African Pilot Magazine:

Air Freight & Air Cargo

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East. Photo credit © African pilot // Craig Dean

African Infrastructure & Projects, Air Connectivity, Air Freight & Air Cargo, Air Traffic, Aircraft Engines, Aircraft Leasing, Airports, Civil Aviation, Commercial & Air Travel, Manufacturing, MRO – Maintenance, Refurb & Overhaul, Regulatory, Safety

Africa Leads Global Aviation Growth, but Structural Constraints Continue to Undermine Sustainability

African aviation leads global passenger and cargo growth, but profitability, high costs, safety gaps and policy failures continue to undermine sustainability.

Air Cargo Demand Sets New Record in October, up 4.1%, Marking Eight Straight Months of Growth

Global air cargo demand rose 4.1% in October 2025, marking an eighth month of growth and a new volume record, with strong gains across key trade lanes.

Air Cargo - Photo Credit: © African Pilot // Craig Dean

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Air Cargo Demand Up 2.9% in September, Seventh Straight Month of Growth

Global air cargo demand rose 2.9% in September 2025, marking seven months of growth, led by strong performance in Africa and Asia, IATA reports.

Luanda Financing Summit: The World Bank’s Perspective on Closing Africa’s Aviation Infrastructure Gaps

The World Bank outlines its approach to addressing Africa’s aviation infrastructure gaps at the Luanda Financing Summit, highlighting financing needs, PPP opportunities, tax and fee reform and alignment with SAATM and Agenda 2063.

Jean-François Marteau, World Bank. Photo Credit ©African Pilot // Craig Dean

Rwanda’s Vision for Aviation Growth: Policy, Innovation and Openness Drive Integration

At the Luanda Financing Summit, Rwanda outlined how open policies, innovation and investment are driving sustainable aviation growth across Africa.

Dr Jimmy Gasore, Minister of Infrastructure of Rwanda. Photo Credit ©African Pilot // Craig Dean

SAATM: Morocco Highlights Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Integration at Luanda Finance Summit

At the Luanda Summit, Morocco outlined its long-term aviation vision focused on infrastructure, liberalisation, and regional integration under SAATM.

Adil Bahi, Director of Strategy, Management and Coordination of Transport at the Ministry of Transport and Logistics of the Kingdom of Morocco. Photo Credit ©African Pilot // Craig Dean

Rwanda’s Vision for Aviation Growth: Policy, Innovation and Openness Drive Integration

At the Luanda Financing Summit, Rwanda outlined how open policies, innovation and investment are driving sustainable aviation growth across Africa.

SAATM: Morocco Highlights Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Aviation Growth and Infrastructure Integration at Luanda Finance Summit

At the Luanda Summit, Morocco outlined its long-term aviation vision focused on infrastructure, liberalisation, and regional integration under SAATM.

Magma Aviation Highlights Growth Focus for 2026 and Beyond

Magma Aviation reveals its 2026 growth strategy, focusing on fleet expansion, new routes, and partnerships to strengthen its global cargo network.

TAA and TRC Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Air and Rail Transport Cooperation in the Country

The Tanzania Airports Authority and Tanzania Railways Corporation sign an MoU to integrate air and rail transport, boosting efficiency and connectivity.

Photo credit: Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA)

Air Cargo Resilience Continues: August Demand Up 4.1%

IATA highlights strong Africa–Asia trade lane performance.

Draft Airfreight Strategy for South Africa – Comments Invited

The Department of Transport has published South Africa’s Draft Airfreight Strategy under the Civil Aviation Act. Public comments are invited by 26 October 2025.

Air Cargo Resilience Continues: August Demand Up 4.1%

IATA highlights strong Africa–Asia trade lane performance.

Draft Airfreight Strategy for South Africa – Comments Invited

The Department of Transport has published South Africa’s Draft Airfreight Strategy under the Civil Aviation Act. Public comments are invited by 26 October 2025.

South Africa’s Draft Civil Aviation Policy Aims to Transform the Sector

South Africa’s draft aviation policy proposes major reforms to safety, regulation, and infrastructure—aiming to reshape the sector for long-term competitiveness.

Kenya Airways & Qatar Airways Ink An Exciting Strategic Partnership

Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways sign MoU for a strategic partnership, expanding codeshare, cargo, and connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

Ethiopian Expands Cargo Network in Asia with the Addition of Urumqi in China

Ethiopian Airlines cargo, Urumqi cargo flights, Africa Asia air freight, Ethiopian China cargo, Addis Ababa cargo hub, air cargo Africa, African airline logistics, Ethiopian Airlines network, aviation supply chain Africa, China Africa cargo corridor

May Air Cargo Demand Up 2.2% Despite Trade Disruptions

IATA reports a 2.2% rise in global air cargo demand in May 2025, with Africa down 2.1%. Asia–North America trade lanes saw double-digit decline.

IATA: Air Cargo Key to Supply Chain Resilience

At the 18th World Cargo Symposium, IATA reaffirmed the critical role of air cargo in global supply chains, calling for stronger safety, faster digitalisation, and sustainable aviation fuel support. The industry’s resilience depends on coordinated global action.

Rethinking Airfreight for Zambia’s Mining Heartland

Discover how direct airfreight routes to Ndola are transforming logistics in Zambia’s Copperbelt, improving supply chain efficiency for the mining sector and beyond.

Air Cargo Demand up 3.2% in January

The latest IATA report shows global air cargo demand increased by 3.2% in January 2025, marking 18 consecutive months of growth. Explore key insights on freight capacity, regional performance, and trade lane trends.

Qatar Airways Cargo Transports 25 Million Red Roses from Kenya for Valentine’s Day

Qatar Airways Cargo transported 1,600 tonnes of fresh-cut Kenyan red roses for Valentine’s Day, supporting Kenya’s floriculture sector and global flower trade. The airline’s Boeing 777 freighters ensured seamless transportation from Nairobi to Doha and Liège, reinforcing its role in Africa’s agribusiness economy.

Air Transport in Africa: Ways to Promote a Catching-up

Explore the AfDB’s latest study on air transport liberalisation in Africa, highlighting market access, connectivity, and the future of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).