Introduction.

Cairo recently hosted the 56th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) under the patronage of Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation. The three-day event, held from November 17 to 19, 2024, brought together over 500 industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities within African aviation. Attendees included representatives from international organizations, civil aviation authorities, airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and suppliers. Discussions centered on improving air transport connectivity, addressing regulatory challenges, and fostering sustainable growth in Africa’s aviation sector. Looking ahead, the 57th AFRAA Annual General Assembly will take place in Angola in 2025, with TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola serving as the official host.

Meanwhile, in West Africa, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—established in September 2024 by the military-led governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—has made significant strides in regional integration. On November 22, 2024, the bloc adopted prototypes for a unified passport and national identity card. The security ministers of the three countries approved harmonized technical specifications for these documents, marking a major step toward enhanced regional cooperation and streamlined movement of people within the Sahel States Confederation (AES) framework.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed that out of the $1.662 billion in airline funds blocked from repatriation worldwide, a significant $950 million is tied up in African countries. According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, the largest portion of these funds is concentrated in the XAF and XOF zones—the currency regions of Central and West Africa—where over $300 million remains inaccessible.

Another concern is visa compliance among West African travelers to the United States. A recent U.S. government report reveals that Ghana has surpassed Nigeria in visa overstays for non-immigrant visas. In 2023, Ghana issued 25,454 B1/B2 visas (business and tourism), of which 1,910 overstayed—a 7.50% overstay rate, up from 5.09% in 2019. Ghana’s student visa category (F, M, J) recorded a staggering 21% overstay rate, up from 12.7% pre-pandemic. Nigeria, on the other hand, issued 84,051 B1/B2 visas, with 6,000 overstays (7.14%). For student visas, the overstay rate was 15.60%, lower than Ghana’s but still significant. Other countries, such as Togo (19%), Burkina Faso (12.13%), Ivory Coast (7.48%), and Mali (5.27%), also exhibited high overstay rates, raising broader concerns about compliance across the region.

Air Service Agreements (ASA’s) and Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.

In a landmark event, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA and the CAAC – Civil Aviation Administration of China signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Beijing last week. Announced on November 19, 2024, this historic agreement underscores enhanced collaboration between South Africa and China in advancing civil aviation standards, safety, and operational efficiency.

In Libya, diplomatic efforts are paving the way for stronger bilateral relations with Ethiopia. Libya’s Foreign Minister, Al-Taher Al-Baour, recently met Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Libya, Hassan Ibrahim Musa, to discuss mutual interests. Key points included the potential establishment of a direct Ethiopian Airlines route to Libyan cities, the reopening of Ethiopia’s embassy in Tripoli, and the resumption of high-level ministerial exchanges. These discussions aim to foster economic and political ties between the two nations.

In Southern Africa, Proflight Zambia has entered its first European partnership through an interline ticketing agreement with Turkish Airlines, effective November 2024. This collaboration will enable passengers to seamlessly connect Proflight’s domestic and regional routes with Turkish Airlines’ extensive global network spanning 346 destinations in 130 countries.

On a transcontinental level, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Brazil’s GOL Linhas Aéreas have signed a codeshare agreement to boost connectivity between Morocco and Brazil. Passengers traveling between Casablanca and São Paulo will now benefit from expanded domestic networks in both countries, with RAM providing access to Moroccan cities and GOL offering connections to destinations like Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Porto Alegre.

In cargo operations, United Airlines has appointed APG Network as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for Morocco, marking the seventh country where APG will represent United Cargo. This partnership aligns with United’s new direct cargo flight from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which launched on October 25, 2024. The new route enhances trade and logistical links between Morocco and the U.S., reinforcing United’s global cargo network.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) , India’s largest airline, has extended its international network by launching direct flights between Bengaluru and Mauritius on November 19, 2024. Operating four times a week, this new route marks IndiGo’s 35th international destination and strengthens ties between India and the Indian Ocean region. It also builds on the airline’s foray into Africa, following its inaugural flights from Mumbai to Nairobi, Kenya, earlier in August.

In East Africa, Air France has inaugurated flights to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, on November 18, 2024. The service, operated thrice weekly with the Airbus A350-900, extends Air France’s Zanzibar route, offering greater access to one of Africa’s most iconic tourist destinations. Similarly, RwandAir Ltd has expanded its cargo operations by adding Harare, Zimbabwe, to its network, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional trade and connectivity.

In the Indian Ocean region, Sichuan Airlines commenced its first direct charter flight between Chengdu, China, and Seychelles on November 19, 2024. The inaugural flight brought 264 passengers to the Seychelles International Airport, signaling growing Chinese interest in the island nation as a premier tourist destination. Emirates, meanwhile, has responded to seasonal travel demand by introducing a fifth weekly flight on its Dubai–Antananarivo (Madagascar) route. Starting December 13, 2024, the additional service will provide over 1,800 weekly seats in each direction, catering to holiday travelers.

In Europe, easyJet has announced the launch of its longest route from England, connecting Gatwick Airport to the island of Sal in Cape Verde. Scheduled to begin on March 31, 2025, this 2,700-mile route surpasses its previous longest connection, linking Manchester with Hurghada, Egypt (2,580 miles).

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

On November 21, 2024, Canadian Airways Congo took delivery of its second MD82 aircraft, registered TN-AKP. The aircraft, a 164-seat model, was previously operated by European Air Charter before being acquired by the Congolese private carrier. This marks a significant milestone for the airline, following the introduction of its first MD82 in July 2024.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) celebrated the arrival of its tenth Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the fifth 787-9 variant on Sunday at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, further bolstering its long-haul fleet. The new aircraft, which landed at 10:20 AM, was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. This delivery represents a key milestone in the implementation of RAM’s development plan, initiated under a program contract signed with the government in July 2023. An eleventh Dreamliner is expected to join the fleet before the end of the year.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

On a positive note, South African Airways (SAA), alongside its subsidiaries, has achieved a significant financial turnaround. For the 2022-2023 financial year, the airline posted a net profit of $15.5 million (R252 million), marking its first positive bottom line since 2012. This achievement was bolstered by a substantial 183% increase in total revenue to $350.8 million (R5.7 billion). Furthermore, SAA’s EBITDA reached $13.97 million (R227 million), recovering from a loss of $60.15 million (R1 billion) in the previous year. This growth occurred with a reduced fleet of just six to eight aircraft, compared to over 40 in 2012, demonstrating the airline’s efficiency and adaptability in a challenging industry environment. The airline’s subsidiaries, Air Chefs and SAA Technical, have also contributed to this growth, with staff numbers expanding from 800 to 2,000, including 140 pilots.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea has made significant strides in aviation infrastructure with the completion of a new passenger terminal at Bata International Airport. The new terminal is designed to handle up to two million passengers annually, is double the capacity of Malabo International Airport, and is expected to ease passenger traffic congestion at Malabo Airport.

In Ghana, Ascent Solutions, a subsidiary of EXEO Global Pte Ltd, has signed a pivotal agreement with the Ghana Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to deploy an Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) System. This system will enhance passenger security and processing, ensuring that Ghana meets international aviation standards, such as those outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) and the Chicago Convention.

The Government of Kenya has allocated over Ksh300 million (USD $2.32 Million) to renovate Manda Airport, located on the coastal island of Lamu. This move will bring electricity to the airport, which has previously relied on generators. This development is part of a broader initiative aimed at boosting regional trade relations between Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia through the strategic Lamu Port.

In Kenya, President William Ruto has also intervened in the procurement process regarding the control of the country’s main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Ruto has directed the cancellation of a $736 million public-private partnership agreement that would have handed control of the airport to the Adani Group, following an indictment of the company’s founder, Gautam Adani, in the United States. The deal, which also included the construction of power transmission lines, has now been put on hold as part of a broader scrutiny of the company’s activities.

In Nigeria, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu inaugurated a 3.1-kilometre runway at the Wilberforce Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi State on November 16, 2024. This new infrastructure will facilitate the operationalization of the airport, with commercial flights expected to begin on December 12, 2024, stimulating economic growth and regional connectivity.

The Murtala Mohammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service announced on Thursday that it generated ₦143.2 billion in revenue for the federal government between January and October 2024. This figure represents an impressive increase of ₦69.92 billion compared to the ₦74.4 billion collected during the same period in 2023. In addition to revenue collection, the command intercepted various smuggled items, including 250 turtles, 23 walkie-talkies, 175 military helmets, and 50 drones. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seized goods was estimated at ₦3.322 billion between July and October 2024.

In Zimbabwe, the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (Private) Limited is seeking US$88 million for essential infrastructure upgrades in the 2025 financial year. These upgrades will focus on refurbishing major airports such as Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Kariba Airports, in line with the country’s national development strategy.

People & Appointments

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), succeeding João Carlos Pó Jorge, the outgoing Chairperson and CEO of LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES, who has held the position for the past two years. Kilavuka assumed this important role at the 56th Annual General Assembly and Summit of AFRAA in Cairo, Egypt. As the new AFRAA Chairperson, Kilavuka will serve a one-year term, with the option for renewal. In this capacity, he will oversee AFRAA’s strategic direction, represent the interests of its member airlines, and advocate for policies that enhance the growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness of Africa’s aviation industry.

In a separate development, the Government Council of Morocco has approved the appointment of Achraf Fayda as the new Director General of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT). Fayda succeeds Adel El Fakir, who departed in June to take on the role of Director General of the The Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA).

Aviation Accidents/Incidents

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, a Royal Moroccan Air Force DA 42 training aircraft, with the registration 42.N469, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff at Benslimane Airbase at 10:02 a.m. The crash resulted in the deaths of two officers onboard: a senior instructor colonel and a trainee officer. The incident is currently under investigation.

In South Sudan, a Salaam Air Let L-410 (registration TL-BMM, MSN 962633) experienced an accident while performing a flight from Juba to Lankien. After veering off the runway during landing at Lankien, the aircraft suffered a landing gear collapse, followed by a fire in the interior. Fortunately, all five occupants onboard survived the incident, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

In Kinshasa, Congo Airways‘ Boeing 737-800, registered LY-BBN, collided on the ground with a Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation Airbus Aircraft A320 on the apron of Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport (FIH). The accident caused significant damage to both aircraft, though no casualties were reported.

Elsewhere, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk crashed under unknown circumstances in Glen Austin, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa. One of the two occupants was seriously injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Meanwhile, another Cessna 172, 5Y-FSA, overturned in a forced landing in a field near Happyland Secondary School in Kajiado West Sub-County, Kenya. Two occupants were injured.

On November 19, 2024, Safair (Pty) Ltd flight FA474, a Boeing 737-800, suffered a bird strike shortly after departure from Lanseria International Airport. The bird strike caused issues with the No. 2 engine, prompting the crew to divert to Johannesburg-OR Tambo International Airport for a safe landing.

In a separate incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a fire broke out on November 19 in the Level I parking garage. The fire, which was quickly contained by the airport’s fire and rescue teams, did not escalate, and no casualties were reported. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued a statement confirming the swift response to prevent further damage.

In other news:

At the Airport Honours Award Ceremony held on November 13, 2024, during the International Airports Summit in Amsterdam, Cape Town International Airport was honored with the Airport Experience Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes airports that provide their employees with a positive and supportive working environment, emphasizing the importance of employee satisfaction in delivering excellent customer service.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines has reaffirmed its dominance in African aviation by securing the “Airline of the Year – Global Operations” award for the eighth time. The award was presented during the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 56th Annual General Assembly & Summit in Cairo, Egypt. This recognition highlights Ethiopian Airlines’ outstanding contributions to the aviation industry, including its global operations, commitment to safety, and service excellence.

Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines received the Four-Star Global Airline award at the 2025 APEX Passenger Choice Awards, underscoring its dedication to delivering high-quality service across its expansive network of more than 140 international destinations. This further solidifies Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation as a leader in the African aviation sector.