African Aviation Trails

This edition features Kenya's proposed liberalisation of international air access to boost tourism, Nigeria's continued expansion of its airline sector through the certification of new carriers and renewed focus on private-sector-led aviation development, AirMuj's strategy to establish a pan-African cargo network following its Gabon AOC, and Uganda's planned separation of aviation regulatory and airport management functions to align with international best practices. The report also examines major cargo and logistics initiatives, fleet and network expansion plans, and government policies designed to improve aviation competitiveness, enhance trade facilitation, attract investment, and accelerate the sustainable growth of Africa's air transport industry.

TAAG Angola Airlines has secured EASA approval to operate its Boeing 787-9 into EUROPE, supporting its long-haul expansion across key markets including BRAZIL and CHINA. Air Peace has received approval from BRAZIL to launch scheduled services, advancing plans for direct Nigeria–Brazil connectivity. ESWATINI has introduced new ICAO-aligned aviation training regulations, while Uganda is reviewing multiple new airline licence applications amid rising demand. Canada’s AJW Technique has also obtained AMO certification in SOUTH AFRICA, strengthening its regional MRO footprint.

This edition features Tunisia's certification of Cargo Wings Express as a new cargo airline, regulatory enforcement actions by Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority and the grounding of Max Air's domestic operations, Mozambique's accession to ICAO's Public Key Directory to strengthen aviation security, and Ghana's proposed meteorological governance reforms. The report also examines the implications of Ethiopian Airlines' decision to introduce U.S. dollar ticket payments in Sudan amid the country's ongoing economic crisis. Collectively, these developments underscore Africa's continued focus on strengthening aviation oversight, enhancing cargo and border security, improving regulatory compliance, and addressing the operational and financial challenges facing the continent's air transport sector.

This edition features Ethiopia's ratification of new bilateral air services agreements to expand international connectivity, liberalise cargo operations, and strengthen its position as Africa's leading aviation hub. It also covers Kenya's proposed helicopter flight duty regulations aimed at enhancing operational safety through improved fatigue management, and Namibia's progress towards potentially re-establishing a national airline following the completion of a feasibility study for the proposed Namibia Air project. Together, these developments reflect the continent's continued commitment to strengthening aviation governance, improving safety standards, expanding international air transport cooperation, and supporting sustainable long-term growth in the aviation sector.

This edition features the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority's temporary "No-Pay-No-Service" directive targeting airlines with outstanding regulatory debts, underscoring the importance of financial compliance and sustainable sector governance, alongside Eswatini Air's introduction of stricter passenger travel documentation requirements to strengthen immigration compliance and border security. Together, these developments reflect the growing emphasis by African aviation authorities and airlines on enhancing regulatory oversight, operational accountability, and compliance with international aviation and immigration standards.