Introduction.

Alkebulan Airlines, based in Zambia and founded in 2022, is on track to commence operations in January 2025 as it nears the final stages of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process. According to CEO Charles Tembo, the airline’s fleet will feature Embraer E145s and Boeing 737s. Currently in phase four of the five-stage AOC approval, Alkebulan Airlines has a test flight scheduled this month. The airline plans to operate both domestic and international routes, including key destinations such as Cape Town, Harare, Dubai, Guangzhou, New York, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, London, and Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Transvaal Africa, a Zimbabwean start-up, has secured an Air Service Permit and aims to launch passenger flights by the last quarter of this year. Led by CEO Patson Moyo, the airline will operate from Harare and Victoria Falls Airport, with initial routes connecting Harare to Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, and future plans for destinations like Lagos, London, Dubai, and Shanghai. The airline’s operations will begin with three leased Boeing aircraft.

In Tanzania, Miracle Air has entered the aviation sector as a luxury charter operator under the parent company Miracle Experience, known for its Balloon Safaris Ltd. The airline debuted with a Cessna 208B EX Grand Caravan, which received a ceremonial water salute at Arusha Airport. Official operations will commence on January 20, 2025, offering services to destinations such as Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar Island.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

The Henley Passport Index, a trusted authority on global passport rankings, has released its 2025 list, ranking 199 passports based on visa-free access to destinations. Using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) (IATA) and additional research, the index highlights Seychelles as Africa’s top-ranking passport, placed 25th globally with 156 visa-free destinations. Mauritius follows at 29th globally (151 visa-free destinations), with South Africa ranked 48th (106 visa-free destinations). Other notable African rankings include Botswana at 57th (88 destinations), Namibia at 62nd (81 destinations), and Kenya at 68th (74 destinations).

Morocco emerged as Africa’s most visited country in 2024, attracting 17.4 million international tourists—a 20% rise from 2023 and a 33% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This surpasses Egypt’s 15.7 million visitors. Tourism revenue in Morocco reached $11 billion, bolstered by 120 new airline routes, such as American Airlines‘ Newark-Marrakech service, and luxury hotel developments. Major events, including hosting the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, are expected to push arrivals to 26 million by 2030.

Zambia‘s tourism sector continues to thrive, with the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) forecasting over 2.2 million international tourists in 2025, up from 2 million in 2024. This growth is attributed to strategic international partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns.

In Nigeria, Calabar International Airport recorded over 10,000 inbound passengers between November 1 and December 29, 2024, an increase from 7,452 in the same period in 2023. Approximately 79% of these passengers were domestic visitors, while 3% were from the diaspora. The annual Calabar Festival attracted an estimated 150,000 visitors, primarily arriving by road (89%). Visitors spent approximately ₦8.875 billion on transportation, marking a 42% rise in attendance compared to 2023.

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

Qatar and Cameroon have strengthened their aviation ties through a landmark air services agreement. Signed by Qatar’s Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Cameroon’s Minister of Transport H.E. Ngalle Bibehe Jean Ernest Massena, the agreement grants airlines from both nations unlimited traffic rights for passenger and cargo flights.

Angola and Equatorial Guinea have deepened their bilateral relations by signing three new cooperation agreements in Luanda, emphasizing collaboration across various sectors. Similarly, Ethiopia has proposed a memorandum of cooperation with Kyrgyzstan to establish direct passenger and cargo flights between Addis Ababa and Bishkek, marking a significant step toward enhancing connectivity between the two nations.

China Eastern Airlines Global is set to begin operations to Morocco with three weekly flights from Shanghai to Casablanca via Marseille, starting January 19, 2025. The flights will be operated using Boeing 787-900 aircraft with an 18-ton cargo capacity. EFFIS Maroc has been appointed as the airline’s acting General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) in Morocco.

Eswatini Air has partnered with the MTN BUSHFIRE FESTIVAL, scheduled for May 30 to June 1, 2025, in Malkerns Valley, Eswatini. Festival-goers with valid tickets will receive a 15% discount on direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Harare to King Mswati III International Airport. The promotion runs from May 25 to June 8, 2025, and includes complimentary shuttle services connecting the airport to major cities such as Mbabane, Ezulwini, Matsapha, and Manzini.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Saudi Arabia’s flynas has expanded its African operations by launching direct flights between Riyadh and Entebbe, Uganda, on January 15, 2025. This comes days after introducing services to Djibouti, aligning with its “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” expansion strategy. flynas will operate three weekly flights on the Riyadh-Entebbe route.

Direct flights between Rome and Tripoli resumed after a decade-long suspension. ITA Airways operated the first commercial flight from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Mitiga International Airport on January 12, 2025, coinciding with a Medsky airways inaugural flight from Tripoli to Rome. Similarly, Turkish Airlines resumed services to Benghazi, Libya, on January 14, 2025, after a 10-year hiatus. The airline now offers three weekly flights to Benghazi, complementing its five weekly flights to Tripoli.

Air Arabia Maroc continues its domestic expansion with a new Rabat-Nador route launched on January 12, 2025. Operated on Airbus A320 aircraft, the service runs twice weekly, complementing its recently inaugurated Rabat-Oujda route on January 9, 2025.

Ethiopian Airlines will introduce direct flights between Hyderabad, India, and Addis Ababa starting June 16, 2025. The thrice-weekly service will deploy Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, featuring business and economy seating, on the 4,385 km route. Turkish Airlines has also announced a significant expansion in Tanzania, increasing flights to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam from June 2025, with Kilimanjaro seeing 14 weekly flights and Dar es Salaam increasing to 10 weekly services.

Emirates is set to enhance its services to Madagascar by increasing weekly flights from four to six starting April 2, 2025. These flights, operated via Mahé, Seychelles, on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, reflect growing passenger demand.

Milan Bergamo Airport will strengthen its Egypt network with Air Cairo’s new service to Sharm El Sheikh starting April 3, 2025. The twice-weekly flights will be operated using Embraer E190 aircraft.

Proflight Zambia is adding a fourth daily Ndola-Lusaka flight in February 2025 to meet increasing demand, primarily using its Jetstream 41 aircraft, with occasional upgrades to a CRJ-100 jet. The airline will reassess this frequency after March 2025.

Air Sierra Leone will commence operations on January 22, 2025, with three weekly flights between Freetown and Lagos using a 50-seater Embraer E145 from its parent company XEJet Limited.

FLY ANGOLA has suspended its Luanda-São Tomé route as of January 6, 2025, due to significant increases in airport taxes. The airline had resumed the route in early 2024 with two weekly rotations using an Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

South Africa’s FlySafair has expanded its fleet with the addition of an 8.2-year-old Boeing 737-800, leased from Aircraft Engine Lease Finance (AELF). Now registered as ZS-ZWH, the aircraft is familiar to the South African market, having previously operated under Comair. Configured with 189 economy seats and powered by two CFM engines, the aircraft enhances FlySafair‘s capacity and aligns with its commitment to efficient and reliable operations.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Angola and France have strengthened ties through cooperation and investment agreements signed on January 16, 2025. Among these, French company Societe Generale finalized a financing contract for Angola’s acquisition of an earth observation satellite. Additionally, the agreements aim to enhance collaboration between Météo-France International and Angola’s National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics.

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced plans to deliver 25 aircraft to African airlines via its leasing subsidiary. This initiative, disclosed by HELEN AIGBE BRUME, ACCA, Director of Project and Asset-Based Finance at Afreximbank, during the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event in Dublin, Ireland, is intended to bolster aviation infrastructure and competitiveness across the continent.

Boeing International Corporation has pledged support to Nigerian airlines in securing adequate aircraft insurance through partnerships with well-capitalized lessors and global financiers. This commitment was revealed by Moore Ibekwe Jr., Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa Region Commercial Airlines, at the Boeing Lessor Forum held from January 12 to 15 in Dublin.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has highlighted the need for ₦580 billion to rehabilitate aging runways nationwide. FAAN Managing Director Olubunmi (Bunmi) K. noted during a visit by the Ministry of Aviation’s Permanent Secretary that many runways, built in the 1970s, have surpassed their designed lifespan, requiring urgent upgrades.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has seen remarkable gains in its share price since resuming trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC (NSE) on January 6, 2025. Shares surged from the pre-suspension price of Ksh 3.83 to close at Ksh 7.60 on January 15, adding Ksh 21.4 billion to shareholder wealth.

The Auditor General’s report for Uganda National Airlines Company Limited (UNACL) has revealed ongoing financial and operational challenges. The national carrier reported a net loss of Shs 237 billion in 2024, an improvement from Shs 324 billion in 2023. In response, Uganda Airlines announced plans to implement a new ten-year strategy focused on financial sustainability, operational efficiency, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement, aiming to enhance revenue and control costs.

People/Appointment.

On January 15, 2025, Jonathan Ignoumba was appointed as Gabon’s new Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine, succeeding Loïc Moudouma Ndinga, who had held the position since the establishment of the transitional government in September 2023.

In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir dismissed David Subek as Director General and CEO of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA), replacing him with John Woja Elinana. The move follows widespread criticism over the deteriorating conditions at Juba International Airport, including a viral video of goats roaming on the runway, which reportedly disrupted an Ethiopian Airlines flight. The changes were announced by the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

Kenya Airways raised alarms on January 16, 2025, about a suspected fake pilot operating within the industry, posing a serious security risk. The airline issued a warning to passengers and stakeholders, urging vigilance after an imposter named James Mwangi claimed to be one of its employees and distributed false business cards.

Ethiopian Airlines held a recognition ceremony to honor former leaders who significantly contributed to the airline’s success. Among those celebrated were Colonel Semret Medhane, Captain Zeleke Demessie, Dr. Ahmed Kelo, Mr. Girma Wake, Mr. Bisrat Nigatu, and Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam. Ethiopian Airlines, a national and continental pride for nearly 78 years, continues to thrive due to the visionary leadership of these individuals, securing its place as a world-class airline.

Awards, Recognition & Milestones.

Kenya Airways (KQ) earned two prestigious accolades at the 2024 SkyTeam Aviation Challenge for its innovative sustainability initiatives. The airline won the Best Scaled Catering Solution and Best Approach to Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) awards. KQ introduced eco-friendly practices, such as using traditional African bread baskets and aluminum food containers in economy class, aiming to eliminate 24 tonnes of plastic waste annually. Additionally, the airline was recognized for its partnership with a local SAF producer to establish Kenya’s first SAF production plant.

On January 15, 2025, ASKY AIRLINES celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its expansion across West, Central, South, and East Africa. Founded in June 2008, ASKY began operations in January 2010 and has since grown its network to 29 destinations in 26 countries, largely due to its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

Qatar Airways also reached a significant milestone on January 16, 2025, celebrating 20 years of operations in South Africa. The airline launched flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2005, and now operates up to 33 weekly flights to three major South African hubs—Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents.

FlySafair and Airlink flights to and from George Airport were delayed and canceled on January 12 due to the suspension of Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures for runway 11. Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) informed airlines and passengers of disruptions caused by severe weather, including rain, strong winds, and a low cloud base.

In Somalia, authorities protested after a Kenyan-registered aircraft reportedly entered Somali airspace without authorization on January 18, 2025. The aircraft, which partially obscured its registration, landed at Kismayo Airport in southern Somalia. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) accused the aircraft of transporting Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Madobe to Nairobi, deeming it a violation of their airspace.

In South Sudan, a Let L-410 aircraft veered off the airstrip while attempting to land at Jebel-Boma County Airstrip. Conflicting reports suggest the aircraft carried either nine or 14 passengers. A nine-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries.

In other news:

Ethiopian Airlines has successfully recertified for the IATA CEIV Pharma (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics), reinforcing its status as a leading airline and ground handler in pharmaceutical logistics. This certification underscores the airline’s commitment to delivering top-tier air cargo services tailored to the strict requirements of healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

On January 14, 2025, Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) experienced a bomb threat, leading to security disruptions. A 66-year-old passenger on a departing flight falsely claimed there could be a bomb on board, causing significant alarm. The passenger was arrested for disturbing the peace.

In Nigeria, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo revealed that documents signed by his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, indicated a foreign airline was poised to take over Nigeria Air. Keyamo disclosed that Ethiopian Airlines could have gained control over Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) routes, prioritizing their profit over the nation’s interests.

In Ghana, citizens raised concerns over President H.E John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet for state visits to Gambia and Senegal, rather than the official presidential aircraft. The government responded, assuring that the use of the Dzata private jet, owned by the president’s brother, incurred no cost to taxpayers.

In Burundi, senators passed a bill ratifying the 1970 Hague Convention on the suppression of unlawful aircraft seizures. The bill aims to enhance the fight against criminal activities that threaten aviation safety, addressing illegal seizures that undermine public confidence in air travel.