(Posted 11th September 2024)
Introduction.
Egypt recently hosted its inaugural International Air Show at El Alamein International Airport in El Dabaa, Matrouh. The event, opened by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, drew over 300 aviation and aerospace companies and agencies from around 100 countries and regions. This landmark airshow aims to “accelerate industrialization, digitalization, and globalization” across defense, space, and commercial aviation sectors in Africa and the Middle East. Alongside thrilling aerial displays, the show featured exhibitions of cutting-edge products and services, showcasing innovation across military and civil aviation industries.
Meanwhile, Zambia achieved an impressive 74.5% score in the International Civil Aviation Organization safety oversight audit conducted from August 21 to September 2, 2024, as part of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme’s Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA). This marks a significant improvement from the country’s 35.35% score in 2009. Zambia’s latest score surpasses both the Eastern and Southern Africa regional average of 60.71% and the global average of 69.4%, highlighting its remarkable progress in aviation safety.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
Morocco has welcomed an impressive 18.1 million air travelers in the first seven months of 2024, marking an 18.5% increase over the same period last year and a 14.8% surge in July alone. This figure already surpasses the total number of tourists for all of 2023 (14.5 million) and even exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 14.1 million in 2019. The country saw a 17.9% rise in international passenger arrivals and a 24.6% increase in domestic flights. Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport remains the top entry point, while Marrakech-Menara and Agadir-Al Massira Airports posted significant growth at 30.2% and 34.6%, respectively. Morocco’s recovery in European markets has been particularly robust, with seat numbers for Europe-Morocco flights expected to be 36% higher than in 2019. Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline leads the way, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the capacity growth in this market. Morocco aims to hit 26 million tourists by 2030, with its year-round demand and open skies agreements fueling continued expansion.
Globally, the number of grounded aircraft remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, with approximately 1,600 more planes in storage compared to 2019, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA). As of August 2024, 14% of the global fleet is grounded, with regional aircraft particularly affected due to pilot shortages, especially in North America, impacting CRJs and Embraer jets. Narrowbody aircraft face ongoing engine issues, affecting 635 planes, a 10.5% share of the total grounded fleet, up from 7.7% in 2019. Widebody aircraft storage rates have also risen, now at 12.1%, up from 7.5% in 2019, with older models like the Boeing 767, MD-11, and Boeing 747 expected to be retired soon.
According to OAG, low-cost carriers (LCCs) now operate one-third (33%) of all airline seats globally, despite representing only 15% of the total number of airlines. Since the pandemic, LCCs have increased their capacity by 13%, while legacy airlines have struggled to fully recover to 2019 levels.
In aircraft manufacturing news, August 2024 was a busy month for Airbus, which secured orders for 46 aircraft and delivered 47 planes to 32 customers. This brings Airbus’ total orders for 2024 to 432, with a net total of 413 after cancellations, and 447 deliveries to 75 customers. Notable orders include 30 A330-900s for Cathay Pacific, 10 A220-300s for airBaltic, and additional orders from private customers for the A350-900 and A320neo.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s) and Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING (M&E) and EGYPTAIR TRAINING ACADEMY have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus, expanding their collaboration in both aircraft maintenance and training. EgyptAir M&E will now offer an extended range of services for Airbus Aircraft, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, component repair, and technical support. Meanwhile, EgyptAir Training Academy will provide specialized training packages for the Airbus A350, marking a notable advancement in aviation training for the region.
In a separate agreement, EGYPTAIR Ground Services has inked a deal with Turkey’s AJet, a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, to deliver ground handling services at Egyptian airports. This partnership, finalized during the Egypt International Airshow 2024, was attended by key representatives from EgyptAir Holding Company, EgyptAir Ground Services, and IAB Vice Chairman Nevin Alish, representing AJet.
At the same event, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and EGYPTAIR TRAINING ACADEMY also signed an MoU to foster collaboration in training aviation professionals across Africa. This agreement aims to strengthen the skills and expertise of aviation personnel on the continent, further supporting AFRAA’s mission to boost the African aviation industry.
In a move to enhance diplomatic and economic ties, Tunisia and Nigeria are expected to launch direct flights by 2026. This development, highlighted by the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshen Antit, is anticipated to significantly improve business, political, and tourism interactions between the two countries. Currently, only three African airlines— Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, and EGYPTAIR —connect Tunisia and Nigeria, underscoring the importance of this new route.
RwandAir Ltd has announced a strategic partnership with Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA), enhancing connectivity across the African continent. The Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) between the two airlines will strengthen travel links between West Africa, Rwanda, and international destinations, offering smoother connections and shorter travel times for passengers.
In another significant development, Indonesia’s PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Indonesian Aerospace) signed a purchase agreement with SETDCO Group for five N219 Nurtanio aircraft, intended for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government. The deal was finalized during the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnership and the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024 in Nusa Dua, Bali, signaling deeper cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in aerospace.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On September 2, 2024, Lufthansa resumed its Munich to Johannesburg route after a 19-year hiatus. The inaugural flight, LH 578, was operated by a 293-seat Airbus A350-900 and will now fly three times a week, complementing the airline’s existing services between Frankfurt and Johannesburg.
Emirates celebrated its maiden flight to Antananarivo, Madagascar, on September 3, 2024. The flight, EK707, was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER with 360 seats and captained by Bruce Pope, with Malagasy first officer Solo Chuk. Upon landing at Ivato International Airport, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute. This new route will operate four times a week.
Fly Gabon, the newly established national airline of Gabon, officially launched operations on August 31, 2024, with its inaugural flight from Libreville to Port-Gentil. The flight was operated by an ATR72-600, registered as TR-LJT, marking a new chapter for Gabon’s aviation sector.
Virgin Atlantic has announced the addition of Accra, Ghana, to its network, resuming the route for the first time since 2013. The daily service will connect London-Heathrow (LHR) to Accra, using the airline’s 252-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
South African low-cost carrier FlySafair is gearing up to launch its first international route, connecting Cape Town International Airport to Windhoek, Namibia, starting October 22, 2024. The new service will operate twice a week, marking a significant milestone for the airline.
Zimbabwean low-cost carrier fastjet is set to increase its flights between Bulawayo and Johannesburg. Starting November 1, 2024, the airline will introduce additional midday return flights to OR Tambo International Airport, with services available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to and from Asmara, Eritrea. This suspension follows a July announcement by the Eritrean government and comes after Ethiopian Airlines’ unsuccessful efforts to resolve issues with the Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority, which had blocked the airline’s bank accounts in Asmara. Ethiopian Airlines had resumed operations between the two countries six years ago, after a 20-year break.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Kenya’s Fly Skyward Express has welcomed its first Dash 8-Q400, sourced from De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. The aircraft, formerly part of Horizon Airlines, underwent a full makeover under the OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. This addition is set to boost Skyward Express’ regional connectivity.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Aviation Ltd in Kenya celebrated 30 years of excellence with the introduction of the Cessna Aircraft Company Citation C680 Sovereign to its fleet. The new jet will strengthen the company’s premium executive charter services and intercontinental aeromedical operations, reinforcing its commitment to top-tier service.
TUNISAIR has enhanced its operations by securing a wet-leased Airbus A320 from Heston Airlines. This aircraft will play a crucial role in optimizing service to key destinations.
In Nigeria, Cross River State is preparing to bolster its aviation sector with the delivery of four Boeing aircraft in the coming weeks, aimed at expanding the fleet of Cally Air and improving air connectivity to and from Calabar. Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the acquisition of two Bombardier CRJ aircraft for Ibom Air during its August 2024 State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Pastor Umo Eno .
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
The Cameroon Airports Company – Aéroports Du cameroun has awarded contracts to two local companies for the fabrication, installation, and supervision of jet blast barriers at Douala International Airport’s cargo area. This CFA500 million (USD 800,000) project aims to enhance safety and is expected to be completed within four months.
Air Sénégal S.A has made significant progress in settling its debt with Carlyle Aviation Partners, an American leasing company. The airline has paid off USD 9.2 million of the USD 10 million owed for the lease of five aircraft, including two A319s and two A321s. This comes after a U.S. court had previously ordered the grounding of the rented planes, with Carlyle Aviation Partners applying pressure by threatening to involve insurance companies.
RwandAir Ltd has reported impressive revenue growth according to the Rwanda Fiscal Risk Statement (FRS). The airline’s total revenue surged by 82% to Rwf620.6 billion (USD 461 million) in 2023, up from Rwf341 billion (USD 253 million) in 2022. This marks a significant recovery from revenue drops in previous years: Rwf334 billion (USD 248 million) in 2019, Rwf300 billion (USD 223 million) in 2020, and Rwf271 billion (USD 200 million) in 2021. During this period, the Rwandan government supported the airline with grants totaling RWF745.3 billion (USD 555 million), steadily increasing from RWF131 billion (USD 98 million) in 2019 to RWF192.3 billion (USD 143 million) in 2023.
Air Sénégal S.A has reviewed its route network due to fleet limitations and unprofitable operations. Starting September 20, 2024, the airline will cease flights to New York, Barcelona, Marseille, Lyon, Douala, and Libreville, cutting its monthly operating costs by an average of 3.4 billion CFA francs. Notable cost reductions include 1.45 billion CFA francs for New York, 331 million for Douala, and 391 million for Libreville. This move is also expected to reduce ground handling expenses and flight crew downtime in these cities before returning to Dakar.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents
A Piper Aircraft PA-32RT-300T Turbo Lance II experienced an engine failure, leading to a forced belly landing on Ysterhout Street in Algoa Park, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Fortunately, all three occupants on board escaped without injury. However, the aircraft sustained significant damage and was declared a write-off.
In other news:
Nigerian airlines have lost their listing under the United States Federal Aviation Administration‘s Category One Status (USFAA CAT 1) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. This delisting stems from the fact that no Nigerian airline has operated direct flights to the U.S. for over two years. Currently, only Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Morocco, and South Africa remain on the FAA Category One list from Africa.
In other news, Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to participate in the 2024 Global Sustainable Flight Challenge, marking the airline’s involvement in SkyTeam Alliance’s third such initiative. Starting on Wednesday, September 4th, the airline will operate sustainable flights on key routes including Nairobi-New York (JFK), Nairobi-Amsterdam (AMS), Nairobi-Paris (CDG), and Nairobi-London (LHR). KQ has chosen the theme “Integrate Sustainability” for this year, emphasizing its commitment to embedding sustainability throughout its operations.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s low-cost carrier, LIFT , founded at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, is entering a consolidation phase. The airline’s founding team— Gidon Novick, Jonathan Ayache, and Justin Gordon (ACMA CGMA)—will step back from day-to-day management roles in what is being termed a “strategic pivot.” Global Airways Group, the airline’s parent company, will now assume full management responsibilities for LIFT .
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