continent's potential in the aviation region has led to Boeing and Airbus, two of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers, to consider it a major area of interest.
Large airlines have similarly expanded operations, linking regions in ways that they haven't seen for over 20 years. Sadly, Africa lives 18% of the world's population, but accounts for just 2% of the world's air traffic and 2% of international trade.
The total contribution of travel and tourism to Africa's GDP was $191 billion in 2023, and is projected to rise by 4.4% per year between 2024 and 2034.
The impact it has on the continental workforce cannot be overstated. According to a survey by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) , by 2034, travel and tourism is projected to support 38,760,000 jobs (6.0% of total employment).
The numbers speak for themselves. The WTTC estimates that international visitors will spend $71.5 billion across Africa this year, an increase of $11.2 billion from last year, while domestic visitors will spend $10.3 billion, an increase of 6.8% from the previous year. Leisure expenditures still outweigh business expenditures of 70.1%.
At the same time, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the world's leading aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus predict that Africa will be the only airlines with significant growth in the next 20 years.
Qatar Airlines chief commercial Thierry Antinori told Aviation Metric over the weekend that as a leading global airline, Qatar Airlines is strongly aware of the potential that Africa will hold and focuses on lasers on ensuring that aviation plays a key role in connecting Africa.
The aviation sector said it would promote and promote social, economic and political integration in Africa and boost trade and tourism.
He said, “For example, Qatar Airways has adjusted its services that lead to summer capacity across Africa today, with an average of over 44,000 seats per week, equivalent to a maximum of 180 flights per week.
Additionally, passengers traveling between Cape Town and Doha can access Starlink's state-of-the-art internet connection as of June 1st, enjoying a completely free and super fast Wi-Fi service for seamless streaming, gaming and working seamlessly at 35,000 feet.
“As Qatar Airlines celebrates its 20th anniversary in South Africa, its continuous focus on improving its schedule and passenger experience reflects its commitment to the country and the continent. The airline, which recently won a 25% stake in the South African regional airline, emphasizes confidence in the growth potential of African tourism, rather than supporting the frequency of supporting Africa's role in the growth potential of tourism in Africa.”
Qatar Airways' commitment to Africa is strengthening nearly 8,500 full-time employees across Africa currently working within Qatar Airways Group in both Doha and Outstation.
A recruitment drive, aligned with the airline's ongoing strategy, will accelerate the growth of airlines in the region by supporting the development of human capital across Africa. The region will continue to unlock hundreds of vacant seats in areas such as cabin services, cargo and airport operations, customer service, engineering, flight operations, retail and hospitality services.
Antinori pointed out that as the government maintains momentum in the contribution of the aviation sector in Africa's development, it emphasizes that liberalisation of Africa's airspace will promote trade and development and provide improved connectivity within and between Africa and the world as it fully embraces freedom of movement under the “open sky” policy.
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