Introduction.

From October 15-16, 2024, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) hosted a regional workshop in Dakar, Senegal as part of its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). This workshop forms part of global efforts to reach the civil aviation industry’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Meanwhile, the 3rd African Aviation Innovation Summit 2024, organized by Kenya Airways in partnership with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), took place from October 17-18, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. Themed “Diversification: Reaching New Customer Segments,” the summit brought together industry stakeholders to address the critical challenges facing African aviation. It provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, urging airlines to adapt to shifting customer preferences and adopt innovations to ensure sustainable growth.

Additionally, from October 17-20, 2024, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) held its 54th Annual General Assembly (AGA) and conference at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl, South Africa. Hosted by FlySafair, the event focused on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Aviation.” During the AGA, Ms. Rasebotsa Lulu, CEO of Air Botswana, was elected as the new Chairperson of AASA for the next 12 months, with Prof. John Lamola, CEO of South African Airways, serving as Deputy Chairperson.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

A recent report by U.S.-based Energy Intelligence reveals that aviation jet fuel from Nigeria‘s Dangote Refinery now supplies about two-thirds of Nigeria’s aviation market and nearly half of West Africa’s jet fuel needs. Nigeria’s jet fuel imports have sharply decreased, from 13,000 barrels per day in 2023 (which covered the entire domestic demand) to just 5,000 barrels per day in 2024. Across West Africa, regional jet fuel imports from outside the region have fallen from 34,500 barrels per day in 2023 to 17,900 barrels per day in 2024. The Dangote Refinery, which has a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has been a key player in this shift.

Meanwhile, Nigeria‘s domestic aviation scene has been plagued by an increasing number of flight delays and cancellations. Passengers have reported delays of up to eight hours at airports, with minimal compensation despite provisions in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs). The on-time performance of Nigerian airlines has dropped to 62%, below the industry standard of 75%. In 2023 alone, Nigerian airlines recorded over 40,512 flight delays and 400 cancellations. This has sparked calls for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to restrict airlines with small fleets to a limited number of routes and daily landings to improve efficiency.

In a positive development, Nigeria‘s aviation industry saw its Cape Town Convention (CTC) Compliance Index score rise from 70.5% to 75.5%, moving the country into the “high category” and securing its removal from the Aviation Working Group’s (AWG) watchlist of non-compliant nations. This improvement follows the signing of Administrative Rules on Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorization (IDERA), reassuring global stakeholders of Nigeria’s commitment to aviation standards.

On the tourism front, Morocco is experiencing a record-breaking year, with over 13 million tourists visiting the country by the end of September 2024. This represents a 2 million increase compared to the same period in 2023. In September 2024 alone, Morocco welcomed 1.3 million tourists, a 33% jump from September 2023. Travel and tourism contributed $10 billion to Morocco’s GDP in 2023, making up 73% of the economy.

namibia airports company (NAC) has also reported passenger traffic increase, with 277,636 passengers recorded from April to June 2024, compared to 249,322 during the same period in 2023. Pre-COVID levels were slightly higher, with 308,652 passengers in 2019/20.

In Mozambique, Vilankulo International Airport has handled approximately 4,500 flights since January 2024, transporting over 60,000 passengers. With rising demand, Aeroportos de Moçambique, E.P. ’s Chair, Amelia Muendane, has suggested that the airport could achieve self-sustainability in the near future.

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

Zimbabwe and Türkiye have strengthened their transport ties by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering cooperation in transport and infrastructure development. The agreement was formalized by Zimbabwe‘s Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, in Türkiye last Wednesday. The MoU encourages collaboration between businesses in rail, road, and aviation sectors, with a specific focus on advancing air transport links between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian cabinet has approved a presidential draft resolution on a Regular Air Services Agreement with Oman. This agreement aims to establish a legal framework for air transport relations, enabling the operation of regular flights between Egypt and Oman, while ensuring fair opportunities for all involved airlines.

In Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a partnership with International Air Transport Association (IATA) to improve training and development for aviation professionals across the country. This initiative will help Nigerian aviation personnel gain the skills required to meet international standards and drive operational excellence within the industry.

Madagascar Airlines has teamed up with Travelport to integrate the global distribution systems Galileo and Travelport. This partnership will enhance Madagascar Airlines’ international visibility, making it easier for global travelers to access their services.

Kenya Airways has expanded its Asante loyalty program, allowing members to earn rewards with SkyTeam partner airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and SAS – Scandinavian Airlines. Asante members can now accumulate travel points faster, bringing them closer to valuable rewards simply by entering their membership number during booking or check-in.

In other diplomatic news, Mauritania and India signed multiple MoUs last Thursday, including agreements on diplomatic training and visa exemption, during President Droupadi Murmu’s official visit to Mauritania.

Lastly, EGYPTAIR has been announced as the official carrier for the upcoming Global Congress on Population Health and Human Development (PHDC 2024), further highlighting the airline’s role in supporting key international events.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) celebrated the launch of the first direct flight between Reykjavik, Iceland, and Marrakech, Morocco, operated by PLAY airlines . This new route, which commenced on October 17, is a major step forward in enhancing Morocco‘s global connectivity. It reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a top-tier global tourism destination.

In a move to bolster its aviation sector, Sierra Leone has announced the launch of its private airline, Air Sierra Leone. The airline will initially operate under a UK Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and is set to begin scheduled flights to London Gatwick on December 2, 2024, with a proposed thrice-weekly service. This marks a historic development, as it would be the first direct connection between the UK and Sierra Leone since British Airways halted flights to Freetown due to the pandemic.

After an 18-month absence, Ethiopian Airlines has resumed service to Port Sudan, Sudan marking it as the carrier’s 66th African destination. The inaugural flight ET348, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, establishes Port Sudan as Ethiopian’s second Sudanese destination alongside Khartoum.

MalaikAir, based in Accra, Ghana, is expanding its operations by launching flights between Lagos and Abuja in November. The airline’s CEO, Prince Richard N., hinted at further plans to connect to additional Nigerian cities, potentially including Asaba or Enugu.

Meanwhile, Air Botswana has indefinitely delayed the launch of its Gaborone-Windhoek-Durban service, which was scheduled for October 1. The delay stems from the late delivery of the aircraft designated for the route and ongoing procedures to add the new aircraft to its AOC.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Nouvelair Tunisia has taken delivery of its second Airbus A320neo from BOC Aviation, completing its A320neo pair with the aircraft bearing the MSN number 12308. With this addition, Nouvelair is gearing up for further fleet expansion, targeting a total of 15 aircraft by the third quarter of 2024. This growth strategy aims to accommodate increasing demand for air travel in Tunisia and expand the airline’s reach to new markets.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

The namibia airports company (NAC) has reported a highly successful financial year, with a profit after tax of N$40 million (approximately USD 2.4 million) for the 2023/2024 period. This achievement was announced during the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) with shareholders on September 30, 2024, in Windhoek. As part of its future plans, NAC is investing in airport infrastructure development, including the installation of solar PV plants at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), Eros, and Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo airports at a cost of N$9.5 million (around USD 542,000).

In Zimbabwe, the government has launched e-gates at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport as part of its initial rollout of an online border management system (OBMS). These e-gates are designed to streamline immigration processes by automating entry and exit procedures, providing faster, more efficient services to travelers while enhancing border security.

Nigerian billionaire Wisdom Kwati, CEO of Wisdom Kwati Group, has proposed a $5 billion investment to boost Sierra Leone’s real estate and aviation sectors. Kwati plans to expand Kwati Air, which recently launched its first commercial flight between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, with intentions to extend routes to other African countries. This proposal was presented to Sierra Leone‘s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

Nigeria‘s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced plans to concession five major international airports: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), Port Harcourt International Airport, Aminu Kano International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu). The concession process aims to improve efficiency and service delivery at these key aviation hubs.

In Kenya, lawmakers are revisiting the proposed merger of Kenya Airways with the country’s airport operator Kenya Airports Authority. The plan would consolidate the two entities into a single holding company called the Aviation Holding Company (AHC), designed to streamline operations and position Nairobi as a premier aviation hub in Africa.

Lastly, the Nigerian government has officially upgraded the Muhammadu Buhari Airport in Maiduguri, Borno State, to international status, with full international operations scheduled to commence on January 1, 2025.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents

A Delta-chartered Boeing 767 was forced to abort its takeoff on Saturday during a flight from Dakar, Senegal to New York, according to Senegal’s air transport ministry. During the takeoff phase, the aircraft experienced a technical issue, prompting an emergency stop. Fortunately, none of the 213 passengers were injured. The incident, which occurred at around 11:30 am GMT, resulted in the flight being postponed for further safety checks.

In South Africa, FlySafair, one of the country’s largest airlines, faced a major disruption on Wednesday due to a technical problem affecting its check-in and baggage sorting systems. This led to multiple flight delays, with frustrated passengers enduring long lines at OR Tambo International Airport.

In a separate series of incidents, a MAGNI GYRO SRL M-24 Orion gyrocopter tragically crashed in Louis Trichardt, Limpopo Province, claiming the life of the pilot. The aircraft had departed from Nelspruit Airport en route to Musina. Additionally, a Sling 2 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on Durban’s Beachwood Golf Course, resulting in the collapse of its nose gear. Fortunately, the pilot, who was the only person onboard, emerged unscathed.

In other news:

Brussels Airlines has appointed Daheru Mamman as the new Station Manager for Cameroon, effective October 1, 2024. With over 22 years of experience in the aviation industry, Mamman previously served as Station Manager at Nsimalen International Airport in Yaoundé, bringing a wealth of expertise to his new role.

In a major milestone, South Africa‘s FlySafair celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 16, 2024. Launched in 2014 with just two aircraft, the low-cost carrier has grown impressively, completing 260,000 flights and serving 40 million customers over the past decade. FlySafair now operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737-800s, serving 11 domestic destinations and three international routes: Mauritius, Harare, and Zanzibar. As a subsidiary of Safair, a company with roots dating back to 1965, FlySafair continues its mission to provide affordable air travel across South Africa and beyond.

In Nigeria, business aviation firm Vivajets Private Jet Charter is set to make a stylish splash at the Lagos Fashion Week from October 23-27, 2024. The company will unveil its new crew uniforms, designed by renowned Ivorian designer Loza Maléombho. The event, to be held at the Federal Palace Hotel & Casino in Victoria Island, will showcase the fusion of aviation and fashion in this exciting new collaboration.