Kenya's Aviation Sector Adds $3.3 Bln to Economy – IATA

Kenya’s aviation sector contributed $3.3 billion to the country’s economy and supported 460,000 jobs in 2023, according to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which says the industry has significant potential to drive further growth across Africa.

The data, released on the sidelines of the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference held in Nairobi – the first time the annual meeting has taken place on African soil – comes as global aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus project robust long-term growth for the continent’s aviation market.

Boeing estimates African carriers will need 1,170 new aircraft over the next 20 years, including 830 single-aisle jets and 260 widebody planes, driven by increased intra-regional trade, urbanisation and a growing middle class.

The US planemaker forecasts demand for 76,000 new aviation professionals in Africa by 2043.

European rival Airbus projects Africa’s passenger traffic will grow at 4.1 percent annually through 2043, above the global average, requiring 1,180 new aircraft and more than 59,000 aviation workers, including pilots, technicians and cabin crew.

“Africa’s aviation market is projected to grow at 3.7 percent over the next two decades, and Kenya is well-positioned to benefit,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.

“But growth requires efficient, cost-competitive infrastructure and a skilled workforce, alongside commitments to net zero emissions by 2050.”

 

National carrier Kenya Airways, which recently expanded its fleet with an additional Boeing 737-800, said the Nairobi meeting offered a chance to tackle inefficiencies in ground operations and align the industry to global standards.

“This report reinforces the value aviation delivers to Kenya’s economy,” said Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways CEO. “With improved ground handling and workforce investment, we can ensure aviation remains a growth engine and a key enabler of connectivity.”

 

Kenya is a key transport and logistics hub in East Africa and is banking on its location and regulatory reforms, including participation in the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), to increase its competitiveness and attract more regional traffic.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org