How the Middle East and Africa are shaping the future of business aviation

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Source: Business Airport International

Economic growth, infrastructural development, regulatory improvements, and increased demand for air travel have shaped every major global business aviation. The Middle East, especially the countries that conform to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—and some sectors in Africa are no exception.

This is led by their thriving commodities industry, where extractive sectors like oil and gas and mining are driving demand, especially to more remote locations where only business aviation can operate.

Priyantha Brito, executive director, special projects, at Dubai-based Aviation Services Management (ASM), believes that Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are powerhouses of business aviation in the Middle East. At the same time, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and Cairo lead the way in Africa.

“These hubs thrive due to their strategic locations, modern infrastructure, strong economic growth, government backing, and luxury offerings for business aviation clients,” says Brito.

Dawit Lemma, founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation from Ethiopia, shares that Doha is rapidly becoming a preferred choice for business travelers due to its luxurious amenities and strategic location.

“Qatar’s strong financial sector, bolstered by sovereign wealth fund activities and a favorable business climate, attracts global corporations and high-net-worth individuals, increasing demand for business aviation services,” he says.

Lemma also agrees that Johannesburg and Nairobi are major centres in Africa while adding that Lagos, the most populous city in Western Africa, is playing through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) as a central hub for business aviation in the region.

“Lagos remains a crucial hub due to its role in the oil and gas industry, which drives significant business jet activity, particularly for travel to remote extraction sites,” he says.

Growth plans and diversified investment

Saudi Arabia has established the Vision 2030 project, a comprehensive plan to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependency on oil. The plan includes significant investments in infrastructure, comprising airports and business aviation facilities.

Experts like Paras Dhamecha, managing director of Dubai-based Empire Aviation Group, believes it will be a positive development for the regional business aviation sector, stimulating regional aircraft movement and creating a niche market for regional players across aircraft sales and charter services.

“There is already an upward trend in business aircraft movements across countries in the region, and this development in Saudi Arabia will accelerate the trend and open up the region further for business aviation,” he says.

Lemma reveals that the project has three focus points directly impacting business aviation. Neom, a US$500 billion mega-city project expected to be a significant business hub with aviation infrastructure; the Red Sea Project – a luxury tourism and hospitality plan along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, and investment in local FBOs.

“These projects are expected to increase business aviation traffic to and from Saudi Arabia, driving demand for new aircraft, maintenance services, and aviation professionals,” Lemma says.

Brito also believes that the Kingdom’s focus on diversifying its economy will increase demand for aviation services, attract international operators, and fueling growth across the region.

And while the long term outlook is positive, Brito notes that potential short term risks include the pace of infrastructure rollout and possible disruptions from global economic factors.

“ASM views this as an exciting opportunity to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, but we remain aware of the need for flexibility in responding to market fluctuations,” he says.

Similarly, Africa also has unique investment opportunities spanning a wide range of sectors, such as natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, tourism, financial services, and investments.

Although Olusola Kukoyi, head of business development and marketing at EAN Jet Center in Lagos, understands that with suitable investments, Africa could become a thriving market for business aviation with significant opportunities for both local and international players.

Yet some overlaying conditions may hinder local and foreign investors in the region.

“Some of the key challenges include political instability, security, economic and governance challenges, corruption, weak legal and regulatory frameworks, poor infrastructure, cultural and language barriers,” Kukoyi says.

Challenges & opportunities

With 54 countries, Africa is a massive territory with a diverse population and economic size. As previously stated, the natural resources sectors lead the continent’s growth in aviation.

One common denominator hindering its more widespread growth is its infrastructure or lack thereof. This is one of the main differentiators with the Middle East, where investment projects in infrastructure are part of strategic planning.

For Brito, while Africa presents significant challenges, such as political and policy uncertainties, underdeveloped infrastructure, and regulatory complexities, it holds immense untapped potential that requires a nuanced approach to navigate its diverse landscape.

“The continent’s rich resources, burgeoning industries, and emerging markets, particularly in mining, energy, and agriculture, create opportunities for business aviation to be a key enabler of economic development,” says Brito.

Lemma mentions the continent’s market fragmentation, with varying levels of demand and economic development, as one of the challenges for a more unified growth approach.

“For example, while South Africa has a well-developed aviation sector, other countries like Chad or Sierra Leone have very limited infrastructure and demand, making it difficult to achieve economies of scale,” he reveals.

While it is well-known that South Africa in the southerly portion of the continent, Egypt in the north, and Nigeria to the west are significant players, East Africa isn’t talked about enough. Kenya and Ethiopia are at the forefront and play a pivotal role in the African aviation industry.

For starters, the presence of the United Nations and the regional offices of companies like General Electric and Coca-Cola underscore Nairobi’s importance. The city’s Wilson Airport is one of the busiest in Africa for business aviation, serving as a launchpad for business trips across the continent and to the Middle East.

Addis Ababa, adds Lemma, home to the African Union and the headquarters of Ethiopian Airlines, is another crucial player. Bole International Airport (ADD) is the home of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, and also serves as a major hub for business and diplomatic travel across the continent.

“For instance, it’s common for business travelers to fly from Nairobi or Addis Ababa to Dubai or Doha for meetings, making these East African cities essential points of connectivity,” highlights Lemma.

In essence, East Africa’s proximity to the Middle East enhances business aviation demand, facilitating quick and convenient travel between the two regions.

Solid regulatory framework and open policies

With the groundwork starting decades ago, the Middle East separates from other up-and-coming global business aviation hubs by having a solid regulatory framework with open operations policies that ensure certainty and stability for local and international investors.

For Dhamecha, the obvious main differences between the development and potential of business aviation in the Middle East and Africa are the vision, leadership, and availability of resources to fulfil the region’s aviation ambitions, a fact clearly demonstrated by the world-class infrastructure already in place and with more still under construction in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s not just the physical infrastructure, the Middle East also provides the required regulatory framework and standards for locally based private aviation businesses and aircraft,” shares Dhamecha.

In fact, Empire Aviation has signed an agreement with Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub in Dubai South to develop a new, multi-purpose business aviation facility that will be owned, managed, and operated by the company. The mixed-use facility will comprise the new global corporate headquarters of Empire Aviation Group, as well as the operations control and CAMO for all group operations, crew check-in, and briefing area.

ASM is also strategically expanding its footprint across the Middle East, responding to the growing demand for comprehensive business aviation services, says Brito, with the goal to become the
go-to provider for seamless flight support and operational excellence.

“We are committed to enhancing our offerings through investments in cutting-edge technology, strengthening ties with government entities and private operators, and forming strategic partnerships,” reveals Brito.

Technology for growth

The adoption of digital platforms for flight bookings and operations management has demonstrated its value in the Middle East for years, and according to Lemma, it is also set to revolutionize business aviation in Africa.

“For instance, companies are increasingly using online platforms to offer real-time availability and pricing for charters, making business aviation more accessible to a broader audience,” Lemma says.
Furthermore, the increasing demand for flexible travel options is driving growth in charter services all across Africa. Lemma has noticed how many charter companies such as VistaJet and ExecuJet are expanding their presence on the continent, offering tailored solutions for businesses and individuals who need to travel to remote or underserved locations.

Brito concurs. With more than 25 years in the market, ASM has already witnessed how technology has shaped the sector and the role it will play in the foreseeable future.

“The Middle East’s push to become a leader in advanced technologies, such as AI and digitalization in aviation, presents opportunities for tech-driven investors to shape the future of the industry.”

Similarly, Lagos is regarded as a tech startup hub driving digital transformation and innovation internationally, reveals Kukoyi, which can only help to bolster the demand for private aviation and potential investment in the region.

“A remarkable development is the Co-Creation Hub in Yaba, Lagos. As Nigeria’s leading technology hub, developers, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs gather there to understand more about the startup ecosystem,” says Kukoyi.

Creating a business-friendly and open economy that attracts and welcomes investment and actively seeks innovation and market leaders worldwide will establish the foundations for more demand and continued investment.

The United Arab Emirates, with Dubai as its beacon, is the perfect example for arguably the leading business aviation hub in the Middle East.

Dhamecha concludes that the country is a major global hub for transport and logistics, including commercial and general aviation, which is central to the economy.

“There is also a clear focus on developing a world-class business aviation hub. This can clearly be seen by the type and size of business aircraft fleets already based here,” Dhamecha says.

With South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia leading the pack in Africa, the continent has great potential. Yet, with such a vast territory and ever-changing political and economic conditions, it presents an uneven projection regarding growth and overall development.

While Africa’s business aviation sector faces challenges, it is on the cusp of significant growth and development.
“With continued investment in infrastructure, a growing economy, and increasing demand for efficient travel, the continent presents a dynamic landscape,” says Lemma.