By ifeoma Onyekachi

The Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, Aaron Munetsi, has raised concerns over the underperformance of Africa’s aviation industry, noting that the continent’s global contribution remains disproportionately low despite its size and population.

Speaking at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos, Munetsi identified regulatory constraints and weak economic fundamentals as key factors limiting growth in the sector.

Citing data from the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organization, he said Africa operates some of the oldest aircraft globally and maintains one of the smallest commercial fleets. This is despite a population of approximately 1.4 billion people spread across 31 million square kilometres.

According to him, Africa accounts for only about two per cent of global aviation activity  a figure he described as inconsistent with the continent’s resource base and market potential.

Munetsi further highlighted structural inefficiencies in airline operations across the continent. Of the 52 national carriers, he noted, only seven are fully operational, and just one is profitable. Profit margins across African airlines remain particularly weak, averaging less than one US dollar per passenger.

He attributed these challenges largely to an unfavourable regulatory environment, which he said continues to hinder aircraft acquisition and overall industry viability.

While acknowledging concerns about the age of aircraft in use across Africa, Munetsi maintained that older fleets do not necessarily compromise safety if properly maintained, pointing to similar trends in more advanced aviation markets such as the United States.

However, he stressed that the limited size of Africa’s fleet remains a significant constraint. The continent operates fewer than 1,000 commercial aircraft in total  a figure he contrasted with major global carriers such as Delta Air Lines, which alone operates approximately 1,500 aircraft.

Munetsi welcomed recent efforts by Nigerian authorities to address aircraft acquisition challenges, describing them as a step in the right direction. He urged stakeholders across the continent to adopt coordinated strategies aimed at strengthening regulatory frameworks and improving access to financing in order to close the aviation gap.

“If Africa is serious about developing its aviation sector, then the focus must be on creating the right conditions for fleet expansion and sustainable operations,” he said.