Nairobi is poised to become a central player in the future of African aviation, according to global aerospace giant Airbus.
On Friday, June 21, Airbus unveiled an analysis highlighting several key unserved African routes that could greatly enhance traveller connectivity, spur local economic growth, and boost airline revenues.
The latest Global Market Forecast (GMF) from Airbus identified cities such as Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town, Dakar, and Douala as pivotal to tapping into this unserved potential. The company pointed to the strategic opportunities for a more interconnected Africa and its readiness to support this vision.
Airbus predicts a robust 4.1 per cent growth in air traffic over the next 20 years, necessitating 1,180 new aircraft by 2043. This expansion is expected to contribute to a 3.3 per cent real GDP growth in Africa, outpacing the global average of 2.6 per cent. To support this growth, the Airbus Global Services Forecast indicates a need for 15,000 new pilots, 20,000 technicians, and 24,000 cabin crew across the continent, addressing the rising demand for air travel.
With its strategic location and potential for increased connectivity, Nairobi is set to play a crucial role in this anticipated boom in African aviation, positioning itself as a key hub in the continent's economic and transport infrastructure development.