Africa is making one of its strongest showings ever at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, with major aircraft orders, leasing agreements, and cross-border partnerships underscoring the continent’s rapidly accelerating aviation growth. From East to West and Southern Africa, airlines are using the global stage to modernize fleets, strengthen hubs, and expand connectivity.
Leading the headlines is Ethiopian Airlines, which once again demonstrated its status as Africa’s aviation powerhouse. The carrier placed an additional order for six Airbus A350 aircraft, reinforcing its position as the largest A350 operator on the continent. The new widebodies will support Ethiopian’s long-haul growth strategy and fleet renewal efforts, especially as demand surges across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Ethiopian also deepened its regional footprint through a key fleet support move for Air Congo. As part of the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopian confirmed it will supply ATR 72-600 aircraft to Air Congo. The turboprops will significantly boost domestic and short-haul capacity in the DRC, improving connectivity across the country’s vast geography and linking more cities to Kinshasa. The agreement further highlights Ethiopia’s growing influence as a regional aviation leader enabling the growth of emerging African carriers.
In Southern Africa, FlySafair captured attention with an important leasing development. AerCap, one of the world’s largest aircraft lessors, announced a lease agreement with the South African low-cost giant for three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. FlySafair’s decision to add the MAX marks a pivotal fleet evolution as the airline continues expanding its footprint beyond South Africa into regional markets. The MAX aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and range, will support the carrier’s high-utilization, low-cost model as it targets new intra-African routes.
The announcements at Dubai highlight several broader trends shaping African aviation:
• A shift toward newer, fuel-efficient fleets as carriers prepare for long-term expansion.
• Growing investment in widebodies, led by Ethiopian’s A350 commitment, to strengthen intercontinental connectivity.
• A surge in turboprop and regional jet demand, illustrated by Ethiopia’s ATR strategy for Air Congo.
• Increasing reliance on global lessors such as AerCap to support affordable fleet modernization, a critical factor for African airlines navigating financial constraints.
• Deepening cross-border airline cooperation, with Ethiopian’s partnership model emerging as a blueprint for regional development.
With more announcements expected before the airshow closes, Africa has already made a commanding impression. Ethiopian Airlines, FlySafair, and emerging players like Air Congo are redefining the continent’s aviation landscape with bold strategic moves that enhance capacity, competitiveness, and efficiency.
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