South Africa - AerospaceSouth Africa - Aerospace
Overview
Unit: $ thousands| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (projected) | |
| Total Market Size | 4350,000 | 440,000 | 445,000 | 460,00 |
| Total Local Production | 50,000 | 49,000 | 49,000 | 50,000 |
| Total Exports | 53,000 | 56,000 | 57.000 | 60,000 |
| Total Imports | 220,00 | 460,000 | 470,000 | 480,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 420,000 | 225,000 | 225,000 | 235,000 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Note: Above figures exclude the value of the defense procurements.
Date Source: Above figures are unofficial estimates obtained from industry sources.
In 2016, South Africa ranked 76, after Greece, for global U.S. aircraft parts exports. However, the growth of commercial and general aviation in southern Africa is slowing down; high operating costs and a sluggish economy are taking their toll on discount airliners and general aviation. The launch of the African Union’s Single African Transport Air Market, which comprises 28 countries including South Africa, in 2018, provides airlines an opportunity to increase their operations on the continent. The biggest growth can be expected in other sub-Saharan African states as they ramp-up up their capacity to meet consistent growth in passenger travel and air freight. There has been a downturn in airborne off-shore utility and mineral deposit surveying done by South African operators in southern and central Africa over the past years.
The single most important aviation procurement, the long-anticipated upgrade of the national carrier South African Airways (SAA) fleet amounting to as many as 20 jetliner aircraft is less likely now since the carrier seems to be more financially stressed that previously thought. Its future is currently dependent on a turn-around strategy that seeks to find an equity partner. With robust air travel growth, larger airports are expected to undergo ongoing expansion.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2015 released drone regulations that have complicated certification of UAVs; however, there is significant pent-up demand for this disruptive technology in surveying, surveillance, and infrastructure:
http://caa.co.za/Pages/RPAS/Remotely%20Piloted%20Aircraft%20Systems.aspx
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
The best prospects for U.S. suppliers are:- Ground Support Equipment
- Passenger Transport Vehicles
- Cargo De-Grouping and Logistics
- Air Traffic Control
- Instrument Landing Systems
- Aircraft Technician Training Systems
- Drone Componentry, Systems, and Training
Opportunities
Due to a shortage of skilled technicians and a low throughput from training institutions, there are opportunities in training systems to upgrade the skills pool. There is also demand for commercial and general aviation solutions from the United States in the following fields:- Engine Management Systems
- Precision Tooling
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Certification
- Flight Training Systems
Web Resources
Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) 2020Land, Sea and Air Systems Show
Date: September 16-20, 2020
AFB Waterkloof, Pretoria
Website: http://www.aadexpo.co.za
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
Website: http://www.airports.co.za
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS)
Website: http://www.atns.co.za
Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA)
Website: http://www.caasa.co.za
Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa (CAA)
Website: http://www.caa.co.za
For More Information, the U.S. Commercial Service in Johannesburg, South Africa, can be contacted via e-mail at:
Johan.vanRensburg@trade.gov; phone: +27 11 290 3208; fax: +27 11 884 0253, or visit our Website: http://export.gov/southafrica/index.asp.