preparing for an increased demand for air travel. Boeing is forecasting a market for 1,080 new commercial airplane deliveries in the continent over the next 20 years. Boeing’s future success in sub- Saharan Africa—all countries south of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt—depends, in part, on partnering with its key customers in the region as they lead the way in expanding commercial aviation throughout the continent, according to Van Rex Gallard, Commercial Airplanes’ vice president for sales in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes working in cooperation with these customers to ensure that Africa has the essential tools and services it needs to expand its aviation industry. “We can contribute to this growth,” he said, “by working with the airlines to make sure that they have the right infrastructure to operate efficiently and help drive economic expansion.” Meanwhile, Boeing’s military aircraft legacy in Africa dates back to World War II, when heritage company Douglas Aircraft established a top-secret aircraft maintenance facility in Ethiopia to serve Allied air commands in North Africa. While Boeing Defense, Space & Security has had little presence in sub-Saharan Africa, it is seeing new opportunities for the sale of fixedwing and heavy-lift rotorcraft to meet humanitarian and security needs. Reconnaissance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles are needed for patrolling borders, controlling sea lanes and detecting wildlife poaching. Commercial Airplanes is supporting Defense, Space & Security by providing information and connecting the business to local contacts. At the Farnborough International Airshow in July, Defense, Space & Security signed a memorandum of collaboration with the Paramount Group, Africa’s largest privately owned defense and aerospace business, to jointly develop defense and security opportunities around the continent, a significant step forward in Boeing’s efforts in Africa. Boeing will be introducing products to this market at this month’s Africa Aerospace and Defence air show in South Africa. The sub-Saharan region varies widely in terms of standard of living, stability and economic development. But there are areas where local enterprise and outside development are opening longterm opportunities for the continent. Shep Hill, president, Boeing International, and senior vice president, Business Development and Strategy, said sub-Saharan Africa is ready to benefit from a growing airline industry. “Sub-Saharan Africa presents a huge market opportunity for The Boeing Company, in part because of its geography,” Hill said. “There are great distances to be traveled, yet they lack an integrated transportation infrastructure. Aviation can help fill that need.” While sub-Saharan Africa still has a long way to go, it is on a gradual urbanization path and the quality of life for its young population is improving, Hill said. Air travel is becoming more affordable to average citizens, and air cargo is essential to the growth of commerce and local employment. Hill cautioned, however, that while the continent as a whole offers excellent long-term opportunities, immediate business opportunities will be sought 36 Frontiers September 2014
Frontiers September 2014 Issue
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