Africa’s airlines show resilience in IATA’s 2025 outlook, with modest profit gains, rising demand, and bold moves from Ethiopian, Nigerian, and South African carriers.
Ethiopian Airlines has selected Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system for its upcoming Boeing 777X fleet, aiming to transform the passenger experience with 4K OLED displays, Bluetooth audio, and USB-C fast charging.
RwandAir launches its new 'RwandAir Holidays' platform, enabling passengers to book flights, accommodation, transfers, and local experiences in one place. The service reflects a growing trend in African aviation towards integrated travel solutions.
United Airlines launches its first-ever nonstop service between Dakar and Washington, D.C., operating three times weekly. This new route expands United's presence in Africa and offers travellers enhanced connectivity to the U.S. capital.
Ghana's Minister for Transport inaugurates a 10-member Task Force to lead the establishment of a new national airline, aiming to position the country as a strategic aviation hub in West Africa.
Emirates and Air Seychelles have signed a new codeshare agreement, enhancing connectivity between Mahé and Praslin Island. The partnership supports seamless travel and extends Emirates’ network reach across the Seychelles.
EGYPTAIR has partnered with SITA to modernise its network infrastructure with cloud-native, secure connectivity solutions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, resilience, and passenger service across its expanding regional and international network.
Ethiopian Airlines expands its partnership with GE Aerospace by selecting GEnx engines for 11 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft and reaffirms GE9X engines for eight Boeing 777-9s, supporting fleet modernisation and sustainability goals.
London Gatwick launches the only direct UK-Uganda service with Uganda Airlines flying to Entebbe, expanding African connectivity and boosting trade, tourism, and regional links.
Kenya Airways partners with IATA to pilot the Integrated Sustainability Programme (ISP), showcasing leadership in environmental and social responsibility within African aviation. The initiative introduces new standards in sustainable procurement, social engagement, and performance monitoring.
A new IATA report reveals aviation contributes Ksh425 billion to Kenya’s economy, supporting 460,000 jobs and transporting 380,000 tonnes of cargo. Released as Nairobi hosts the IATA Ground Handling Conference, the findings highlight Kenya’s role in driving African aviation growth.
Fastjet Zimbabwe has appointed APG Zambia as its official General Sales Agent, strengthening its presence in Zambia following the launch of the Harare–Lusaka route. The partnership aims to boost customer support and regional growth.
Qatar Airways introduces ultra-fast, complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi on Cape Town–Doha flights starting 1 June 2025, marking another milestone in its 20-year presence in South Africa and broader connectivity investment across the continent.
South African Airways confirms a major cyber incident affecting its systems, with digital forensic investigations underway and core operations restored. SAA assures customers of swift containment, regulatory compliance, and continued service reliability.
Ethiopian Airlines leads African aviation with a modern fleet, expansive network, and award-winning service. South African Airways is making a strong comeback with new aircraft and strategic reforms.
Ethiopian Aviation University celebrates the graduation of 974 students in the aviation and hospitality fields, marking a significant milestone in building skilled professionals across Africa and reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in aviation training.
Ascend Airways has operated the first direct flight between the UK and Sierra Leone in over a decade, restoring a vital air link with a new London Gatwick–Freetown route and supporting connectivity, tourism, and economic ties.
Dynon Avionics and Trig Avionics announce a strategic merger, bringing the European and U.S. avionics leaders together to expand innovation, product offerings, and global support for the general aviation community.
Enabel and Brussels Airlines have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen international cooperation in Africa, promoting knowledge exchange, sustainable tourism, vocational training, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
The AFRAA Q3 2024 Air Transport Report reveals global airline recovery and rising African airline performance. With passenger growth, improving connectivity, and strategic airport hubs, Africa’s aviation sector is poised for long-term expansion despite infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Bucher to supply advanced galley systems for its new Boeing 777-9 fleet. Announced at AIX Hamburg, the collaboration focuses on enhancing cabin functionality and passenger comfort through innovative interior solutions.
Kenya Airways becomes the first airline in Sub-Saharan Africa to launch NDC content through the Amadeus Travel Platform. This strategic move enhances the airline’s retailing capabilities and offers travel sellers improved access to personalised offers and dynamic content.
FlyAngola has expanded its service from Windhoek to Angola, offering six weekly flights to Benguela, Luanda, and Lubango. The expansion is part of the Air Connect Namibia initiative to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
Airlink has earned IATA’s IEnvA environmental certification, affirming its commitment to sustainability and wildlife protection, including compliance with the Buckingham Palace Declaration to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Embraer and Kenya Airways have signed an agreement under the ECIP programme to optimise inventory management and reduce operational costs for the airline’s E190 fleet, strengthening their long-term partnership.
Ethiopian Airlines has signed an MoU with Safran for Z400 economy class seats on eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The partnership supports enhanced passenger comfort, inflight entertainment, and sustainable fleet expansion.
Fastjet Zimbabwe, on 09 April 2025, successfully operated the inaugural Harare to Lusaka flight, connecting these vibrant cities with a thrice weekly flight available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fastjet deployed a 50-seater Embraer ERJ145 aircraft for this service. The aircraft type is known to provide the versatility to build a sustainable regional network with the…
Qatar Airways nears completion of its Boeing 777 Starlink WiFi rollout and will soon begin equipping Airbus A350 aircraft, including those flying to Durban and Cape Town, with high-speed inflight connectivity.
