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Africa’s Top 10 Airlines by Fleet Size in 2025

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Despite challenges like infrastructure gaps and economic volatility, the continent’s top airlines are expanding fleets, modernizing operations, and connecting Africa to the world. In 2025, fleet size remains a key indicator of capacity and ambition, reflecting not just passenger haul but also cargo prowess and route networks. Drawing from the latest data, here is a ranking of Africa’s top 10 airlines by fleet size:

10. South African Airways (South Africa) – 20 Aircraft

Post-restructuring, SAA is rebuilding with a focus on efficiency. As of August 2025:

  • Airbus A320-200: 14 aircraft.

  • Airbus A330-300: 2 aircraft.

  • Airbus A340-300: 2 aircraft.

Orders include 2 more A330-300s, with plans for 25 aircraft total in 2025 and up to 50 by 2028.

9. Air Peace (Nigeria) – 29 Aircraft

Nigeria’s largest private airline mixes Boeing and Embraer for domestic and international growth. As of June 2025:

  • Boeing 737-300: 7 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-500: 3 aircraft.

  • Boeing 777-200ER: 3 aircraft.

  • Boeing 777-300: 2 aircraft.

  • Embraer ERJ-145: 8 aircraft.

  • Embraer ERJ-190: 1 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-195-E2: 5 aircraft.

With 8 more E-195-E2s on order, Air Peace is expanding West African connectivity.

8. Tunisair (Tunisia) – 20 Aircraft

Tunisia’s airline focuses on Europe and Africa with a streamlined Airbus fleet. As of May 2025:

  • Airbus A319-100: 2 aircraft.

  • Airbus A320-200: 11 aircraft.

  • Airbus A320neo: 5 aircraft.

  • Airbus A330-200: 2 aircraft.

Plans include 7 new aircraft by year-end and a target of 21 active by 2026, replacing older models like Boeing 737-600s with A320neos.

7. FlySafair (South Africa) – 37 Aircraft

This low-cost carrier dominates South Africa’s domestic market with an all-Boeing narrow-body fleet. As of August 2025:

  • Boeing 737-400: 6 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-800: 31 aircraft.

FlySafair’s efficient, high-density setup keeps costs low on regional routes.

6. Kenya Airways (Kenya) – 37 Aircraft

Known as “The Pride of Africa,” Kenya Airways operates a mixed fleet from its Nairobi hub. As of August 2025:

  • Boeing 737-800: 9 passenger aircraft.

  • Boeing 787-8: 9 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-190: 15 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-300SF: 2 freighters.

  • Boeing 737-800SF: 2 freighters.

A $400 million expansion targets 53 aircraft by 2029, phasing out Embraers for more Boeings.

5. Royal Air Maroc (Morocco) – 50 Aircraft

Morocco’s airline emphasizes Boeing for its transatlantic and African routes. As of July 2025:

  • Boeing 737-800: 28 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737 MAX 8: 7 aircraft.

  • Boeing 787-8: 5 aircraft.

  • Boeing 787-9: 6 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-190: 4 aircraft.

With 5 more Boeing 737 MAX 8s on order, the fleet supports Casablanca’s role as a gateway between Africa and Europe.

4. Air Algérie (Algeria) – 56 Aircraft

Algeria’s flag carrier maintains a balanced fleet for domestic, regional, and international flights. As of August 2025:

  • Airbus A330-200: 8 aircraft.

  • ATR 72-500: 12 aircraft.

  • ATR 72-600: 3 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-600: 5 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-700C: 2 aircraft (cargo-capable).

  • Boeing 737-800: 24 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-800BCF: 1 freighter.

  • Lockheed L-100-30T: 1 freighter.

Orders include 8 Airbus A330-900s, 16 ATR 72-600s, and 8 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, aiming for a 100-aircraft fleet to boost Algiers as a hub.

3. EgyptAir (Egypt) – 67 Aircraft

Egypt’s national carrier has built a versatile fleet for its Middle East, Europe, and Africa routes. As of July 2025:

  • Airbus A320neo: 8 aircraft.

  • Airbus A321neo: 7 aircraft.

  • Airbus A330-200: 4 aircraft (2 slated for freighter conversion).

  • Airbus A330-300: 4 aircraft.

  • Boeing 737-800: 29 aircraft.

  • Boeing 777-300ER: 5 aircraft.

  • Boeing 787-9: 8 aircraft.

Orders stand at 16 Airbus A350-900s and 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, with deliveries starting in 2025, pushing toward a 125-aircraft goal backed by government funding.

2. Airlink (South Africa) – 70 Aircraft

South Africa’s regional powerhouse, Airlink operates an all-Embraer fleet tailored for efficient short-haul connections across Africa. As of June 2025, the composition is:

  • Embraer ERJ-135: 17 aircraft.

  • Embraer ERJ-145: 11 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-170: 3 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-175: 4 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-190: 29 aircraft.

  • Embraer E-195: 6 aircraft.

With 10 Embraer E-195-E2s on order for deliveries through 2027, Airlink’s focus on fuel-efficient jets supports its growth in underserved markets.

1. Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia) – 150+ Aircraft

Africa’s undisputed leader, Ethiopian Airlines boasts a fleet exceeding 150 modern aircraft, with an average age under seven years. This flag carrier’s diverse lineup supports its vast network of over 140 destinations. The breakdown includes:

  • Narrow-body: 18 Boeing 737-800s, 26 Boeing 737 MAXs, 6 Boeing 737-700NGs, and 1 Boeing 737-800BBJ for medium-range routes.

  • Regional: 19 De Havilland Dash 8 Q400s and 1 Dash 8 Q400 BBJ for shorter hops.

  • Wide-body: 4 Boeing 767-300ERs, 4 Boeing 777-200LRs, 6 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 787-8s, 20 Boeing 787-9s, and 20 Airbus A350-900s for long-haul passenger services.

  • Cargo: 4 Boeing 777-8Fs for dedicated freight.

With orders for more Boeing 737 MAXs, 787s, and Airbus A350s, Ethiopian is on track to double its fleet by 2035, cementing its hub status in Addis Ababa.

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