In its latest forecast, IATA says that the Africa aviation market will increase by 200 million passengers to hit over 356 million by 2038.
Speaking during the 2019 Routes Africa forum, Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President, Africa, IATA, said Africa’s aviation industry’s projected growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 4.6% of the continent’s total market size.
Moreover, IATA predicts double passenger growth for Kenyan market resulting in an additional 11.3 million passenger journeys, over 449,000 more jobs and a $11.3 billion (KSh1.1 trillion) boost to GDP by 2038.
Kuuchi opines that Kenya is among the top three aviation markets in Africa where growth is forecast to be strongest over the next two decades.
On their part, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) says they have been implementing ambitious strategy to expand and improve capacity of Kenya’s airports.
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Alex Gitari, Acting Managing director KAA, says the remodelling of the terminal separating arriving and departing passengers at JKIA was a boost to airport security. Furthermore, the new terminal raised the airport’s annual capacity to over 11.9 million passengers annually.
KAA also reports investments in new and modern terminal buildings at the Malindi Airport and Manda airport serving Lamu. Gitari revealed plans to expand Diani Airport in the South Coast so as to attract more tourists and bigger airlines.
Moreover, upgrades and infrastructural works are currently ongoing at Kisumu International Airport, Mombasa International Airport, and the Eldoret International Airport.
Routes Africa conferences provides decision makers with a platform to negotiate new air services, discuss existing routes and improve the continent’s air connectivity.
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