Introduction.

fastjet Zimbabwe has reached a major milestone by securing the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration. This highly regarded certification underscores the airline’s dedication to upholding world-class safety and operational standards, placing Fastjet Zimbabwe among the global elite for safety and reliability.

Starting November 10, 2024, passenger flights will officially relocate to Angola’s new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). This modern facility will take over all domestic and international operations from the current 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, marking a significant step in Angola’s aviation expansion and infrastructure development.

The Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority has filed a lawsuit against Ethiopian Airlines, seeking $3 million in compensation for the loss of 450 pieces of luggage. Additionally, Eritrea is claiming $570,000 for unpaid services dating back 25 years. Ethiopian Airlines suspended its flights to Eritrea in early September, citing Eritrea’s alleged freezing of the airline’s bank accounts in Asmara.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

Algeria’s aviation industry has seen a remarkable boost in passenger traffic, handling 8.1 million passengers in just the first half of 2024—a 17.6% surge from last year, according to Transport Minister Mohamed El Habib Zahana. Speaking before the National People’s Assembly’s Transport and Telecommunications Committee on October 21, Zahana celebrated this upward trend, which follows a strong performance in 2023. Algeria’s air travel sector is clearly on a promising path, with demand soaring as the country strengthens its position in regional aviation.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is heading for a solid year, projecting passenger traffic to hit 7.5 million by the end of 2024—a 4.5% jump compared to 2023, according to a Ministry of Economy report. From January through April, RAM transported nearly 3.3 million passengers, marking a 2.7% year-over-year increase and maintaining a healthy load factor of 76%.

The report also highlighted a 5% revenue boost by April, with a net margin of 2.2%. In 2023, RAM transported 7.2 million passengers, reaching 96% of pre-pandemic traffic, despite a fleet 10% smaller than in 2019. This rebound brought a 42% rise in traffic and a 32% capacity boost over 2022 levels. Looking to the future, RAM plans to expand its fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037 and launch over 100 international routes and 46 domestic ones, underscoring its commitment to growth and connectivity across the globe.

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

Uzbekistan and Tanzania recently signed an agreement to launch direct passenger and cargo flights, marking a significant step to enhance tourism and trade between the two countries. The deal, formalized at the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) 2024 conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, allows for 21 weekly passenger flights, with additional routes planned for cargo transportation to strengthen economic ties.

Uganda also made strides at ICAN 2024, concluding new Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs), reviewing existing ones, and signing various Memoranda of Understanding. Highlights include an updated agreement with the United Kingdom, which granted Uganda Airlines access to London’s Gatwick Airport earlier this year, as well as with Qatar and Ethiopia. Uganda held inaugural negotiations with Latvia, opening doors for flights to northern Europe. Additional discussions with India, Botswana, Russia, and Malaysia (the latter two being first-time partners) culminated in a BASA signed with Oman. These developments bring Uganda’s BASAs to a total of 57 countries, including 26 across Africa.

Liberia is advancing its global aviation relations, securing new agreements at ICAN 2024. Liberia Civil Aviation Authority directorate signed an MoU with Malaysia to enhance aviation safety, security, and training initiatives. Agreements with Togo and Saudi Arabia were also entered, aimed at improving operational efficiency and expanding tourism and trade between the nations.

Meanwhile, EGYPTAIR renewed its ground services contract with Emirates Airlines at Cairo International Airport, supporting Emirates’ robust operation of 100 flights monthly from Cairo. This renewal underscores EgyptAir’s role as a vital partner for Emirates in maintaining smooth cargo and passenger operations at one of Africa’s busiest airports.

In Malawi, the Malawi Tourism Council (MTC) signed an MoU with the African Tourism Board, focusing on enhancing Malawi’s tourism visibility through sustainable practices. The partnership emphasizes capacity-building programs and aims to foster collaboration with key stakeholders, propelling Malawi’s tourism growth in Africa and beyond.

Nigeria’s National Association of Travel Agencies and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission signed a two-year agreement aimed at protecting travelers and travel industry operators from unfair practices, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to consumer rights within the travel sector.

Zambia Airways 2014 and the Zambia Motors Dealers Association inked an MoU to facilitate the smooth movement of members to South Africa and Tanzania. This partnership aligns with Zambia Airways’ broader strategy to foster regional trade and enhance transportation options.

African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) partnered with Ethiopian Airlines, designating it the official airline partner of the federation. This collaboration is aimed at elevating table tennis across Africa, as Ethiopian Airlines commits to supporting the sport on a continental scale.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Royal Jordanian Airlines has resumed its flights between Amman and Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport, restoring a key connection that had been dormant for a decade. The first flight took off on October 21, 2024, and the airline will now operate three flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, bridging Jordan and Libya once more.

In South Africa, FlySafair celebrated the launch of its first regional route from Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia, on October 22, 2024. This twice-weekly route, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, caters to the significant travel demand between the two countries, with South Africa contributing 46% of Namibia’s tourist arrivals in 2023.

Meanwhile, United Airlines made headlines with its historic new route from Newark, USA, to Marrakech, Morocco. The inaugural flight on October 25, 2024, marks United as the first U.S. carrier to serve the popular Moroccan city. The route operates three times a week on Boeing 767-300 aircraft, featuring United’s award-winning Polaris, Premium Plus business, and Premium Economy cabins, offering U.S. travelers seamless access to Marrakech’s cultural marvels.

Continuing its mission to connect the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines will resume flights to Monrovia, Liberia, on November 30, 2024. The restored service highlights Ethiopian’s dedication to fostering inter-African connectivity.

AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED will soon add another significant route, inaugurating a direct connection between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg on November 30, 2024. Scheduled five times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—the route launches with an introductory fare of $479, strengthening links between Tanzania and South Africa.

In the Indian Ocean, Air Mauritius has reintroduced its seasonal direct flights between Geneva and Mauritius for the 2024-2025 winter season. Starting from October 4, 2024, and continuing through April 28, 2025, these twice-weekly flights, serviced by the Airbus A330-900neo, will offer travelers convenient access to the island’s tropical appeal. The schedule adjusts slightly in November, December, and January, ensuring seamless service through the winter.

Finally, Air Arabia Egypt has announced a new route connecting Cairo and Kuwait, beginning on January 14, 2025. The three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays will be operated by Airbus Aircraft A320, providing a streamlined travel option for those commuting between Egypt and Kuwait.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

South African Airways(SAA) and SunExpress, the joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, are taking their partnership to new heights just in time for South Africa’s bustling summer travel season. Building on a successful first year of collaboration, SunExpress will now double its fleet commitment to SAA, providing four wet-leased Boeing 737-800s, complete with cockpit and maintenance crews, for a six-month period.

Starting this November, the additional aircraft will significantly boost SAA’s operational capacity, adding an average of 20 flights daily and a total of 134 weekly flights across three popular routes. This expansion aims to meet the seasonal surge in demand, offering travelers more options and helping SAA deliver a seamless, reliable experience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

The Nigerian Federal Government has greenlit Kogi State’s proposal to build a new international airport in Zariagi, as confirmed in an October 9 letter from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. This approval follows the state’s formal request in June and aims to create a regional hub serving ten states, easing congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja road. Under Governor Usman Ododo’s direction, the project is expected to drive economic growth and expedite regional connectivity.

In Uganda, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) unveiled two new advanced fire trucks at Entebbe International Airport on October 22, 2024. The ceremony, led by Minister of Works and Transport Gen Katumba Edward Wamala and UCAA Director General Fred Bamwesigye, underscores Uganda’s focus on bolstering airport safety and emergency response capabilities.

TEZ TOUR Egypt Egypt has announced plans for the country’s first sports-themed airline, enhancing tourism by offering unique in-flight experiences highlighting Egypt’s famous landmarks. This innovative airline aims to cater to travelers eager for a fusion of adventure, culture, and sport during their flights.

South African Airways (SAA) is grappling with repatriating over $50 million (R1 billion) trapped in Zimbabwe due to the country’s foreign exchange shortages. The issue has drawn the attention of South Africa’s Parliament and prompted pressure on both governments for a solution. Zimbabwe has proposed a plan allowing SAA to retain $9 million for in-country costs and repatriate the remaining funds at a rate of $1 million per quarter. To alleviate its financial strain, SAA is exploring loan options and may consider selling some of its valuable slots at London Heathrow.

Meanwhile, Egypt plans to open five major airports—Cairo International, Sphinx International, El Alamein International, Sharm El Sheikh International, and Hurghada International—to private sector management. The initiative, which will extend to Luxor and Aswan, intends to position Aswan as a hub for sub-Saharan flights. The government will retain ownership of these airports, with private involvement focusing solely on operations and commercial activities.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has introduced new consumer protection rules entitling passengers to compensation for delayed or lost luggage. Passengers on domestic flights can now claim N10,000 for missing luggage, while international passengers are eligible for $170. Airlines have 1–7 days to locate lost luggage on domestic flights and up to 21 days on international routes. In addition to compensating passengers, airlines will face a N5 million fine for non-compliance.

Additionally, Nigeria’s government is cracking down on unpaid import duties among private jet owners, following a customs verification exercise. Several prominent figures and commercial banks were flagged for evading duties, including a bank-owned Gulfstream Aerospace G650ER recently grounded in Lagos for an estimated N1.9 billion duty shortfalls. The government has now set a 30-day deadline for private jet owners to settle outstanding dues.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima’s planned trip to Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (running from October 21 to 26) was unexpectedly canceled after a foreign object struck his plane, damaging the cockpit windscreen during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York, as announced by the Nigerian presidency on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS flight 8U436, an Airbus A320-214, encountered an in-flight emergency on October 22. En route from Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport to Alexandria’s Borg El Arab Airport, smoke was detected in the cabin while cruising at FL350. The crew diverted safely to Tobruk Airport in Libya, where passengers disembarked without further incident.

In a tragic event on October 24, a helicopter registered as 5N-BQG and operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited, carrying senior officials from the @Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The helicopter, en route from Port Harcourt Military Base to an oil rig off Bonny Finima, reportedly faced adverse weather, leading to the accident. All eight people on board, including six NNPCL officials, the pilot, and the flight assistant, are feared to have perished.

Another tragic aviation incident took place on October 21 in the Darfur region of Sudan, where a 1981-built cargo Ilyushin Il-76 (registration ST-JAN) was shot down by the Rapid Support Forces amid the ongoing Sudanese civil war. The aircraft, previously operated by New Way Cargo Airlines, was downed in western Sudan, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board. Ownership of the aircraft remains uncertain amidst the ongoing conflict.

In other news:

FlyEgypt, the privately-owned airline based at Cairo International Airport, has found itself in turbulent waters as it attempts to wind down operations. Reports reveal that the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has intervened, denying the airline’s request to surrender its Air Operator Certificate (AoC) and deregister its aircraft due to outstanding financial obligations to both local and international creditors. This development highlights the airline’s precarious financial situation, preventing it from proceeding with its liquidation plans.

In a bid to enhance tourism, South Africa is set to simplify visa procedures for Indian and Chinese travelers with the introduction of a Trusted Tour Operators system starting in January, 2025. This innovative initiative aims to reduce visa-related burdens, making travel to South Africa more accessible. The long-term vision includes implementing electronic travel authorization for a paperless entry process, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a sought-after tourist destination.

Despite facing scrutiny from U.S. authorities regarding its founders, Air Peace Limited celebrated a significant milestone on October 24, 2024, marking its 10th anniversary. The airline, which received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2014, has steadily expanded its network across Africa, becoming a prominent player in the continent’s aviation landscape.

On another note, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) is revamping parking fees at Entebbe International Airport, with new charges set to take effect on November 1, 2024. The previous rates, unchanged since October 2009, will transition to a tiered pricing structure, with fees starting at USh 5,000 per hour for saloon cars, reaching up to USh 500,000 for any period exceeding 24 hours. Travelers are advised to check with UCAA for full details on the new pricing scheme.

In a separate incident, British low-cost carrier easyJet has ignited controversy in Morocco by publishing a map in its in-flight magazine that excludes Morocco’s southern provinces. This contentious portrayal has sparked outrage among Moroccan tourism professionals and social media users, who have rallied to demand that easyJet promptly rectify the map to accurately reflect Morocco’s complete territory. The airline, which operates numerous routes to the country, now faces significant backlash over what many are calling an “unacceptable error.”