AfBAA launches landmark study to map Africa’s business aviation industry

June 15, 2026 in Business, Companies, Foreign News, Travel & Tourism by Editor

AfBAA launches new research initiative to clarify the state of business aviation in Africa

The African Business Aviation Association has launched a continent-wide research project aimed at producing the most comprehensive dataset ever compiled on Africa’s business aviation industry, with findings expected later this year.

Africa’s business aviation industry is set to undergo its most comprehensive assessment yet after the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) launched a major research initiative aimed at generating reliable data on a sector long hampered by limited information and widespread misconceptions.

The study, which has already entered its first phase, seeks to create a detailed picture of business aviation activity across the continent, providing operators, investors, regulators and policymakers with insights into fleet composition, operational trends and the sector’s broader economic impact.

Initial findings are expected to be unveiled at the Aviation Africa conference scheduled for September 9-10 in Nairobi, Kenya.

AfBAA said the multi-phase project is being conducted by independent behavioural economics and strategic marketing consultancy Seefeld Group and is expected to deliver the most comprehensive data-driven assessment of African business aviation undertaken to date.

The initiative comes at a time when business aviation is increasingly recognised as a critical enabler of investment, trade and connectivity in regions where commercial airline networks remain limited or underserved.

According to AfBAA Chairperson Dawit Lemma, the research is intended to provide a factual foundation for investment decisions, industry advocacy and operational planning.

“This type of research is long overdue for our members and those seeking to operate effectively in Africa. We anticipate that the data will provide foundations for smarter investment, create platforms from which to increase advocacy, enhance safety, and enable more resilient operations and business longevity,” Lemma said.

Business aviation in Africa encompasses a broad range of activities beyond private jets, including corporate aircraft, charter operations, helicopters, turboprops and increasingly unmanned aerial vehicles. Despite its growing role in supporting sectors such as mining, energy, humanitarian operations and executive travel, the industry has often lacked reliable continent-wide data.

AfBAA believes the new research will help address that challenge by aggregating and analysing operational information from multiple sources to create a clearer understanding of how business aviation is used and where growth opportunities exist.

“The initiative will aggregate and analyze raw data to avoid bias and negative perception and will contest existing information that is often fragmented, nominally anecdotal, and frequently based on perception, not reality,” Lemma said.

“The holistic approach will look not just at which types of aircraft are flying which routes, but also at what they are doing and how business aviation activity affects economies. This is the type of information members can use to make informed decisions about future operational activity.”

The first phase will focus on fleet analysis, maintenance activity, economic trends and media perceptions of the industry. The resulting database is expected to help AfBAA better understand the sector, strengthen engagement with policymakers and provide greater value to its members.

Charles Porteous, President of Seefeld Group, said the study would help fill one of the largest information gaps in global aviation.

“Africa represents one of the most dynamic yet least understood business aviation markets in the world,” Porteous said.

“Seefeld Group is honoured to be selected to provide AfBAA, operators, and policymakers with credible, data-driven insight that supports better decision-making, stronger advocacy, and long-term sector growth through a deeper understanding of fleet composition, operational activity, and how business aviation is utilized across the continent.”

For Africa’s aviation sector, the initiative could mark an important step toward evidence-based policymaking and investment planning. Reliable industry data has become increasingly valuable as governments seek to improve connectivity, attract investment and integrate emerging aviation technologies such as drones into national transport and logistics ecosystems.

AfBAA said the research forms part of its broader strategy to raise the visibility of business aviation across Africa, strengthen industry representation and build stronger links with global aviation stakeholders.