(Posted 29th January 2025)
Introduction.
Airbus subsidiary AALTO has successfully launched its first stratospheric flight using the Zephyr air vehicle from its new AALTOPORT base in Laikipia County, Kenya. The solar-powered, ultra-long-endurance aircraft climbed to 60,000ft on 20 January, achieving an undisclosed flight duration. Zephyr remains the only fixed-wing HAPS to demonstrate sustained day-and-night operations in the stratosphere.
Ghana’s Relax Airlines is gearing up to begin operations this year as it moves closer to obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). With an Air Carrier Licence already secured, the airline is in the fourth phase of the AOC process, focusing on demonstration and inspection before launching flights.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
Uganda‘s international passenger traffic experienced significant growth in 2024, reaching 2,243,104 passengers compared to 1,932,094 in 2023, according to the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). This reflects a robust recovery, surpassing pre-COVID levels of 1,802,107 international passengers in 2019. Uganda currently hosts 18 international scheduled operators and 26 licensed operators. The UCAA granted 10 Air Services Licenses (ASL) in 2024, including 7 new licenses and 3 renewals. Cargo volumes also rose to 67,731 metric tonnes in 2024, up from 59,073 metric tonnes in 2023, showing growth even beyond the 2019 figure of 64,731 metric tonnes.
Cape Town International Airport recorded remarkable passenger and cargo growth in 2024, with 10.4 million two-way passengers passing through its terminals—a 7% increase from 2023. Of these, 3.1 million were international passengers, while domestic two-way traffic rose by 6%. December alone saw one million passengers, including 533,829 arrivals. Growth in arrivals was notable: international arrivals rose by 3.75% year-on-year to 160,537, regional arrivals surged by 22.5% (albeit from a smaller base of 10,491), and domestic arrivals increased by 2.3% to 362,222. Cargo operations also flourished, with Wesgro reporting a 27% increase in air cargo volumes during the first 10 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Algeria‘s national airline, Air Algérie, transported 7.9 million passengers in 2024, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year, according to CEO Hamza Benhamouda. This growth was achieved through 79,100 flights, averaging 200 to 250 flights per day. The airline expects passenger numbers to grow by an additional 8% in 2025, reinforcing its steady recovery and expansion.
Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, saw strong growth in 2024, recording 2.53 million passengers—a year-on-year increase of 8.7%. The airport’s recovery post-COVID has been particularly impressive, with passenger numbers jumping 171.1% compared to the 935,130 travelers recorded in 2020. This growth underscores the airport’s critical role as a hub in West Africa.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Zimbabwe is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Australia, with a key focus on reinstating direct flights between the two nations. Speaking on January 23, 2025, during Australia’s National Day celebrations in Harare, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Prof. Amon Murwira expressed hope for Qantas‘ return to Zimbabwe. Qantas last operated flights to Zimbabwe in March 1998, and Zimbabwe is eager to revive this connection to boost trade and tourism between the countries.
Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has renewed its partnership with Thales for a three-year maintenance contract. The agreement ensures comprehensive support for STAR 2000 and RSM 970S radars, alongside software maintenance for TopSky-ATC systems. The contract includes electronic repair services, annual health checks, vibration analysis, and quarterly on-site visits, providing both preventive and corrective maintenance.
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FDRE Ministry of Health and Heart Attack Ethiopia Inc. This partnership allows Ethiopian Airlines to back Heart Attack Ethiopia Inc., an organization offering free medical services for heart and stroke patients. By facilitating collaborative efforts, this initiative aims to expand access to critical healthcare services, demonstrating Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to social responsibility beyond its aviation operations.
The Southern Africa Institute of Aviation Science and Technology (SAIAST) has partnered with the AviAssist Foundation to offer two specialized courses: Aeronautical Knowledge for Safety and Ground Operations Safety. Hosted in Lusaka, Zambia, these courses aim to elevate industry standards by equipping participants with essential knowledge and skills to ensure safety across aviation operations.
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance) has signed significant handling contracts with Afrijet Business Service and Air Sierra Leone. The three-year agreement with Afrijet includes handling flights into Port Harcourt and Lagos, while the five-year contract with Air Sierra Leone covers handling services for its Lagos-bound flights.
On January 17, 2025, South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Johannesburg. This partnership aims to enhance the skills and capacity of NAMA employees through specialized training provided by ATNS. The training will focus on air traffic control, air traffic engineering, billing systems, collection management, and airspace design, strengthening Nigeria’s air navigation capabilities.
Swissport Tanzania has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Ethiopian Airlines at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). The agreement includes passenger and ramp services, as well as cargo handling for Ethiopian Airlines.
AirlinePros International has been named the General Sales Agent (GSA) for FLY ANGOLA in Namibia. This appointment follows Fly Angola’s recent launch of the Windhoek-Luanda service via Benguela, marking a significant step in expanding its footprint in southern Africa. This collaboration is expected to bolster the airline’s presence in Namibia and improve connectivity between Angola and Namibia.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Royal Air Maroc marked a significant milestone as its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flight AT230, touched down at Beijing Daxing International Airport. This inaugural flight from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, which took off on Monday, January 20, 2025, heralded the airline’s return to its Beijing Daxing-Casablanca route. As the first African airline to operate a route to Daxing Airport since its resumption of international services in 2023, Royal Air Maroc will now operate this route three times weekly. Meanwhile, two days earlier, Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, launched its Shanghai-Casablanca route with a layover in Marseille, France. The route will operate thrice weekly.
South African Airways (SAA) celebrated a significant comeback on January 20, 2025, as it resumed daily scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This marks the end of a five-year hiatus caused by the airline’s financial and operational challenges, including a prolonged period of liquidation.
Air Sierra Leone, in partnership with Nigerian airline XEJet Limited, resumed scheduled flights between Freetown and Lagos on January 22, 2025. This comeback follows a 15-year hiatus. XEJet has been instrumental in the relaunch, providing technical support and three operational aircraft. The airline now operates this route three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—with its inaugural flight transporting 36 passengers aboard an EmbraerE145 aircraft.
French airline Corsair has announced plans to launch a new route connecting Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, to Paris, France, by the end of 2025. Ticket prices for the route are expected to start at $760, a cost significantly lower than current offerings by the existing operator. This move aims to boost competition and provide travelers with more affordable options.
Qatar Airways has unveiled a series of changes to its African routes for the Northern Summer 2025 schedule. Beginning May 12, 2025, the airline will increase flights from Doha to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro from 10 to 12 weekly, followed by a further rise to 14 weekly flights between June 18 and September 7, 2025, operated by Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Additionally, flights to Entebbe will grow from seven to 11 weekly starting June 1, 2025, using a mix of Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and Airbus Aircraft A330-200. Enhancements are also planned for Doha-Maputo-Durban services, which will shift from five to seven weekly flights beginning June 3, 2025, utilizing Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Conversely, Qatar Airways will reduce services on routes such as Doha-Abuja-Kano, Doha-Lagos, and Doha-Alexandriaduring off-peak seasons, reflecting a strategic realignment of its African operations.
Singapore Airlines is set to enhance connectivity between Singapore and South Africa. From April 2, 2025, weekly flights between Singapore and Johannesburg will increase from seven to 10, rising further to 12 weekly flights starting June 16, 2025. These routes will be serviced by Airbus A350-900 aircraft, while daily flights between Cape Town and Singapore (via Johannesburg) will remain operational.
Nouvelair Tunisia is ramping up its operations to former Yugoslav markets in the summer of 2025. Starting May 5, the carrier will resume flights to Belgrade, Serbia, from Monastir and Djerba. Flights to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, will resume the same day, with five weekly rotations from June to late September. Additionally, Nouvelair will reintroduce services to Skopje, North Macedonia, starting June 8, operating three weekly flights.
Egyptian carrier Air Cairo has announced plans to expand its services to Kazakhstan starting the spring-summer season. The airline will launch weekly flights from Kostanay to Sharm El Sheikh and twice-weekly flights from Almaty to Hurghada. Additionally, flights from Almaty to El Alamein are set to resume with weekly operations, offering greater connectivity between the two regions.
Air Côte d’Ivoire is set to increase the frequency of its Abidjan-Niamey-Ouagadougou-Abidjan route throughout 2025. Currently operating twice weekly with Airbus A320 aircraft, flights will increase to three times weekly from April 4, four times weekly from May 5, and eventually to daily service beginning June 3, 2025, in response to growing demand.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced plans to cease freighter operations to Harare, Zimbabwe starting April 2025. The airline cited operational constraints, limited local maintenance facilities, and inconsistent freight volumes as key reasons for this decision. This development is expected to impact Zimbabwe’s horticulture exporters, who rely heavily on air freight to deliver fresh produce to international markets.
Airlines operating in Somalia have suspended all domestic and international flights as of January 22, 2025, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. The suspension, led by the Somali Airlines Operators Association (SAOA), stems from a dispute with the federal government over increased taxes imposed on the aviation sector. The SAOA, representing nearly 20 airlines, has expressed dissatisfaction with unresolved issues involving the Ministry of Transport and the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), leading to this unprecedented halt in operations.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to cement its position as Africa’s leading cargo operator with the addition of a brand-new Boeing 777 Freighter to its fleet. The aircraft, now registered as ET-BAB, was delivered from Boeing’s Paine Field in Everett, USA, to Addis Ababa between January 22 and 23, 2025. Powered by two GE90-110B1 engines, the freighter is expected to bolster Ethiopian’s cargo capacity, supporting its extensive network across Africa and beyond.
South African Airways (SAA) has strengthened its fleet, reaching a total of 20 aircraft with the recent addition of two Airbus A320s. These narrow-body planes, acquired under a lease agreement with AerCap, mark a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery and improved creditworthiness.
Sudanese carrier Tarco Aviation has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of an 18.2-year-old Boeing 737-800, leased from UAE-based Sky One FZE. The aircraft, now registered as ST-TAM, was officially delivered to the airline on January 24, 2025.
German gyroplane manufacturer AutoGyro GmbH has delivered a fleet of advanced surveillance aircraft to Benin, comprising five Cavalon Sentinels and two Calidus Sentinels. The Cavalon model features a side-by-side seating arrangement, while the Calidus offers a tandem-seat design. Both aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance technology, including high-resolution day, night, and infrared cameras with real-time data transmission capabilities to a centralized control center.
LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES has announced the return of a Boeing 737-300 freighter to its origin after failing to secure operational certification from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority of Mozambique (IACM). The aircraft, which cost the airline $3 million to transport from Indonesia to Maputo and an additional $930,000 in leasing expenses, has been grounded in Mozambique for a year due to unresolved compliance issues. Modifications made to the 17-tonne capacity aircraft did not receive approval from Boeing, further complicating its operational viability.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
On January 24, 2025, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni officially commissioned the upgrade and expansion works for Jinja Airport in Eastern Uganda. Contracted to M/S GOFA Investments Ltd and MG Engineers (Joint Venture) under the supervision of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the project aims to transform Jinja Airport into a modern regional aerodrome. Upon completion, the upgraded airport will feature a tarmacked runway measuring 30 meters in width and 1,710 meters in length, complete with a 100-meter Runway End Safety Area (RESA) on both ends. Additionally, the development includes a 19-meter-wide, 1,050-meter-long parallel taxiway and a newly expanded tarmacked apron of 7,000 square meters capable of accommodating up to six LET 410-sized aircraft.
XEJet Limited, a Nigerian airline, has embarked on a groundbreaking venture with the construction of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Flight Support, and Engineering Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The ceremony, held on January 20, 2025, was presided over by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. The facility is set to address the critical shortage of local MRO services in Nigeria and the region, offering enhanced capacity for aircraft maintenance and engineering support.
Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced an ambitious investment plan of MAD 42 billion ($4.1 billion) to upgrade and expand the country’s airports by 2030. The modernization project will target major airports, including Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakesh, Fez, Tetouan, and Agadir, focusing on boosting capacity and operational efficiency to cater to growing international and domestic demand. The plan also includes fleet expansion for Royal Air Maroc (RAM), ensuring the airline can meet increased passenger and cargo needs.
Travel retail giant Avolta, formerly known as Dufry, has won an exclusive contract to open 15 duty-free shops in five major Tunisian airports. These include Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Djerba–Zarzis International Airport, Sfax-Thyna International Airport, Tozeur–Nefta International Airport, and Tabarka–Aïn Draham International Airport, collectively handling nearly 80% of Tunisia’s air traffic.
After resolving financial challenges, McDan Aviation has resumed its Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Ghana. The company’s private jet terminal, previously shut down by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) on December 30, 2024, due to a $3 million debt, is now fully operational. The outstanding payments settlement, which included land leases, rentals, and terminal charges, were agreed upon, allowing McDan to reestablish its position in Ghana’s premium aviation sector.
Air Sénégal S.A finds itself in a precarious situation as its aircraft registrations expired on January 18, 2025, leaving the airline grounded. The crisis stems from a dispute with Carlyle Aviation Partners, the U.S.-based lessor of two Airbus A319s and two A321s. Despite receiving payments totaling 57.96 billion FCFA from Air Senegal since 2018, Carlyle is now demanding an additional 20-billion-FCFA purchase commitment for the aircraft, including an immediate down payment of 11.45 billion FCFA. The refusal to provide documentation for renewal has left Air Senegal struggling to resolve the standoff, jeopardizing its operations and raising concerns about the airline’s financial stability.
People/Appointment.
An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, saw the appointment of Marcelino Gildo Alberto as the new chairperson of the national carrier. Marcelino takes over from Américo Muchanga, who was recently appointed by President Daniel Chapo to serve as the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for LAM, as the company seeks to navigate ongoing challenges and reposition itself within the competitive African aviation market under its new chairperson’s stewardship.
Awards, Recognition & Milestones.
On February 12, Belgium marks the centenary of its first historic flight to Congo (now the DRC). To commemorate this milestone, bpost and Brussels Airlines have released a stamp highlighting the enduring Belgium-Africa connection. The stamp showcases the 1925 journey, featuring the Princess Marie-José aircraft and its pioneering crew—mechanic Joseph De Bruycker, pilot Léopold Roger, and navigator Edmond Thieffry. Their 8,000-km flight from Brussels to Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) made history as the first successful Sahara crossing by air, overcoming challenges such as getting lost twice. After 51 days, they established the first aerial link between Belgium and its former colony.
Visa/Passports.
Kenya has updated its travel policy, allowing citizens from most African countries to visit without prior authorization. The new directive removes the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for all African travelers, except for those from Somalia and Libya due to security concerns. Under the updated system, most African nationals can stay in Kenya for up to two months, while East African Community (EAC) members like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi can stay for up to six months.
In Tanzania, the French Embassy has partnered with TLS-contact visa application center to streamline visa processes for Tanzanian citizens traveling to France for business, education, employment, or tourism. This agreement will speed up processing times and improve the application experience.
From January 29, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce a common passport as part of their departure from the ECOWAS regional bloc, following their formation of the Confederation of Sahel States.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a Mont Gabaon Airlines Boeing 737-500 experienced an engine failure shortly after departing Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport (FIH), DRC. The flight, bound for an undisclosed destination, was forced to return to FIH, where it safely landed 31 minutes after takeoff. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the incident raised concerns about the aircraft’s performance.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, a Tracep Congo Aviation Let L-410, registration 9S-GEO, encountered a runway excursion after landing at Wamaza, DRC. The aircraft veered off the runway, damaging its landing gear. Thankfully, the crew and passengers were unharmed.
Two days earlier, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, an Air Kasaï Antonov An-26B, registration 9S-AYN, suffered a runway excursion at Kongolo Airport (KOO), DRC. After landing, the right-hand main gear collapsed, causing a fire in the No. 2 engine. Fortunately, the crew acted quickly to contain the situation, and all occupants were safely evacuated, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
Meanwhile, on January 24, 2025, a United Airlines flight, UA613, enroute from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), experienced a sudden loss of altitude mid-flight. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members, encountered severe turbulence that led to injuries among the occupants. The crew declared an emergency and turned the flight back to Lagos, where it made a safe return.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, a Turkish Airlines flight, TK612, with 259 passengers on board, was forced to make an emergency landing at Entebbe International Airport. The A330 aircraft, which was initially bound for Istanbul, Turkey, encountered a technical issue and circled northern Kampala airspace for over three hours to reduce fuel before making a safe return to Entebbe.
In other news:
After weeks of fuel supply disruptions, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that 27.1 million liters of fuel have been secured for Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport for the month of January. This is a significant step in ensuring the airport’s operations continue smoothly, as it consumes approximately 3.6 million liters of fuel daily. The 27.1 million liters will suffice until early February, with the airport needing around 97.2 million liters for the entire month. A multi-agency task force, including the Fuel Industry Association of Southern Africa, Natref, and various government bodies, is collaborating with fuel stakeholders to secure supplies for February and prevent further disruptions.
In Botswana, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has announced new operating hours for Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport in Francistown, which came into effect on January 23, 2025. The airport will now be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, while weekend and public holiday hours will align with the times of scheduled flights. Situated on the outskirts of Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city, the airport plays a key role in connecting northern Botswana to domestic and limited international destinations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has temporarily suspended the daily access gate fee at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The fee suspension, which began on January 24 and will run until February 7, 2025, is intended to ease traffic congestion and improve the experience for road users accessing the airport. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance airport accessibility and reduce the burden on passengers and local commuters.
About Us.
AeroTrail is a leading consultancy offering cutting-edge expertise in market research, advanced data analytics, and strategic modeling solutions tailored specifically for the aviation and logistics industries. Our commitment lies in gathering, analyzing, modeling, simulating, and delivering data-driven insights crucial for the development and success of the domestic, regional, and continental aviation and logistics markets. Get in touch with us Here.ine $3 million to transport from Indonesia to Maputo and an additional $930,000 in leasing expenses, has been grounded in Mozambique for a year due to unresolved compliance issues. Modifications made to the 17-tonne capacity aircraft did not receive approval from Boeing, further complicating its operational viability.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
On January 24, 2025, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni officially commissioned the upgrade and expansion works for Jinja Airport in Eastern Uganda. Contracted to M/S GOFA Investments Ltd and MG Engineers (Joint Venture) under the supervision of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), the project aims to transform Jinja Airport into a modern regional aerodrome. Upon completion, the upgraded airport will feature a tarmacked runway measuring 30 meters in width and 1,710 meters in length, complete with a 100-meter Runway End Safety Area (RESA) on both ends. Additionally, the development includes a 19-meter-wide, 1,050-meter-long parallel taxiway and a newly expanded tarmacked apron of 7,000 square meters capable of accommodating up to six LET 410-sized aircraft.
XEJet, a Nigerian airline, has embarked on a groundbreaking venture with the construction of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Flight Support, and Engineering Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The ceremony, held on January 20, 2025, was presided over by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. The facility is set to address the critical shortage of local MRO services in Nigeria and the region, offering enhanced capacity for aircraft maintenance and engineering support.
Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced an ambitious investment plan of MAD 42 billion ($4.1 billion) to upgrade and expand the country’s airports by 2030. The modernization project will target major airports, including Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakesh, Fez, Tetouan, and Agadir, focusing on boosting capacity and operational efficiency to cater to growing international and domestic demand. The plan also includes fleet expansion for Royal Air Maroc (RAM), ensuring the airline can meet increased passenger and cargo needs.
Travel retail giant Avolta, formerly known as Dufry, has won an exclusive contract to open 15 duty-free shops in five major Tunisian airports. These include Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Djerba–Zarzis International Airport, Sfax-Thyna International Airport, Tozeur–Nefta International Airport, and Tabarka–Aïn Draham International Airport, collectively handling nearly 80% of Tunisia’s air traffic.
After resolving financial challenges, McDan Aviation has resumed its Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Ghana. The company’s private jet terminal, previously shut down by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) on December 30, 2024, due to a $3 million debt, is now fully operational. The outstanding payments, which included land leases, rentals, and terminal charges, were agreed upon, allowing McDan to reestablish its position in Ghana’s premium aviation sector.
Air Senegal finds itself in a precarious situation as its aircraft registrations expired on January 18, 2025, leaving the airline grounded. The crisis stems from a dispute with Carlyle Aviation Partners, the U.S.-based lessor of two Airbus A319s and two A321s. Despite receiving payments totaling 57.96 billion FCFA from Air Senegal since 2018, Carlyle is now demanding an additional 20-billion-FCFA purchase commitment for the aircraft, including an immediate down payment of 11.45 billion FCFA. The refusal to provide documentation for renewal has left Air Senegal struggling to resolve the standoff, jeopardizing its operations and raising concerns about the airline’s financial stability.
People/Appointment.
An extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of Mozambique Airlines (LAM) held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, saw the appointment of Marcelino Gildo Alberto as the new chairperson of the national carrier. Marcelino takes over from Américo Muchanga, who was recently appointed by President Daniel Chapo to serve as the Minister of Communications and Digital Transformation. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for LAM, as the company seeks to navigate ongoing challenges and reposition itself within the competitive African aviation market under its new chairperson’s stewardship.
Awards, Recognition & Milestones.
On February 12, Belgium marks the centenary of its first historic flight to Congo (now the DRC). To commemorate this milestone, bpost and Brussels Airlines have released a stamp highlighting the enduring Belgium-Africa connection. The stamp showcases the 1925 journey, featuring the Princess Marie-José aircraft and its pioneering crew—mechanic Joseph De Bruycker, pilot Léopold Roger, and navigator Edmond Thieffry. Their 8,000-km flight from Brussels to Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) made history as the first successful Sahara crossing by air, overcoming challenges such as getting lost twice. After 51 days, they established the first aerial link between Belgium and its colony.
Visa/Passports.
Kenya has updated its travel policy, allowing citizens from most African countries to visit without prior authorization. The new directive removes the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for all African travelers, except for those from Somalia and Libya due to security concerns. Under the updated system, most African nationals can stay in Kenya for up to two months, while East African Community (EAC) members like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi can stay for up to six months.
In Tanzania, the French Embassy has partnered with TLS-contact visa application center to streamline visa processes for Tanzanian citizens traveling to France for business, education, employment, or tourism. This agreement will speed up processing times and improve the application experience.
From January 29, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will introduce a common passport as part of their departure from the ECOWAS regional bloc, following their formation of the Confederation of Sahel States.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a Mont Gabaon Airlines Boeing 737-500 experienced an engine failure shortly after departing Kinshasa-N’Djili Airport (FIH), DRC. The flight, bound for an undisclosed destination, was forced to return to FIH, where it safely landed 31 minutes after takeoff. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but the incident raised concerns about the aircraft’s performance.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, a Tracep Congo Aviation Let L-410, registration 9S-GEO, encountered a runway excursion after landing at Wamaza, DRC. The aircraft veered off the runway, damaging its landing gear. Thankfully, the crew and passengers were unharmed.
Two days earlier, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, an Air Kasai Antonov An-26B, registration 9S-AYN, suffered a runway excursion at Kongolo Airport (KOO), DRC. After landing, the right-hand main gear collapsed, causing a fire in the No. 2 engine. Fortunately, the crew acted quickly to contain the situation, and all occupants were safely evacuated, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
Meanwhile, on January 24, 2025, a United Airlines flight, UA613, enroute from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), experienced a sudden loss of altitude mid-flight. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 245 passengers and 11 crew members, encountered severe turbulence that led to injuries among the occupants. The crew declared an emergency and turned the flight back to Lagos, where it made a safe return.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, a Turkish Airlines flight, TK612, with 259 passengers on board, was forced to make an emergency landing at Entebbe International Airport. The A330 aircraft, which was initially bound for Istanbul, Turkey, encountered a technical issue and circled northern Kampala airspace for over three hours to reduce fuel before making a safe return to Entebbe.
In other news:
After weeks of fuel supply disruptions, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that 27.1 million liters of fuel have been secured for Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport for the month of January. This is a significant step in ensuring the airport’s operations continue smoothly, as it consumes approximately 3.6 million liters of fuel daily. The 27.1 million liters will suffice until early February, with the airport needing around 97.2 million liters for the entire month. A multi-agency task force, including the Fuel Industry Association of Southern Africa, Natref, and various government bodies, is collaborating with fuel stakeholders to secure supplies for February and prevent further disruptions.
In Botswana, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) has announced new operating hours for Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport in Francistown, which came into effect on January 23, 2025. The airport will now be open from 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, while weekend and public holiday hours will align with the times of scheduled flights. Situated on the outskirts of Francistown, Botswana’s second-largest city, the airport plays a key role in connecting northern Botswana to domestic and limited international destinations.
In Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority has temporarily suspended the daily access gate fee at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The fee suspension, which began on January 24 and will run until February 7, 2025, is intended to ease traffic congestion and improve the experience for road users accessing the airport. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance airport accessibility and reduce the burden on passengers and local commuters.
About Us.
AeroTrail is a leading consultancy offering cutting-edge expertise in market research, advanced data analytics, and strategic modeling solutions tailored specifically for the aviation and logistics industries. Our commitment lies in gathering, analyzing, modeling, simulating, and delivering data-driven insights crucial for the development and success of the domestic, regional, and continental aviation and logistics markets. Get in touch with us Here.
