The growth of air travel in Africa is spurring demand for regional jets (RJs) on the continent, with Embraer's Commercial Aviation division forecasting demand for 240 new jets with 70 to 130 seats over the next 20 years. The RJ fleet in Africa is expected to grow from 120 in service today to 260 by 2034, Embraer said in a market outlook released at the end of April, as Africans progressively turn to air travel. Simon Newitt, Vice President, Latin America, Africa and Portugal, Embraer Commercial Aviation, said: "As in Asia, economic expansion, a growing urban middle class, continued market liberalisation and regional integration will be the main drivers of air transport demand." Embraer earlier predicted 400 new deliveries, in the 130-210 seat jet segment/ in Africa between 2015 and 2034, with the in-service fleet in that segment rising from 290 to 470 between 2014 and 2034. In comparison, Bombardier predicted that Africa will require 200 aircraft in the 100-150 seat category between 2014 and 2034 and 350 aircraft in the 60-100 seat bracket.
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