Brazil-headquartered aircraft manufacturer Embraer has produced a report that assesses the “untapped potential to enhance intra-African air connectivity”.
The reports points to the critical role that the aviation sector can make to driving economic growth and development across the African continent.
According to IATA figures, the study notes, Africa accounts for only 2.1% of global passenger and cargo traffic, yet is home to 18% of the world’s population.
This disparity is in part explained by the continent’s limited intra-regional air connectivity, the Embraer report suggests, which is “a significant bottleneck in Africa’s economic and aviation development”.
The report calls for more direct flights, more frequencies, efficient hubs, improved technology and stronger partnerships/alliances, plus a focus on ‘right-sized’ aircraft.
Stephan Hannemann, senior vice president sales & marketing, head of region Middle East and Africa at Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: “This report, and the data behind it, highlights the significant potential for new routes and improved hub connectivity across Africa.”
