Africa has the greatest unused potential for aviation growth

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Africa has the greatest unused potential for aviation growth

Africa has the greatest unused potential for aviation development in the world. It is home to 18% of the world’s population but accounts for just 3% of global GDP. And it accounts for an even smaller share of global air transport – just 2%.

So said IATA Director General Willie Walsh, addressing delegates at the 56th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly (AGA) in Cairo, Egypt, this week.

The three-day AGA concluded today (Tuesday, November 19). It is the biggest aviation summit in Africa and was attended by Chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, air navigation services providers as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, component suppliers and many other service providers.

The event focused on issues in the development of air transport in Africa in general and development opportunities for African airlines in particular.

‘One of the major driving forces’

An AFRAA spokesperson highlighted that air transport is one of the major driving forces behind the socio-economic development of Africa, which requires an efficient, reliable, fast and safe air transport system in order to achieve physical integration and support the development of trade and tourism.

“At its core, aviation serves as a catalyst for economic growth driving trade, tourism and investment. The aviation industry supports millions of jobs worldwide and contributes significantly to GDP. In Africa, the aviation industry supports an estimated 7.7 million jobs and US$63 billion in African economic activity.”

According to AFRAA, air transport has steadily brought African countries closer together and contributed to the expansion and deepening of intra-African commerce and trade.

Since the last quarter of 2023, passenger traffic carried by African airlines has reached 2019 levels while intra-African connectivity has already surpassed the pre-COVID level. “This progress is backed by deliberate initiatives among industry stakeholders and AFRAA’s priorities are aligned to support the sector accordingly,” said an AFRAA spokesperson.

‘Enormous challenges’

Walsh is upbeat about the African aviation industry’s “readiness” to take advantage of this potential to grow airlines and connect the continent.

He acknowledged the challenges: “I also understand the enormous challenges you face – among these are high costs and taxes, including the highest into-wing jet fuel prices in the world, low adoption of global safety standards and airport infrastructure in need of investment.

“I want to assure you that we work closely with AFRAA. We are focused on your needs and we are looking at how we can support our members’ success even more effectively.”

He identified three critical issues in need of urgent attention: aviation safety, sustainability and blocked funds.

Blocked funds

Walsh said airlines deliver significant socio-economic benefits. “But we are not charities. You have every right to count on the repatriation of funds for tickets sold across your global networks.”

He highlighted that, globally, US$1.662 billion of airline money is blocked from repatriation – US$950 million of this is in African countries.

Within Africa, the largest amounts are in Central Africa and the zones where the franc is the dominant currency. According to Walsh, this is where over US$300 million is withheld.

“Working with your teams, progress has been made. But every success seems to be balanced by an increase somewhere else – the problem is persistent.”

No country wants to lose connectivity, which drives economic prosperity. “That is the strongest point in our argumentation,” commented Walsh.

If airlines cannot repatriate their revenues, they cannot be expected to provide service, he noted. Economies will suffer if connectivity collapses.

“So it is in everybody’s interest – including government – to ensure that airlines can repatriate their funds smoothly,” Walsh said.

Emirates ups services in Africa

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Emirates ups services in Africa

Emirates has further increased its presence across Africa with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe in Uganda, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Johannesburg in South Africa.

Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and cargo gateways – increasing Africa’s connectivity and air transport market development.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Africa has long been a priority region for Emirates and we will deepen our strategic focus on expansion and continued investment on the continent as an important anchor for our future network. The introduction of frequencies to our existing points in Uganda, South Africa and Ethiopia help support the region’s growth and provide critical links using Dubai as a key gateway to emerging economies across Asia and the Middle East.

“Over the past 30 years, Emirates has played a pivotal role in the development of the region’s aviation and tourism sectors – not just through scaling our operations but by establishing strategic partnerships with local governments, tourism boards and like minded airline partners across the travel ecosystem to nurture the industry and realise its untapped potential.”

Increasing frequencies to maximise connectivity

From October 27, Emirates increased operations between Dubai and Uganda from five weekly flights to a daily service. Operated via a Boeing 777-300ER, the additional flight will add 718 seats to and from Dubai-Entebbe every week, connecting to onwards destinations from Dubai such as Canada, the US, India and the UK.

At the 2024 Arabian Travel Market, Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uganda Tourism Board aiming to encourage a diverse range of international travellers to experience the destination’s natural, cultural and adventure attractions.

Emirates will also increase frequency in Ethiopia with a daily flight connecting Dubai and Addis Ababa from January 1. By boosting its flight frequencies, Emirates will provide more convenient access, particularly for travellers from the Middle East and Far East.

This will be followed by the fourth daily flight to Johannesburg from March 1 with a morning slot to and from OR Tambo International Airport. The additional flight brings Emirates’ operations back to pre-pandemic levels with 49 weekly flights into South Africa.

Once all the additional frequencies are activated, Emirates will provide 161 weekly flights between African destinations and Dubai.

Expanding the network to serve more of Africa

In Africa, the airline’s footprint expands to over 210 regional points through five codeshare and 18 interline partners, providing access to more regional points via one-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughput.

Through its interline agreement with South African carrier CemAir, Emirates enables customers to visit leisure points such as Margate and Plettenberg Bay.

SA’s new high-speed rail to boost tourism

Business Travel
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SA’s new high-speed rail to boost tourism

The proposed high-speed rail link between Gauteng and Limpopo is gaining momentum and promises enhanced connectivity and economic integration in South Africa, according to government. And the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) says it will also drive tourism.

This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between the provincial governments of Gauteng and Limpopo, has reached significant milestones and promises transformative benefits for the region’s commuters, businesses and tourists, says government.

An October meeting between Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, held in Mookgophong, saw the approval of an implementation protocol and the start of a process to appoint a Joint Project Manager.

Barba Gaoganediwe, Spokesperson and Head of Destination Marketing and Communication at Gauteng Tourism Authority, told Travel News: “The rail connection will ease traffic, improve economic and regional integration, and propel tourism and business exchange while creating a direct corridor link with Zimbabwe, one of the country’s biggest trading partners.”

The rail link will span approximately 420 kilometres, connecting Pretoria to Polokwane in the first phase and extending to Louis Trichardt and Musina in the second.

The train will pass through key towns, including Hammanskraal, Bela-Bela, and Mokopane, aiming to transform these areas into economic hubs.

The Gautrain is also planning a massive expansion in 2026, adding another 150km of track and 19 new stations across Gauteng – this expansion will link up with the new line to Limpopo.

For businesses, the rail line offers an efficient logistics route, while tourists will enjoy greater accessibility to the region’s attractions, GTA says.

The project aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Rail Masterplan, which prioritises high-speed rail as a catalyst for economic growth.

The rail link is expected to enhance tourism through joint marketing initiatives between the provinces, including promoting a golfing route and shared signature events.

“For us in tourism, this is a welcome boost as the two provinces share similar characteristics of being inland with close language and cultural profiles,” said Gaoganediwe.

While the final timeline for the project’s completion remains unclear, the new masterplan is expected to be finalised by the end of 2025.

WTM London confirms record-breaking attendance

The Delegate Report
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WTM London confirms record-breaking attendance

Organisers of WTM London have confirmed that the number of buyers increased by 11% for this year’s show to over 5 000, while the number of exhibitors and overall attendees were at the highest levels ever recorded.

The 44th edition of the world’s flagship travel and tourism event hosted 5 049 buyers, almost 500 more than the 4 560 welcomed last year.

Overall attendance at the event increased by 6% to 46 316 individuals, with many travel professionals attending for between two and three days.

To accommodate the additional visitors, the show increased in scale by almost 8%, adopting new halls within ExCel London’s Level-0, equipped with large new conference stages and hospitality areas.

Exhibitor participation also grew by 8% to 4 047, including over 80 new exhibitors.

Continuing to deliver measurable value for attendees, confirmed business meetings swelled by 17%, with 34 082 pre-scheduled meetings taking place.

“From meetings to attendance to floor space, our increased presence in every metric shows not only the extent to which the tourism sector is thriving, but also the appetite there is out there to find solutions to our challenges, embrace our opportunities and work together to ensure the travel industry uses its platform and potential as a beacon for good,” said WTM London Exhibition Director Juliette Losardo.

Guiding the tourism conversation

Leading conversations that will shape the travel and tourism industry throughout 2025, WTM London focused on ‘Travelpower’ and how attendees, including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport services, technology brands, associations and experiences, can use their platforms for positive change.

The show’s conference programme saw more than 200 industry leaders delivering over 70 insightful sessions built around the topics of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion, Geo-Economics, Marketing, Sustainability, Travel Trends, and Technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) was on the agenda at the Ministers’ Summit, which brought together more than 50 of travel’s most influential political figures. Marking its 18th year, and run in association with UN Tourism and World Travel and Tourism Council, leaders debated the potential of emerging technologies to facilitate good in tourism.

The highly anticipated WTM Global Travel Report 2024 was also unveiled on day one of the show. Drawing on extensive data from 185 countries, the report revealed that international tourism arrivals were expected to hit a record 1.5 billion in 2024, surpassing 2019 values. By 2030, international visitors staying at least one night in their destination are projected to grow by over 30% to two billion.

Losardo said: “What an incredible three days of coming together as one global tourism community. In an event packed full of knowledge, ideas, camaraderie and enthusiasm, we’ve planted the seeds for an exciting year ahead, one filled with positive change.”

Fastjet Zimbabwe Earns Prestigious Safety Certification

Press Releases
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Fastjet Zimbabwe Earns Prestigious Safety Certification

HARARE, ZIMBABWE | Fastjet Zimbabwe, the award-winning airline, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration. This registration acknowledges fastjet’s conformance and adherence to the highest operational and safety standards in the aviation industry.

Administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the IOSA program was created in 2003 to assess the operational management and control systems of airlines. IOSA registration is recognised globally as the highest benchmark for airline operational safety, and the assessment encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of fastjet’s management systems and operational procedures across key areas, including flight operations, maintenance, engineering, and ground operations.

Fastjet Zimbabwe has been working towards this registration as part of its vision to achieve international recognition in upholding globally recognized safety and quality standards.

Commenting on the achievement, Nunurai Ndawana spokesperson for fastjet Zimbabwe stated: “Obtaining the IOSA registration is a significant milestone for our company, which is a testament of our commitment to safety and continuous improvement of our operations. We take great pride in our team, whose expertise and relentless effort have allowed us to meet the rigorous requirements set by IOSA.”

Fastjet’s IOSA registration is a testament to the unwavering dedication to delivering a trustworthy and safe travel experience. It solidifies the airline’s standing as a dependable partner for global airlines and opens the door to exciting new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Qatar Airways Launches the World’s First Boeing 777 Starlink-Equipped Flight

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Qatar Airways Launches the World’s First Boeing 777 Starlink-Equipped Flight

From the Skies – Qatar Airways has taken the future of in-flight connectivity to greater heights by operating the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777 aircraft from Doha to London on Monday, 22 October 2024.

This milestone establishes Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline as voted by SkyTrax 2024, as an industry leader in bringing advanced technology on board. The airline is the largest and first carrier in the MENA region to offer passengers Starlink ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet. Starlink free to all passengers and operates from gate to gate.

The national carrier for the State of Qatar is also set to exceed its initial target of three Starlink-equipped aircraft, delivering 12 Boeing 777-300s upgraded with this innovative service by the end of 2024, and a further commitment to introduce the technology to its entire Boeing 777 fleet in 2025—one year ahead of schedule – with the Airbus A350 fleet following in the summer of 2025.

This significant move highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to bridging the gap between the skies and the ground by offering ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet.

Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit that will provide passengers reliable, high-speed internet so they can stay connected with friends and family, stream their favourite entertainment, watch live sports, play online games, or work efficiently at 35,000 feet—all for free and with a simple ‘one-click-access’.

Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first Starlink-equipped flight, proving once again why Qatar Airways is at the forefront of the aviation industry.

“This milestone, paired with our commitment to rapidly roll-out Starlink across our entire modern fleet, demonstrates our relentless pursuit of offering passengers an in-flight experience that transcends the constraints of traditional air travel.

“By providing Starlink reliable, seamless internet on board, we are connecting people to things they love the most even at 35,000 feet, making every journey with us a memorable one.”

Leveraging advanced satellites with its deep experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers internet access around the world, including over oceans and other remote locations previously unreachable by traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals. “Overtime you’ll find it just gets better and better. This is the minimum and it only gets better from here,” said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.  

With the launch of its first Starlink-equipped flight, Qatar Airways has achieved several industry-firsts, including:

  • World’s first Starlink equipped Boeing Widebody 777
  • First Starlink on Qatar Airways passenger aircraft
  • First Starlink equipped passenger aircraft in the MENA region
  • First Starlink Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Boeing aircraft
  • Largest passenger aircraft equipped with Starlink
  • Longest range Starlink equipped passenger aircraft  

As the first-ever service of its kind in the MENA region, the collaboration with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite internet constellation engineered and operated by SpaceX, marks a new milestone for the national carrier of the State of Qatar. This strategic initiative will further elevate the airline’s unparalleled on-board experience.

This press release, along with accompanying multimedia files, was dispatched directly from the first Starlink-equipped flight at 35,000 feet. The Starlink-equipped aircraft will operate on selected routes as the airline pushes forward its roll-out plans. This will ensure more passengers have seamless access to enhanced connectivity during their travels, elevating the Qatar Airways’ award-winning on-board experience to new heights and setting a new benchmark for in-flight excellence.

Can African Airports Cut Emissions by 20%? A New Challenge Aims to Find Out

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Can African Airports Cut Emissions by 20%? A New Challenge Aims to Find Out

SITA, a leading IT provider for the air transport industry, has launched a global innovation challenge in partnership with Innovate UK to help regional African airports cut carbon emissions by 20%. The challenge seeks scalable, cost-effective solutions to optimize aircraft turnaround times, reducing fuel wastage and improving operational efficiency.

The Opportunity: Funding & Industry Collaboration
🔹 Innovators worldwide can apply for up to £25,000 (R568,795) in seed funding.
🔹 Winning solutions will be trialed with SITA in real airport environments.
🔹 The focus is on smaller airports, where current systems are too costly or complex.

Why This Matters for Africa’s Aviation Future
African air travel demand is expected to double in the next 15 years, but inefficiencies and limited infrastructure pose serious challenges. Aircraft turnaround delays contribute to fuel wastage, congestion, and missed connections—issues that will worsen without action.

🚀 Will this initiative help African airports become greener and more efficient? Let us know what you think!

SAA Expands Routes: More Flights to Africa, Mauritius & Perth

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SAA Expands Routes: More Flights to Africa, Mauritius & Perth

Stronger Connections Across Africa
South African Airways (SAA) is boosting its flight frequencies to key destinations across Africa, responding to growing demand. Starting November 2024, passengers can expect:
✔️ Harare & Lusaka – 12 weekly flights (up from 10 & 7, respectively)
✔️ Lagos & Accra – 4 flights per week (up from 3)
✔️ Kinshasa – 5 flights per week

Strengthening African Trade & Tourism
SAA’s Interim CEO, Prof. John Lamola, emphasized that this expansion supports South Africa’s economy by improving tourism and trade links across Africa.

Mauritius & Perth: More Flights for Holiday & Business Travelers
SAA is also increasing flights on its most popular international routes:
✔️ Mauritius – Twice daily flights from December 2024
✔️ Perth – Expanding to 5 flights per week by January 2025

With more flexibility and better connectivity, SAA is solidifying its role as a key player in African and international aviation.

Will these additional flights make your travel easier? Let us know!

inDrive Broadens Reach in Zimbabwe with Ride-Hailing, Courier, and Intercity Services

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inDrive Broadens Reach in Zimbabwe with Ride-Hailing, Courier, and Intercity Services

Imagine a world where your travel isn’t dictated by fixed fares but where you can name your price—a revolution that transforms daily commutes and long journeys into fair, accessible experiences. That future is unfolding in Zimbabwe.

inDrive, the global mobility and urban services platform, is making waves by expanding its operations across Zimbabwe. Now offering ride-hailing services in four major cities—Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare—alongside a newly launched courier service in Harare, and bolstering its established intercity services, inDrive is redefining urban mobility for local communities. This expansion is part of a bold strategy to challenge traditional pricing norms and enhance connectivity, while also creating new income opportunities and supporting economic growth. As Kudzai Jeke, inDrive’s Country Representative, highlights, this move isn’t just about transport—it’s about empowering communities and fostering equity in mobility across Zimbabwe.

Could inDrive’s innovative “name your price” model reshape the way you travel? Explore how these new services might transform your daily routine and business opportunities in Zimbabwe. Are you ready to experience the future of urban mobility?

ILTM Africa 2025 ignites luxury and art at new Norval Foundation venue

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ILTM Africa 2025 ignites luxury and art at new Norval Foundation venue

Cape Town, 9 October 2024 – International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTMA) is proud to announce that its highly anticipated 2025 event, themed ‘Ignite Africa with Luxury Travel’, will be held at the prestigious Norval Foundation in Cape Town from 06 to 08 April. This move from Kirstenbosch Gardens marks an exciting new chapter for ILTM Africa, positioning art as a key component of luxury tourism.

“We cannot wait to welcome the world’s luxury tourism industry to Cape Town for the 2025 International Luxury Travel Market Africa gathering. And in the Norval Foundation in Tokai, this event will have an incredible venue to showcase Cape Town’s artistic side. Long known for our natural splendour, our food and our wine, Cape Town is also one of the world’s great art cities, and delegates at ILTM are in for a treat at this beautiful contemporary art museum and sculpture garden,” says Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“The luxury tourism sector is hugely important to Cape Town’s economy and its potential to add sustainable jobs, and it is wonderful that yet another aspect of the Mother City’s allure as a global travel destination will be highlighted through this choice of venue. I look forward to welcoming all the buyers, exhibitors, media to ILTM Africa 2025 in April.”

Highlighting the growing importance of art in luxury travel, Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director, ILTM Africa, adds: “Art is fast becoming the new culinary tourism. Cultural immersion is now a core element of the luxury tourism experience. The Norval Foundation, with its captivating art museum and sculpture garden, provides the perfect setting to explore this exciting trend and ignite new ideas about African luxury travel.”

A niche, boutique event, ILTM Africa 2025 will once again bring together the most discerning buyers and exhibitors in the luxury travel sphere. In addition to the established networking and appointment opportunities, 2025 will introduce ‘In Conversation’, a relaxed space designed to foster thought-provoking discussions and ignite the exchange of innovative ideas.

The Norval Foundation has a unique setting, combining world-class art with the natural beauty of the Cape Town landscape. From its curated exhibitions to the inspiring outdoor sculpture garden, the venue provides numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery while conducting business.

“As an art museum which prides ourselves on amplifying African art & artists, we are very pleased to be able to introduce a new audience of international guests to our museum & art offering, creating an introduction to some of the incredible talents our country and continent have to offer. As we work to celebrate African artists on a global stage & support art education, this partnership serves to support this mission with guests from around the world,” says Caroline Greyling, Museum Director, Norval Foundation

This year, ILTM Africa will also be collaborating with local artisans, providing a unique platform to showcase their talents and connect with key players in the luxury tourism industry. This initiative reinforces the Norval Foundation’s dedication to promoting modern and contemporary art from Africa and the diaspora, further igniting the synergy between luxury travel and African creativity.

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