(Posted 18th February 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
Libya has officially signed its accession to the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC Constitution (2009) and its amendment to Article 10/4 during the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa (Feb 14–16). This step enhances technical cooperation and support between Libya, African nations, and AFCAC. With Libya’s accession, only seven more states need to join for the constitution’s full adoption, while four more are required for the amended Article 10/4 to take effect—marking a significant milestone in unifying Africa’s aviation sector.
On February 14, M23 rebels captured Katana in Kabare territory, DRC advancing 10 km further to take Kavumu Provincial Airport, about 30 km from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. This escalation follows their recent takeover of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, nearly three weeks ago.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that 28 new airlines launched in 2024, while 19 airlines ceased operations, marking the lowest turnover in a decade. This decline signals possible market stabilization, with new airline entries on a downward trend since peaking in 2021. The slowdown is linked to economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical challenges—factors that have increased operating and borrowing costs, making it difficult for new carriers to secure funding. Among those that ceased operations, seven were low-cost carriers, 11 were traditional airlines, and one was a cargo airline. Only three cases involved mergers or transformations, while the rest exited due to financial struggles and competitive pressures.
Eswatini Air continues to operate at a loss, with expenses outpacing revenue by six times. In his 2025/2026 budget speech, Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg revealed that between April and December 2024, passenger traffic rose by 34% to 73,926, while cargo volumes grew 25%. Despite ongoing losses, the airline has enhanced regional connectivity and boosted tourism, earning recognition from African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in 2024.
Senegal, Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) handled 2,925,964 commercial passengers in 2024, driven by modest international traffic growth, particularly from Europe and Africa. However, domestic and long-haul routes declined, partly due to Fly Air Sénégal’s network restructuring. The airport’s cargo sector grew 3.39%, fueled by strategic imports and e-commerce expansion. AIBD aims to increase its capacity to 20 million passengers annually and develop Aéroville, a multi-use complex, reinforcing its position as a key West African hub.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a significant step in strengthening their aviation ties with the signing of an amended Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA). The agreement, signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, aims to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency between the two nations.
Similarly, Libya and the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 11, 2025, to lift restrictions on passenger air transport and cargo services between their respective airports, further reinforcing aviation cooperation.
In a move to bolster aviation training and regulatory compliance, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has entered into an agreement with International Civil Aviation Organization to develop its aviation workforce. The training program will cover instructor and course development, as well as auditor preparation under the USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), with a focus on personnel licensing, airworthiness, and safety management.
Similarly, Zambia’s Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) has signed a Training Service Agreement with ICAO’s Global Aviation Training (GAT) Office, aimed at enhancing aviation safety, security, and economic development. The partnership will support Zambia’s preparations for the 2026 ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP CMA), equipping key stakeholders with globally recognized certifications.
Mauritania has also secured ICAO‘s support for its Civil Aviation Master Plan, an initiative designed to modernize the country’s aviation sector through sustainable solutions and best practices. This agreement was formalized at the 4th ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in safety, security, environmental initiatives, and training. The agreement, signed in Dubai by SACAA Director Ms. Poppy Khoza and her UAE counterpart H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, marks a significant step in fostering technical cooperation between the two nations.
On the commercial front, Air Peace Limited has expanded its global reach through a new interline agreement with Emirates, providing seamless connections to 13 Nigerian destinations beyond Lagos. This partnership offers single-ticket bookings and streamlined baggage transfers, allowing passengers flying from Dubai to Lagos to connect effortlessly to key cities such as Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Warri. The collaboration is expected to boost trade and tourism between Nigeria and the UAE.
In the aircraft maintenance and inventory sector, Embraer has entered into a spare parts inventory support agreement with Airlink, making the Southern African carrier the first African customer for the Embraer Collaborative Inventory Planning (ECIP) system. This agreement, covering Airlink’s all-Embraer fleet of 68 aircraft, will optimize inventory levels and reduce operational costs, further strengthening Airlink’s efficiency in Southern and East Africa, Madagascar, and the South Atlantic islands.
Meanwhile, Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has extended its component support contract with Air Côte d’Ivoire for an additional five years. This agreement will support the expansion of the airline’s Airbus Aircraft fleet from five A320 family aircraft to eight, as well as the introduction of two A330neo aircraft. The renewed partnership ensures continued support for Air Côte d’Ivoire’s growing international network, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading airline in the region.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new thrice-weekly service to Hyderabad, India, starting June 16, 2025. This marks the airline’s fifth destination in India, reinforcing its commitment to expanding connectivity between Africa and Asia. The route will feature midday departures from Addis Ababa and morning arrivals on the return leg, offering passengers more travel options.
Afrijet Business Service continues to expand its regional footprint, adding Bangui, Central African Republic, to its network. The service, set to begin February 26, 2025, will operate weekly on Wednesdays, increasing to twice weekly (Mondays and Wednesdays) from April 2025. Flights will be operated using an ATR 72-600, accommodating 8 business class and 54 economy passengers. This follows the airline’s recent January 21, 2025, launch of flights to Port Harcourt, Nigeria, bringing its total destinations to 16 across the region.
In Madagascar, Madagascar Airlines has resumed direct flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Antananarivo through a codeshare agreement with Air France. The service, which officially restarted on February 4, 2025, follows an October 2024 Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) between the two airlines. Flights will operate four to five times per week during the IATA winter 2025 season, with Air France deploying a Boeing 777-200ER. Madagascar Airlines also continues its codeshare on Corsair’s Antananarivo – St. Denis de la Réunion – Paris Orly service.
Romanian carrier AnimaWings is set to launch charter flights between Monastir, Tunisia, and Bra?ov, Romania, starting June 6, 2025. The service will operate every Friday, further expanding connectivity between North Africa and Eastern Europe.
Eswatini Air has announced plans to launch flights to Lusaka, Zambia, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Although launch dates remain undisclosed, the airline currently serves four routes across two countries: Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town in South Africa, as well as Harare, Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has confirmed it will discontinue its Abu Dhabi–Seychelles route by May 22, 2025. The airline, which had been operating twice weekly Airbus A320 flights, made the decision as part of a network optimization strategy.
In Angola, January 31, 2025, marked the final day of domestic operations at 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda. All domestic flights have now transitioned to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, continuing the country’s efforts to modernize its aviation infrastructure.
Tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have escalated further, with the DRC imposing a ban on all Rwandan aircraft from overflying or landing in its airspace. This move, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing M23 conflict, affects both civilian and state aircraft and is expected to disrupt RwandAir Ltd’s international operations. The situation is further worsened by the closure of Goma Airport, which has paralyzed both domestic and international flights, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has announced the suspension of its Johannesburg and Lomé routes, with final flights on January 12 and February 24, 2025, respectively. The move is partly due to fleet constraints, including the grounding of all five Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. These cuts add to previous route suspensions, including Jeddah, Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Mumbai. As of now, Air Peace Limited’s only intercontinental service is the Lagos–London Gatwick route, launched in March 2024, alongside regional flights within West Africa.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Kenya’s Renegade Air is set to expand its fleet with the arrival of its first ATR 42-500 this weekend, acquired from Abelo Aviation Capital. The 19-year-old aircraft, previously operated by Air Corsica, strengthens Renegade Air’s partnership with Abelo, which has already supplied a DHC-8-300 and an ATR 72-500 freighter. The airline operates a diverse fleet, including CRJ100, CRJ200LR, Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300, Fokker 70, and Fokker 50 for both passenger and cargo operations across the region.
In Cape Verde, the Directorate General of the Treasury has approved sovereign guarantees for TACV – Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde, S.A., facilitating an eight-year financial lease agreement with TrueNoord YAMUNA LIMITED for the acquisition of two ATR 72-600 aircraft (MSN 1512 and MSN 1514). This deal is expected to enhance TACV’s regional connectivity and fleet modernization efforts.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
On February 6, 2025, President William Samoei Ruto PHD officially launched the Garissa Airstrip Modernization Project, marking the first major upgrade since its construction in 1984. The project includes a modern passenger terminal, an upgraded runway, taxiway, and apron, with the runway extended from 1.2km to 1.4km to accommodate larger aircraft and boost passenger and cargo traffic. This initiative, a collaboration between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the County Government of Garissa, underscores Kenya’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure.
In Botswana, the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana_CAAB has introduced e-gates at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, provided by RESA, to streamline passenger processing and border control. Launched on February 12, 2025, the e-gates aim to reduce queues and enhance efficiency. Additionally, CAAB plans to implement centralized passenger and baggage screening by mid-March 2025.
In Ghana, officials from the Ghana Airports Company Limited and Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA) inspected Ho Airport as part of plans to establish an Aviation Training Academy. The team assessed potential locations for a hangar and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, aiming to transform the airport into a premier aviation training hub.
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has called for a review of the $329.47 million Msalato International Airport financing agreement. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is funding $271 million, while the Tanzanian government will contribute $57.84 million. An audit revealed feasibility study flaws, contract supervision issues, and procurement challenges, leading to cost overruns of nearly TSh 7 billion.
In Kenya, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has awarded a Ksh 91.52 million contract to install a bird detection radar at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), providing relief to airlines facing costly bird strike incidents. The radar will track bird movements and relay information to air traffic controllers, enhancing safety measures. In October 2024, Kenya Airways reported spending over $70 million on aircraft repairs due to bird strikes since 2020.
In Eswatini, taxpayers will inject an additional E395 million into Eswatini Air, bringing total government spending on the airline to over E1.2 billion in the past three years. Government allocations included E476 million in 2023, E335 million in 2024, and another E395 million for 2025. A financial report from Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation revealed that 83% of the airline’s operations depend on government funding, with only 17% generated from revenue. Despite this, Eswatini Air continues to expand, supported by government ministries and private sector partnerships, which have helped increase passenger traffic on the Johannesburg route. Additionally, the airline introduced shuttle services on October 30, 2024, targeting travelers who typically rely on road transport.
VISA/Passports.
In response to a 30% increase in visa applications in 2024, Portuguese Ambassador to Mozambique, António Moura, inaugurated a new visa application center in Maputo. The expansion, which includes doubling customer service desks, aims to enhance processing efficiency and capacity.
In Somalia, the government has launched eTAS, a new and user-friendly electronic visa system, replacing the previous visa.gov.so platform. Now accessible at evisa.gov.so, eTAS streamlines the application process, improving convenience for travelers.
Meanwhile, South Africa has introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to simplify visa applications for group travelers from China and India—two of the world’s largest outbound travel markets. Under TTOS, 65 approved tour operators can now process visas digitally, eliminating the need for travelers to visit South African missions. This initiative is expected to boost tourism and create jobs.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Airlink has been honored with the 2025 Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award by South Africa’s Department of International Relations & Cooperation for its contribution to economic growth, trade facilitation, and job creation across Africa. The award recognizes Airlink’s role in strengthening South Africa’s business reputation on the continent.
Brussels Airlines marked 100 years of air connectivity between Brussels, Belgium and Kinshasa, DRC on February 12, 2025. A century ago, three Belgian aviators completed the first flight between Brussels and Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), establishing a route that remains vital today. The airline continues to expand its African presence, currently serving 18 destinations across the continent.
Onedot Aviation has received certification from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to conduct base maintenance on Bombardier Challenger and CRJ aircraft, expanding beyond its previous wheels, brakes, and non-destructive testing services. This milestone enhances Nigeria’s aviation self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on overseas maintenance.
Vivajets Private Jet Charter, a subsidiary of Falcon Aerospace Limited, has officially obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the NCAA. The airline currently operates a Challenger 604, Gulfstream 550, and Hawker 900XP, with plans to expand its fleet by adding three Bombardier Challenger 604 jets.
Meanwhile, passengers on Brussels Airlines flight SN204 from Dakar, Senegal to Brussels, Belgium witnessed a mid-air birth on February 11. Baby Fanta was delivered with the help of 22-year-old nurse Lore Nachtergaele, who had earned her diploma just two weeks prior. The Airbus A330 (OO-SFF) had been airborne for just 30 minutes when the crew called for medical assistance. Despite her initial hesitation, Lore, along with a young doctor, safely delivered the baby, creating a memorable moment in aviation history.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents.
On February 10, 2025, an Air Urga Antonov AN-26, operating on behalf of the United Nations, veered off Ndele Airport‘s, CAR, runway 17 upon landing. The aircraft, registration UR-ELB, sustained substantial damage, with its left main gear collapsing. Both crew members sustained injuries.
Ethiopian Airlines is facing controversy following a security breach at Bole International Airport involving TikTok personality Mehere Tadesse. The influencer staged a photoshoot aboard a parked Ethiopian Airlines aircraft for her birthday, sparking public criticism after the images went viral. The airline has since launched an internal administrative review regarding the unauthorized access.
On February 13, 2025, a CemAir (Pty)Ltd DHC-8-311Q Dash 8 (flight 5Z100) suffered an engine failure on takeoff from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB). The crew managed to return and land safely, with no reported injuries.
A day earlier, on February 12, 2025, a Cessna 152 made an emergency landing on Nsenyi Island, Uganda, shortly after departing from Kajjansi. The aircraft reportedly lost engine power on climb-out, forcing the pilot to land in a swamp at the edge of Lake Victoria, where it flipped upon landing. Fortunately, both occupants survived without injuries.
In other news:
Kenya Airways has strengthened its engagement with government stakeholders to promote the “Fly Kenya” policy, which prioritizes the national carrier for government travel. Introduced in 2016, the policy aims to streamline air travel for government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), but compliance has remained low due to the absence of enforcement mechanisms. To address this, Kenya Airways plans to integrate the Financial and Operational Travel Information Management System (FOTIMS) to improve transparency, efficiency, and adherence. In support of this, the airline launched the Asante Executive hub at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in September 2024, offering tailored travel solutions for government officials, including flexible bookings, competitive fares, priority ticketing, and dedicated customer service.
In Rwanda, the University of Rwanda (UR) is nearing the launch of aeronautics and aerospace engineering programs within its College of Science and Technology (CST). These programs, developed in partnership with Kent State University (KSU) in the U.S., will offer students an international dual-degree in aerospace education. The curriculum will cover areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, structures, avionics, and control systems, supporting Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub.
Meanwhile, HeliSpeed Solutions has announced the approval of its Bell 429 FNPT II MCC simulator by the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) for training in Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC), Instrument Rating (IR), and Airborne Radar Approach (ARA). This advanced simulator will serve as a vital training tool for pilots in Cameroon and beyond, ensuring enhanced certification and proficiency.
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