The African aviation landscape is a paradox of immense potential and persistent challenges. As Brussels Airlines, the Lufthansa Group’s self-proclaimed “Africa expert,” announces an expansion of its West African network with additional flights to destinations like Lomé, Dakar, and Accra, the dominance of foreign airlines in African skies becomes ever more apparent. This move underscores a broader trend: non-African carriers control a staggering 80% of air travel to and from the continent, a figure that has steadily eroded the market share of African airlines. Why do foreign airlines hold such sway, and what must African carriers and countries do to compete, grow their presence, and seize the opportunities within this dynamic market? The answers lie in a complex interplay of history, economics, strategy, and untapped potential.
The Roots of Foreign Dominance
The dominance of foreign airlines in African aviation is not a new phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in structural and historical realities. Colonial legacies, such as Belgium’s ties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, have given carriers like Brussels Airlines a head start in establishing robust networks across the continent. These historical connections have translated into long-standing bilateral agreements, operational expertise, and brand familiarity in key African markets. European and Middle Eastern carriers, such as Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, leverage their global reach, modern fleets, and financial muscle to maintain extensive route networks that connect African cities to international hubs.
African airlines, by contrast, face significant barriers. Many operate with limited capital, aging fleets, and fragmented markets. The high cost of aviation—exacerbated by fluctuating fuel prices, high airport fees, and inadequate infrastructure—creates a challenging environment for local carriers. For instance, South African Airways (SAA), once a continental powerhouse, has grappled with financial distress and restructuring, shrinking its market presence amid competition from low-cost carriers and foreign giants. Similarly, the collapse of Air Vanuatu highlights how undercapitalized national carriers struggle to compete with well-funded foreign operators.
Regulatory hurdles further tilt the playing field. Restrictive bilateral air service agreements often favor foreign carriers, limiting African airlines’ access to lucrative international routes. The absence of a fully implemented Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), despite its launch in 2018, perpetuates these barriers. While SAATM aims to liberalize skies and foster competition, only a handful of countries—such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia—have fully committed to its protocols, leaving the continent’s aviation market fragmented.
The Competitive Edge of Foreign Airlines
Foreign airlines dominate not only through historical advantages but also through strategic execution. Carriers like Brussels Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitors invest heavily in fleet modernization, passenger experience, and operational efficiency. Brussels Airlines, for example, plans to expand its long-haul fleet to 13 aircraft by 2027 and introduce updated cabins, enhancing its appeal to both business and leisure travelers. Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways set benchmarks in premium services, offering luxurious amenities even in economy class, which African carriers struggle to match.
Moreover, foreign airlines benefit from economies of scale and global alliances. The Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance, and other partnerships provide access to vast networks, shared resources, and codeshare agreements that amplify their reach. African carriers, with notable exceptions like Ethiopian Airlines, often lack such alliances, limiting their ability to compete on intercontinental routes. Additionally, foreign carriers dominate cargo operations, with players like Emirates SkyCargo and Qatar Airways Cargo capitalizing on Africa’s growing trade demands, while African airlines lag in this high-margin sector.
Opportunities for African Carriers
Despite these challenges, the African aviation market is ripe with opportunities for local carriers willing to innovate and collaborate. Africa’s air traffic is projected to grow at 7.4% annually, outpacing the global average, driven by a burgeoning middle class, increasing urbanization, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This growth presents a chance for African airlines to capture market share, provided they address key structural and strategic gaps.
1. Embrace Regional Integration and SAATM: The full implementation of SAATM could be a game-changer. By dismantling restrictive bilateral agreements, SAATM enables African airlines to operate freely across borders, increasing competition, lowering fares, and expanding route options. Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, which have embraced SAATM, are already seeing benefits, with carriers like Air Peace and RwandAir expanding regionally. African governments must harmonize policies, invest in regulatory frameworks, and prioritize infrastructure to make SAATM a reality.
2. Invest in Fleet Modernization and Efficiency: African carriers must prioritize modern, fuel-efficient aircraft to compete with foreign airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s standout success, has thrived by investing in a modern fleet and leveraging its Addis Ababa hub to connect Africa to the world. Similarly, SAA’s recent fleet expansion and route additions to cities like Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam signal a commitment to growth. Partnerships with manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, as seen with China Airlines’ balanced fleet strategy, could provide African carriers with access to cutting-edge technology.
3. Enhance Passenger Experience and Punctuality: African airlines like FlySafair have demonstrated that operational excellence can set a carrier apart. FlySafair’s 96.67% on-time performance in March 2024 earned it global recognition, proving that African carriers can compete on reliability. Investments in customer service, inflight entertainment, and cultural branding—such as Uganda Airlines’ focus on Ugandan cuisine and hospitality—can differentiate African carriers in a crowded market.
4. Leverage Partnerships and Alliances: African airlines must seek strategic partnerships to compete globally. Ethiopian Airlines’ success within Star Alliance shows the power of codeshares and alliances in expanding reach. Uganda Airlines’ plans for codeshares with East African carriers and Ghana’s collaboration with the UAE to relaunch its national airline highlight the potential of regional and international partnerships.
5. Tap into Cargo and Niche Markets: The air cargo sector, with a projected 10% annual growth rate, offers a lucrative opportunity. African carriers like TAAG Angola Airlines, which operates Angola Air Charter, can expand cargo operations to serve intra-African trade spurred by AfCFTA. Additionally, niche markets like eco-tourism and cultural travel—promoted by routes like Uganda Airlines’ London-Entebbe service—can attract high-value passengers.
The Path Forward
African governments have a critical role to play. Investments in airport infrastructure, such as Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport project, are essential to handle growing traffic. Reducing high airport fees and fuel costs, as seen in challenges faced by carriers like Porter Airlines in Canada, would lower barriers for local airlines. Moreover, fostering public-private partnerships, as Ghana is doing with the UAE, can provide the capital and expertise needed to revive or establish national carriers.
The dominance of foreign airlines in African skies is a call to action for African carriers and governments to rethink their strategies. By embracing SAATM, modernizing fleets, enhancing passenger experiences, forging partnerships, and tapping into cargo and niche markets, African airlines can reclaim their skies. Success stories like Ethiopian Airlines and FlySafair show what’s possible when vision meets execution. As Africa’s aviation market soars, the question is not whether African carriers can compete, but whether they will seize the moment to redefine the continent’s skies. The opportunity is vast—now is the time to take flight.
Disclaimer: The insights shared in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute strategic advice. Aviation markets and circumstances vary, and decisions should be based on your organization’s specific context. For tailored consultancy and guidance, please contact info@avaerocapital.com.
