Upward bound

Infrastructure and safety are two of the biggest challenges facing African aviation. Yet the continent’s airlines still posted the strongest demand growth among global regions.

Traffic was up nearly 13% in February, compared to a year ago – showing that Africa’s carriers are regaining market share after several difficult years, according to the International Air Transport Association. What’s more, the organisation cites strong expansion in air connectivity to the enhancement of revenue management systems and increased exports from the continent.

According to an AFKInsider report, seven of the 10 fastest-growing air passenger markets over the next 20 years are expected to come from Africa. These will include Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.

The continent’s airline industry accounts for more than 70 million passengers annually, generates in excess of US$80 million in GDP and supports nearly 7 million jobs.

26 April 2016
Image: Gallo/GettyImages

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