Africa’s aviation market is experiencing rapid expansion, with passenger demand expected to grow faster than any other region in 2026. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects a 10% rise in demand across Africa, while airline capacity is forecast to increase by 7.7%.

This expansion occurs amidst financial pressures, as IATA anticipates African airlines will record a combined net profit of $100 million in 2026, a decrease from $300 million in 2025. Despite this, fleet size remains a crucial indicator of operational strength, reflecting a carrier's ability to boost capacity, expand routes, and support both passenger and cargo operations.

Nairametrics analyzed data from Planespotters.net, a global aviation database, to rank Africa’s largest airlines by fleet size as of July 2026. The ranking considers active aircraft, those nearing delivery, and expected second-hand additions.

1. Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia) – 162 aircraft

Ethiopia’s national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, holds the top position as Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, operating 162 aircraft.

2. Airlink (South Africa) – 71 aircraft

South Africa’s Airlink ranks as the second largest, with a fleet of 71 aircraft. Headquartered in Johannesburg, Airlink operates from its bases at OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport, serving Southern Africa. The airline, founded in 1992, has an average fleet age of 18.3 years. Its fleet includes four Embraer E195-E2s, 16 Embraer ERJ-135s, 11 Embraer ERJ-140s, two Embraer ERJ-170s, four Embraer ERJ-175s, 28 Embraer ERJ-190s, and six Embraer ERJ-195s. Of these, 66 are in service while five are parked, with two aircraft on order or planned for delivery.

3. EgyptAir (Egypt) – 70 aircraft

Egypt’s national carrier, EgyptAir, is the third largest with 70 aircraft. Founded in 1932, it operates from Cairo International Airport, serving destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. EgyptAir has an average fleet age of 10.2 years. Its fleet comprises eight Airbus A320neos, seven Airbus A321neos, two Airbus A330-200s, four Airbus A330-300s, four Airbus A350-900s, 30 Boeing 737-800s, three Boeing 737 MAX 8s, four Boeing 777-300ERs, and eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Currently, 63 aircraft are in service, seven are parked, and two are on order or planned for delivery.

4. Royal Air Maroc (Morocco) – 67 aircraft

Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, ranks fourth with 67 aircraft. Headquartered in Casablanca and founded in 1957, it operates from Mohammed V International Airport. The airline has an average fleet age of 11.9 years. Its fleet includes six ATR 72s, 27 Boeing 737-800s, 17 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, one Boeing 767-300, six Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and four Embraer ERJ-190s. All 67 aircraft are in service, with two on order or planned for delivery.

5. Air Algérie (Algeria) – 62 aircraft

Algeria’s national carrier, Air Algérie, is the fifth largest with 62 aircraft. Founded on 15 March 1947 and headquartered in Algiers, it operates scheduled passenger and cargo services domestically and internationally. Air Algérie has an average fleet age of 16.7 years. Its fleet consists of 15 ATR 42/72 aircraft, 13 Airbus A330s, and 34 Boeing 737s. Of these, 51 are in service, 11 are parked, and four are on order or planned for delivery.

6. FlySafair (South Africa) – 41 aircraft

South Africa’s FlySafair ranks sixth with 41 aircraft. Based at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the low-cost carrier, founded in 2013, operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet. FlySafair has an average fleet age of 19.4 years. Its fleet comprises 37 Boeing 737-800s, with 35 in service and six parked. One aircraft is on order or planned for delivery.

7. Air Cairo (Egypt) – 39 aircraft

Egypt’s Air Cairo is the seventh largest with 39 aircraft. Founded in 2003 as a subsidiary of EgyptAir, it operates scheduled and charter services across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Air Cairo has an average fleet age of 8.2 years. Its fleet includes six ATR 72s, 12 Airbus A320-200s, 18 Airbus A320neos, and three Embraer ERJ-190s. 34 aircraft are in service, five are parked, and four are on order or planned for delivery.

8. Kenya Airways (Kenya) – 35 aircraft

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways, ranks eighth with 35 aircraft. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Nairobi, it operates from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Kenya Airways has an average fleet age of 14.7 years. Its fleet comprises two Boeing 737-300s, 11 Boeing 737-800s, one Boeing 777-300ER, nine Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, and 12 Embraer ERJ-190s. Of these, 25 are in service while 10 are parked.

9. Air Peace (Nigeria) – 33 aircraft

Nigeria’s Air Peace ranks as the ninth largest airline in Africa, operating 33 aircraft. Headquartered in Ikeja, Lagos, and founded in 2013, it is Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size. Air Peace has an average fleet age of 21.1 years. Its diverse fleet includes two Airbus A320-200s, six Boeing 737-300s, two Boeing 737-500s, one Boeing 737-700, one Boeing 737-800, two Boeing 777-200s, two Boeing 777-300s, five Embraer E195-E2s, eight Embraer ERJ-145s, one Embraer ERJ-175, two Embraer ERJ-190s, and one Embraer ERJ-195. Currently, 22 aircraft are in service, 11 are parked, and one is on order or planned for delivery.

10. TAAG Angola Airlines (Angola) – 33 aircraft

Angola’s national carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines, ranks tenth with 33 aircraft. Founded in 1938, it is one of Africa’s oldest airlines. TAAG has an average fleet age of 10.8 years. Its fleet comprises six Airbus A220s, nine Boeing 737s, eight Boeing 777s, four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and six De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft. Of these, 13 are in service while 20 are parked.