African Countries with National Carriers

• • There are 29 African countries with a national carrier (as at the time of this publication) and Libya has 2 national carriers. DR Congo also plans to have a second national airline.
  • All North African countries have a national carrier while West African countries have the least number of national airlines per region.
  • Historically, West African countries had national carriers especially around the 1950s-60s which coincided with independence for some of these countries but they are largely defunct today.
  • Nigeria launched Nigeria Air in 2018 but it plans to take off in 2022. Ghana has similar plans to relaunch Ghana Airways in 2022.
  • East Africa has the most national carriers with Ethiopian Airlines leading the continent in fleet and alliances across the continent.

Africa’s Biggest National Carriers by Fleet Size

• Ethiopian Airlines dominates the African airspace and is 100% owned by the government.
• With a fleet of 131 and 38 on order (as at the time of this publication), Ethiopian Airlines has the largest fleet in Africa (and partnership deals with other African countries).
• Other African national carriers with more than 50 aircraft in their fleet are in North-Africa:
  • EgyptAir (76) of Egypt,
  • Air Algerie (56) of Algeria, and
  • Royal Air Maroc of Morocco. They are all 100% owned by the government.
• Following the 4 countries above are:
  • Kenya Airways of Kenya (48.9% government shares) with 32 aircraft and
  • Tunisair of Tunisia (74.4% government shares) with 30 aircraft.

Africa’s Oldest National Carriers

• EgyptAir (1932) is the oldest national carrier in Africa followed by South African Airways (1934) and LAM Mozambique Airlines (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique) – 1936.
• Different changes in government, interest and alliances have led to some airlines either going under, resurging after a break or completely winding off. This has also led to changes in name or ownership structure

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