EGYPT’S Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny and UKAmbassador Mark Bryson Richardson held talks in Cairo on strengthening bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, focusing on expanding investment, improving air connectivity, and deepening technical partnerships. The discussions highlighted priority areas such as aviation training, simulation technologies, human capacity development, and modernization of operational systems, with EGYPT seeking support from British aviation firms to upgrade infrastructure and improve service efficiency. The minister emphasized EGYPT’S broader strategy to attract high-quality investment, adopt advanced technologies, and position the country as a regional air transport hub through expanded collaboration and joint ventures. The UK side reaffirmed its commitment to supporting aviation cooperation to boost trade, tourism, and investment links, and also noted expectations for strong Egyptian participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 as well as support for the El Alamein International Airshow, both seen as key platforms for strengthening international industry partnerships.
Ethiopian Airlines Group is reportedly seeking a short-term fuel supply arrangement with SAUDI ARABIA to help mitigate exposure to volatile global jet fuel prices, which are increasingly affecting operating costs and profitability. The initiative is aimed at stabilising input costs and safeguarding the carrier’s large aircraft acquisition programme, valued at around $30 billion, as it continues to expand its fleet and international operations. The strategy reflects broader industry concerns over energy price volatility and highlights the airline’s efforts to secure more predictable and potentially cost-efficient fuel sourcing agreements to support long-term growth and financial resilience.
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIGERIA’S United Nigeria Airlines to establish a new national carrier, to be known as Air Bissau. The agreement outlines a joint venture structure in which United Nigeria Airlines will provide aircraft, financial investment, and operational and management expertise, while also supporting the training of local aviation personnel including pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance staff. The new airline is expected to operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau and will be designated as the country’s official flag carrier, granting it access to bilateral air service agreements to expand regional and international connectivity. In return, the Government of Guinea-Bissau will facilitate regulatory approvals, provide investment protections, and support infrastructure upgrades at the airport to enable operations. The partnership, effective for 18 months pending a definitive agreement, is positioned as a strategic move to strengthen West AFRICAN aviation integration and reduce reliance on foreign carriers.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have partnered to establish structured bursary programmes for Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) and Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEPs), aimed at strengthening technical capacity in air traffic management and aviation systems. Delivered through the ATNS Aviation Training Academy, the programmes combine classroom instruction, practical training, simulator-based exercises, and on-site validation in NAMIBIA, with the ATCO course running for 18 weeks and the ATSEP programme for 31 weeks. The training covers aerodrome control, radio telephony, aeronautical information management, and communication, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems in line with ICAO standards. A total of 13 candidates—nine ATCOs and four ATSEPs—are being trained to enhance regional aviation safety, efficiency, and compliance with international air traffic management requirements.
Air Senegal and Ethiopian Airlines have strengthened their strategic partnership through a new codeshare agreement aimed at expanding AFRICAN air connectivity and improving passenger access across key routes. The agreement allows Air Senegal to sell seats on Ethiopian Airlines flights, particularly between Dakar and Addis Ababa as well as Bamako and Addis Ababa, giving passengers improved access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive continental hub network. In return, Ethiopian Airlines will market Air Senegal-operated flights to several regional and international destinations, including Abidjan, Casablanca, Conakry, Banjul, Sal, and Paris. The partnership enhances network integration between West AFRICA and the wider continent, reinforcing Dakar’s ambition to serve as a leading regional aviation hub while supporting the broader goal of building a more connected and competitive AFRICAN air transport system.
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