(Posted 05th August 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged African governments to prioritize aviation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and regional connectivity, highlighting its $75 billion contribution to the continent’s GDP and support for over 8.1 million jobs. With the sector projected to grow 4.1% annually and double by 2044, IATA outlined three critical areas for action: improving aviation safety through stronger implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization standards and timely accident reporting; reducing excessive taxes and charges, which are 15% higher than the global average; and urgently addressing the $1 billion in blocked airline revenues across 26 African countries, which hinder connectivity and investment. IATA also emphasized the importance of the CORSIA emissions scheme, with 20 African states participating, and encouraged broader support to prevent fragmented carbon policies and attract climate finance. These recommendations are central to IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, launched in 2023, which aims to enhance safety, affordability, and access across the continent’s aviation landscape.
Conferences & Events
From July 28 to August 1, 2025, N’Djamena, Chad hosted a key statutory session of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), bringing together aviation leaders from 19 member states. The session began with technical and preparatory meetings, followed by the 155th Board of Directors session on July 30, which focused on financial oversight, human resources, and system upgrades. The high point was the 75th Ministerial Committee session on August 1, where Chad’s Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, was elected chair for a one-year term. She pledged to strengthen collaboration, address challenges in safety, digitalization, and infrastructure, and steer ASECNA toward modernization and resilience.
AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.
After a 34-year absence, the Somali government has officially announced the revival of Somali Airlines, the national flag carrier. The announcement was made in Mogadishu by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohammad Farrah Nuh, who confirmed plans to acquire two Airbus Aircraft A320 from Lema Air Group. Established in 1964 with support from Italy’s Alitalia Società Aerea Italiana S.p.A., Somali Airlines once operated a broad network spanning Europe and West Africa. However, operations came to a halt in 1991 following the outbreak of civil war, which also led to Somalia losing control of its airspace. The airspace remained under ICAO management from Nairobi until 2023, when authority was successfully restored to Mogadishu.
On July 31, 2025, the Guinean government, in collaboration with Gewan Africa, officially launched a $20 million joint venture aimed at reviving the defunct national carrier, Air Guinée, which ceased operations in 2002. Abandoning earlier revival attempts—such as the China International Fund-backed “Air Guinée International” project initiated in the early 2010s—the new initiative will focus on leasing aircraft, likely ATR 72s or Embraer jets, to establish regional connectivity across West Africa. Technical support is expected from China’s AVIC and potentially Moroccan aviation experts. The revival strategy also includes plans for a virtual interline agreement with Royal Air Maroc to connect passengers to Europe via Casablanca.
the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) unveiled a draft version of the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations aimed at strengthening aviation safety oversight and aligning Nigeria’s investigative processes with international best practices. Presented during a multimodal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, the revised draft incorporates modern technologies such as AI-driven analytics and improved flight data processing, while also streamlining evidence collection and incident response protocols. The NSIB emphasized that the regulations reflect extensive stakeholder engagement, drawing insights from airlines, regulators, emergency responders, and global standards like those of ICAO. The new aviation regulations are expected to bolster transparency, operational efficiency, and public trust in Nigeria’s air safety system, while also contributing to a broader framework for intermodal transport safety.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
In June 2025, Africa’s air passenger demand remained relatively stagnant compared to global trends, reflecting ongoing structural and competitive challenges according to IATA. African airlines experienced a marginal 0.3% year-on-year decline in international demand, with capacity rising only slightly by 0.3%. The region’s load factor fell to 74.6%, the lowest among all regions, suggesting underutilization of capacity and potential pressure from more dominant players. In contrast, regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America saw robust growth in international traffic—7.2% and 9.3% respectively—while Africa lagged far behind. The global average demand grew by 2.6%, driven by strong domestic and regional recoveries elsewhere, despite broader geopolitical disruptions. Africa’s limited market share (2.2% of global RPK) and exposure to competition from European and Middle Eastern carriers, which offer greater connectivity and frequencies, may have constrained its growth.
In June 2025, Africa’s air cargo demand increased by 3.9% year-on-year, outpacing the global growth rate of 0.8%, according to IATA. However, this growth was uneven compared to other regions. Africa’s performance contrasts sharply with Asia-Pacific, which led globally with a 9.0% rise in demand, and Latin America, which saw a 3.5% increase. Meanwhile, North America experienced an 8.3% decline, and the Middle East saw a 3.2% drop due to ongoing geopolitical disruptions. Africa‘s available cargo capacity rose by 6.2%, but the cargo load factor declined by 0.9 percentage points to 42.1%, indicating underutilized capacity. On key trade lanes, air freight volumes between Africa and Asia fell by 4.8%, highlighting weakening demand on this corridor. Despite its modest 2% share of global air cargo, Africa’s resilient performance reflects growing intra-African and regional trade, although it still lags behind the high-volume Asia-Pacific and Europe corridors.
Despite notable improvements in aviation safety, Africa continues to lag in aligning with global air safety standards. As of mid-2025, only 12 out of 48 sub-Saharan African countries have met the revised ICAO Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) implementation threshold of 75%, falling below both the global average of 69.16% and ICAO’s target. While the continent recorded no fatal jet aircraft accidents and achieved a historic low all-accident rate of 6.38 per million sectors in 2023, the 2024 rate rose to 10.59—the highest of any region globally. Runway excursions and landing gear incidents remain the most frequent accident types, with turboprop aircraft involved in around 40% of all cases.
Morocco’s aerospace sector has demonstrated sustained growth, with exports reaching MAD 14.13 billion (approx. $1.41 billion) in the first half of 2025 — an 8.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Office des Changes. This growth was primarily driven by the Assembly and Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) segments, which saw respective increases of MAD 728 million ($72.8 million) and MAD 427 million ($42.7 million). Over the past decade, the sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, with total aeronautical exports surging by 244%, from MAD 7.69 billion ($769 million) in 2014 to MAD 26.44 billion ($2.64 billion) in 2024 — translating to an average annual growth rate of approximately 13%. The Assembly segment alone experienced a 360% increase over the same period, with exports rising from MAD 3.73 billion ($373 million) in 2014 to MAD 17.2 billion ($1.72 billion) in 2024, underscoring its pivotal role in Morocco’s aerospace industrial success.
In the first half of the year, Tunisia welcomed over 4.3 million international visitors—an 11% increase from 2024—while tourism revenues exceeded 3 billion dinars (about USD1 billion), making it the country’s top foreign currency earner. This recovery is attributed to improved traveler confidence, enhanced air connectivity with Europe, and effective promotional campaigns. Tunisia’s 2025 strategy aims to attract over 11 million tourists by expanding offerings beyond traditional beach holidays to include health, cultural, and eco-tourism, supported by partnerships with airlines and travel firms. The country continues to appeal to European travelers as well as visitors from Algeria and Libya, building on its strong 2024 performance of 10.25 million foreign arrivals.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Earlier in July 17, 2025, Air Sierra Leone announced that it has signed a global interline agreement with Hahnair, integrating the airline into Hahn Air’s network of over 350 partner carriers. This strategic move enables travel agents worldwide to issue Air Sierra Leone tickets using the 6L code under Hahn Air’s HR-169 insolvency-protected platform through leading Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Amadeus, Sabre Corporation, and Travelport. The partnership improves global visibility and reach for Air Sierra Leone, allowing travelers to book seamlessly across various markets. The airline, based in Freetown, currently operates direct international flights including Freetown–London and Freetown–Lagos, with future routes planned.
On 28 July 2025, Kenya Airways and AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dar es Salaam to enhance cooperation and connectivity across East and Southern Africa. The partnership focuses on joint initiatives in human resource training, crew development, engineering and maintenance (MRO), cargo logistics, safety protocols, and technical innovation. Both airlines aim to foster collaboration over competition, improve operational efficiency, and support economic growth, trade, and tourism in line with the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agenda. Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized the MoU as a step toward regional capacity building, while Air Tanzania CEO Peter Ulanga hailed it as a milestone in broadening the airline’s African footprint. The agreement is expected to improve passenger and cargo services, open new trade routes, and strengthen the regional aviation ecosystem.
EGYPTAIR, through its tourism arm Karnak, has signed a cooperation protocol with Egypt’s official Islamic advisory body, Dar al-Ifta, to enhance travel and tourism services for religious and cultural events. The partnership includes airline ticket reservations, airport reception, event organization, and support for Hajj and Umrah travel. EgyptAir will serve as the official carrier for Dar al-Ifta, including its upcoming international conference in August. The collaboration reflects EgyptAir’s broader strategy to support national institutions and improve logistics for large-scale religious and scholarly gatherings, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a hub for Islamic discourse and cultural exchange.
EGYPTAIR and Samsung Electronics Egypt have launched a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing customer experiences and expanding e-commerce opportunities in Egypt. Announced during a signing ceremony at EgyptAir’s headquarters, the collaboration offers exclusive travel benefits, including discounts of up to 50% on EgyptAir tickets and the possibility of complimentary flights when purchasing select Samsung products via Samsung’s official online store. Key representatives from both companies emphasized the partnership’s role in merging travel and technology, with EgyptAir highlighting its intent to leverage Samsung’s AI expertise in future phases of the collaboration.
EGYPTAIR and Rolls-Royce are currently engaged in negotiations to establish a strategic partnership focused on aircraft engine maintenance and upgrades. The discussions center around the maintenance of Rolls-Royce’s Trent 700 engines, which power EgyptAir’s fleet of 11 Airbus A330 aircraft, and the Trent 1000 engines used on its eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This potential collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency, fleet reliability, and technical capabilities through advanced maintenance services and possible engine upgrade programs. While the agreement is still under discussion, the initiative reflects EgyptAir’s commitment to modernizing its operations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its fleet through partnerships with global aerospace leaders.
Effective August 1, 2025, Emirates will expand its codeshare agreement with Airlink to include three additional regional routes from Johannesburg: Beira (Mozambique), Livingstone, and Ndola (both in Zambia), enhancing connectivity for passengers traveling to and from Southern Africa. In a similar move, Air France will gradually extend its own codeshare with Airlink starting October 26, adding several strategic leisure and safari destinations from Cape Town, including Hoedspruit, Maun, Skukuza, Upington, and Victoria Falls. These expansions reflect growing collaboration between global and regional carriers to improve travel access across key African tourism and business corridors.
On July 29, 2025, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) publicly committed to a strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to tackle corruption in Nigeria’s aviation sector. During a meeting in Abuja attended by ICPC Chair Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu and NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, Aliyu called for a multi-stakeholder approach and proposed a joint corruption prevention roundtable as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership. The collaboration is focused on strengthening NCAA’s anti-corruption framework—enhancing whistleblower protection, bolstering its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), reviewing internal processes, and supporting the development of a Sector Code of Ethics for aviation entities.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On August 2, 2025, ASKY AIRLINES officially launched its new route from Lomé to Nouakchott, Mauritania, making it the airline’s 30th destination. The inaugural flight, which departed Lomé at 13:30 with a stop in Conakry, landed in Nouakchott at 18:13, and was warmly received by Mauritanian authorities. Led by CEO Esayas HAILU, the ASKY delegation highlighted the significance of this route in enhancing intra-African connectivity, offering Mauritanian travelers seamless access to key African cities such as Nairobi, Luanda, Johannesburg, Brazzaville, Cotonou, and Libreville. The route will operate three times a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Lomé, and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from Nouakchott.
On July 25, 2025, Royal Air Maroc operated a landmark direct flight from Dakhla in the Western Sahara to Los Angeles, symbolizing Morocco’s growing role in the global film industry. The flight carried the crew of “The Odyssey,” a major Hollywood production directed by Christopher Nolan, following the completion of filming in Dakhla’s stunning landscapes. This transatlantic connection highlights Morocco’s capacity to support large-scale productions, offering world-class infrastructure, logistics, and a diverse natural environment attractive to international filmmakers. The collaboration between Royal Air Maroc, local authorities, and Moroccan technicians reinforces Morocco’s ambition to become a strategic hub for global entertainment, bridging Africa, Europe, and the Americas while positioning Dakhla as a promising destination for future film shoots.
Transavia has announced the launch of a new seasonal route connecting Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Oujda in northeastern Morocco, beginning December 10, 2025. The service will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, using an Airbus Aircraft A321neo with a capacity of 232 seats. The route will initially run until January 11, 2026, and resume again from February 4 to March 8, strategically timed to coincide with school holidays and peak travel periods. This new connection responds to strong demand from the Moroccan diaspora in the Netherlands, particularly those with family ties in the Oujda region. Transavia highlighted the cultural and social importance of the route, which aims to enhance travel convenience for families and strengthen links between Europe and North Africa.
South African Airways (SAA) will launch a new direct route between Cape Town and Mauritius starting Tuesday, 9 December 2025 — correcting earlier reports of a November start — in a move aimed at enhancing regional connectivity for travellers in the Western Cape and boosting tourism between southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. The service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Outbound flights will depart Cape Town at 09:25 AM and arrive in Mauritius at 4:30 PM, with a flight duration of approximately five hours. Return flights will leave Mauritius at 5:20 PM, landing in Cape Town at 9:30 PM. From mid-January to mid-March 2026, the frequency will be reduced to twice weekly due to seasonal travel patterns.
Air Algérie has announced the resumption of direct flights between Algiers and Beirut, Lebanon starting August 14, 2025, following a year-long suspension due to regional security concerns. The decision, made during a high-level summit between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Algiers, reflects renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Sundays and Thursdays, with tickets already available through its website, mobile app, and sales offices. To mark the relaunch, Air Algérie is offering a special promotional fare of 67,680 DZD (approximately USD 570) for round-trip bookings made by August 7, valid for travel through October 25, 2025.
Air Algérie will also resume direct flights to Budapest, Hungary, on 29 October 2025, after a five-year suspension, marking a strategic move in its European expansion. The new triangular route—Algiers–Budapest–Vienna–Algiers—will operate twice weekly using a Boeing 737-700, with departures from Algiers at 10:30 a.m. and returns by 7:00 p.m. This relaunch reconnects Algeria with Central Europe and makes Air Algérie one of the few African carriers with direct flights to Hungary. Originally launched in 2016, the route faced interruptions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A350-1000, registered ET-BAZ, marking a significant milestone as the first African carrier to operate this advanced widebody jet. Delivered in August 2025 and ferried from Toulouse via Djibouti to Addis Ababa, the aircraft features 46 business class and 349 economy class seats, powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The delivery also debuts the airline’s refreshed livery, symbolizing its vision for the future of flight and further cementing its status as a leading long-haul operator in Africa.
On 30 July 2025, a brand-new ATR 42-600 aircraft, registered TR-LKA and named “Mayumba,” was delivered and ferried from Toulouse (TLS) via Tamanrasset (TMR) to Libreville (LBV). Although officially operated by Afrijet Business Service, the aircraft will also serve Fly Gabon, reflecting a shared operational arrangement between the two Gabonese carriers. The aircraft strengthens regional connectivity within Central Africa and enhances the fleet modernization efforts of both airlines.
Nigeria’s Air Peace Limited has converted three of the five Embraer E175 aircraft it ordered in September 2023 into the larger, more efficient E195-E2 model, increasing its total firm orders for the E195-E2 to 16, with five already delivered and 11 still on backlog. This strategic move aligns with the airline’s fleet modernization plan aimed at enhancing capacity and operational efficiency across domestic and regional routes. The E195-E2, offering up to 146 seats compared to the 88-seat E175, delivers significant fuel savings and improved economics. However, as of late July 2025, four of the five delivered E195-E2s remained grounded due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, with only one aircraft (5N-BYH) operational. To mitigate the resulting capacity gap, Air Peace leased additional aircraft, including an E190 (5N-CER) from DAE Capital and an E195 (5N-CEF) from Regional One, although one remains under maintenance in Lagos.
On July 23, 2025, RwandAir Ltd expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, previously operated by Malaysia Airlines, as part of its broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and fleet modernization. A second 737-800 is expected later in the year, which will bring the airline’s total of this aircraft type to eight. The new aircraft is being deployed on high-demand intra-African routes from Kigali, increasing seat capacity and improving connectivity across East, West, and Southern Africa. This expansion supports RwandAir’s goal of positioning Kigali as a strategic transit hub, while also boosting its cargo capabilities through the use of 737 freighters.
Flag carrier LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES has launched a tender for the short-term wet lease of up to five aircraft, as part of its urgent efforts to scale up capacity and restore operational efficiency amid growing national and regional demand. Announced on August 2, 2025, the tender is open to both national and international companies and will remain active until August 22, 2025. The airline is targeting increased activity tied to mega-projects in Mozambique’s electricity, oil and gas, and tourism sectors, with the leased aircraft expected to include crew, maintenance, and insurance under a wet lease arrangement. The move is a key step in LAM’s ongoing restructuring strategy, following years of financial and operational instability.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
On August 1, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a landmark ?987 billion (approx. USD?2.1?billion) infrastructure package aimed at modernizing airports across the country, with funding drawn from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. Announced by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the centerpiece of the plan is the complete overhaul of Terminal 1 at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport—budgeted at ?712.26 billion (approx. USD?1.53?billion) and awarded to CCECC —set to be rebuilt from its structural frame over 22 months. Additional upgrades include ?46.39 billion (approx. USD?100?million) for runway and taxiway rehabilitation at Kano Airport, ?42.14 billion (approx. USD?90.6?million) for similar works at Port Harcourt, and a ?49.9 billion (approx. USD?107.3?million) security enhancement for Lagos Airport featuring a new perimeter fence, surveillance systems, and patrol roads. A ?24.3 billion (approx. USD?52.2?million) expansion of the Lagos domestic apron will also be undertaken over 17.5 months. Furthermore, the FEC approved a 30-year PPP concession model for Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, signaling a strategic move to attract private investment into aviation infrastructure.
Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated a modern, global-standard airport in Wollo Kombolcha, located in north-central Ethiopia. The facility, costing over €12 million, features a new 3,500 sq. meter passenger terminal, VIP terminal, rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir, parking, and access roads. The launch was attended by Amhara Regional State President Arega Kebede, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, and government officials. The upgraded airport enhances domestic connectivity, including direct flights between Kombolcha and Bahirdar. Ethiopian Airlines continues investing in domestic airport infrastructure as part of its Vision 2035 strategy to become a top 20 global airline and promote regional socioeconomic development.
The namibia airports company (NAC) officially announced on July 29, 2025, during a high-level briefing in Windhoek, that it will embark on extensive infrastructure upgrades across its network of eight airports, following a strong financial performance in the 2023/24 fiscal year. NAC posted a post-tax profit of N$40.8 million (approx. USD?2.3 million), more than doubling its previous year’s earnings of N$19.4 million, as passenger traffic rebounded to 92% of pre-COVID levels. Key projects include the construction of Terminal 3 at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA), apron expansions, and enhancements to VIP lounges. Additional upgrades are planned at regional airports including Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, and Ondangwa, focusing on runway rehabilitation and terminal improvements. Sustainability investments include solar power installations at HKIA, Eros, and Ondangwa airports valued at N$9.5 million (~USD?540,000). Furthermore, N$28.8 million (~USD?1.64 million) has been allocated for feasibility studies to guide future airport development, in line with Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions and long-term tourism and logistics goals.
Senegal’s Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is positioning itself as a key trade and connectivity hub in West Africa with plans to construct a new freight terminal capable of handling 80,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2028. Construction is set to begin in 2026 as part of the broader national “Vision 2050” strategy. The facility will include specialized infrastructure for perishable and pharmaceutical goods and will be integrated with Senegal’s expanding road network, rail link (Train Express Régional), and the new DP World deep-water port at Ndayane. Backed by €300 million in financing secured in March 2024, the cargo terminal aims to more than double the current freight capacity of 39,922 tonnes and attract regional and international logistics players. The project is also tied to efforts to implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which could significantly boost cargo and passenger volumes at DSS if regulatory and connectivity challenges are overcome.
On 31 July 2025, the President of Seychelles, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, led a high-level technical visit to Seychelles International Airport as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s primary international gateway. Accompanied by Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Transport Minister Antony Derjacques, and key stakeholders including officials from the Seychelles Airports Authority, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Finance, and infrastructure planners, the visit aimed to assess the current infrastructure and discuss proposed redevelopment plans. The delegation toured critical areas such as the arrival and departure lounges, baggage claim, customs, immigration, airline offices, and car hire zones to identify spatial constraints and explore cost-effective, sustainable design improvements. President Ramkalawan emphasised the importance of creating a modern and functional facility that meets international standards while aligning with Seychelles’ financial realities as a small island developing state.
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has terminated its controversial revenue assurance contract with Evatex Logistics Limited, a subsidiary linked to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), amid an ongoing investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The contract, signed on December 4, 2024, and terminated effective August 27, 2025, allowed for cancellation with a month’s written notice. Evatex was engaged to audit revenues at Kotoka International Airport and was to be paid 15% of any additional revenue recovered beyond historical averages. However, GACL’s internal audit found no evidence of revenue concealment, and no payments had been made to Evatex. The termination comes as the OSP investigates potential procurement irregularities, including non-competitive tendering, questionable corporate links, and governance failures tied to the previous GACL board.
Also, Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has also successfully reclaimed over 16 acres of prime airport land from the McDan Group following a ruling by the Accra High Court on May 6, 2025. The land, located adjacent to Kotoka International Airport, was repossessed after GACL sued McDan Aviation for breaching lease terms and failing to pay outstanding ground rent amounting to US$26,296. The court granted GACL full re-entry and possession of the properties, awarded GH?50,000 (approximately USD 4,000) in legal costs, and imposed a perpetual injunction restraining McDan from interfering with the land. This legal victory comes amid earlier disputes, including McDan’s suspension from operating at Terminal 1 due to prior unpaid debts.
People/Appointments.
Effective 1 August, Emirates has announced new appointments of UAE National commercial leaders impacting several African markets. Salem Almana, previously Regional Manager for Pakistan, has been appointed as Country Manager for Ghana, while Omar Bushlaibi, who currently oversees Zambia, will take on additional interim responsibilities for Zimbabwe following the reassignment of Talal Al Gergawi to Bangladesh. These changes are part of Emirates’ outstation managers programme aimed at enhancing Emirati leadership experience and fostering stronger engagement with local stakeholders across its network, including key African destinations.
On July 29, 2025, the National Airports Office (ONDA) announced the appointment of two new directors as part of its strategic vision to modernize and transform Moroccan airports. Abdelhalim El Karimi was appointed Director of Air Navigation, leveraging his 14 years of experience within ONDA, including his previous role as Head of the Information Systems Department. His new assignment focuses on positioning air navigation as a driver of sovereignty, safety, and innovation. Additionally, Hicham Rahil was named Director of Airport Operations. Rahil, who holds a PhD in applied mathematics and has received training in air traffic control, brings extensive operational experience from managing key airports in the national network. He will be tasked with leading the transformation of airport services to align with international standards.
The Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) has taken a significant step toward enhancing regional aviation safety governance by officially establishing its first Board of Directors. This milestone was marked during BAGAIA’s 12th Commission Meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria. The new board is chaired by Colonel Lawrence R. Jarra of The Gambia and vice-chaired by Dominic Rodrigues of Cape Verde. It comprises the heads of air accident investigation bureaus from BAGAIA’s seven member states: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Guinea. The formation of the board is expected to strengthen coordination, independence, and oversight in air accident investigations across West Africa.
Madagascar‘s President Andry Rajoelina dismissed Transport and Meteorology Minister Valéry Ramonjavelo via presidential decree No. 2025?812, following a scandal involving the unauthorized registration of five Boeing 777-200ER aircraft that were later transferred to Iran, raising concerns about violations of international sanctions. Reports allege that Ramonjavelo directed the Civil Aviation Authority (ACM) to issue provisional registration and airworthiness certificates for the aircraft without informing the President or Prime Minister. Former ACM board chair Rinah Rakotomanga accused the minister of misleading the public by suggesting the aircraft were part of Air Madagascar’s relaunch. The government moved quickly to contain the fallout ahead of the SADC Secretariat summit and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) negotiations, with Prime Minister Christian Ntsay assuming interim responsibility for the ministry. Investigations are ongoing and may involve charges of corruption or falsification, as the administration distances itself from the incident to maintain international credibility.
On July 31, 2025, aviation unions in Nigeria issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, demanding the immediate implementation of a new salary structure for workers under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The unions expressed frustration that, despite concluding negotiations with NAMA management over eight months ago, the agreed salary adjustments remain unimplemented. Signed by the General Secretaries of four major aviation unions, the letter warned that failure to resolve the issue by August 7 would result in a nationwide withdrawal of services by NAMA workers, potentially disrupting aviation operations. The unions also noted that their members have repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction through official channels.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Prof. Patricia Mawuli Porter OBE DL, Ghana’s first female civilian pilot and the first Black African woman certified to build Rotax aircraft engines, has been named a finalist for the 2025 African Genius Awards in recognition of her transformative work in aviation and STEM empowerment. Born in Ghana’s Volta Region, she began her aviation journey after volunteering at a rural airstrip, later founding the Aviation and Technology Academy to train underprivileged girls. Now based in Wales, she leads the Fafali Aircraft project, developing inclusive, fuel-efficient planes tailored for African physiques and terrain.
Lawsuits/Investigations.
Airlines operating within the COMESA ( Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa) region are under investigation by the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) over failure to refund passengers for flights cancelled during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. The CCC has invited affected passengers from its 21 member states—including Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda—to file complaints if they were denied refunds or compensation for unused tickets. The probe targets several major carriers such as Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, EGYPTAIR, TUNISAIR, RwandAir Ltd , Malawi Airlines Limited, Zambia Airways 2014 , and Uganda Airlines. The Commission suspects some airlines may have violated consumer protection laws by relying on restrictive or unclear booking terms to avoid issuing refunds, potentially breaching Article 27 of the COMESA Competition Regulations. The CCC is also examining whether these carriers engaged in misleading or exploitative practices, such as using ambiguous language or pressuring customers into accepting unfair terms.
A Kenyan logistics firm, Transglobal, has lost a longstanding contract with Emirates Airlines for handling cargo and passenger services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), following a legal battle over the termination of their agreement. Emirates, which had partnered with Transglobal since around 2006, sought to end the contract as part of a strategic shift toward in-house operations under its subsidiary, Emirates Logistics. The High Court of Kenya ruled in favor of Emirates on July 29, 2025, stating that the airline is entitled to terminate the agreement provided it gives a 60-day notice. This move aligns with Emirates’ broader regional expansion, including the development of warehousing and distribution facilities at Kenya’s Tatu City Special Economic Zone. The decision marks a significant transition in airport ground operations at JKIA and highlights the growing trend of vertical integration by major international carriers—raising concerns among local logistics firms about reduced market opportunities and the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving aviation logistics environment.
Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chair of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), is under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over the controversial award of a revenue assurance contract between GACL and Evatex Logistics, a company linked to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The contract, signed on December 4, 2024, reportedly bypassed competitive procurement and guaranteed Evatex 16% of any revenue increase beyond a three-year baseline, regardless of whether the uplift was due to its efforts. Adom-Otchere, alongside two others—GACL’s Commercial Services Head, Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, CEO of Devnest Systems—was invited for questioning and initially detained on July 31, 2025, after failing to meet bail conditions that required landed property as surety. He later secured his release on August 1, 2025, after a revised bail arrangement was brokered with assistance from the Jospong Group.
Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) has initiated legal proceedings against Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) following the termination of its hold baggage screening (HBS) contract, triggered by a security incident involving training grenades on a flight to Ethiopia. ACS, which has provided baggage screening services on behalf of airlines for over two decades under the regulatory mandate of CATS 121.07.38, argues that outdated equipment—whose upgrade requests were allegedly blocked by ACSA—contributed to the breach. The dispute, now before the Gauteng High Court, centers on longstanding tensions regarding legal responsibility for HBS services, with ACS insisting it operates on behalf of carriers, while ACSA claims sole regulatory accountability as the licensed aerodrome operator.
Earlier on July 3, 2025, a U.S. federal court ruled in favor of Menzies Aviation Middle East & Africa SA, enforcing a 2013 arbitration award issued by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), which ordered the Republic of Niger to pay approximately USD?$7.6 million. The case stemmed from a 2010 incident in which Niger unilaterally terminated Menzies’ ground-handling concession at Niamey International Airport and seized its assets, prompting Menzies and its local partner, AHS Niger, to file for arbitration. The ICSID tribunal found Niger’s actions unjustified, but the country failed to participate in both the arbitration and the U.S. court proceedings. As a result, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a default judgment, upholding the award, including accrued interest and costs. The ruling highlights the enforceability of investment treaty awards under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and marks a significant legal victory for private aviation service providers operating in Africa.
Aviation Accidents/Incidences.
On the morning of Monday, 28 July 2025, a Royal Moroccan Air Force Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet H crashed shortly after takeoff near Fès-Saïss Airport in Morocco. The military aircraft, which had departed from Meknes-Bassatine Airport en route to Fès-Saïss, was destroyed in the crash, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board. No other fatalities were reported.
In other news:
Morocco has unveiled a new airport identity as part of its 2030 strategy, aiming to transform its airports into strategic, connected, and attractive hubs aligned with national economic, tourism, and major event goals. The Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA) introduced a new logo that blends heritage symbols with a spirit of global openness, reflecting the country’s ambition to modernize infrastructure ahead of events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
On August 1, 2025, Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport experienced a major air traffic control system failure, specifically affecting the flight plan management module, leading to widespread disruptions. The outage resulted in significant delays, with approximately 242 flights impacted and at least six cancellations. Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) confirmed the issue and assured that all safety protocols remained in place during the disruption. The system was successfully restored later that same day, and efforts to clear the backlog commenced immediately
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