Introduction.

Nigeria Overland Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to safety and operational excellence by renewing its International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification for the fifth consecutive time. Since achieving its first IOSA certification in 2015, the airline has consistently met the rigorous standards, with renewals in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and now 2024, solidifying its reputation as a reliable carrier.

In another development, the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has officially certified Al-Alamein and Suhaj Airports as international airports. While both facilities have been hosting international flights, this formal recognition positions them as integral hubs within Egypt’s global aviation network, enhancing connectivity and operational stature.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

Private aviation accounted for at least 15.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2023, or about 3.6 tonnes per flight, representing 1.7–1.8% of commercial aviation’s CO2 output, according to Communication Earth & Environment. Over 80% of private aircraft are concentrated in six countries, with the U.S. leading at 68.7% of global registrations. Brazil follows with 927 aircraft (3.5%), trailed by Canada (770, 2.9%), Germany (630, 2.4%), Mexico (534, 2%), and the UK (522, 2%). Per capita, Malta leads with 46.5 aircraft per 100,000 residents, far outpacing the U.S. (5.5). In Africa, private aviation is limited, except in South Africa and Nigeria.

International airlines operating in Nigeria reported 18,955 cases of delayed or missing luggage from January to June 2024, causing frustration for passengers and raising concerns from consumer protection agencies. According to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority data, Air France had the highest number of cases, with 2,074 reports and 2,014 bags recovered, followed by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (1,938 cases, 1,871 bags found), and Royal Air Maroc (1,745 cases, 1,386 recovered). Other airlines with notable luggage issues include EGYPTAIR (1,850 cases, 1,706 found), Lufthansa (1,535 cases, 1,389 found), and British Airways (1,428 cases, 1,291 found). Kenya Airways recorded 1,346 cases and found 1,363 bags. Other airlines with significant delays include Delta Air Lines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and United Airlines.

Meanwhile, the TANZANIA CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY(TCAA) has successfully expanded radar coverage to 100% of the country’s airspace, up from just 25% in 2019, following a 67 billion TZS investment in new radar systems at four major airports. Tanzania has signed Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) with 85 countries, and 24 airlines now operate in the country, with 214 registered aircraft in service. In terms of safety, Tanzania ranked fourth in Africa in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) security audit, with an impressive 86.97% score in May 2023. The aviation sector’s contribution to Tanzania’s GDP has risen from 0.8% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2023, and aviation employment has grown by 47%, now supporting around 10,000 jobs.

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

On Wednesday, November 13, Rwanda and Poland signed a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), further strengthening their aviation ties. This agreement will pave the way for improved air connectivity between the two nations.

In addition, RwandAir Ltd has entered into a strategic partnership with Spain’s Euroairlines Group. This collaboration will allow the African carrier to sell tickets in over 60 global markets, significantly broadening its distribution network. Through this agreement, RwandAir gains access to Euroairlines’ extensive network of travel agencies, online travel agents (OTAs), and consolidators via its IATA Q4-291 plate.

Meanwhile, AirlinePros International SA has been appointed the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Norse Atlantic Airways. This comes after the airline launched its new Cape Town-London Gatwick route on October 29, marking its longest non-stop service to date.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

flyadeal has expanded its network with the launch of scheduled flights to the Egyptian port city of Sohag, marking a milestone on November 11, 2024. The inaugural flight, F3 777 from Jeddah, was met with a grand water salute at Sohag International Airport. On the same day, the airline also launched its first international scheduled flights from Madinah, connecting the holy city in Saudi Arabia with Cairo. These new routes bring flyadeal’s weekly frequencies from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam to Egypt from 39 to 44, all operated by its Airbus A320 family aircraft.

Meanwhile, Nigerian private carrier ValueJet has ventured into international airspace with the launch of its first international flight from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to Malabo, Equitorial Guinea on November 9, 2024.

In a significant move, AirAsia X (AAX) commenced direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Nairobi, Kenya, on November 15, 2024. Flight D7101, operated by an Airbus Aircraft A330-300, was welcomed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Industry, CS Rebecca Miano,EGH. This is AAX’s first route to mainland Africa and their longest flight to/from Kuala Lumpur. The airline will add around 154,000 seats annually, with four weekly rotations to Nairobi.

Fly Skyward Express, the Kenyan carrier, launched its inaugural flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on November 15, 2024. The airline will operate the route three times a week, aiming to cater to both business professionals and tourists.

Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir is expanding its reach into Africa, with new routes to Kenya and Somalia starting January 2025. Twice-weekly flights to Nairobi will begin on January 15, while Mogadishu will be connected starting January 16, 2025.

Polish airline Enter Air Sp. z o.o. has introduced a new weekly service between Katowice, Poland, and Ilha do Sal in the Cape Verde Islands, starting November 4, 2024. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 will serve this route until April 2025, meeting growing demand for leisure travel to Cape Verde’s stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

Despite the ongoing flight ban over Libyan airspace, ITA Airways has confirmed it will start direct scheduled flights between Rome and Tripoli on January 12, 2025. The route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline is boosting its offerings for Moroccan travelers with 3.7 million seats in its Summer 2025 schedule. The airline has partnered with the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) to introduce new direct flights connecting Dakhla, Morocco, to Madrid and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands starting January 2025. This partnership will double the capacity of Dakhla Airport, adding nearly 47,000 seats annually.

Proflight Zambia will launch a new route from Livingstone to Cape Town on December 1, 2024. This new service will operate twice a week with a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft. Proflight also offers direct flights from Lusaka to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.

Lastly, on routes development, South African carrier CemAir (Pty)Ltd will begin operating a new domestic route between Cape Town and George starting December 1, 2024.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Air Botswana has strengthened its regional connectivity with the addition of an Embraer E145 aircraft, leased under a wet lease agreement from West Air Aviation. The aircraft has already begun scheduled operations, boosting Air Botswana’s capacity and enhancing its ability to serve key routes within the region.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier, Congo Airways, has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered LY-BBN, from ACMI provider KlasJet. The aircraft, which arrived in Kinshasa on November 12, is designed to accommodate 174 passengers, including 12 in business class.

Libyan carrier FLY OYA has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a 22-year-old Boeing 777-200. The aircraft, registered 5A-GRS, was leased from Ghadames Airline and will enhance Fly Oya’s long-haul capabilities.

Aircraft Engine Lease Finance, Inc. (AELF) has recently completed financing for a 737-800 aircraft with South Africa’s Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (Nedbank CIB). This marks the second financing transaction AELF has secured in recent weeks, further supporting its ongoing 737-800 acquisition campaign.

Kenya’s Aerospace Consortium has added a 35.8-year-old Fokker 50 aircraft to its fleet. The 50-seat aircraft, now registered as 5Y-GMB in Kenya, was previously operated by Sweden’s Largus Aviation and has a rich history in Africa, having served in Angola with Sonangol and Sonair from the early 1990s to the 2010s.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced an ambitious plan to establish the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Company. This groundbreaking project, led by the state-owned Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company (ECHEM), is set to launch by 2025 with an investment of approximately USD 530 million (EGP 26 billion). The facility aims to produce 120,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually, potentially cutting carbon emissions by an impressive 400,000 tons each year—a significant step towards greener skies.

The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has officially initiated the process of registering Kabalega International Airport with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following a government decision to rename the airport from Kabale Airport. With construction now 95% complete, the airport is set to open its doors by September 2025, poised to handle heavy cargo flights and enhance Uganda’s aviation infrastructure.

In Mozambique, Maputo International Airport has launched state-of-the-art electronic gates (e-gates) to improve passenger flow and security. These new e-gates will allow passengers to move through the airport with minimal direct intervention from the National Migration Service (SENAMI), streamlining operations and helping to combat organized and transnational crime.

Meanwhile, ABL Aviation Morocco and Embraer have forged a strategic partnership aimed at supporting Embraer’s E-Jet E2 program. Announced during the International Marrakech Air Show in late October, the partnership includes a $400 million financing facility designed to facilitate E2 aircraft deliveries, parts procurement, and other tailored financing solutions to meet the needs of Embraer’s airline customers. This collaboration strengthens Morocco’s role in global aviation financing and innovation.

People & Appointments

Botswana’s newly inaugurated President has appointed Noah Salakae as the country’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, with Keoagile Atamelang joining as his assistant. Together, they will spearhead key initiatives to enhance the nation’s transportation and infrastructure landscape.

In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced on November 9, 2024, the appointment of Eng. Peter Rudolf Ulanga as the new CEO of AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED. Ulanga succeeds Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, who has retired, and is expected to lead the airline through its next phase of growth and innovation.

Meanwhile, Tunisia’s national carrier, TUNISAIR, is undergoing a major leadership reshuffle following a series of operational disruptions. On November 6, 2024, the Ministry of Transport dismissed several senior officials due to “serious violations.” In response, Halima Khawaja has been appointed as the new General Director, with a fresh leadership team in place. Key appointments include Ryadh Souheil at Tunisair Technics, Mohamed Ben Rajeb in the catering division, Hamza Louati in finance, and Amel Bourguiba overseeing communications. The overhaul aims to stabilize Tunisair’s operations and guide the airline toward a strong recovery.

In Egypt, Ayman Fawzy Arab, Chairman of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, was appointed on November 12 as a permanent member of the Airports Council International – ACI Africa (ACI) Board for Africa. Egypt, as a founding member of ACI Africa, continues to play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s aviation policies.

Air France-KLM has named Nadia Azale as General Manager for the North Africa, Sahel, and West Coast regions, effective October 1. Based in Casablanca, Azale will manage operations across 12 countries in North and West Africa, reinforcing the airline group’s commitment to the region.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has appointed Dr. Rose Chebet Koros as the new airport manager for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). With over a decade of experience at KAA, Koros steps into the role following her previous position as the airport operations manager, bringing a wealth of expertise to manage one of Africa’s busiest airports.

Aviation Accidents/Incidents

On November 14, 2024, an Air Peace Limited flight from Abuja to Lagos was delayed due to a bird strike that occurred before takeoff. Prioritizing passenger safety, the airline returned the aircraft to the ramp for inspection. Passengers were disembarked while a replacement aircraft was swiftly deployed, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a safe continuation of their journey.

In other news:

A U.S. passenger has filed a $5 million lawsuit against EGYPTAIR after suffering second-degree burns from hot tea spilled during turbulence on a flight from New York JFK to Cairo on February 18. In her court filing, the plaintiff claims EgyptAir’s cabin crew failed to warn passengers about the turbulence, and that her tray table was in poor condition, causing the cup to spill.

In other news, Ethiopia Cargo and Logistics Services, Africa’s leading air cargo operator, was recognized for the second consecutive year at the Arabian Cargo Awards in Dubai, where it was named “Best Cargo Airline in Africa.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to accountable managers, flight operations directors, and chief pilots regarding the practice of multiple airline operations. The NCAA emphasized that any involvement in such activities will be treated as a violation of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, as stated in a directive signed by acting DG Capt. Chris Najomo. The new rule prohibits licensed flight crews from engaging in Ad-Hoc Flight Operations for multiple airlines.