Introduction.

At a workshop held at the Golden Tulip in Kampala, Uganda, civil aviation regulators from across Africa, including representatives from Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Tunisia, gathered to tackle pressing issues in passenger protection. The focus was on developing a comprehensive framework to review national laws, rules, regulations, and policies. High on the agenda were solutions to flight delays and strategies for enhancing consumer education and awareness campaigns for the traveling public.

Meanwhile, in a significant leap for Morocco’s space ambitions, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) at Mohammed V University in Rabat, alongside the Royal Center for Space Studies and Research, successfully launched two university-developed nanosatellites. The “UM5-EOSat,” equipped with an earth observation camera, and the “UM5-Ribat,” featuring a software-defined radio (SDR), were sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This milestone initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of Moroccan researchers and engineers in the field of space technologies.

In political news, John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress, has made a bold promise in the party’s manifesto. If elected in the upcoming December elections, Mahama pledges to establish a new national airline for the country, marking a significant move to bolster Ghana’s aviation industry.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

The latest report from International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveals that air travel passenger demand, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK), surged by 8% in July 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. Capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), also saw a year-on-year increase of 7.4%. The July load factor reached an impressive 86.0%, slightly up by 0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to July 2023. Notably, the CrowdStrike IT outage on July 19th had no significant negative impact on demand.

International travel was a standout, with demand climbing 10.1% year-on-year, although the load factor slightly dipped to 85.9% (-0.3ppt). Domestic travel also showed strong performance, with demand up by 4.8%, capacity rising by 2.8%, and the load factor improving to 86.1% (+1.7ppt).

Africa, with a global passenger market share of 2.1%, saw demand for air travel rise by 7.4% year-on-year. Capacity increased by 6.7%, and the load factor improved to 74.3% (+0.5ppt).

On the cargo front, global demand, measured in Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (CTKs), jumped by 13.6% compared to July 2023, marking the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth. International operations led the charge with a 14.3% increase. Capacity, measured in Available Cargo Tonne-Kilometers (ACTKs), grew by 8.3%, driven largely by a 12.8% rise in international belly capacity—a sharp contrast to the modest 6.9% growth in freighter capacity. Interestingly, while belly capacity saw its lowest increase in 40 months, freighter capacity recorded its highest growth since January 2024. African airlines reported a 6.2% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in July, the lowest among all regions, although demand on the Africa–Asia route surged by 15.4%.

In a report by Renew Capital, investments in airport infrastructure across Africa since 2019 reveal that several countries are channeling significant funds into new builds and upgrades, albeit often mired in controversy. Ethiopia leads the pack with over USD 6 billion invested, followed by Angola (USD 3.8 billion), Rwanda (USD 2 billion), Uganda (USD 480 million), Sierra Leone (USD 270 million), Niger (USD 174 million), Zimbabwe (USD 153 million), and Togo (USD 150 million). Surprisingly, major aviation powerhouses like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria are notably lagging behind in these capital expenditures.

As for Nigeria, the latest data from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reveals that the country’s aviation industry is staffed by 554 licensed pilots, 913 licensed engineers, and 1,700 cabin personnel. This snapshot provides a glimpse into the workforce that supports Nigeria’s bustling aviation sector.

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

On Thursday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced a significant step forward for its aviation industry by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Boeing. This partnership, sealed in Seattle by Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and Boeing executives, is set to boost Nigerian airlines’ ability to lease new aircraft while receiving top-tier maintenance and technical support. The MOU includes planning workshops, training programs, and technical assessments, all designed to elevate the capabilities of Nigerian airline operators.

In another exciting development, Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has joined forces with Qatar Airways in a strategic partnership that’s set to redefine travel for East African Visa cardholders. The duo has launched a campaign offering up to a 12% discount on air travel tickets when booking with Qatar Airways, encouraging a shift towards cashless payments and enhancing convenience for travelers.

Meanwhile, South African Express Airways (SAA) is making strategic moves in the region. The airline has appointed NAC2000 Corp Ltd as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in Zambia, effective from July 1. Additionally, SAA has been named the official airline carrier for the 33rd Airports Council International – ACI Africa AGA, Regional Conference, Exhibition, and Air Show, which will take place from September 16-22, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Adding to its busy schedule, SAA has also partnered with the Africa Football Business Summit as the official airline sponsor for the 2024 summit, which will be held at the Weston Hotel Nairobi on October 24-25.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is set to expand its global reach with the launch of a new route from its Addis Ababa (ADD) hub to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, starting November 1, 2024. The airline will offer six flights a week on this route, operated by the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This new service will not only enhance ET’s presence in South Asia but also provide seamless connections between Bangladesh and key destinations across Africa and beyond.

In another exciting development, Air Cairo, in partnership with EGYPTAIR and SunExpress, is significantly expanding its operations to Germany. Beginning October 27, 2024, Air Cairo will launch twice-weekly flights from Cairo to Cologne/Bonn, offering passengers a convenient link between the Egyptian capital and one of North Rhine-Westphalia’s most important cities.

After facing initial regulatory hurdles, Airlink has now secured approval from both Botswana and South African Civil Aviation Authorities to launch its new Cape Town to Gaborone route. Starting April 1, 2025, Airlink will commence this much-anticipated service, marking a new chapter in regional connectivity.

Astral Aviation Ltd is spreading its wings further east with the addition of a new route from Guangzhou, China, to Nairobi, Kenya, with onward connections to Maputo, Mozambique. Initially operating once a week, the service, which features a B767 freighter, will increase to twice weekly from mid-October to mid-January 2025, with Air Charter Service Hong Kong as the launch customer.

From October 25, 2024, Air France will no longer operate direct flights to and from Ghana, as reflected in the airline’s winter schedule. The route, previously paired with Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, had been operating directly since Air France ceased flights to the three countries of the Alliance of Sahel States—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Air Botswana has expanded its fleet with the arrival of its first Embraer E175 jet on August 24. This 88-seat aircraft, previously operated by Flybe and owned by US-based Regional One, Inc. since 2022, now holds the title of the largest aircraft in Air Botswana’s fleet based on seats. The state-owned airline has been steadily modernizing its operations, having introduced a 70-seat E170 in 2019 and two ATR 72-600 turboprops in 2018.

Meanwhile, Air Cairo continues to grow its fleet, announcing on August 28 that it has taken delivery of a brand-new Airbus A320neo. This addition brings the airline’s total fleet to 34 aircraft, including 25 Airbus models, further solidifying its presence in the region.

Airlink, one of South Africa’s leading airlines, has bolstered its fleet with the acquisition of another Embraer E175 from lessor Chorus Aviation Inc. This marks the third E175 Airlink has added this year, underscoring its commitment to expanding and enhancing its service offerings.

Kenya’s Advantage Air has made a strategic move by securing a converted Canadian Regional Jet (CRJ) 200 freighter. Originally converted in 2017, this aircraft was initially intended for Iraqi airline Al Haya and American carrier Air Wisconsin Airlines, but it now finds a new home with Advantage Air, positioning the airline to better serve the cargo market.

SAFE AIR has also announced a significant fleet upgrade with the acquisition of an Embraer 145, a 50-seat passenger aircraft. This addition reflects the company’s dedication to providing diverse travel options for its customers, enhancing their overall flying experience.

In Nigeria, aircraft lessors are poised to resume offering dry leases to local airlines following successful negotiations led by Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo. Discussions with AerCap and Boeing have reportedly led to renewed interest from lessors, who have expressed their willingness to re-engage with Nigerian carriers if certain conditions are met, signaling a positive shift for the nation’s aviation sector.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Kenya’s Treasury Principal Secretary recently informed the parliamentary committee on Public Debt and Privatization that Kenya Airways (KQ) owes Tsavo Lenders a staggering Ksh 120.15 billion (USD 924.2 million). The airline entered into this loan agreement on March 26, 2014, to finance the acquisition of six Boeing 787-8 aircraft, one Genx engine, and a Boeing 777-300ER. The financing package, comprising both senior and junior facilities, was initially provided by Citibank N.A. and J.P. Morgan, before being transferred to Premier Export Funding Corporation, with guarantees from the US Exim Bank.

Meanwhile, Mozambique’s flag carrier, LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES, reported earnings of 3.7 billion meticais (€52 million) in the first half of this year. The airline transported 330,000 passengers across domestic, regional, and intercontinental routes during this period, falling short of the projected 500,000 passengers. During this time, FMA, a South African management firm, uncovered schemes to embezzle funds at LAM, with losses amounting to nearly €3 million through fraudulent activities in ticket shops and unauthorized payment terminals.

Kenya Airways is currently engaged in government-to-government negotiations to recover over KES 1.5 billion (USD 11.6 million) trapped in Ethiopia due to foreign exchange restrictions. This issue mirrors similar challenges KQ faced in Nigeria, where currency restrictions were eased earlier this year. Notably, nearly half of KQ’s revenue comes from African routes, making the resolution of such currency issues critical for the airline’s operations.

In South Africa, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has terminated its contract with French technology firm IDEMIA. The firm was responsible for implementing a biometric and digital identity system at South African airports, including Automated Border Control (ABC), e-Gates, and a single token system. The project, valued at R115 million, was intended to enhance the passenger experience but has now been halted.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents

A Ceiba International flight, operated by a 2014-built Boeing 737-800 leased from Ethiopian Airlines, experienced a runway excursion after landing at Malabo International Airport (SSG/FGSL) in Equatorial Guinea. Despite the incident, all passengers and crew were unharmed, and no fatalities were reported.

In another incident, a Royal Air Maroc (RAM) flight AT220 from Casablanca to New York had to make an unexpected return just 30 minutes after takeoff on Sunday, August 25, 2024. The reason? A crack appeared on the cockpit window. Prioritizing safety, the crew made the decision to return to Mohammed V International Airport, where the aircraft landed without further incident.

Meanwhile, EGYPTAIR flight MS887, a routine service between Cairo and Douala, made an emergency landing in Kufra, Libya, under extraordinary circumstances. The Boeing 737-800 diverted to Kufra when a pregnant passenger went into labor and gave birth mid-flight. Both mother and baby were safely transferred to a local hospital in Kufra, where they are reported to be doing well.

In other news:

Last week, the Tanzanian Parliament passed a pivotal bill transforming the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) into a fully autonomous agency. This move comes in response to TAA’s struggle to operate independently since its establishment under Gazette Notice No. 404 in 1999. The new legislation aims to tackle the challenges TAA has faced in managing, developing, and operating the country’s airports, empowering the agency to better fulfill its responsibilities.

Ethiopian Airlines‘ in-flight magazine, Selamta, has earned a prestigious nomination for Africa’s Leading In-Flight Magazine 2024 at the World Travel Awards. Selamta will compete for the title against other top contenders, including Austral by TAAG-Linhas Aereas de Angola, Horus by Egyptair, Indico by LAM Mozambique, Msafiri by Kenya Airways, and RAM Magazine by Royal Air Maroc.

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Uganda Airlines celebrated its fifth anniversary in the skies. The airline’s inaugural flight took off from Entebbe to Nairobi, Kenya, and currently, Uganda Airlines proudly serves over 15 destinations across Africa and beyond.