Introduction.
Nigeria has taken a significant leap in modernizing its border security by officially enrolling in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The announcement, made by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Montreal, signals the country’s commitment to enhancing the security of its e-passports and travel documents. By joining the PKD, Nigeria can now seamlessly share authentic travel documents with other member states, ensuring smooth, secure travel and bolstering confidence at international borders.
Meanwhile, Cameroon has made its own strides in international aviation diplomacy. During the 14th Air Navigation Conference at ICAO’s headquarters in Montreal, Cameroon deposited its instruments of accession to two critical amendments of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This move reflects Cameroon’s efforts to strengthen its involvement in global aviation governance, as the amendments—related to Articles 50(a) and 56—reinforce the nation’s role in ICAO’s decision-making processes.
Cape Verde has launched Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde, a new state-owned airline dedicated to inter-island flights. The creation of this airline comes in response to operational challenges and high costs in Cape Verde’s air transport sector. With BESTFLY, a former concessionaire, pulling out earlier this year and TACV (Cabo Verde Airlines) leasing off it’s plane, Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde marks a fresh start. This move not only fulfills the government’s promise to stabilize domestic air transport but also aims to improve air connectivity for both passengers and cargo, addressing a long-standing gap in the nation’s transportation infrastructure.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
Passenger traffic at Tunisian airports soared by over 12% between January 1 and August 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, reaching an impressive 8.4 million passengers. Tunis-Carthage International Airport, the country’s primary gateway, was at the forefront, handling 4.8 million passengers, an 8.7% uptick. Djerba-Zarzis Airport followed suit, accommodating 1.5 million passengers, marking a solid 12.4% rise. Monastir Habib Bourguiba Airport welcomed 1.1 million passengers, reflecting an 8.6% boost, while Enfidha-Hammamet Airport experienced explosive growth, recording a staggering 57.9% increase with 850,297 passengers. Not all airports shared this upward trend—Sfax-Thyna Airport saw a slight decline of 3.3%, serving 108,983 passengers. Meanwhile, Tozeur-Nefta Airport posted a remarkable 116.3% surge, serving 19,461 passengers, and Tabarka-Ain Draham Airport saw a modest rise of 1.6%, totaling 2,009 passengers. In total, Tunisia’s airports recorded 66,333 aircraft movements, reflecting the increased activity.
In other news, EGYPTAIR and Ethiopian Airlines have been recognized among the world’s 15 oldest airlines, a testament to their longevity in a fast-changing industry. EGYPTAIR, founded on June 7, 1932, holds the title of the 11th oldest airline globally, celebrating 92 years of service. The airline’s first scheduled flight was a domestic route between Cairo and Aswan, which took off in late 1933. Ethiopian Airlines, founded on December 21, 1945, ranks as the 14th oldest, marking 78 years in operation. Meanwhile, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, founded on October 7, 1919, remains the oldest airline in the world, celebrating 105 years of continuous service. avianca follows closely, having been founded in December 1919.
On the global connectivity front, the OAG’s “Megahubs 2024” report has revealed the world’s most connected international airport hubs. Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport was the only African hub to make the global top 50 list, securing the 40th spot with 8,880 connections to 84 destinations. Regionally, it ranked third in the Middle East & Africa, following Dubai and Doha. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, although missing the global top 50, ranked fifth regionally, while Cairo International Airport took seventh place in the regional rankings.
The airline industry saw a major shift in 2023, with International Air Transport Association (IATA) reporting a surge in new routes as airlines responded to evolving consumer demand. Globally, 67,000 scheduled routes were operated, and 6%—over 4,200—were brand-new, having not been flown between 2014 and 2022. The majority (81%) of these new routes were within regional markets, highlighting a growth in domestic and intra-regional travel. Additionally, 5,200 routes were relaunched after being suspended for at least a year, with Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa regions leading the way. Asia Pacific was also a leader in reinstating “returning” routes, accounting for 11% of the global share. This expansion illustrates a dynamic recovery in the airline industry, shaped by shifting travel patterns and consumer preferences.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s) and Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
The National Civil Aviation Authority of Angola (ANAC) and the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (IACM) strengthened their aviation ties on September 11th in Luanda with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement sets the legal framework for the implementation of the Air Services Agreement between the two nations, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and cooperation in the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, EGYPTAIR reinforced its commitment to global aviation safety by signing the IATA Safety Leadership Charter. The agreement, formalized by IATA’s Regional Vice President Kamal Al-Awadhi and Egyptair Holding Company Chairman Eng. Yehia Zakaria, took place during the Egypt International Airshow 2024, underlining Egyptair’s leadership in prioritizing safety standards.
On the bilateral front, Egypt and Kuwait signed a MoU to expand passenger and operational capacity between the two nations. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Sabah, head of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), reflecting a growing partnership in the region’s aviation industry.
In a separate development, Egypt‘s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, met with South Sudan’s Minister of Transport, Madut Biar, on the sidelines of the 2024 Egypt International Airshow. The two officials discussed the potential for establishing a cargo air route between Cairo and Juba, South Sudan’s capital. They also explored opportunities to leverage Egypt’s aviation expertise through training programs in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and air navigation.
In Libya, the Ministry of Transport signed a cooperation agreement with COLEMAN INTERNATIONAL, representing the U.S. Department of State. This agreement aims to bolster aviation security at Sebha Airport, aligning it with national and international standards, reflecting Libya’s efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure.
On September 5th, Senegal took a bold step toward becoming a spacefaring nation. Just weeks after launching its first satellite into orbit, Senegal signed a Cooperative Agreement with the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). The MoU was inked by the Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency for Space Studies (ASES), Mr. Maram Kaire, and Li Guoping, Chief Engineer of China National Space Administration (CNSA), at the Second International Conference on Deep Space Exploration in China.
Chad also made strides in aviation development by signing a Management Service Agreement with ICAO on September 6, 2024. This agreement, signed during the 14th Air Navigation Conference, aims to develop a comprehensive aviation master plan, marking a significant step forward in Chad’s aviation strategy.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Uganda Airlines has officially commenced scheduled flights to Nigeria’s administrative capital, Abuja, with flight UR 900. This marks its second Nigerian destination after Lagos, achieved within a year. The flights, operated using the Airbus A330-800neo, will run bi-weekly, every Thursday and Sunday, with Lagos tagged alongside the route.
Ethiopian Airlines continues its aggressive expansion, adding daily flights to Port Sudan from Addis Ababa, starting October 15, 2024. There are also speculations that Ethiopian Airlines will begin non-stop flights to Conakry, Guinea, from November 30, 2024, with at least three weekly rotations using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Additionally, Ethiopian will resume flights to Monrovia, Liberia, on the same date after a 14-year hiatus, having worked closely with the Liberian Civil Aviation Authority to finalize regulatory adjustments. These moves strengthens the airline’s focus on enhancing connectivity across Africa, promoting regional economic growth, trade, and tourism.
Pegasus Airlines is expanding its reach by launching a direct route between Antalya (AYT) and Giza Sphinx International Airport (SPX), offering a unique gateway near the Pyramids of Giza. Twice-weekly flights will start on October 27, 2024, with a revised schedule taking effect on November 7, 2024, appealing especially to tourists and history enthusiasts.
Air Algérie is adding a new connection to Metz, France, with flights launching in March 2025 and running through October 2025. The route’s continuity during the winter season will depend on its performance in the initial operational phase.
FlySafair is enhancing its Zanzibar service by adding a third weekly frequency between Johannesburg and the Spice Island starting October 3, 2024. Flights will now operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, up from the previous bi-weekly schedule.
TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola is also expanding its cargo network, planning new routes to Nairobi, Kenya, Kinshasa in the DRC, and Libreville, Gabon, in Q4 2024. This expansion is part of TAAG Cargo’s advanced plans to strengthen its logistics and freight operations across key African markets.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
South Africa-based Global Airways Group has added an Airbus A320-232 (MSN 2167) to its fleet, now registered as ZS-GAB. Previously operated by Martinair in the Netherlands and later by Etihad, this aircraft will soon fly under the banner of Fly Gabon, a new airline that commenced domestic operations on August 31, 2024. The aircraft, leased to Afrijet Business Service, will play a pivotal role in Fly Gabon’s ambitious plans to expand into regional markets, marking an exciting new chapter for the carrier.
In a significant development on September 9, 2024, SAFE AIR, a Kenyan freight carrier took a bold step by acquiring a wide-body Boeing 777. This aircraft, equipped with 310 passenger seats and a cargo capacity of 40 tons, sets a new standard for the airline’s operations. The carrier intends to use the aircraft for charter missions, backup operations, and special projects departing from Nairobi, highlighting its expanding service capabilities.
Red Sea Airlines is gearing up for fleet expansion, with plans to lease two Boeing 737-800s set to arrive in Q1 2025. This comes as part of the airline’s strategy to bolster its operations, as confirmed by Ground Operations Director Ahmed Mohammed El-Gendy. The airline currently operates two B737-800s and looks forward to increasing its capacity and reach with the new additions.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, China signed several strategic agreements with Chad, focusing on infrastructure development. One key deal was an MoU between Chad and the Chinese engineering firm CAMCE, outlining plans to construct a new international airport outside N’Djamena, a move set to boost Chad’s aviation capacity and regional connectivity.
South African Airways (SAA), once plagued by financial crises and government bailouts, is now celebrating three years of steady recovery. Interim CEO John Lamola highlighted the airline’s resurgence between August 2022 and August 2024, with a fleet of 16 aircraft serving 15 routes and a remarkable 400% growth in passenger revenue. The workforce has also expanded from 500 to 1,200 employees, including 140 pilots. Financially, SAA has made impressive strides, with revenue surging 96% in the 2022/23 fiscal year to R5.6 billion, followed by a 49% increase to R7.3 billion in 2023/24. The airline also reported a post-tax profit of R472 million (around USD 26.43 million), signaling a sustainable turnaround.
Meanwhile, operations at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport came to a halt as hundreds of staff went on strike, protesting a proposed buyout by India’s Adani Group. The $1.85 billion deal involves leasing the airport for 30 years under a build-and-operate agreement. The strike grounded flights, with Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines among those forced to suspend operations, leaving passengers stranded and causing widespread disruption.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents
On September 14, 2024, a Royal Air Maroc Embraer E190AR, operating flight AT972 and registered as CN-RGO, encountered a bird strike while landing at Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) in Spain. The incident caused damage to the aircraft’s nose radome and weather radar antenna, but the crew managed to land the plane safely, with no reported injuries.
In a separate incident, Royal Air Maroc flight AT586, a Boeing 737-8B6 en route to Abuja, Nigeria, experienced an issue with its No. 1 engine while cruising at FL370 (37,000 feet). As a precaution, the flight was diverted to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), where it landed safely without further complications.
In other news:
Arasus Aviation Limited, a new airline founded in April 2022, is seeking approval from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) to begin domestic air services in Uganda. The airline plans to operate both scheduled and non-scheduled cargo and passenger flights, with routes connecting Entebbe Airport to various domestic destinations such as Kasese, Kihihi, Mbarara, Arua, and Jinja.
Ethiopian Airlines recently added two prestigious awards to its growing list of accolades. The airline won the ‘Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award’ at the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards (ATLF) in Gaborone, Botswana, in recognition of its consistent excellence in service. Additionally, it received the ‘Efficient Service Provider—Government Organization Sector of the Year’ award at the Star Wide Awards (SWA) 2024, voted by the public for its outstanding performance and commitment.
In South Africa, the Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) flagged concerns over fraudulent medical certificates issued by Dr. Nhlanhla Sishaba, a former senior Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). Certificates issued after March 31, 2024, were invalidated following the expiration of her designation as a DAME. This issue has affected South African Airways SAA), where Dr. Sishaba was Chief Medical Officer, forcing personnel, including pilots, to undergo mandatory rechecks pending investigations.
Kenya Airways (KQ) marked a significant milestone by operating its first flight with an all-cabin crew fully accredited by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), highlighting the airline’s commitment to meeting international standards.
Meanwhile, in Morocco, Zahira Bouaouda has taken over as the head of Safran Aircraft Engine Services Morocco, a subsidiary of Safran specializing in CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engine maintenance. This appointment is a landmark moment for women in Morocco’s aerospace industry and the broader Muslim world. In Egypt, Eng. Ayman Fawzy Abdel Moneim Ali Arab has been appointed chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN), replacing Eng. Mohamed Saeed Mahrous.
