ACMI in Africa: Insights from AviaDev panel
At AviaDev Africa 2025, aviation leaders discussed how ACMI leasing can help African airlines scale operations amid rising costs and supply chain constraints.
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Proflight Zambia Champions a Connected Continent
Proflight Zambia calls for aligned policies, infrastructure upgrades, and PPPs to drive air connectivity and unlock Africa’s regional aviation potential.
Kenya’s Safarilink to Acquire Six ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from AURA AERO
Safarilink Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with AURA AERO to acquire six ERA hybrid-electric aircraft. The 19-seater aircraft will support Safarilink’s transition to sustainable aviation and expand its eco-efficient safari and regional operations.
Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.
Ethiopian Airlines Secures Top Honours at SKYTRAX 2025
Ethiopian Airlines was crowned Best Airline in Africa for the eighth consecutive year at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, also winning in three additional categories including Best Business Class and Best Onboard Catering in Africa.
Reflecting on Kenya Airways in the Wake of Africa’s First IATA Ground Handling Conference
Kenya Airways hosted Africa’s first IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi, spotlighting its leadership in safety, training, and sustainability. The event reinforced the airline’s role in shaping ground handling standards and promoting aviation growth across the continent.
Kenya’s Safarilink to Acquire Six ERA Hybrid-Electric Aircraft from AURA AERO
Safarilink Airlines has signed a Letter of Intent with AURA AERO to acquire six ERA hybrid-electric aircraft. The 19-seater aircraft will support Safarilink’s transition to sustainable aviation and expand its eco-efficient safari and regional operations.
Airlink selects the Embraer E195-E2; plans to lease from Azorra
Airlink plans to lease 10 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft from Azorra to enhance its fleet efficiency, expand its sub-Saharan African network, and reduce emissions. Deliveries are expected between 2025 and 2027.
KlasJet Partners with Air Cairo to Strengthen Seasonal Air Connectivity
KlasJet has partnered with Air Cairo under an ACMI agreement to operate seasonal charter flights from Milan and Sharjah to Cairo. The collaboration enhances connectivity and supports Egypt’s growing tourism sector through the 2025 summer season.
Airbus A330-900neo “Aapravasi Ghat” Returns to Mauritius After an Extended Maintenance Visit
Air Mauritius’ Airbus A330-900neo, Aapravasi Ghat, has returned to Mauritius after a three-month maintenance visit in Naples, complete with a renewed Airworthiness Review Certificate and scheduled inspections before re-entering commercial service.
Mozambique Tops List Of Countries Blocking Airlines’ Funds
IATA reports $1.3 billion in airline funds blocked from repatriation as of April 2025, a 25% improvement from October 2024. Ten countries are responsible for 80% of the total.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Passenger Route to Sharjah, UAE
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah, UAE, expanding its Middle East network and reinforcing trade and tourism links between Africa and the Gulf region.
KlasJet Partners with Air Cairo to Strengthen Seasonal Air Connectivity
KlasJet has partnered with Air Cairo under an ACMI agreement to operate seasonal charter flights from Milan and Sharjah to Cairo. The collaboration enhances connectivity and supports Egypt’s growing tourism sector through the 2025 summer season.
Airbus A330-900neo “Aapravasi Ghat” Returns to Mauritius After an Extended Maintenance Visit
Air Mauritius’ Airbus A330-900neo, Aapravasi Ghat, has returned to Mauritius after a three-month maintenance visit in Naples, complete with a renewed Airworthiness Review Certificate and scheduled inspections before re-entering commercial service.
Kenya Airways goes live with NDC content in Amadeus
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 Increases Flights From Namibia
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 Achieves IATA Environmental Assessment Certification
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 Sign Collaborative Inventory Planning Agreement
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 selects Safran’s Z400 Economy seats for its B777-9 Aircraft
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 Operates Inaugural Harare-Lusaka Flights
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 Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade, Set to Expand to Airbus A350 this Month
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.
FlySafair Sees an Exodus of South African Pilots to Greener, More Well-Paying Pastures
FlySafair pilots, South African aviation, pilot exodus, airline pilot salaries, Solidarity trade union, aviation workforce crisis, FlySafair rostering system, pilot shortages 2024, pilot pay comparison, aviation careers South Africa, pilot migration trends
Parliamentary Committees Consider Inquiry into Anti-Competitive Practices in South Africa’s Low-Cost Airline Sector
South Africa’s Portfolio Committees on Trade, Industry and Competition, and Transport are considering a parliamentary inquiry into anti-competitive behaviour in the low-cost airline industry, focusing on overbookings, overpricing, and market dominance post-Covid.
Interministerial Meeting Addresses the Future of AIBD SA and Air Senegal SA
An interministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined strategic reforms to revitalise Air Senegal SA and AIBD SA. The plan includes debt clearance, audits, infrastructure upgrades, and new aviation policies aligned with Vision Senegal 2050.
Uganda Airlines’ First Direct Entebbe–London Gatwick Flight Set for 18 May 2025
Uganda Airlines will launch direct flights from Entebbe to London Gatwick on 18 May 2025, marking its first European route. The new service includes four weekly flights and benefits both passenger and cargo operations.
Flight Demand Increases International, Regional and Domestic Routes in South Africa
Flight demand is increasing across international, regional, and domestic routes in South Africa. With SAA expanding its African network, Airlink launching new routes, and international carriers boosting connectivity, the aviation sector is experiencing remarkable growth post-pandemic.
Namibia Plans to Revive Air Namibia
Namibia’s new government has announced plans to revive Air Namibia, four years after its liquidation. The move forms part of a broader aviation strategy, including airport upgrades and feasibility studies across the country.
A Flurry of Airlines Are Banning Power Banks Usage Globally. Is Africa Next?
A growing number of global airlines are banning or restricting power banks due to safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries. While African carriers have not yet followed suit, industry experts predict similar policies may be adopted soon to align with international safety standards.
SalamAir Launches Muscat to Nairobi Flights, Expanding African Network
SalamAir has launched its inaugural flight from Muscat to Nairobi, strengthening connectivity between Oman and Kenya. This new direct route enhances travel, trade, and tourism opportunities, supporting Oman Vision 2040.
