Ethiopian Airlines remains Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size, leading a new ranking of the continent’s top 10 airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines has retained its position as Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, according to a new Nairametrics ranking based on July 2026 data from Planespotters.net, which tracks global airline fleets. The report highlights the continent’s 10 biggest carriers by aircraft numbers.
• Ethiopian Airlines – 154 aircraft. The carrier cements its dominance through continued fleet expansion and an extensive international network spanning multiple continents.
• EgyptAir – 73 aircraft. It maintains one of Africa’s largest and oldest fleets, reflecting decades of steady growth in the North African market.
• Air Algérie – 56 aircraft. The airline serves both domestic and international routes from Algeria, anchoring connectivity across the Maghreb region.
• Royal Air Maroc – 55 aircraft. It supports Morocco’s growing regional and global connectivity as the country expands its aviation footprint.
• Kenya Airways – 35 aircraft. It remains East Africa’s flagship international carrier, linking the region to key global hubs.
• FlySafair – 34 aircraft. The airline continues strengthening its presence in South Africa’s competitive domestic market.
• Tunisair – 32 aircraft, serving Tunisia’s domestic and regional routes.
• TAAG Angola Airlines – 30 aircraft, representing Southern Africa’s aviation sector.
• Air Peace – 29 aircraft, one of Nigeria’s leading carriers and a major player in West African aviation.
• South African Airways – 20 aircraft, rounding out the top 10.
The rankings reflect fleet data available as of July 2026.
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