The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has launched a landmark, multi‑phase research initiative designed to deepen understanding of the continent’s business aviation sector and provide the most comprehensive dataset ever compiled for the industry in Africa. The first phase is already underway, with initial findings scheduled for release at Aviation Africa in Nairobi on 9 and 10 September 2026.
The study is being conducted by Seefeld Group, an independent behavioural‑economics and strategic‑marketing consultancy. Led by company president Charles Porteous, the project aims to produce a unified, data‑driven view of business aviation activity across Africa. The results will support AfBAA’s efforts to better understand the sector, deliver greater value to members, and attract new stakeholders to the organisation.
AfBAA chairperson Dawit Lemma said the initiative fills a long‑standing gap in the industry’s knowledge base: “This type of research is long overdue for our members and those seeking to operate effectively in Africa. We anticipate that the data will provide foundations for smarter investment, create platforms from which to increase advocacy, enhance safety, and enable more resilient operations and business longevity.”
The project will aggregate and analyse raw data to counter bias, challenge outdated perceptions, and replace fragmented or anecdotal information with evidence‑based insight. The scope extends beyond aircraft types and route patterns to examine how business aviation is used, and its economic impact across the continent. AfBAA says this level of detail will help operators and members make more informed decisions about future activity.
Phase one will take an iterative, data‑first technical approach, covering fleet analysis, economic modelling, maintenance trends, and a review of media perceptions. The research will span non‑scheduled aviation, including business jets, turboprops, helicopters and UAVs, reflecting the breadth of AfBAA’s membership.
Porteous noted the significance of the project for a market that remains both promising and under‑analysed: “Africa represents one of the most dynamic yet least understood business aviation markets in the world. Seefeld Group is honoured to be selected to provide AfBAA, operators, and policymakers with credible, data‑driven insight that supports better decision‑making, stronger advocacy, and long‑term sector growth.”
AfBAA says data sourcing, analysis and provision will remain central to its strategy as it works to raise the visibility of business aviation in Africa, strengthen member value, and deepen engagement with global industry organisations.
