Africa’s five biggest airlines’ list does not have Nigerian carrier

Business a.m. with Wire Report

A list of Africa’s five biggest airlines does not include any from Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP) and the continent’s most populated, a Simple Flying compilation has shown. It is also not clear if a list of the biggest 10 would have a Nigerian carrier show up on radar. 

Using data from Planespotters, the compilation is based on fleet numbers, where Nigeria’s Air Peace has remained dominant in the West and Central African region as the biggest carrier.

The listing became necessary per Simple Flying as Africa is becoming one of the largest aviation growth markets, particularly after pandemic-related disruptions. 

It noted that major airlines in Africa are playing a major role in expanding their networks, replacing older aircraft with new-generation fleets, and establishing airline partnerships and codeshare agreements.

5   Kenya Airways

Fleet size: 32

Number five on the list is the national flag carrier Kenya Airways, with a current fleet size of 32 aircraft. Largely owned by the government of Kenya (48.9% stake), the airline operates scheduled services to 44 destinations worldwide. Founded in 1977, after the dissolution of East African Airways, Kenya Airways became the first African non-government-controlled airline.

Kenya Airways became a member of the SkyTeam alliance in 2010 and operates from a central hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in the nation’s capital Nairobi. Apart from the SkyTeam alliance, the airline has codeshare agreements with numerous large airlines, including Etihad Airways, British Airways, and KLM Ryal Dutch Airlines.

4  Royal Air Maroc

Fleet size: 51

Number four on the list is the national flag carrier of Morocco, Royal Air Maroc, also known as RAM. The country’s largest airline has a current fleet size of 51 aircraft and operates scheduled services to 89 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The airline also operates occasional charter flights, including Hajj services to and from Saudi Arabia.

The airline was founded in 1953 and the name “Royal Air Maroc” was adopted in 1957 after the Moroccan government acquired a 67.73 percent stake in the airline. With its central hub at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, the oneworld alliance member operates an extensive domestic network together with flights to Europe and the Americas.

3   Air Algerie

Fleet size: 55

Number three on our list is the national flag carrier of Algeria, Air Algérie, with a current fleet size of 55 aircraft. The airline operates scheduled passenger services to 78 domestic and international destinations in 28 countries. Founded as Compagnie Générale de Transports Aériens (CGTA) in 1946, when Algeria was still a French Overseas Territory, the plan was to offer flights to Europe for the thousands of Europeans who had immigrated to Algeria.

Following independence in 1962, the Algerian government controlled the airline, establishing its central hub at Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) in the nation’s capital, Algiers. The airline recently began services to Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa (ADD) Airport. The airline only operates a single widebody aircraft type, the Airbus A330-200. Data from Planespotters.net shows that one of the eight A330 aircraft is currently out of service.

2   Egypt Air

Fleet size: 82

The runner-up on our list is the Star Alliance network member Egypt Air, with a current fleet size of 82 narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The operator of some of the most modern aircraft, Egypt Air operates to over 100 destinations worldwide. The airline also operates one of the largest air cargo services in Africa.

With its roots dating back to the early 1930s flying under the name “Misrair” and “United Arab Airlines,” the airline was renamed Egyptair on October 10, 1971. The state-owned flag carrier of Egypt is based at Cairo International Airport (CAI). With an excellent mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the airline aims to further expand its fleet and services.

1  Ethiopian Airlines

Fleet size: 133

The Star Alliance network member Ethiopian Airlines is hands down the continent’s largest airline, with a fleet size of 133 narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Founded in 1945 by Haile Selassie, the airline was his hope of modernising and shaking off the country’s previous image. Thanks to its reasonably priced tickets and an extensive network of destinations, the airline partners with major global carriers.

Since its inaugural flight between Addis Ababa and Cairo in 1945, the airline has grown to become Africa’s dominant carrier. The airline has its hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and it operates to 155 passenger and 68 cargo destinations worldwide.