(Posted 11th February 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd. and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
The 8th meeting of the Joint Prioritized Action Plan (JPAP) for SAATM Implementation was held at the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC Headquarters, in Dakar, Senegal from February 3–4, 2025. This pivotal gathering united key stakeholders to review progress on the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), evaluate activities undertaken in 2024, and set a clear roadmap for 2025.
Building on this momentum, on February 4, 2025, IFALPA and Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) co-hosted a forum in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on shaping the future of African aviation. Centered on sustainable growth, the forum fostered collaborative discussions that addressed both the opportunities and critical challenges facing the sector.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
After a challenging year, Boeing has rebounded spectacularly, delivering its strongest January performance to date. As of January 31, 2025, the company delivered 44 jets—nearly double the 25 deliveries from January 2024—placing it firmly on track to achieve one-tenth of its ambitious 2025 goal. Notably, Boeing outperformed Airbus by 19 jets this month, reversing last year’s trend when Airbus had led by five aircraft. Meanwhile, both COMAC and Embraer delivered three aircraft each—half of their January 2024 output—while Airbus not only delivered 25 aircraft to 17 customers but also secured 55 gross orders across its A320neo, A330neo, and A350 families.
In parallel, Cairo International Airport, Egypt, recorded significant growth in January 2025, handling 2.587 million passengers and 18,450 flights—a 9% increase in passenger traffic and a 7% rise in flight numbers compared to January 2024. Eng. Ayman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, attributed this surge to the airport’s strategic initiatives aimed at reinforcing its position as a key regional aviation hub.
Over in Morocco, tourism hit a new milestone with 1.2 million arrivals in January 2025—a remarkable 27% increase from the same month last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, this record-setting figure follows a year in which Moroccan airports welcomed nearly 32 million passengers, as reported by Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh. Looking ahead, government officials project that airport traffic in Morocco could soar to 60 million passengers by 2030 and 90 million by 2035.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Egypt is strengthening its aviation future by deepening bilateral ties with the United Kingdom in areas of mutual interest such as technology, infrastructure, maintenance services, and broader air transport issues. This progress followed a high-profile visit by Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, who participated in London’s inaugural dialogue session, “Shaping the Future of Egyptian Civil Aviation.” During the event, several MoUs were signed, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation, attracting foreign investment, and positioning Egypt as a leading aviation hub in line with its Vision 2030.
Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Normanas Aerospace to launch the first Ethiopian Aviation Forum, set for April 24–25, 2025 in Addis Ababa. This exclusive, business-focused event will host a select group of airline and airport executives from Africa and the Middle East, fostering innovation and strategic collaboration across the region’s aviation sector.
Astral Aviation Ltd has also made significant strides by announcing two strategic appointments to expand its global presence and service delivery. Network Aviation Group ?? has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Europe and the United States, while HIT Cargo Asia will serve as the GSA for mainland China. These appointments reinforce Astral Aviation’s commitment to providing comprehensive air cargo solutions and capturing key international market opportunities.
Additionally, Kenya Airways and Standard Chartered have formalized a strategic partnership through a signing ceremony on February 3, 2025. This collaboration is designed to deliver exceptional value by enhancing service experiences for Standard Chartered Affluent clients and Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Members, offering exclusive benefits such as discounts on holiday packages and flights.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
British airline Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is ramping up its winter 2025-2026 program with two new routes connecting the United Kingdom and Morocco, increasing its presence to eight UK airports serving Morocco. Starting November 4, 2025, Jet2 will operate weekly Tuesday flights from Bournemouth Airport to Agadir, running through March 24, 2026. In addition, bi-weekly services on Tuesdays and Fridays will connect Leeds Bradford Airport to Marrakech from October 3, 2025, until April 28, 2026.
Anticipating a seasonal surge, British Airways has refined its aircraft deployment on the London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi (NBO) route. From July 10 to August 17, 2025, all flights on this route will be exclusively operated by the Airbus Aircraft A350-1000, replacing the previously planned mix with Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This strategic move underscores BA’s commitment to providing a consistent, premium travel experience.
On February 4, 2025, Egypt’s Red Sea Airlines received the green light to operate regular flights between Sharm el-Sheikh and Tashkent. This approval, coming in the wake of the Uzbekistan-Egypt air services agreement, will see the airline deploying Boeing 737 aircraft on the new route, further enhancing regional connectivity.
Due to stagnant demand, AirKenya Express Limited and Aerolink Uganda will discontinue their scheduled flights connecting the Maasai Mara and Uganda’s national parks by the end of 2025. The final service is set for December 31, 2025. While bookings will continue as usual in June, July, and August, reservations for flights in September, October, and December 15–31 must be made by February 14, 2025. Please note, the route will only operate if at least four passengers are booked per sector.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Nigeria‘s XEJet Limited has taken a bold step in elevating its service offerings by expanding its fleet with a third CRJ200. This 23-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Estonia’s Diamond Sky and owned by Regional One, Inc., joins two other CRJ200s. Notably, all three CRJ200s are configured exclusively for Business Class, underscoring XEJet’s commitment to providing a premium travel experience. Complementing this addition, the carrier’s fleet now also includes four Embraer 145s and an Embraer E190, reflecting its strategic expansion in both capacity and service quality.
In a related development, Air Madagascar has divested its two Airbus A340-300 aircraft. According to a report by Midi-Madagascar on January 30, 2025, the airline sold the 25-year-old 5R-EAA (MSN 319) and the 27-year-old TF-EAB (MSN 210) for $2 million (€1.93 million) to a Chinese buyer. This sale is part of a broader strategy to alleviate the airline’s significant debt—estimated at around $100 million, with 60% owed to the Malagasy government—by recouping valuable assets while streamlining operations.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
Construction is well underway at Dodoma’s state-of-the-art Msalato International Airport, with the runway 84% complete and the terminal building at 51%. Set to be completed by June this year at a cost of Ksh 360 billion, the airport is designed to meet “4E” standards—capable of accommodating aircraft with a reference field length of 1,800 meters or more and wingspans of up to 65 meters. Its impressive runway will span 3.6 kilometers in length and 60 meters in width.
In Nduli Ward, Iringa Municipality, the new Iringa Airport is now 93% complete at a cost of Ksh 68 billion, with flight operations scheduled to commence on February 22, 2025. During an infrastructure inspection on February 7 by Prof. Makame Mbarawa, Minister of Transport, it was revealed that the airport features a 2,100-meter long, 30-meter wide runway, a 155-meter taxiway, and an aircraft parking apron measuring 180 by 126 meters.
Egypt’s Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN) is undertaking a major upgrade of its IT systems. This digital transformation includes the deployment of advanced computing devices, renewal of existing equipment, and integration of internal operational systems. The initiative aims to create a unified internal network that connects employees and streamlines workflows, enhancing overall efficiency.
Ubari Airport in Libya has taken a significant step forward by receiving its new air navigation system (CVOR/DME). Coordinated with Libya’s Airports and Civil Aviation Departments, and contracted by the Civil Aviation Authority with Canadian firm Aeronav, this upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the airport’s operational capabilities.
On January 31, 2025, Guinea’s National Assembly ratified a €39 million loan agreement with Bpifrance for a new radar surveillance system. Led by the Ministry of National Defense and awarded to Thales, the project will deploy a TRAC-NG radar along with integrated military and civil centers, significantly boosting airspace monitoring, national security, and the protection of airlines.
The Nigeria Federal Executive Council has approved the concession for transforming the Kashimbila airstrip in Taraba State into an Integrated Cargo/Agro-Allied Airport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Guided by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, this ambitious project spans agriculture, water resources, and aviation sectors, and includes over 3,000 hectares of farmland, fish farming facilities, and a livestock ranch.
Members of Parliament in Tanzania have called for the government to transfer the ownership of aircraft operated by AIR TANZANIA COMPANY LIMITED (ATCL) from the state-run Tanzania Government Flight Agency (TGFA) to ATCL. Currently, TGFA owns the aircraft leased to ATCL—a structure that has burdened the national carrier with a debt of Ksh 429 billion from leasing contracts, severely impacting its financial stability and operations.
The Mozambican government has approved the sale of 91% of its stake in flag carrier LAM – MOZAMBIQUE AIRLINES through private negotiations. Only three state-owned entities—the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB), Mozambique Ports and Railways (CFM), and Mozambican Insurance Company (EMOSE)—are eligible to acquire this stake. The anticipated proceeds, estimated at US$130 million (€125 million), will be reinvested in acquiring eight new aircraft and restructuring the airline.
People/Appointment.
In a dramatic shift at Air Mauritius, the board of directors has decided not to renew CEO Charles Cartier’s mandate, effectively ending his tenure as the national carrier’s chief executive. This pivotal decision, endorsed by shareholders at the annual general meeting, has led to the establishment of a new Managing Committee with executive powers, comprising Chairman Kishore Beegoo, Suresh Seeballuck, and Dass Thomas. In related news, Ken Arian has stepped down as CEO of Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL)—the state-owned entity overseeing Air Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, and more—effective January 31, following an extended period of notifications and a government-requested service extension.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate confirmed Captain Chris Najomo as the substantive Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday. Following a thorough screening process detailed by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Najomo was found to meet all the necessary requirements for the role.
On the commercial front, Qatar Airways has appointed John Friel as Regional Manager, Sales – Southern Africa. With over 25 years of experience at industry leaders including British Airways, Emirates, and Etihad, and most recently as Country Manager for Travelstart in South Africa, Friel is now tasked with leading Qatar Airways’ teams across South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and the DRC.
In Cabo Verde, economist Jose Sa Nogueira has been named Minister of Tourism and Transport. Sworn in by President Jose Maria Neves amid a cabinet reshuffle, Nogueira joins four other ministers in driving forward the nation’s tourism and transport agenda.
Globally, aircraft leasing giant ABL Aviation announced the appointment of Stephen Orr as Senior Vice President for Africa. Based in Casablanca, Orr will spearhead the company’s expansion across the continent, focusing on aviation, asset management, and strategic projects. Orr brings over 40 years of aerospace industry experience from his previous executive roles at Bombardier Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems.
Additionally, Lufthansa Group has named Julia Hillenbrand as Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In this key role, Hillenbrand will oversee all commercial and sales activities for Lufthansa’s airline brands across European markets (excluding home markets) as well as in the Middle East and Africa.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
In a celebration of visionary leadership, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew was honored with the “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport Award” at the Africa Prosperity Champions Awards in Accra, Ghana, during the Prosperity Dialogues 2025. This prestigious accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to advancing transport infrastructure and boosting connectivity across the continent, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in African aviation.
Meanwhile, Air Seychelles has marked a significant milestone in its commitment to safety and operational excellence. In January 2025, the airline secured both the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certifications, as accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The ISAGO certification, renowned for its rigorous oversight of ground handling service providers through standardized operational procedures, underscores Air Seychelles’ dedication to maintaining world-class safety standards.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents.
Kenya Airways found itself embroiled in controversy last week following two separate incidents that quickly went viral. In one incident at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a heated exchange unfolded between a KQ check-in agent and a Nigerian passenger traveling from Lagos to Manchester via Nairobi and Paris. The confrontation erupted when the airline discovered that the passenger lacked a valid SCHENGEN visa for her connecting flight to Paris. The situation escalated dramatically when, in a moment of distress, the passenger threw three used sanitary pads at the airline staff.
Elsewhere, the airline faced accusations in South Africa involving a claim that a Jewish rabbi was barred from boarding due to his race. Kenya Airways defended its actions by stating that three passengers at the boarding gate were exhibiting disruptive, possibly intoxicated behavior, and were advised to take a later flight in accordance with aviation regulations. Despite this, some parties insinuated that the airline’s decision was racially motivated.
In other unfortunate aviation news, a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV en route to Zimbabwe—with a planned fuel stop at Polokwane Airport in South Africa—crashed approximately one mile from the airfield under unexplained circumstances on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Tragically, the pilot was fatally injured in the accident.
On February 6, 2025, the Air Force of Zimbabwe confirmed the heartbreaking loss of Air Lieutenant Nesbert Tambudza. The promising young pilot lost his life when the Hongdu K-8 Karakorum jet trainer he was flying crashed near Guinea Fowl, just outside Gweru.
Lawsuits.
In a dramatic move to enforce aviation safety standards, Libya’s Public Prosecution Office has detained officials from both Libyan Airlines and AFRIQIYAH AIRWAYS. The crackdown follows multiple aircraft incidents traced back to negligent inspections and the deliberate replacement of parts that failed to meet approved specifications. According to the deputy prosecutor, these officials neglected mandatory inspections per manufacturer standards and installed substandard parts in unlicensed locations, actions that have now resulted in their detention.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Air Services Licensing Council (ASLC) has issued a ruling on FlySafair’s compliance with nationality regulations. Although the airline currently does not meet the requirement that 75% of its voting rights be held by South African residents, the ASLC has granted a 12-month grace period for compliance. During this period, FlySafair must submit monthly progress reports while evaluating options such as shareholder adjustments or legal challenges. The ruling follows a complaint by Global Aviation, trading as LIFT Airline, regarding the airline’s adherence to these regulations.
In Nairobi, a significant legal development has unfolded for Fly540 Aviation Ltd. On January 16, 2025, Judge Josephine Mong’are of the Commercial Court authorized the auction of two aircraft leased to Fly540—a Bombardier CRJ-100 (registration 5Y-BXC, MSN7184, 27.7 years old) and a Dash 8-300 (registration 5Y-RJS, MSN250, 34.2 years old)—to recover an unpaid debt of USD 1.26 million owed to fuel provider Fine je Jet. An attempt by the leasing company Avmax Group to block the sale was dismissed by the court due to insufficient evidence of ownership, as only lease agreements were provided. Further complicating matters, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has claimed unpaid landing and parking fees from Fly540. This ongoing dispute now threatens the status of four additional aircraft in AVMAX’s portfolio in Kenya—including two Dash 8-100s (registrations 5Y-BXB and 5Y-BUZ), a Dash 8-200 (5Y-CGL), and another Bombardier CRJ-100 (5Y-BXD)—as KAA continues to pursue its debts.
In other news:
Senegal has been chosen as one of ten International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) member states to conduct a groundbreaking feasibility study on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production under the CORSIA framework. Led by Dr Diaga BASSE, Senegal’s aviation authority, ANACIM, recently convened key stakeholders at a regional workshop in Dakar to strategize for the next phases of the initiative. This ambitious project, backed by the European Union and executed by the EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency, runs from 2024 to 2027. It aims to bolster CO? emission reduction efforts in aviation through feasibility studies, technical training, and policy development, with a strong focus on Africa and India.
Meanwhile, mounting pressure is being placed on M23 rebels to reopen Goma Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to facilitate urgent humanitarian aid deliveries. A joint ministerial meeting of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Tanzania over the weekend issued a strong call for the immediate reopening of the airport and other key supply routes. Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, reportedly fell under rebel control last week, leading to the airport’s closure. With up to two million people in desperate need of food, water, and medical assistance, the situation has reached a critical point.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has ordered a full inspection of Allied Air’s entire fleet following a December 2024 accident involving one of its Boeing737-400 freighters. While no fatalities were reported, a preliminary investigation released on January 31, 2025, flagged concerns over possible mechanical and structural issues, particularly with the aircraft’s flap and landing gear systems. Allied Air’s fleet currently comprises three Boeing 737-400Fs and one Boeing 737-800F, with another 737-800F expected to join later this year.
On the aviation development front, Niger has revealed plans to launch a new national airline, along with another carrier dedicated to serving the Alliance of Sahel States—an economic and security bloc comprising Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The announcement, made by Niger’s Minister of Transportation and Equipment, Salissou Mahaman Salissou, signals a renewed push for regional air connectivity in West Africa.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has resumed gate fee collection at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after a two-week suspension prompted by road construction. In a public notice shared on X (formerly Twitter), FAAN confirmed that charges had been reinstated, returning entry procedures to normal. For two weeks, travelers and motorists had enjoyed free access to the airport—an unusual convenience that temporarily eased congestion during construction.
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