The market is expected to register a CAGR of 14.01% over the forecast period, to reach a market value of USD 1296.6 million by 2023. Sierra Leone, Guinea, Benin, Mali, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Zambia, and Madagascar are the leading locations expected to see a rise in passenger air traffic.

Market Overview

As per IATA, Africa air passenger traffic grew by 7.5% in 2017 compared to 2016. Growing tourism within Africa and a fall in tourism prices for domestic tours are supposed to act as a catalyst for boosting domestic air travel within the continent. In order to cater to the growing demands, airlines operating in and out of Africa are refurbishing their existing aircraft cabin interiors by replacing the traditional seats with advanced slim seats to increase the passenger carrying capacity per flight. Also, few airlines are opting for newer generation fuel efficient aircraft, to expand their fleet size and to introduce new routes connecting Africa to the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

High-traffic routes require compact seating and more seats in the economy class. Seat components, like seat belts, inflight entertainment panels, food tray, seat actuators, foams & fittings, seat covers, etc., are few of the segments that have been included in the study. Foams & fittings are estimated to be the dominant shareholder among the aircraft seat components, with 38.65% share in 2017.

Low-cost carrier airlines have started to offer slightly better economy class seating in the region, with the premium economy class being offered on some routes. Customers have responded well regarding the premium economy class seats, allowing airliners to continue offering better services under the premium economy class.

Airline traffic in Africa is projected to increase by around 5.2% till 2030, with the estimated traffic of approximately 250 million passengers in the region. The need for newer aircraft is expected to generate growth in the aircraft seating market. But, going by the estimates of the order backlog and existing requirements, the demand for newer aircraft would increase to 1,150 units by 2030. Out of the total aircraft that are estimated to be delivered during the forecast period, majority of the aircraft will be single-aisle aircraft due to the higher preference of low-cost carrier operators. The demand for single-aisle aircraft would create the need for aircraft seats in the region. The traffic rate between the Middle East and Africa is also expected to increase. With the opening of new international routes in the region and the continuing advancements in aerospace technology for increased fuel efficiency, the increase in traffic is estimated to augment the demand for aircraft seating steadily. Combined with the need to replace the region’s aging fleet, the increase in the traffic is expected to result in a demand for over 1,000 new aero planes in the next 15 years, creating opportunities for the aircraft seating market. While the majority of the demand will be for single-aisle aircraft, the need for newer wide-body aircraft is projected to increase, as the air travel continues to grow among the growing African middle-class and long-distance visitors in the future.

The fixed-back seat offered by Expliseat, with a pre-recline of 18 degrees, weighs only 4 kg, thus, being one of the lightest economy-class seat in the industry. The construction features a titanium-and-composite structure that can be covered with either textile or leather material. Although the seat is two inches thick, the technical textile absorbs shocks from fists and knees of passengers. The number of components employed for construction was dramatically brought down from 600 to 25 for this unique improvement. This claim could be the result of the 4 kg titanium structure offering a 60% saving when compared to the lightest models of seats available in the market. The 4-6% fuel saving that these seats provide can yield savings of up  to USD 330,000 - 530,000 per aircraft, per annum. The company is now offering three-seat row assembly for the single-aisle aircraft of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

Growing Demand for Aircraft Seating

The development of contactless sensors to offer real-time monitoring is one of the latest trends that will contribute to the growth of the Aircraft Seating market in the coming years. The seats play an effective role in catering to the expected comfort levels of the customers. Furthermore, there is also an increase in the demand for long-lasting and functionally-efficient seats resulting in the development of modular seating. The market players adopt strategies, such as agreements, partnerships, new product developments, contracts, and business expansions to strengthen their positions in the global aircraft seating market. They are also investing heavily on R&D to focus on the development of new and better products with reduced weight.

As the demand in the seating market is directly related to passenger growth, the more passengers in the market, higher is the demand for aircraft seating.

Africa Aircraft Seating Market: Revenue in USD million, 2016 - 2023

                                             Source: Mordor Intelligence Analysis

Major Players: Rockwell Collins, ZODIAC AEROSPACE, RECARO AIRCRAFT SEATING GMBH & CO. KG, Aviointeriors SPA, Acro Aircraft Seating, amongst others.

Key Developments in the Market

November 2017 : Emirates revealed swanky new first-class seats.

January 2018 :  Boeing Company together with Adient company have announced that they have formed a new company Adient Aerospace, a joint venture that will be engaged in developing, manufacturing as well as seating products to airlines as well as aircraft leasing company.  

Reasons to Purchase the Report

• Provides latest insights into the Africa Aircraft Seating market.
• Analyzing various perspectives of the market with the help of Porter’s five forces analysis.
• The regions that are expected to witness fastest growth during the forecast period.
• Identify the latest developments, market shares and strategies employed by the major market players.
• 3 months analyst support along with the Market Estimate sheet in excel.

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