Introduction.

Kenya Airports Authority hosted the 4th edition of the Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA) Gala Night on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Eka Hotel in Nairobi. The prestigious event brought together over 350 industry stakeholders to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in aviation and related sectors. Established in 2018, ABEA evaluates airport stakeholders using a comprehensive business assessment tool focused on key themes, including Customer Focus, Leadership, Marketing, Sustainability, and People Focus. This year’s gala also marked the official launch of the ABEA Summit, an expansion of the awards program. Scheduled as a three-day event later this year.

From March 20-21, 2025, East African Community (EAC) member states gathered in Uganda for a workshop organized by EAC CASSOA, McGill University, the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, and the EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The workshop aimed to develop a unified aviation legal framework to standardize regulations across the region. This EU-backed initiative supports the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), striving to enhance connectivity and regional integration among the EAC’s eight member states.

AOCs/ASLs/Operations.

The Namibian government has allocated N$20 million for a feasibility study on reviving Air Namibia, with plans to relaunch the airline between June and December 2026. The relaunch will begin with regional flights before expanding to international destinations. An expression of interest for a public-private partnership is expected by August 2025. According to the plan, the revival strategy includes acquiring or leasing aircraft and developing maintenance facilities to support airline operations. Air Namibia was liquidated in 2021 during former President Hage Geingob’s tenure, as his Cabinet deemed the airline a financial burden.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

Egyptian airports recorded a significant increase in passenger numbers and flight operations in January and February 2025, reflecting a strong recovery in the aviation sector. Cairo International Airport handled approximately 2.587 million passengers in January, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, while flight operations rose by 7% to 18,450. The upward trend continued in February, with passenger traffic reaching 2.42 million, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth, while flight operations increased by 6% to 16,944. This growth is largely attributed to heightened demand for Umrah travel during Sha’ban and Ramadan, as well as strategic initiatives aimed at positioning Cairo International Airport as a regional aviation hub.

In Nigeria, domestic passenger traffic declined in 2024, according to an executive summary released by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The report revealed that total domestic passenger traffic stood at 11,549,442—a 10% decrease from 12,050,144 recorded in 2023. This included 5,727,700 inbound and 5,821,743 outbound passengers. However, international air travel remained relatively stable, with 4,135,750 passengers flying on international routes in 2024, comprising 2,018,948 inbound and 2,116,802 outbound passengers—similar to figures recorded in previous years.

Meanwhile, Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline is expanding aggressively in Morocco, aiming to double its annual passenger traffic to 30 million by 2030. Currently handling 15 million passengers in the country, the airline plans to scale up its operations ahead of Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. As the first European airline to operate domestic flights in Morocco, Ryanair is enhancing connectivity by introducing new routes, particularly to the southern provinces, in collaboration with the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).

Still in Morocco, tourism revenues reached MAD 15.75 billion ($1.6 billion) as of February 2025, reflecting a 2.8% increase from the same period in 2024. The country welcomed 2.7 million visitors by February’s end, representing a 24% increase year-over-year. February alone saw 1.4 million arrivals, a 22% rise compared to the same month in 2024. Morocco attracted 17.4 million visitors in 2024, surpassing its original 2026 tourism target two years ahead of schedule.

Kenya Airways (KQ) also experienced notable growth in 2024, with passenger numbers rising by 4% to 5.23 million, up from 5.04 million in 2023. The airline also saw cargo volumes surge by 25%, handling 70,776 tonnes compared to 56,576 tonnes the previous year. KQ expanded its fleet with two additional cargo aircraft and launched new routes to Mogadishu (Somalia), Maputo (Mozambique), and Eldoret (Kenya)—a move that contributed to revenue growth and improved operational efficiency.

At OR Tambo International Airport (South Africa), airfreight volumes saw a 13% year-on-year increase, according to data from the Cargo Movement Update (CMU) compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa). Imports grew by 14% to 628,476 kg, while exports increased by 5% to 386,267 kg. OR Tambo currently handles 87% of South Africa’s international airfreight, with total airfreight volumes up by 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2020.

Air Peace Limited celebrated a milestone on the Lagos-London route, operating 662 flights and carrying over 136,661 passengers since launching the service on March 30, 2024. The airline’s Boeing 777 service to London has become synonymous with competitive fares, premium service, and a personalized travel experience—solidifying its reputation in the international market.

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

Vietnam and South Africa are strengthening air logistics cooperation to meet rising trade and transportation demands. The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade recently held discussions with major South African airlines, including Airlink and South African Airways, alongside aviation and logistics experts. The engagement aims to enhance cargo capacity, streamline supply chains, and improve bilateral trade connectivity.

Kenya and the United Nations are in discussions to establish Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as a regional humanitarian hub, a move set to enhance the airport’s global stature and revenue generation. According to Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, plans are underway to develop a humanitarian logistics hub at JKIA to coordinate emergency relief efforts across Eastern and Southern Africa. Such hubs serve as centralized facilities where humanitarian organizations, aid agencies, and logistics partners collaborate to provide disaster response and ongoing assistance to vulnerable communities.

Egypt is taking a major step toward improving airspace safety and operational efficiency through a new partnership with EUROCONTROL, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation. Captain Ehab Mohie, Chairman of the National Air Navigation Services Company (NANSC), hosted a high-level delegation from Eurocontrol to initiate the registration process for a framework aimed at airspace optimization. This collaboration will enhance safety standards, ensure seamless air traffic flow between the Middle East and Europe, and contribute to carbon neutrality efforts, aligning with global aviation sustainability goals.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and China Southern Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance air connectivity between China and Africa. The agreement focuses on interline cooperation and code-sharing, providing passengers with seamless connections to various Asian and African cities. This partnership strengthens bilateral tourism and trade ties, offering travelers more flexible options via China Southern Airlines’ extensive Asian network and RAM’s African route network.

Ethiopian Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with US-based Archer Aviation to introduce the Midnight aircraft, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, in Ethiopia. Under Archer’s “Launch Edition” program, valued at up to $30 million, Ethiopian Airlines will receive support from Archer’s team of pilots, technicians, and engineers for the initial deployment. Announced in Addis Ababa on March 27, 2025, this partnership marks a significant milestone in sustainable air mobility in Africa, potentially revolutionizing short-haul urban air transport.

In aerospace advancements, the EgSA-Egyptian Space Agency has partnered with AQMAAR Space Technologies, a leading aviation and aerospace component manufacturer, to drive satellite manufacturing in Egypt. The cooperation protocol, signed on March 24, 2025, will leverage EgSA’s infrastructure for satellite testing, operations, and frequency allocation. AQMAAR is spearheading the development of CubeSats, lightweight, modular satellites designed for IoT applications, communications, and Earth observation. The initiative strengthens public-private sector collaboration and enhances Egypt’s role in satellite technology and space research.

Bluebox Aviation Systems has teamed up with Air Côte d’Ivoire to roll out the Bluebox Wow wireless in-flight entertainment (IFE) system across the airline’s Airbus narrowbody fleet. The carrier has opted for battery-powered IFE solutions, alongside Blueview, Bluebox’s digital services platform that integrates entertainment, retail, and advertising, delivered directly to passengers’ personal devices. This upgrade aims to enhance passenger experience while providing new revenue streams for the airline.

Network International, a leading digital commerce enabler in the Middle East and Africa, has partnered with flydubai to introduce mobile money payment options for passengers in Uganda and Kenya. Travelers can now book FlyDubai flights using M-PESA Africa, Airtel Money, and MTN Mobile Money, making air travel more accessible and convenient for East African customers. This initiative caters to the widespread adoption of mobile money in the region, streamlining payment processes for international flights.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Air China is set to resume flights between Beijing and Cairo on July 9, 2025, marking the end of a 31-year hiatus. The airline will operate three weekly flights using Airbus Aircraft A330-200 aircraft, challenging the long-standing monopoly of its Star Alliance partner, EGYPTAIR, on this route. Air China previously served this corridor between 1991 and 1994, and Cairo will now become the airline’s second African destination, alongside Johannesburg.

Volotea is expanding its presence in Bordeaux with the launch of a new direct route to Agadir, Morocco, starting November 4, 2025. The airline will operate twice-weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering 15,000 seats for the season. The route will be served by an Airbus A320.

TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola has reintroduced its Boeing 777-200ER, registered D2-TED (msn 34565), on the Luanda–Lisbon route. This move follows the conclusion of a long-term ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement with Hi Fly Malta, which had been operating Airbus A330s on this corridor. The airline has now transitioned to using its own Boeing 777-300ERs, effective May 10, 2025, as confirmed by TAAG CEO Nelson de Oliveira during the launch of a new customer service outlet in Talatona, near Luanda.

EGYPTAIR, the national carrier of Egypt, is set to operate four weekly flights between Cairo International Airport and Port Sudan International Airport starting March 30, 2025, as part of its summer flight schedule.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted Air Algérie a Foreign Carrier Operating Permit (FCOP), facilitating enhanced air connectivity between Nigeria and Algeria. The permit includes authorization for a new Algeria–Nigeria–Douala (Cameroon) route, improving regional access between North and West Africa. The inaugural Air Algérie flight on this route is scheduled for April 6, 2025.

South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has expanded its network with the relaunch of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The daily service, operated by an SAA Airbus A320, strengthens regional trade and logistics in East Africa. In Tanzania, Millennium Intertrade Africa Limited will serve as SAA Cargo’s General Sales Agent (GSA).

Sky Mali, the leading private airline in Mali, will introduce a new Bamako-Gao-Niamey route on April 8, 2025. The airline will operate twice-weekly flights using a Boeing 737-500, improving direct connectivity between Mali and Niger. This route replaces an earlier planned collaboration with Niger-Airlines and Air Burkina and aligns with the goals of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Overland Airways Limited has partnered with the Niger State Government to launch scheduled flight services at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna. Effective April 23, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights on the Minna–Lagos–Minna route and another three weekly flights on the Minna–Abuja–Minna route, improving air accessibility to Nigeria’s capital and commercial hub.

Westair Group Namibia and Gondwana Collection Namibia have unveiled Fly-in Zambezi, a new boutique air service offering direct lodge-to-lodge connections across key Southern African safari destinations. Officially launched at Eros Airport on March 26, 2025, the service will link Namibia’s Zambezi Region with Victoria Falls, Maun, Kasane, and surrounding wilderness areas, reducing the need for long road transfers. Flights will be operated using a Cessna Grand Caravan based in Katima Mulilo, with scheduled services launching in April 2026 and bespoke charters available from July to November 2025.

Safarilink Aviation plans to increase Nairobi–Kisumu flights in response to rising Easter travel demand. The additional flights will operate in April and May, offering more flexible travel options.

ValueJet is set to launch direct flights from Lagos (Ikeja) to Jos (Plateau State) on April 2, 2025. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with plans to expand to daily services in the future. With this addition, ValueJet becomes the second airline to offer direct Lagos–Jos flights.

Emirates Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, stating that it has no plans to withdraw services despite lower-than-expected load factors on the Dubai–Lagos route. In February 2025, Emirates signed an interline agreement with Air Peace, expanding its Nigerian footprint to 13 additional cities, offering more connectivity options for travelers.

RwandAir Ltd has postponed the resumption of 11 routes, particularly in West and Central Africa, until late October 2025 due to airspace restrictions imposed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The closure of DRC airspace to Rwandan-registered aircraft follows escalating tensions linked to the M23 conflict in eastern DRC. In January 2025, M23 rebels seized control of Goma, leading to flight suspensions at Goma International Airport. Airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Jambojet, and Astral Aviation Ltd have also suspended services to Goma due to security concerns.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has reported a 35% revenue loss in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma since suspending flights in January 2025 over security concerns. Prior to the suspension, KQ operated flights to these DRC cities through its subsidiary Jambojet, but escalating conflict between rebels and state security forces led to operational halts.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Air Peace Limited has taken delivery of an Airbus A320 on lease from Avion Express Malta. The 15.8-year-old aircraft, registered as 5H-EDO, was delivered on March 25, 2025, and features an all-economy configuration with 180 seats. Previously, the aircraft was operated by SmartLynx Malta Airlines.

Nile Air has strengthened its fleet by leasing a Boeing 737-800 from GetJet Airlines, which entered service on March 19, 2025. This aircraft replaces an Airbus Aircraft A320 that was returned to Cambodia Airways after a nine-month lease. The Egyptian carrier currently operates an in-house fleet of five aircraft—three A320s and two A321s—and is wet-leasing two additional A320s to accommodate rising demand on key routes, including Cairo–Jeddah.

BusyBee Congo, a regional airline based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a Fokker 50 previously operated by Niger-Airlines. This addition marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capacity and reliability.

Air Sénégal S.A has chartered a 23-year-old Boeing 777 from TERRA AVIA to transport Senegalese pilgrims to the Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia. Expanding its operations beyond Senegal, the airline is also running charter flights from Mali, Nigeria, Morocco, and Cameroon for the pilgrimage. Air Senegal had previously launched a Dakar–Jeddah route in 2024 using an Airbus A330neo, but the service was suspended in mid-May 2024 after just a few months of operation.

Kangala Air Express, based in Burkina Faso, is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from scheduled commercial operations and pivoting towards premium business aviation. This transition is highlighted by their acquisition of a Gulfstream Aerospace GIV (XT-KMA), their first aircraft dedicated to this new market. The airline aims to provide luxurious, long-range travel experiences for VIP and corporate clients, indicating a focus on high-end, personalized service amidst operational challenges that have led to the grounding of their ATR72-500 aircraft.

Kenya Airways (KQ) is grappling with fleet shortages as three Boeing 787 Dreamliners and several Embraer aircraft remain grounded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi due to a lack of engines and spare parts. The aircraft have been out of service since February 2025, posing a significant revenue loss during the peak Easter travel season. The shortage is attributed to global supply chain disruptions, a lingering effect of post-COVID industry constraints.

BELAVIA – Belarusian Airlines, the sanctions-hit flag carrier of Belarus, is set to expand its fleet with the addition of three Airbus aircraft, repurposed from the now-defunct Gambian airline, Magic Air. Belavia, along with its close ally Russia, has faced severe aircraft shortages due to Western sanctions imposed after Belarus forced a Ryanair plane to land in Minsk and Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. The two nations, bound by a borderless union state, have struggled to maintain their fleets, particularly for large passenger aircraft.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

The IFC – International Finance Corporation has partnered with the Government of Egypt to introduce public-private partnerships (PPP) in the country’s airport sector. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, improve connectivity, and elevate passenger services. IFC will advise the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on formulating a strategic framework for private sector involvement in 11 airports, which handle a significant portion of Egypt’s domestic and international air traffic. A key component of this initiative is a pilot project, where IFC will act as the Lead PPP Transaction Advisor for Hurghada International Airport, Egypt’s second-busiest airport.

West African Development Bank (BOAD) has approved a $49.36 million loan to Air Côte d’Ivoire to help finance the acquisition of two Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, a crucial step in the airline’s intercontinental expansion. This funding, which represents less than 30% of the $170 million total cost sought by the airline last year, will be supplemented by additional capital raised from both local and international markets. Originally expected in late 2024, the new aircraft are now scheduled for delivery in Q2 2025 and will support Air Côte d’Ivoire’s planned expansion into long-haul markets.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has achieved a significant financial turnaround, posting a net profit of Sh5.4 billion for 2024, marking its first profitable year in over a decade. This recovery comes after the airline suffered a Sh22.6 billion loss in 2023, largely due to foreign exchange fluctuations. In 2024, KQ benefited from foreign exchange gains of Sh10.55 billion, a sharp contrast to the Sh15.04 billion loss recorded in 2023, as the Kenyan shilling strengthened by over 20% against the US dollar. The airline also reported total revenue growth of 6%, reaching Sh188.4 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 20%, surpassing the industry average of 17%. Additionally, operational profits surged to Sh16.62 billion, up from Sh10.53 billion the previous year. The improved financial results were attributed to higher revenues and reduced costs, positioning the airline for continued stability and growth.

AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED (ATCL) reported a TSh91.8 billion loss for the 2023/24 financial year, a 62% increase compared to the previous year, despite receiving a TSh100 billion government subsidy. The airline’s financial troubles were largely attributed to extended repair times for its Airbus Aircraft, which resulted in prolonged groundings and significant operational disruptions. These challenges have placed ATCL among Tanzania’s loss-making state-owned enterprises, raising concerns about its long-term viability and ability to compete in the region.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in African aviation. The airline has recently introduced Audio Descriptive options on its In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system, catering to visually impaired passengers. This feature, available in a dedicated Audio Descriptive category under the Movies section, aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all travelers can enjoy a more immersive in-flight experience.

VISA/Passports.

Morocco and Ghana have agreed to introduce a visa waiver for all travelers, a landmark decision announced by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The agreement, pending parliamentary ratification in both countries, is expected to enhance travel, trade, and cultural exchanges, strengthening ties between the two nations and boosting their tourism sectors.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s new visa regime, which took effect on April 1, has already processed 10,016 visa applications since the launch of its E-Visa-on-Arrival Portal and Visa-on-Arrival application. The initiative aims to simplify entry procedures for travelers from countries without reciprocal visa exemptions. In alignment with this shift, Namibia’s Cabinet has also approved reciprocal holiday visas, short-term employment permits, and visa-on-arrival fees, marking a significant step in streamlining immigration policies.

People/Appointment.

Sharaf Cargo has appointed Absolom Ngari, MBA as General Manager, Africa Region, to drive the company’s expansion across the continent. In this role, he will lead commercial strategy, business development, stakeholder engagement, and airline partnerships, ensuring seamless coordination of Sharaf Cargo’s operations in Africa. Ngari will also join the company’s leadership team, contributing to global strategic initiatives.

Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.

Lufthansa Airlines was named the overall winner at the 4th Annual Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA), held in Nairobi last Friday. Other notable winners included Swissport Kenya Ltd, which secured the Ground Handling & Transit Sheds award, and NAS Airport Services Ltd, which won in the Hospitality (Restaurants) category. MITCHELL COTTS FREIGHT KENYA LTD was recognized in the Clearing & Forwarding Agents category, while Red Baron Aviation Training Institute took home the Airlines (General Aviation) award. In the Achievements Awards, Kenya Airways was honored as the Best Cargo Airline, while Rolling Cargo Ltd received the Consolidators/Integrators Achievement Award.

Lawsuits.

Eight employees of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport appeared in court on Wednesday, accused of facilitating the illegal transit of 23 Ethiopian nationals to Eswatini. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on March 15, 2025, when five Ethiopian passengers arrived at the airport on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 873 from Addis Ababa. Instead of reporting their presence, the accused allegedly concealed them in the lounge overnight.

The scheme escalated on March 16, when two additional Ethiopian Airlines flights (ET 873 and ET 34) landed, bringing in 19 more Ethiopians. With the accused officials’ assistance, all 23 passengers boarded Eswatini Airlines flight RN401 to Manzini without proper documentation. The operation was uncovered after uninvolved immigration officers received a tip-off about unauthorized passengers. A security review revealed that passenger manifests had been falsified, falsely listing the Ethiopians as Russians, Turks, and Indians.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, Virgin Atlantic Airways faces a lawsuit from Ahmed Rabiu, who claims the airline failed to compensate him for lost luggage. Rabiu, a security expert, alleges that his baggage went missing during a London–Lagos flight on September 24, 2024. Despite his attempts to recover it, the airline has neither provided compensation nor replaced the lost items. Rabiu has taken the matter to the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking $4,000 for the lost belongings and N20 million in damages for the distress, inconvenience, and legal costs incurred.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents.

On March 25, 2025, an Airplane Factory Sling 4 crash-landed in trees in the Kabesha area, Kasempa District, Zambia, after the activation of the airframe parachute due to an in-flight engine failure. Both occupants escaped unharmed, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

On March 29, 2025, a Cessna 152 suffered an engine failure and executed a forced landing on a beachfront property near Virginia Airport (VIR/FAVG) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft remained undamaged.

In other news:

Tunisian President Kais Saied has urged urgent reforms at TUNISAIR, citing the airline’s deteriorating condition. In a March 24 meeting with CEO Halima Ibrahim Khouaja and Transport Minister Rachid Amri, he highlighted the fleet’s decline from 24 to just 10 aircraft and their poor interior conditions. He also criticized the lengthy aircraft inspections in Tunisia, which take over 123 days compared to 10 days elsewhere, leading to massive financial losses estimated at tens of billions of dinars, according to the presidential office.

Operations at George and King Phalo airports in South Africa have faced repeated disruptions due to faulty Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), making it impossible for pilots to land in low-visibility conditions. This issue stems from regulatory failures at Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), which failed to meet deadlines for reviewing hundreds of crucial instrument flight procedures—predefined departure, arrival, and landing maneuvers essential for safe air traffic management.

In Sudan, the army has recaptured Khartoum Airport from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has surrounded paramilitary fighters south of the capital. This marks a significant battlefield gain in a war that has raged since April 2023. The recapture comes a day after the army was accused of launching one of the deadliest airstrikes of the conflict, killing at least 270 people in a Darfur market.

Finally, South African Airways (SAA) has reached a resolution with its pilots, who have accepted a revised salary and benefits package, officially ending their work-to-rule industrial action and concluding the 2024 wage negotiations.