(Posted 11th February 2026)
Welcome to the Future of African Aviation.
The 57th Edition of AFRAA’s African Skies has arrived, and the horizon has never looked more promising.
As we kick off Q1 2026, this issue serves as your definitive guide to the rapid transformations and bold innovations redefining our continent’s airspace. From strategic shifts in connectivity to the latest in sustainable growth, we invite you to dive into the stories, data, and leadership insights driving African aviation forward.
Immerse yourself in the journey.
Navigating Africa’s Ascent: Seizing Our Moment in the Global Sky
“In a world where aviation is both a barometer of economic vitality and a catalyst for integration, Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Across our continent, we see not just recovery, but resurgence. New fleets gracing our runways, visionary hub projects taking shape, and a spirit of innovation that refuses to be constrained by legacy challenges. This edition of African Skies captures that momentum, but more importantly, it underscores a collective truth: our potential is boundless, but unlocking it demands unity, courage, and strategic foresight.”
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AFRAA Marks New Era of African Aviation as Free Route Airspace Takes Flight in West and Central Africa
A Free Route Airspace for all
AFRAA heralds a transformative milestone in African aviation with the full operational deployment of Free Route Airspace (FRA) in the Western and Central Africa (WACAF) region, effective 30 October 2025. This landmark achievement transitioning from successful trials initiated in November 2023, will allow any airline to plan and fly more direct User Preferred Routes (UPRs), significantly enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of air travel across the continent.
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Focus on Environmental Dimension – SAFs as the Game Changer
Current status: AFRAA’s 2025 SAF Readiness Survey shows:
Sustainability requires bold regulatory clarity and regional alignment; fragmented national policies will only slow our progress. There are opportunities for Africa, the continent could achieve 0.6 million tonnes of SAF capacity by 2030 of 5–10% of projected global supply. Local feedstocks (biomass, waste, solar-powered hydrogen) make Africa well-positioned to be a regional SAF production hub.
The Single African Air Transportation Market: National Airlines at a Crossroads
Thrive or Struggle?
…implemented in the USA, ASEAN, and the EU – have demonstrated how deregulated air transportation markets stimulate competition, create jobs, and provide broader consumer choice. Airports benefit from increased passenger volumes, while economies thrive through enhanced trade, business travel, and tourism. Airlines gain access to more markets, expanding networks; however, on the flip side, theyface increased competition.
Launched in 2018, the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aims to unlock these benefits for Africa.
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