Introduction.

African airlines face a significant challenge as the European Union rolls out the world’s first mandatory shift to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for the air transport industry. Approved by the European Parliament and EU Council in April 2023, the regulation mandates that fuel suppliers at EU airports blend SAF with traditional fossil-based aviation fuel, starting with a 2% ratio from January 1, 2025, and increasing to 70% by 2050. This transition raises critical questions for African airlines, particularly whether to absorb the additional costs associated with SAF or transfer them to passengers through higher ticket prices—a decision that could significantly impact market dynamics.

From December 16 to 18, 2024, the Pestana Tropico Hotel in Praia, Cabo Verde, hosted the 11th Commission Meeting of the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA). Aviation experts and decision-makers from the seven member states of the Banjul Accord Group convened to reaffirm their shared commitment to enhancing aviation safety across Africa. This key gathering highlighted collaborative efforts to address safety challenges and strengthen the continent’s aviation industry through strategic partnerships and effective policies.

Ethiopian Airlines celebrated its founding anniversary on December 21, 2024, marking 79 years since its establishment in 1945 by Emperor Haile Selassie I. Although the airline’s operations officially began on April 8, 1946, with its inaugural flight connecting Addis Ababa, Asmara, and Cairo, Ethiopian Airlines has since grown into one of Africa’s most prominent carriers, symbolizing resilience and progress in the region’s aviation sector.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

By November 2024, 12,646 Ghanaians had been deported, mostly from Libya, the UK, Germany, the US, and Canada, according to Ghana Immigration Services (GIS) over the past five years. This figure includes 8,186 males and 4,459 females. The highest annual deportations occurred in 2022 with 3,028 (1,813 males, 1,215 females), followed by 2,750 in 2023 (1,889 males, 861 females), and 2,843 up to November 2024 (2,269 males, 574 females).

Egypt’s exports fell by 2.2% to $42.5 billion in 2023, while imports also declined. China remained the top import source, despite a 7.5% decrease, accounting for 15.7% of total imports. Turkey was Egypt’s top export destination with $4.5 billion in trade, a 7.5% decline. Saudi exports grew by 11.5%, while Italy ranked second, despite a 6.2% decrease. Cairo International Airport handled 14.8% of exports and 30.4% of imports, with marine ports dominating trade operations.

Ghana’s international air passenger throughput reached 1.74 million by Q3 2024, slightly below 2023 levels, while domestic traffic hit 623,704 passengers. The figures, reported by Ghana Airport Company Limited, indicates steady recovery in the aviation sector.

Morocco has emerged as a leading tourism destination in Africa, poised to surpass Egypt as the most visited country in the region. By November 2024, the country welcomed 15.9 million tourists, exceeding its annual projection of 15 million, according to the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism. This growth reflects Morocco’s strategic promotion of its diverse attractions and long-term plans to boost tourism, targeting 17 million visitors by 2026 and 26 million by 2030.

Entebbe International Airport handled 2,020,787 (1,000,563 arriving and 1,020,224 departing) international passengers from January to November 2024, a 17.8% increase compared to 1,733,133 passengers in the same period in 2023 and 1,417,615 in 2022. November alone recorded 182,932 passengers (91,867 arriving and 91,065 departing), averaging 6,097 daily travelers. Aircraft movements rose by 5.6% to 29,751, while registered overflights increased by 8.2% to 23,052. Transit passenger numbers declined to 99,530 compared to 117,604 in the same period in 2023. Cargo operations grew significantly, with 61,393 metric tonnes of freight (41,012 exports and 20,381 imports), surpassing the 53,803 metric tonnes in 2023.

Agadir Al Massira Airport saw a 36% surge in passenger traffic, reaching over 2.8 million passengers by November 2024. Flight movements increased by 29% to 19,620. As Morocco’s third-largest airport, it accounts for 10% of national air traffic, trailing Marrakech-Menara and Casablanca Mohammed V International Airports. To prepare for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco plans to double its airport capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030, up from the current 38 million.

Tunisia’s Tunis-Carthage International Airport reached a significant milestone by welcoming its seven millionth passenger of the year on December 16, 2024. This achievement underscores the collaborative efforts of airport stakeholders and solidifies its position as Tunisia’s largest aviation hub.

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

Egypt and New Zealand have officially signed a bilateral air transport agreement, designed to enhance cooperation and promote mutual interests in the aviation sector. The signing ceremony took place in Cairo, where Captain Amr El-Sharqawy, Head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and New Zealand Ambassador Amy Laurenson represented their respective countries. This agreement paves the way for increased connectivity, with the opening of flight schedules and the granting of code-sharing rights to airlines from both nations.

On 24 October 2024, the Sultanate of Oman ratified four Royal Decrees regarding air service agreements. Notably, Royal Decree No. 65/2024 formalizes an air transport agreement between Oman and Chad. This agreement underscores Oman’s growing role in enhancing global aviation ties and improving air connectivity with countries across the African continent.

In parallel, the Yemeni Ministry of Transport is in intensive discussions with Egyptian authorities to launch direct flights between Cairo and Riyan airports in the near future. The talks, held last Tuesday in Cairo, focused on strengthening air transport relations and improving the flow of both passengers and air cargo between airports in Yemen’s liberated areas and Cairo International Airport.

Tanzania and Ethiopia have advanced their commitment to aviation training and skill development through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 December 2024. This important agreement was finalized during the inaugural joint ministerial commission meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The MoU aims to bolster collaboration in the field of aviation training, ensuring both nations are better equipped to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry.

TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola and Lufthansa Technik AG have entered into a strategic long-term agreement for aircraft component services, covering the Angolan flag carrier’s newly acquired Boeing 787 long-range fleet. The partnership, which begins with the arrival of the first Boeing 787 in February 2025, spans over a decade. Lufthansa Technik will provide Total Component Support (TCS) for the airline’s 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft, ensuring continued high standards of maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Additionally, Lufthansa Technik will support TAAG with an Aircraft Production Inspection Program (APIP), which will also extend to the airline’s growing fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft.

Algeria’s national carriers, Air Algérie and tassili airlines (TAL), have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening their operations and contributing to the development of Algeria’s aviation sector. This collaboration, announced by Air Algérie in a statement last Saturday, represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the country’s air transport network, offering both carriers an opportunity to optimize their operations and expand their reach.

EGYPTAIR has appointed Summerwind GSA as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for Portugal. Summerwind will provide a range of services, including commercial representation, reservations, and customer support, enhancing EgyptAir’s presence in the Portuguese market and offering a more tailored experience for local travelers.

In a similar move, Madagascar Airlines has appointed APG Airlines as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for Australia and New Zealand. This strategic decision aims to boost the airline’s visibility and accessibility in the Australasian market, providing better service for both travelers and travel agents across the region.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) and Tristar Energy Limited have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to establish a state-of-the-art fuel storage facility and hydrant pipeline system at Entebbe International Airport. The agreement, signed on 18 December 2024 by UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye and Tristar CEO Eugene Mayne, will enhance fuel infrastructure at the airport, ensuring a more efficient and reliable fuel supply for aviation operations.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Edelweiss Air AG celebrated the inauguration of its first flight to Giza/Cairo Sphinx (SPX) on December 18, 2024, with festive ceremonies held in both Zurich and Giza. The new route offers twice-weekly flights, departing from Zurich on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to Sphinx International Airport, located near Cairo and the historic pyramids of Giza.

Air Arabia announced the launch of a direct flight route between Fes, Morocco, and Milan-Bergamo, which began operations on December 18, 2024. This new service bolsters connectivity between Morocco and Italy, offering passengers greater flexibility with two weekly flights, scheduled every Wednesday and Sunday. This route marks the second connection operated by Air Arabia between Moroccan cities and Milan-Bergamo, complementing the existing Casablanca service.

Tunisair Express, the low-cost subsidiary of TUNISAIR, inaugurated a new route between Tunis and Catania, Italy, on December 20, 2024. This new service marks the third Italian destination for Tunisair Express, further expanding the airline’s European network.

EGYPTAIR resumed direct flights between Cairo and Beirut, Lebanon, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, after a three-month hiatus. The airline cited the improved stability in Lebanon as the reason for the resumption.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will restart direct flights between Casablanca and Beijing on January 20, 2025, after a suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a significant return for RAM to the Chinese market. The airline signed 16 agreements with prominent Chinese travel agencies in Beijing during a special ceremony on Wednesday evening, underscoring the strategic importance of the route. The Casablanca-Beijing service will operate three times a week, with flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline plans to expand its operations from Paris-Beauvais with a new route to Essaouira, located on Morocco‘s Atlantic coast. Starting March 31, 2025, Ryanair will offer two weekly flights, on Mondays and Fridays.

ASL Airlines France has unveiled part of its summer 2025 schedule, emphasizing expanded services to Algeria and Morocco. The airline will operate daily flights from Paris Orly to Algiers, increase frequencies between Lyon and Algiers, and offer more flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Béjaïa. Additionally, ASL will resume services to Oujda, Morocco, with two weekly flights from CDG and Strasbourg during school holidays. To support the expanded schedule, ASL Airlines will base additional aircraft in Lille and Lyon.

Air France has resumed flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) on December 17, 2024, after a 28-year hiatus. The airline will operate three weekly flights between KIA and Paris CDG, utilizing the Airbus A350-900WXB. However, Air France has also announced the temporary suspension of its direct flights from Paris to Zanzibar starting in early 2025, specifically from March to May. During the same period, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, a sister airline within the same group, will also suspend its Zanzibar services from Amsterdam, with flights resuming in October 2025. Despite this, flights to Dar es Salaam will continue as usual, maintaining the airline group’s operations in Tanzania.

South African Airways (SAA) has increased the frequency of its services between Johannesburg and Perth, Australia. After resuming flights to Perth in January with three weekly services, the airline will add a fourth service and will further expand to a fifth weekly flight starting January 2025.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

South African Airways has taken delivery of an 18.1-year-old Airbus Aircraft A320-200 (registration ZS-SZK) under a lease agreement with an undisclosed lessor. The aircraft, previously operated by SAS – Scandinavian Airlines, adds to the carrier’s fleet as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its operations. South African Airways anticipates the arrival of another Airbus A320-200 aircraft in the near future.

Kenyan carrier Fly Skyward Express has enhanced its fleet with the addition of a 34-year-old Fokker 100 aircraft, now registered under the Kenyan tail number 5Y-SKF (HEX Code 04C327). Originally delivered to Air Europa in February 1991, this aircraft was last operated by Dutch Airline Fleet Support.

The Libyan Air Ambulance service made a significant addition to its fleet with the recent delivery of two Bell 429 helicopters. The announcement was made from the headquarters of the American helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron Inc., located in Fort Worth, Texas. These advanced helicopters are expected to enhance the Libyan Air Ambulance’s capacity to provide critical medical evacuation and emergency services, improving the country’s air ambulance capabilities.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

On December 19, 2024, Somalia‘s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unveiled the New Mogadishu International Airport (NMIA), located in El Ma’an on the outskirts of Mogadishu. The airport is designed to reduce congestion at Aden Adde International Airport and cater to growing air traffic. Phase one will handle 5 million passengers and 130,000 flights annually, with an estimated cost of $643 million (KSh 83 billion).

South Sudan‘s cabinet approved $28.4 million to take over the country’s airspace monitoring center, previously controlled by Sudan. With this move, South Sudan aims to secure ICAO licenses and generate $35.35 million annually in navigational fees.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has reopened its newly renovated Middle East Regional Office in Cairo, which has been hosted by Egypt since 1953. The office serves as a key hub for advancing civil aviation in the region.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Nigeria has commissioned a newly renovated passenger departure section built under a public-private partnership (PPP). This project marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

Cameroon will launch the “Douane Cmr” (Customs Cmr) mobile app on January 1, 2024, to streamline air passenger control. The app will replace traditional paper forms for travelers and will be available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

Orton Chirwa International Airport, formerly Mzuzu Airport, is set to reopen after major renovations and will serve as a key hub for travel in northern Malawi.

Awards and Recognition

Kenya Airways (KQ) is the only African airline shortlisted in multiple categories—Advancing Adoption, Boosting Collaboration, and Empowering Sustainability—of the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2024. This prestigious global competition, organized by the SkyTeam Alliance, recognizes and rewards innovative solutions aimed at fostering a more sustainable aviation industry. Kenya Airways successfully completed The Aviation Challenge (TAC), operating four long-haul flights—Nairobi to New York City, Amsterdam, Paris, and London—participating in the SkyTeam Alliance’s friendly competition toward achieving net-zero emissions.

Lawsuits

AAR Corp., an aerospace firm based in Illinois, has agreed to pay $30 million to settle bribery allegations involving officials in South Africa and Nepal. Between 2015 and 2018, AAR paid millions in bribes to secure contracts, including a significant deal with South African Airways, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

On December 10, 2024, the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg ordered CemAir (Pty)Ltd to return various equipment to Swissport South Africa within five days. The equipment includes airport buses, baggage wagons, ground power units, and more. Judge Leonie Windell authorized seizure of the equipment if CemAir failed to comply by December 15, 2024, following a dispute over unpaid lease fees after a month-to-month lease expired in April 2023.

FlySafair, a domestic airline, is facing legal challenges over its ownership structure. The Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) issued a non-compliance notice in December, citing that FlySafair’s majority shareholder, Ireland-based ASL Aviation Group, holds 74.86% of the airline—well above the 25% foreign ownership limit under South African law. This issue threatens FlySafair’s future operations.

In other news:

Zambia has announced the waiver of visa requirements for nationals of 53 additional countries, effective January 1, 2024. This builds on the 2022 initiative and brings the total number of visa-exempt countries to 167, reinforcing Zambia’s leadership in progressive tourism policies in Southern Africa. The change, formalized through Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024, was announced by President Hakainde Hichilema’s government.

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has clarified that the recently installed e-gates at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) cost $1.7 million, not $240 million as claimed on social media. The $240 million figure refers to the entire 10-year lifecycle cost of the Immigration 360 system, which includes the installation of integrated border management systems at 48 entry points across Ghana.

Air Cairo, a 60% subsidiary of EGYPTAIR, has received Part 145 maintenance certification from the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA). This certification, announced on December 18, 2024, enables Air Cairo to perform line maintenance on Airbus A320 family aircraft, including A320ceo and A320neo models.

Azman Air, a Nigerian carrier, is under investigation by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for allegedly aiding Mahan Air in bypassing U.S. sanctions by supplying two aircraft to the Iranian airline. The sale occurred without NCAA’s knowledge, raising concerns in the international aviation community.

Zimbabwe’s Senate has passed an amended Civil Aviation Act to address gaps identified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2019. The Bill, which began in November 2023, follows regulations enacted under the Presidential Powers Act in June 2023.

The National Air Support Department (NASD) of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) plans to acquire an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate to repair civilian aircraft. However, some industry players oppose the move, questioning NASD’s ability to manage civilian aircraft after its failed mandate to coordinate state-owned aircraft efficiently.

Botswana’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has bid farewell to Mr. Silas, the Director of Air Navigation Services, after a distinguished 40-year aviation career. Mr Silas, was affectionately known as “Employee 001” at the agency.