Senator Reverend Warnock sent letters to Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines asking them to consider opportunities to expand commercial flight service between the United States and the African continent
Home to more than 1.5 billion people, Africa is projected to account for one-quarter of the world’s population by 2050
Africa represents a long-term opportunity for sustained economic partnership, innovation, and investment
Senator Reverend Warnock: “With each new connection, we strengthen the bonds between nations and open new gateways to opportunity”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued letters to Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines asking the carriers to consider opportunities to expand commercial flight service between the United States and the African continent in the coming years. Home to more than 1.5 billion people, Africa is projected to account for one-quarter of the world’s population by 2050.
“As one of the world’s fastest growing regions, Africa presents an extraordinary opportunity for U.S. carriers to shape the future of global commerce, deepen U.S. partnerships with African nations, and connect communities on both sides of the Atlantic,” the Senator writes.
“Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people and is one of the most dynamic and consequential regions in the global economy. By 2050, the continent will account for one-quarter of the world’s population and a significant share of global workforce growth…In 2024 alone, total U.S. goods trade with Africa reached an estimated $71.6 billion. Africa represents a long-term opportunity for sustained economic partnership, innovation, and investment,” the Senator continues.
“As you evaluate your international strategy, I encourage you to consider opportunities for growth in African markets. I remain committed to supporting efforts that deep U.S.-Africa engagement, deepen commercial and cultural ties, and advance our shared economic future,” concludes the Senator.
The letter to Delta Air Lines can be viewed HERE and is below.
Dear Mr. Bastian,
I write to encourage Delta Air Lines to continue exploring opportunities to expand commercial flight service between the United States and the African continent. As one of the world’s fastest growing regions, Africa presents an extraordinary opportunity for U.S. carriers to shape the future of global commerce, deepen U.S. partnerships with African nations, and connect communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people and is one of the most dynamic and consequential regions in the global economy. By 2050, the continent will account for one-quarter of the world’s population and a significant share of global workforce growth. Africa already boasts 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, a rapidly expanding middle class, and an increasing demand for travel, trade, and commercial connectivity with the United States. In 2024 alone, total U.S. goods trade with Africa reached an estimated $71.6 billion. Africa represents a long-term opportunity for sustained economic partnership, innovation, and investment.
Despite this promise, U.S. travelers and business leaders still face limited direct connectivity to the continent. That is now beginning to change, and I am encouraged by Delta Air Lines pioneering new nonstop routes and driving new economic activity between the United States and the African continent. In 2022, I successfully urged the Department of Transportation to approve Delta Air Lines’ application for nonstop service between Atlanta and Cape Town, South Africa — a route that now generates up to $150 million annually in local economic activity while deepening our nation’s relationship with a key regional partner. It has also proven the commercial viability of long-haul U.S.-Africa service.
Last year alone, Delta Air Lines carried more than half a million passengers between the U.S. and Africa, reflecting the strength of this market. Independent analyses confirm that passenger demand on many African routes is expanding at double-digit rates year-over-year. As United Airlines and Delta Air Lines expand service to destinations such as Dakar, Senegal, and Accra, Ghana, these investments both meet rising consumer demand and underscore the profitability and competitiveness of U.S.-Africa connectivity.
With each new connection, we strengthen the bonds between nations and open new gateways to opportunity. These flights reduce travel time and complexity, meet rising consumer demand, and create meaningful economic value for travelers and businesses. Improved air connectivity also advances U.S. national and economic security by positioning American carriers to compete in a region where People’s Republic of China is rapidly expanding its economic and strategic footprint. Our private sector will play a vital role in ensuring the United States—not Beijing and its state-backed competitors—anchors the continent’s aviation and trade networks and sets the standard for transparent, mutually beneficial engagement. In doing so, we can create jobs at home, foster diaspora and cultural exchange, and help forge deeper bilateral ties with emerging African partners.
As you evaluate your international strategy, I encourage you to consider opportunities for growth in African markets. I remain committed to supporting efforts that deepen U.S.-Africa engagement, deepen commercial and cultural ties, and advance our shared economic future. My office and I stand ready to collaborate with you and other stakeholders as you explore new routes and partnerships on the African continent.
Thank you for your continued leadership in connecting Americans to the world. I look forward to seeing how Delta Air Lines helps shape the next chapter of the U.S.-Africa relationship.
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