In 2024, the aviation sector witnessed a 6% growth in seat availability, escalating from 15.1 million in May 2023 to 15.9 million in May 2024. This expansion is largely due to the introduction of new flight paths and an increase in the frequency of flights.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is at the forefront of this growth, working on finalizing aviation regulation drafts to boost safety and operational efficiency within the sector.
Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) is a vital metric for the industry, encapsulating an airline’s fleet capacity combined with the distance covered by its flights. This metric offers a detailed view of the passenger capacity accessible over a specific timeframe.
The increase in available seats marks a significant phase of recovery and growth for the African aviation industry, which is navigating through various challenges and opportunities in 2024.
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The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) reports a heightened demand for ASK across regional routes, indicating a robust recovery and escalating passenger demand within the sector.
This year, ASKs outdid their previous levels in May 2023 by 12%, reflecting the positive trajectory of the industry. African airlines now represent a substantial portion of the global aviation market, holding 48.7% of international and 35.4% of intercontinental capacities.
AFRAA’s data suggests a competitive balance in capacity allocation between African and international operators on global routes, with African carriers making up nearly half of the capacity on both regional and intercontinental flights.
African Airline Highlights in 2024
The increase in flight capacity has translated into notable revenue gains for African airlines due to the upward trend in passenger traffic. AFRAA anticipates a 15% surge in passenger numbers for African carriers in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Amidst the backdrop of fluctuating global Jet A1 fuel prices, African Airlines have reported a commendable 26% increase in operating revenues in March 2024, amounting to $1.74 billion, a steep climb from $1.39 billion in March 2023.
Operating revenues, crucial for the sustenance of airlines, encompass earnings from ticket sales, baggage charges, and ancillary services, underscoring the operational success of these carriers during the recovery phase.
Furthermore, AFRAA highlighted a marked improvement in intra-Africa connectivity, spearheaded by major hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Abidjan, and Rome, enhancing network strength and passenger accessibility across the continent.
