(Posted 04th March 2025)
Courtesy of Aero Trail Ltd and Mr. Alex Koech
Introduction.
The Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Réunion were on high alert Thursday as Cyclone Garance, an intense tropical storm, posed a direct threat to the popular tourist destinations. Mauritius closed its main airport on Wednesday, followed by La Réunion on Thursday, as authorities braced for severe weather. The cyclone was classified as a Class 3 storm by Mauritius—the second-highest alert level—bringing gusts of up to 70 km/h (43 mph). Air Mauritius suspended all flights, while Kenya Airways, Air India Limited, and several other airlines also canceled flights to Mauritius due to safety concerns.
African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 Annual Safety Report, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges in aviation safety. The all-accident rate stood at 1.13 per million flights, an improvement over the five-year average of 1.25 but slightly higher than 2023’s 1.09. A total of seven fatal accidents were recorded across 40.6 million flights, a sharp increase from just one in 2023 and exceeding the five-year average of five. Onboard fatalities rose to 244, up from 72 in 2023, though the fatality risk remained low at 0.06, below the five-year average of 0.10, but double the 0.03 recorded in 2023.
Africa experienced a challenging year in aviation safety, with 10 reported commercial accidents in 2024, raising the all-accident rate to 10.59 per million sectors—higher than 8.36 in 2023 and surpassing the five-year average of 8.46. Despite the increase in incidents, the fatality risk remained at zero for the second consecutive year, meaning no fatalities occurred. The most common accident types were runway excursions and landing gear-related issues, with 40% of accidents involving turboprop aircraft.
Shifting focus to global air cargo performance, January 2025 saw steady demand growth. Cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK) increased by 3.2% compared to January 2024, with international operations rising by 3.6%. However, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), grew at a faster pace of 6.8% globally and 7.3% for international operations. African airlines faced a 3.4% decline in demand, despite a 5.4% increase in available capacity, reflecting a slowdown in cargo movements across the continent.
Passenger demand, however, remained strong. Revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) grew 10.0% year-on-year, with available seat kilometers (ASKs) up 7.1%, leading to a record-high January load factor of 82.1% (+2.2 percentage points). International traffic surged by 12.4%, with capacity up 8.7%, pushing the load factor to 82.6% (+2.7 percentage points), an all-time high for January. Domestic demand followed suit, rising 6.1%, with capacity up 4.5%, resulting in a domestic load factor of 81.2% (+1.2 percentage points). African airlines led global growth, recording a 14.9% surge in demand, with capacity up 11.2% and the load factor improving to 75.9% (+2.4 percentage points).
Despite this strong passenger growth, Africa’s domestic aviation market remains small, contributing just 0.4% to the global domestic flight market (which accounts for 38.2% of global flights). Similarly, Africa’s international market share stood at only 1.8%, compared to the global international market’s 61.8%, highlighting the need for greater connectivity and infrastructure development across the continent.
Egypt’s low-cost carrier, Air Cairo, had an impressive 2024, transporting nearly 5 million passengers across 42,000 flights. 42% of its network served Europe, while 37% focused on the Middle East. To sustain its growth, Air Cairo plans to expand its fleet with five additional aircraft in Q2 2025. The airline currently operates from nine domestic locations, including Cairo and Hurghada, and serves all major German cities along with over 75 international destinations.
Air Service Agreements (ASA’s)/Airlines Agreements/Partnerships.
On February 25, 2025, a Togolese delegation led by Akoeté Adanbounou, Mayor of Agoé-Nyivé 1, met with Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, to explore the possibility of direct air travel between the two nations. With a visa waiver agreement already in place, discussions focused on establishing a direct flight route, estimated to take eight to nine hours. Togo, positioned as a key hub in West Africa, could facilitate connectivity between the region, Barbados, and the wider Caribbean. ASKY AIRLINES, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, is expected to lead this initiative, reinforcing Africa-Caribbean air links.
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Samah Hefni, met with Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Cairo, Askar Zhenis, to discuss strengthening bilateral aviation ties. The talks centered on increasing direct flights to support tourism and launching air cargo services between Cairo and Almaty to boost trade. Hefni highlighted that expanding air connectivity aligns with Egypt’s strategic plan to enhance global market integration, particularly with Central Asia.
In Angola, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (MINJUSDH) signed a cooperation protocol on February 24, 2025, aimed at enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms in civil aviation. The agreement focuses on mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, strengthening legal coordination between the two entities and ensuring smoother conflict resolution in the aviation sector.
In Nigeria, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, a global leader in aircraft engines, avionics, and aviation products, has partnered with ExecuJet Aviation Nigeria FZE, a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos. The collaboration, formalized through an MoU signed last Thursday, marks Honeywell’s first business venture in Nigeria’s aviation sector and will focus on avionics and engine installations for aircraft.
South African Airways (SAA) Cargo has appointed Zeal Global Corp as its General Sales Agent (GSA) in India, strengthening its presence in the region. Zeal Global Services, established in 2014, has a strong network across key Indian cities and also operates Pradhan Air Cargo freighters between India and Dubai. This move aligns with SAA’s broader growth strategy in the Asian market.
Afrijet Business Service and Air France have expanded their interline partnership to include Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and Bangui, Central African Republic. This extension enhances connectivity between their networks, offering Air France passengers easier access to destinations in Central Africa. The strengthened partnership underscores growing collaboration between African and global carriers, facilitating improved regional and international travel.
Routes and Airline Connectivity.
On February 26, 2025, Libyan Wings Airlines JSC marked a milestone with its maiden flight from Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli to Amman Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), Jordan. The inaugural flight received a traditional water cannon salute and was attended by representatives from Libyan Wings, Airport International Group (AIG), Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian (Libyan Wings’ ground handler), and Travilios Travel & Tourism (the airline’s general sales agent in Jordan). The new route, operating bi-weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays, is expected to enhance connectivity between Libya and Jordan.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have applied to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for greater flexibility in their South African flight schedules to align with seasonal demand. Delta’s proposal, submitted on February 14, seeks to shift two of its seven weekly Atlanta-Johannesburg flights to increase Atlanta-Cape Town service from three to five weekly between October 2025 and March 2026. Additionally, Delta is expanding its African network by launching new nonstop routes from Atlanta, including its first-ever service to Marrakech (RAK), Morocco, starting October 25, 2025. The Boeing 767-400ER will operate three times weekly, making Delta the second U.S. airline to serve Marrakech, following United Airlines‘ Newark service launched in 2024. Delta is also set to introduce a seasonal Atlanta-Accra (ACC) route from December 1, 2025, complementing its year-round daily New York-JFK-Accra service.
United Airlines, in its February 21 request, seeks approval to adjust one of its seven Newark-Johannesburg flights into a year-round Newark-Cape Town service and introduce a Newark-Johannesburg-Cape Town-Newark circular route. Both airlines cite seasonal demand fluctuations, with Johannesburg peaking from April to October and Cape Town seeing stronger traffic from November to April. DOT approval would require further negotiations with South Africa’s Department of Transport to align with existing bilateral agreements.
In South Asia, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) Airlines is expanding its international reach, launching direct flights from Mumbai to Seychelles starting March 22, 2025. The four weekly flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) aim to cater to the growing demand from Indian tourists and business travelers.
Similarly, ITA Airways is set to launch a seasonal Rome-Mauritius route on November 7, 2025, operating twice weekly (Fridays and Sundays) with an Airbus Aircraft A330neo. Italy was Mauritius’ eighth-largest source market in 2024, contributing over 29,000 arrivals (2.1% of total visitors). The service will run until March 27, 2026, further strengthening Mauritius‘ position as a premier Indian Ocean destination.
Kazakhstan is also boosting air connectivity with SCAT Airlines set to launch direct flights between Shymkent and Cairo on May 29, 2025. Operating twice weekly with Boeing 737 aircraft, the new service supports Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport’s air expansion strategy and follows a bilateral agreement with Egypt. Additionally, Air Astana and Air Cairo are increasing their Egyptian routes to meet rising demand from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new four-weekly passenger service to Porto, Portugal, starting July 2, 2025. This addition strengthens Ethiopian’s European network, offering more seamless connections for passengers traveling between Africa and Southern Europe.
In the UK, Zuri Sky Ltd, a UK-based aviation company, has launched its official website, signaling progress toward its goal of introducing direct flights between London and Freetown, Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to boost tourism, improve accessibility, and strengthen trade ties between Sierra Leone and the UK.
Across Central Africa, CAMAIR-CO is expanding its Douala-Libreville route, adding a fourth weekly flight from March 24, 2025, using a Boeing 737-700. Competing with Gabonese carrier Afrijet Business Service, which operates 10 weekly ATR rotations (630 seats per week vs. Camair-Co’s 435 seats), the expansion is part of Camair-Co’s broader regional growth strategy. The airline also serves N’Djamena, Bangui, and Cotonou, with plans to resume flights to Paris in 2025.
Proflight Zambia is enhancing domestic connectivity by increasing its Livingstone-Lusaka route frequency from once daily to twice daily starting April 1, 2025, in time for the safari season. This adjustment improves connections for travelers arriving in Livingstone from Cape Town and Johannesburg, reinforcing Zambia’s position as a key tourism hub in Southern Africa.
Airline Fleets and ACMI’s.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its fleet with the delivery of another Boeing 737 MAX on February 28, 2025. The 2.9-year-old aircraft, registered as ET-BBB, follows the arrival of ET-BBA, a similar model delivered in Week 8 of 2025. This addition underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to modernizing its narrowbody fleet and expanding its regional and international operations.
Mont Gabaon Airlines, a newly established carrier in Congo, has taken delivery of a Short Sherpa SD3-30-200 cargo aircraft on February 26, 2025. The 39.5-year-old aircraft, registered as 9S-GCS, previously served in the United States Air Force as a military transport and later with the U.S. Forest Service as a Smokejumper aircraft before transitioning to civilian use in June 2020. This aircraft is expected to bolster Mont Gabaon Airlines’ cargo operations.
In Nigeria, XEJet Limited has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Bombardier CRJ-200, delivered on February 23, 2025. The 20.9-year-old aircraft, registered as 5N-XEK, was previously operated by United States-based Regional One, Inc. This acquisition aligns with Xe Jet’s strategy to enhance regional connectivity and cater to Nigeria’s growing demand for efficient air travel.
In Morocco, Sarah Airways has welcomed its first Falcon 900EX from Dassault Aviation. The aircraft, configured to seat up to 14 passengers, will support the airline’s focus on VIP private transport and medical evacuation services. Sarah Airways’ fleet already includes a Falcon 100, Citation III, Citation VII, and a Hawker 900XP, reinforcing its position in the luxury and specialized aviation sector.
South Africa’s JOLY AIRLINES, one of the country’s newest entrants in the aviation sector, has placed an order for 30 ME-1A Amphibious Aircraft from Mallard Enterprises . The 19-passenger hull-based amphibious aircraft will support the expansion of seaplane operations in Africa and Indonesia. With this move, JOLY Airlines is setting a new benchmark for amphibious aviation on the continent, aiming to revolutionize connectivity in remote and water-bound regions.
Aviation Infrastructure, Financing & Profitability.
The Zambian government has signed contracts with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and Anhui Shui’an Construction Group Corporation Zambia Limited for two major airport projects: the construction of a new greenfield airport in Nakonde and the upgrading of Mfuwe International Airport. Nakonde Airport, with an investment exceeding 2.8 billion Kwacha, will be constructed by ZNS and completed within 36 months. Meanwhile, the 2 billion Kwacha upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport will be handled by Anhui Shui’an Construction Group within 24 months, featuring a new 3-kilometer runway, taxiway, apron, and rehabilitation of the existing runway to improve passenger and cargo capacity.
On February 20, 2025, Sudan inaugurated newly renovated facilities at Port Sudan International Airport, a key gateway on the Red Sea coast. The upgrades include a customs hangar, health center, VIP lounge, and improved access roads, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. The airport serves vital connections to neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Egypt, reinforcing Sudan’s role in regional air travel.
Meanwhile, Tanzania has revived the Serengeti International Airport project, which had been stalled for 15 years. The government has signed a six-month consultancy and design contract with SABA Engineering PLC to move forward with the airport, which will feature a 4,000-meter runway and capacity to handle 1.6 million passengers annually. The airport aims to boost tourism and economic development by providing direct access to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. However, environmentalists continue to oppose the project, citing concerns that aircraft noise could disrupt wildlife, including the annual wildebeest migration. Authorities argue that the airport’s Mugumu location, 40 km from the park, minimizes environmental impact while ensuring accessibility for travelers.
In Egypt, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny inaugurated Air Cairo’s new office and integrated operations center at Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 1. Welcomed by Air Cairo Chairman and CEO Ahmed Shannan, Hefny toured the new sales office, which operates daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, offering ticketing services and flexible booking modifications. The integrated operations center will enhance airline efficiency by monitoring aircraft movement 24/7, ensuring flight readiness, weather tracking, and emergency response coordination.
In Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reported a remarkable 100% revenue growth, with ?343.87 billion generated between January and November 2024. FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi (Bunmi) K., revealed that this figure represents an 82.5% improvement over 2023, reflecting increased passenger traffic, improved airport services, and enhanced revenue collection mechanisms.
In Sudan’s Port Sudan Airport District, the new headquarters of the Djibouti Embassy was officially opened, attended by Ambassador Hussein Al-Amin Al-Fadil and representatives from diplomatic missions. This diplomatic expansion signifies Djibouti’s strengthened ties with Sudan, particularly in trade and aviation.
In South Africa, Airport Ads, a Provantage company, has renewed its exclusive airport advertising rights at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg. The upgraded contract includes advanced audience measurement technology, a large-format digital screen at the airport entrance, and new, larger Airport TV screens. This renewal cements Airport Ads’ position as a leader in airport media and advertising, providing brands with high-visibility digital and static advertising solutions at one of South Africa’s busiest airports.
VISA/Passports.
Nigeria is set to automate its electronic visa approval and issuance process, streamlining entry for travelers and boosting business opportunities, according to the Minister of Interior. The initiative aims to eliminate long wait times upon arrival while curbing the role of middlemen who facilitate visa approvals through informal channels. Under the new system, travelers can apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, the e-visa will be sent directly to the applicant’s email, removing the need for physical visa stickers at the airport.
People/Appointments.
South African Airways (SAA) has officially appointed Professor John Lamola as its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), following approval by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. Lamola, who has served as interim CEO since May 2022, has been instrumental in SAA’s financial recovery. Under his leadership, the airline achieved a net profit of R252 million in the 2022/23 financial year—its first profitable year since 2012. Revenue surged to R5.7 billion, a significant jump from R2 billion in 2021/22. Lamola brings extensive experience, having previously served as CEO of Denel Aviation and a board member of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
EGYPTAIR Holding has announced the appointment of Captain Ahmed Adel as its new Chairman and CEO, effective February 23, 2025, succeeding Engineer Yehia Zakaria. Adel, a seasoned aviation executive, first joined EgyptAir in 1988 and has held various leadership positions, including Chairman and CEO from 2018 to 2020. His return to the helm comes as EgyptAir advances its network expansion strategy, aiming to serve 30 African countries by 2028.
The aviation industry also mourns the passing of Alhaji Asuma Banda, a pioneering figure in Ghana’s shipping and aviation sectors. Banda, who passed away on March 1, 2025, was instrumental in transforming Ghana’s economy, particularly through Antrak Airlines, which played a major role in revolutionizing domestic air travel. His contributions to business, logistics, and aviation earned him widespread recognition, and his legacy continues to shape Ghana’s aviation landscape.
Awards, Recognition, Certifications & Milestones.
Ethiopian Cargo continues to solidify its leadership in the air cargo industry, securing two prestigious awards at the Aviation Achievement Awards (AAA) in Dubai on February 26, 2025. The airline was named Air Cargo Pharma Service of the Year (Africa) and Cargo Airline of the Year (Africa), recognizing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and world-class service delivery. These accolades highlight Ethiopian Cargo’s pivotal role in shaping the future of air cargo, particularly in pharmaceutical logistics, where precision and reliability are paramount.
Captain Yasmin Farah has made history as Somalia’s first female airline captain since the country’s civil war in 1991. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, she has broken barriers, inspiring young women across Somalia and beyond to pursue careers in aviation. Flying with Maandeeq Air, her journey symbolizes resilience, dedication, and perseverance. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she has been named Somalia’s Pilot of the Year 2024, a prestigious honor that celebrates her exceptional piloting skills and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In the field of aviation safety and maintenance, EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING has successfully renewed its EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification for its main two stations in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Medina). This achievement reinforces the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest global safety and quality standards, ensuring operational excellence in aircraft maintenance.
Aviation Accidents/Incidents.
In a tragic aviation incident, a Sudan Air Force Antonov An-26 crashed shortly after takeoff from Wadi Seidna Air Base (HSWS), north of Omdurman, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The aircraft experienced a technical malfunction, leading to a devastating accident that claimed the lives of all seventeen (17) occupants and twenty-nine (29) people on the ground, while at least ten (10) others were injured. The aircraft was completely destroyed by fire, marking one of Sudan’s most severe military aviation disasters in recent years.
On the same day, a Diamond DA42 Twin Star trainer aircraft (ZS-TDI) made a gear-up landing on Runway 07 at Lanseria International Airport (HLA/FALA) in Gauteng, South Africa. Fortunately, both occupants escaped unharmed, and the aircraft sustained only minor damage. The cause of the gear failure is currently under investigation.
Air Peace Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has faced significant flight disruptions following three separate bird strike incidents within 24 hours. The first occurred on Thursday, forcing an air return, while two more incidents followed on Friday, prompting the airline to ground the affected aircraft for mandatory safety inspections and maintenance. According to Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, the airline is prioritizing passenger safety and has urged travelers to remain patient while the aircraft undergo thorough safety checks.
Court Cases/Lawsuits
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has taken its fight to the Gauteng High Court, challenging a ruling that blocked its R3 billion baggage screening overhaul. The dispute revolves around whether ACSA or airlines hold the legal right to provide baggage screening services, a conflict that has stalled the company’s ambitious restructuring efforts. The issue arose after Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), a private firm representing airline associations, obtained an interim interdict in November 2024, preventing ACSA from issuing a new baggage screening tender. The court ruled that ACS had a prima facie right to challenge ACSA’s decision to insource the service, effectively putting ACSA’s plans on hold until a full judicial review is conducted.
Meanwhile, in Ghana, a legal battle over historical legacy and national identity has emerged. The Democracy Hub, in collaboration with the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has filed a Supreme Court lawsuit demanding the removal of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka’s name from Accra International Airport. The petition, filed on February 24, 2025, marks 59 years since the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and challenges what the group calls a “historical injustice” and the glorification of coup leaders. Democracy Hub argues that Ghana has denounced coups for decades while continuing to honor one of its key architects, calling for a revision of historical recognition in national institutions.
In Cameroon, Boeing and Pratt & Whitney face renewed legal pressure over the 1995 Cameroon Airlines (CAMAIR) Boeing 737-200 crash, which claimed 71 lives. Filed in February 2025, the lawsuit seeks CFA 103 billion ($164 million) in damages, continuing a decades-long battle for accountability and compensation. This follows a 2024 ruling that ordered Boeing and Pratt & Whitney to pay CFA 158.48 billion ($254 million) for a separate 1984 crash, a payment that remains unpaid. The ongoing legal actions reflect persistent efforts by victims’ representatives to hold aerospace giants accountable for historical aviation disasters.
In other news:
After 27 years of waiting, the Tanzanian government has finally begun compensating 1,865 Kipunguni residents who were displaced for the expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA). Initially, in 1997, the affected residents were allocated Sh7.7 billion, covering only houses and assets. However, a 2016 legal amendment expanded the compensation to include land value, raising the total payout to Sh143.9 billion. This long-overdue move marks a critical step toward fair resettlement and justice for those impacted by the airport expansion.
Meanwhile, in Equatorial Guinea, Ceiba Intercontinental, the national airline, is under Senate scrutiny due to severe financial struggles. On February 17, 2025, the airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Miguel Micha Alo Afugu, appeared before the Senate to present a recovery plan. The airline has been entangled in corruption scandals, including a 2023 probe into the sale of an ATR 72-500, which implicated a presidential son. In a bid to stabilize operations, the government is exploring a potential stake sale to Ethiopian Airlines. The Senate’s review aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic reforms for state-owned enterprises, a move that could reshape Ceiba’s future in the aviation sector.
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