Introduction.

The African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC convened its 35th Ordinary Plenary Session and held the 25th celebration of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from September 25 to 29, 2024. This key event brought together high-profile participants, including the International Civil Aviation Organization Secretary-General, leaders of African civil aviation authorities, and international partners. Discussions focused on critical aviation issues in Africa, progress on AFCAC’s initiatives, and challenges faced across various domains. A pivotal moment was the election of the new AFCAC Bureau and the formulation of Africa’s strategic position for the 42nd ICAO Assembly, scheduled for 2025 in Montreal, Canada. This assembly aims to align Africa’s aviation strategies with global trends, emphasizing regional growth and international cooperation.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) achieved a significant environmental milestone by securing Level 3 certification in the ACI World – Airports Council International‘s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Programme for four major airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport (MIA), Eldoret International Airport (EIA), and Kisumu International Airport (KIA). The certification highlights KAA’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint through optimization and stakeholder engagement. With a vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and Net-Zero emissions by 2050, KAA continues to demonstrate leadership in sustainable aviation practices, setting a benchmark for airports across Africa.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the African Union have unveiled the latest Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), highlighting the state of regional integration through visa policies. The report reveals that only 28% of intra-African travel is visa-free, with 25% equiring visas on arrival. Alarmingly, a substantial 47% of travelers must secure visas via e-visa systems or embassy applications. Encouragingly, the adoption of e-visas has surged, with 26 African countries now offering them, up from fewer than 10 a few years ago. Leading the way in visa liberalization, Benin, Seychelles, Gambia, and Rwanda allow visa-free access to all African nationals, setting benchmarks for fostering intra-African connectivity.

A report by Oxford Economics Africa provides a promising outlook for the South African Airways (SAA) Group, projecting a dramatic economic impact over the next five years. The airline’s Gross Value Added (GVA) is forecast to more than triple, growing from R9.1 billion in 2023/24 to R32.6 billion by 2029/30. Additionally, SAA’s operations are expected to support 86,700 jobs by 2029/30, a significant increase from the current 25,000 jobs. Fiscal revenues generated by the airline will rise from R1.1 billion to R4.4 billion, while its contribution to tourism will escalate from R1.7 billion to R8.9 billion. SAA’s trade impact, valued at R300 million in 2023/24, is anticipated to quadruple to R1.2 billion by the end of the decade, underscoring the airline’s role in driving economic growth and connectivity.

Meanwhile, the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri, Anambra, Nigeria, has reported remarkable milestones since commencing operations in December 2021. Over 400,000 passengers have been transported across 7,000 flights. The airport boasts a departure hall capacity of 400 passengers, an arrival hall for 600 passengers, and parking for 750 cars, meeting ICAO facilitation standards. Its 3.7-kilometer runway, the second longest in Nigeria, is complemented by a 45-meter width, making it suitable for larger aircraft. Installation of an airfield lighting system is underway to facilitate night flight operations, further enhancing the airport’s capacity to serve as a key regional aviation hub.

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

Egypt‘s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, recently met with Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Cairo, Deyan Katratchev, to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation in civil aviation. Discussions focused on revising the existing air transport agreement between the two nations, potentially paving the way for improved connectivity. Bulgaria also expressed interest in initiating direct flights to Egypt’s key tourist destinations, signaling a move to boost tourism and economic ties.

Kenya Airways has strengthened its partnership with China Eastern Airlines Global by renewing their codeshare agreement. This renewal underscores Kenya Airways’ commitment to facilitating seamless travel between Africa and China, offering passengers broader access to destinations across both continents.

In Madagascar, Emirates has appointed APG Network as its General Sales Agent (GSA), following the airline’s launch of a four-times-weekly service connecting Dubai and Antananarivo via Seychelles. This development is poised to enhance travel connectivity to and from Madagascar, benefiting travelers and trade alike.

Swissport Kenya has announced a new partnership with AirAsia X at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Swissport will provide comprehensive ground handling services, including cargo operations, passenger assistance, ramp handling, and security, supporting AirAsia X’s operations and reinforcing JKIA’s role as a regional aviation hub.

EGYPTAIR CARGO has entered a strategic partnership with Asiana Airlines, positioning itself as a premier provider of storage and handling services for Asiana’s cargo operations at its Cairo complex. This collaboration highlights EgyptAir Cargo’s capabilities in managing global freight efficiently.

Celebi Aviation, a Turkish ground-handling company, has secured a major contract with Turkish Airlines in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Starting December 1, 2024, Çelebi will provide ground support and passenger services for Turkish Airlines’ nine weekly flights at Julius Nyerere International Airport, marking a significant expansion of its African operations.

In the aerospace consulting and communications sphere, Hi-Fly Marketing and Plane Talking have formed an alliance to cater to Africa’s burgeoning civil aviation sector. Hi-Fly brings expertise in commercial strategy, marketing, and talent management, while Plane Talking specializes in public relations, strategy, and crisis communications. This partnership aims to deliver comprehensive solutions to meet the sector’s evolving needs.

Routes and Airline Connectivity.

Ethiopian Airlines resumed passenger flights to Monrovia, Liberia, on November 30, 2024, reinstating a vital connection that had been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline now operates this route thrice weekly, reinforcing its expansive network across West Africa. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines has enhanced its service to Rome and Athens, adding three weekly flights to each destination starting December 1 and 3, respectively. The airline also boosted its flights to Kigali, Rwanda, with 21 weekly services from December 1. To strengthen transcontinental connectivity, Ethiopian Airlines has increased its Addis Ababa-New York route to daily flights from December 1, up from the previous four times weekly schedule.

AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED resumed its operations to South Africa on November 30, 2024, after a five-year hiatus due to the impounding of its Airbus A220-300 in Johannesburg in 2019. The route will now operate five times weekly, offering connections on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Air Algérie announced the resumption of flights between Algiers and Bamako, Mali, starting December 2, 2024. The route had been suspended in September following the closure of Malian airspace, and its revival marks a significant step in reconnecting Algeria with West Africa.

AJet, a Turkish low-cost carrier, is set to launch direct flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya to Algerian cities including Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. Beginning December 25, 2024, these routes will strengthen tourism and business links between Turkey and Algeria.

Etihad, in line with its ambitious 2025 growth strategy, has unveiled plans for 10 new direct routes, including services to Algiers and Tunis. Flights to Tunis will begin on November 1, 2025, operating thrice weekly with the Airbus A321LR, while services to Algiers will commence on November 7, 2025, operating four times weekly.

flydubai is set to launch a new seasonal route to Al Alamein, Egypt, beginning June 21, 2025, and running until September 7, 2025. This will be the first direct service between Dubai and Al Alamein, expanding travel options to Egypt’s northern coast.

Eurowings, Lufthansa Group’s value carrier, has introduced new winter routes for 2024/25, including direct flights from Düsseldorf, Germany to Cairo. The twice-weekly service aims to enhance connectivity between Germany and Egypt.

Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to launch direct flights between London Gatwick and Kumasi Prempeh I International Airport (PIA). The inaugural flight on December 3, 2024, will mark Kumasi’s first direct connection to Europe, a milestone for Ghana’s aviation sector.

Air Arabia Maroc has expanded its domestic operations in Morocco, introducing new routes connecting Rabat to Oujda and Nador starting January 9, 2025. These flights will operate three times a week, enhancing domestic travel options in Morocco.

Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.

Uganda Airlines has bolstered its fleet by acquiring a 9.3-year-old Airbus A320-200, registered as OY-RUY, on a short-term lease from Danish Air Transport (DAT). This strategic move aims to support the airline’s winter schedule by enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 174 passengers.

Astral Aviation Ltd, based in Nairobi, has expanded its cargo capabilities with the addition of a Boeing 737-400F, registered as 5Y-JSK, from Avmax Group. This aircraft replaces the airline’s retired DC-9F, which served Astral for an impressive 15 years (2009–2024). The fleet upgrade aligns with the carrier’s restructuring strategy, supporting its focus on modern, efficient freighter operations to cater to Africa’s growing air cargo market.

United Nigeria Airlines has reintroduced an Airbus Aircraft A320-200, registered LZ-FSA, into its fleet under a new lease agreement with Fly2Sky Airlines. This aircraft, which had been previously leased by the airline from October 2023 to March 2024, has a 14.7-year history and offers seating for 150 passengers in a two-class configuration (12 business and 138 economy).

Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has entered into a lease agreement for four Boeing 737-800 aircraft from AirExplore, a Slovakian airline. Each aircraft is configured with 189 all-economy seats, significantly enhancing the airline’s capacity.

Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.

Lanseria International Airport in South Africa has introduced an innovative automated boarding gate system named “Tap and Fly.” This system, a first for domestic travel in South Africa, is designed to streamline passenger boarding processes and elevate customer experience. The gates utilize cutting-edge technology to reduce boarding times and enhance operational efficiency, providing travelers with a seamless journey from check-in to departure.

Swissport, a global leader in airport ground services, has secured a 10-year license from ONDA (Morocco’s airport authority) to operate Aspire Executive Lounges across 11 airports in Morocco. These lounges, located at Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Laayoune, Marrakech, Nador, Oujda, Rabat, and Tangier, are set to redefine airport hospitality with their premium facilities. Scheduled to open starting April 2025, the lounges aim to enhance traveler comfort with tailored services and world-class amenities, aligning with Swissport’s vision of providing superior airport experiences globally.

Emirates Airlines has launched its refreshed travel retail concept, “Emirates World,” in Casablanca, marking its debut in North Africa. Spanning an impressive 534 square meters, the Casablanca outlet is the largest Emirates World store globally. Located on the upscale Franklin Roosevelt Boulevard, the store combines expert travel consultation with smart technologies, offering customers personalized travel advice and destination insights.

The IBL Group , a Mauritius-based conglomerate, has announced its intention to join Run Air, a consortium holding a majority stake in AIR AUSTRAL. With a €3 million financial contribution, IBL supports a €15 million fundraising effort aimed at revitalizing the airline, which has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move aligns with the IBL Group’s “Beyond Borders” expansion strategy, strengthening its footprint in the Indian Ocean region and showcasing its role as a significant economic player in the aviation sector.

People & Appointments.

Adefunke Adeyemi has been re-elected as the Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC during its 35th Ordinary Plenary Session held in Brazzaville, Congo, on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Her re-election underscores the confidence of AFCAC member states in her leadership, as she secured 22 votes against seven in a competitive election. Adeyemi’s tenure has been marked by her efforts to drive the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and enhance intra-African connectivity.

Rodger Foster, the long-serving CEO and Managing Director of Airlink, has announced his decision to step down on March 31, 2025, after nearly 33 years of leadership. Foster co-founded Airlink in 1992 with Barrie Webb and has been instrumental in transforming the airline into one of Africa’s leading regional carriers. Under his guidance, Airlink achieved numerous milestones, including its independent operational status post-SAA partnership and the expansion of its route network across Southern Africa. From April 1, 2025, de Villiers Engelbrecht, currently Airlink’s Chief Financial Officer, will take over as CEO.

The Ethiopian aviation sector has lost a visionary leader with the passing of Captain Mohamed Ahmed, a former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines and Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Captain Mohamed’s career spanned decades, during which he was pivotal in modernizing Ethiopian Airlines, steering it through challenging periods, and positioning it as a global aviation leader. His tenure at AFRAA further demonstrated his commitment to advancing African aviation, advocating for industry collaboration, and championing the continent’s interests on the global stage.

David Martin Hassan, a towering figure in South Sudan’s aviation industry, passed away at 71 years old on Sunday. Starting his career in aviation with Sudan Airways in 1985, Hassan played a pivotal role in South Sudan’s aviation development after the country’s independence. Hassan held various key positions, including Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport and head of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, and most recently served as the ministry’s technical advisor.

In other news:

Several international cargo carriers, including Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Magma Aviation, have reduced their freight services to Kenya, prioritizing more profitable routes during the festive season. This shift has strained Kenya’s export of flowers and fresh produce to Europe, a sector heavily reliant on air cargo. Currently, freight charges for routes from Asia to the US fetch as much as $8 per kilogram, compared to just $2.5-$2.8 per kilogram for Kenya’s exports to Europe, making the latter less attractive to operators.

In a significant move to boost tourism, the Ghana Tourism Authority has introduced a Non-Pre-Approval Visa policy for visitors between December 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. This policy is part of Ghana’s 10-year “Beyond the Return” initiative, aimed at attracting global visitors and fostering a deeper connection with the African diaspora. The directive, issued on November 28, 2024, by Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Ghana’s Minister of Transport, requires all airlines operating in Ghana to promptly update their systems to reflect the new visa policy.

At the World Travel Awards ceremony in Madeira, TAP Air Portugal was once again crowned World’s Best Airline to Africa and South America, marking its seventh consecutive victory in these categories. TAP currently operates 80 weekly flights from Lisbon and Porto to key African destinations such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Morocco, Senegal, Gambia, and Ghana, reflecting its strong network connectivity.

Meanwhile, Air Seychelles was celebrated as the World’s Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean for the second year in a row. The airline’s consistent excellence reinforces its position as a vital connector to the Indian Ocean region, with award-winning services highly regarded by global travelers.

At the 35th AFCAC Ordinary Plenary Session in Brazzaville, Ethiopian Airlines received accolades for its exemplary leadership and its position as the airline with the most intra-Africa routes during the 2022-2024 triennium. Adding to Ethiopia’s aviation achievements, Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa was acknowledged as the airport with the highest volume of intra-African traffic over the same period.