AviaDev Insight Africa

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell is joined by Air Botswana's CEO, Lulu Rasebotsa.

Together, they discuss:

Lulu's background and career journey

Air Botswana's recent fleet expansions- why choose Embraer?

Network expansion featuring a selection of reinstated and brand new routes

The selection criteria for these routes and type of passenger they cater for

How the airline combats seasonality

How Botswana is performing in terms of visa access in the region and further afield

Reflections on Lulu's first AviaDev experience

 Connect/ Follow Lulu here

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, recorded live in Johannesburg, South Africa, we explore the digital transformation in African airports.

We discuss the investment in African airport digitalization post-covid and the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

Connect with Adonis on LinkedIn

Listen to episode 240 here

Visit SITA's website

Chapters:

00:15 Introducing Adonis Succar and Digitalization

01:40 Momentum of Digitalization in African Airports

04:27 Investment and Challenges in African Airports

07:18 Visa Digitalization and Passenger Experience

12:29 Future of Seamless Intermodal Travel

15:14 Planning for Technological Advancements

17:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the eleventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are: 

Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN

Lorne Philpot, Aviation Journalist CONNECT WITH LORNE

Key topics discussed:

✈️ South African Airways to launch Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam from November

✈️ Fastjet increasing Bulawayo frequencies

✈️ RwandAir ceasing their Cape Town connection

✈️ Ethiopian Airlines to open Monrovia, Liberia, and Port Sudan

✈️ Qantas to up gauge the Sydney-Johannesburg route to an A380

✈️ Brussels Airlines' fleet expansion and plans for Sub-Saharan Africa

✈️ Virgin Atlantic to launch daily Accra flights from May 2025

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 

Welcome to the tenth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are: 

Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN

Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE

Key topics discussed:

✈️ Qatar's 25% investment into Airlink

✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Lusaka, Abuja and Harare and London rumours

✈️ Air Botswana's regional expansion and fleet expansion to Namibia and South Africa

✈️ Air Senegal's network reduction and management changes

✈️ Kenya Airways reporting a net profit for the first time in over 10 years. 

✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes

✈️ South African Airways increasing Mauritius to double-daily and starting Lubumbashi

✈️ TAAG increasing flights to South Africa and more managerial changes

✈️ Air France suspending Accra

✈️ Etihad re-advertising Nairobi

✈️ Air Tanzania launching Dubai-Zanzibar

✈️ FlyGabon to launch iminently

✈️ Emirates' latest update on restarting Nigeria operations

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 

In this episode, we focus on a carrier that has recently announced it will be launching services to mainland Africa for the first time. 

Air Asia will launch Kuala Lumpur - Nairobi on 15th November with a 4 weekly service and deploy an Airbus A330-300 comprising 12 business class and 365 economy seats. 

I am joined by Paul Carroll, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Air Asia Group and together we cover

• An introduction to the Air Asia offering and business model
• Why Nairobi was chosen as the first entry point in Continental Africa and why now?
• How strong are the commercials on the route?
• What has the reaction been in the short time since the route was announced and put up for sale?
• How important is the Chinese market in the route's success?
• How will Air Asia stimulate the market to support the growth it will need to ensure the route is viable and successful?
• Why start with 4 frequencies per week?
• Are there plans for partnerships/ interlines with African carriers?
• What is the distribution strategy in Africa?

Connect/ Follow Paul on LinkedIn here

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 

Welcome to the ninth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. 

Key topics discussed:

✈️ Air Asia Kuala Lumpur- Nairobi ✈️ JamboJet launch of Mombasa- Zanzibar ✈️ Air France announce Kilimanjaro from November ✈️ FlyNamibia launch of Windhoek-Maun ✈️ The impact of visa policies on route development ✈️ Emirates extending the Seychelles flight to Madagascar ✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes ✈️ Air Cote d'Ivoire's expansion from October Rumour mill: ✈️ Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi ✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Gatwick ✈️ Uganda Airlines rumoured aircraft order ✈️ Singapore Airlines applies for Durban ✈️ Air Canada's potential in West Africa ✈️ Emirates announce a date to restart Lagos

Chapters

02:42 AirAsia's New Route to Africa 

15:26 JamboJet's New Route: Mombasa to Zanzibar

23:31 Air France's New Route to Kilimanjaro

35:48 Fly Namibia's New Route to Maun

41:43 Impact of Visa Policies on Route Planning 

56:47 Emirates' New Route to Madagascar 

01:05:51 Ethiopian Airlines' Winter Expansion

01:09:52 Air Côte d'Ivoire's Network Growth

01:18:30 Rumor Mill: Airline Speculations and Announcements

In this episode, Jon and Denis discuss the importance of insurance in the African aviation industry. Insurance is a substantial operating cost and many African airlines may be overpaying or have the wrong solution for their needs. 

AI12, is a specialist insurance and reinsurance broker and part of the Avia Solutions Group.

Together, they highlight the need for African airlines to present themselves properly to the international market and the role of insurance brokers in advocating for their clients.

They also discuss the challenges African airlines face in obtaining insurance and how AI12 helps them navigate the market.

Key takeaways include the importance of strategic thinking, transparency, trust in insurance negotiations, and the value of partnerships and collaboration in the industry.

Find out more about AI12 here

Email Denis here

In this episode, Jon and Achma discuss the evolving landscape of airline distribution and the strategies African airlines can use to extend their global reach.

Achma shares her inspiring journey in the aviation industry, insights into revenue management, and the importance of a robust distribution strategy.

The conversation also touches on the significance of technology, the role of tourism boards, and Achma's future visions for the industry. 

Connect with Achma here 

Find out more about Airlinepros here

00:00 Introduction to Aviadev Insight Africa 

00:54 Meet Achma Azokan: A Journey in Aviation

07:56 The Evolution of Airline Distribution

11:02 Challenges and Strategies in Airline Revenue Management

17:40 Success Stories and Case Studies

22:09 Future Developments and Innovations in Aviation

29:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Jon and Richard explore the impact and opportunities harnessing technology and AI can have on African aviation, focusing on distribution, interlining, and the role of artificial intelligence. 

They discuss the adaptation African airlines require to optimize their distribution channels and the potential of using AI to enhance customer service and reduce operational costs.

The Kiu team will attend AviaDev Africa 2024, 19-21 June in Windhoek, Namibia. 

Find out more about Kiu here

Connect with Rodger Whittle on LinkedIn

Connect with Richard Ortega on LinkedIn

In this podcast, I am joined by Marcel Langeslag, Director Aviation Africa and Nelly Alandou, airport planning consultant at Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to preview the upcoming AviaDev Real Estate event on 19th June 2024 in Windhoek. 

Building a resilient business model through diversifying revenues has never been more important. However, this requires careful planning and appreciation of the local investment environment. 

In the episode, we discuss the current investment environment for airport real estate in Africa, what airports can do to get started and preview the sessions planned for Windhoek, which will provide a platform for airports to share their experiences and learnings with their peers and hear directly from airport investors. 

Connect with Marcel here

Connect with Nelly here

View the AviaDev Real Estate agenda

Welcome to the eighth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Dr. James Pearson, Analyst at Simple Flying. 

Together, we discuss:

Norse Atlantic Airways, a new carrier for Africa, is launching a three times a week operation from Gatwick in London to Cape Town International. Jon recently interviewed Norse, so if you want to hear more listen here

EasyJet's expansion into Cape Verde. Could this move be the start of a trend of major European low-cost carriers expanding into sub-Saharan markets?

Ethiopian Airlines' launch of the Warsaw route using the Boeing 737 MAX indicates their expansion into secondary markets in Europe. This strategy allows them to tap into niche markets and connect with their hub in Addis Ababa.

ASKY Airlines has made schedule changes to improve the utility of their aircraft and enhance their economics. They have swapped some of their routing and are focusing on maximizing connectivity through their hub in Lomé, Togo.

Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi was attributed to paperwork issues or delays in obtaining the operating permit. The success of this route remains uncertain, given the competition from other airlines serving the Nairobi market. 

The impact of political instability and restricted airspace which continue to pose challenges for airlines operating in Africa.

RUMOUR MILL

Emirates return to Nigeria (this has since been confirmed)

Air Asia's plans for Africa 

Uganda Airlines proposed Boeing order and Abu Dhabi route

Air Peace looking at Abuja-London

Air Canada looking at African markets

SA flights to Thailand

Subscribe to James' newsletter here 

Read James' articles here

Connect with James on LinkedIn here

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn here 

If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, Nomusa joins Jon to discuss Tourvest's involvement in revolutionizing the African travel landscape and their support for airlines and airports in developing their retail and catering solutions.

Specifically, we explore how Tourvest has been working with FlySafair to deliver an improved onboard experience, driving ancillary airline revenues whilst rewarding crew for performance. 

We finish by looking to the future and how a shift towards radical personalisation, focusing on flexibility, sustainability, and enhancing the passenger experience will change the passenger experience- all driven by harnessing the power of data. 

You can meet Nomusa and the team at AviaDev Africa, June 19-21 in Windhoek, Namibia www.aviadev.com 

Find out more about Tourvest here

Connect with Nomusa

In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Blackbeard, the founder of Africa's Eden.

Together, we discuss the mission of Africa's Eden, the importance of airlift to the organization's success, and practical steps to develop air access in the region.

Africa's Eden was launched in response to a call from the private sector to address challenges in the tourism industry. The organization focuses on creating a collaborative ecosystem and works with various stakeholders, including tourism product owners, tour operators, and travel trade networks. 

Find out more: https://africaseden.travel/ 

Connect with Jillian

In this episode, I am joined by Natalia Rosa to elaborate on the partnership between AviaDev and SADC Business Council and preview the Air Route Development Masterclass which will be held during AviaDev Africa 2024.

Together, we discuss:

Natalia's background, role, and mandate

Air Access as a policy focus of SADC

Are policy-makers listening to the industry?

The format and purpose of the workshop and partnership

To find out more and register visit www.aviadev.com 

On the 18th April 2024, Norse Atlantic announced the launch of a 3 weekly service from London Gatwick to Cape Town International starting at the end of October. 

In this podcast, I am joined by Philip Allport, Senior Vice President of Communications and together we discuss: ✈️ Norse's business model, fleet and network ✈️ Why Cape Town is the first African destination and the role the Cape Town Air Access team played in attracting the route ✈️ Norse's approach to other popular destinations in Africa- will we see them served in the future? ✈️ Why their low-cost, long-haul model can succeed where others have failed ✈️ Their approach to interlining and partnerships ✈️ Their distribution and sales strategy

In this episode, we discuss the role and importance of ancillary revenue for African airlines.

Today, it is not just a case of upselling, but personalising an offer that the passenger will benefit from. 

Protect is the world leader in refundable booking protection and work with a variety of airlines globally, including Ethiopian Airlines. 

I am joined by Nick Ashton, Global Airline Lead,and Andrew Ridgway, Head of Strategic Partnerships and together we discuss:

Their aviation industry experience

The Protect proposition

The current environment in African aviation when it comes to ancillaries and trip protection

How to overcome scepticism of the product from both an integration perspective at the airline and from a passenger perspective

The involvement of the airline in the refund process

The Protect team will be in Windhoek for AviaDev Africa in June. 

You can contact them here:

Andrew:

LinkedIn

Email

Nick:

LinkedIn

Email

If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.

Welcome to the seventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant.

Together, we discuss:

Turkish Airlines' continued growth and focus on Africa

Qatar Airways announcing 4 x weekly Kinshasa service

Access to European markets for African carriers. Is it a level playing field?

Uganda Airlines adding an A320 CEO. How and where will it be used?

SAA's potential change of leadership and what that means for thier strategy

Saudia launching Abuja 3 x weekly Abuja Jeddah nonstop from 11May. 

Emirates returning to Nigeria

Thanks for joining us today. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.

Aviation can be much maligned as an industry and we are all conscious of the challenges we face, but we must not lose sight of the fact that aviation has a unique way of solving unique problems. 

In this episode, I am joined by Will Travers OBE, Founder and Executive President of the Born Free Foundation, to discuss the positive impact of aviation in wildlife conservation.

Together, we discuss the story of Tsar and Jamil, two rescued lions, and the challenges of relocating animals. Will emphasizes the importance of lifetime care for rescued animals and the role of aviation in transporting them to safe environments.

We also address the dark side of aviation, such as wildlife trafficking, and the efforts of Born Free to prevent it. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between airlines, airports, and conservation organizations to promote responsible travel and protect wildlife. 

Support Born Free/ visit the website https://www.bornfree.org.uk/ 

Connect with Will: [email protected] 

Follow The Born Free Foundation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-born-free-foundation/ 

Welcome to the sixth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are Sean Mendis, aviation consultant, and Tatenda Karuwa, journalist, Simple Flying:

Together, we discussed: Air Peace to London Gatwick fastjet increasing the frequency of their Vic Falls - Kruger route ASKY AIRLINES restarting operations in Niger after ECOWAS lifted sanctions. RwandAir's suspension of their Mumbai route CemAir (Pty)Ltd's launch of Mala Mala from Johannesburg Uganda's intention to join SAATM South African Airways' decision to make Port Elizabeth a year-round service Ethiopian Airlines order of 20 x 777Xs The rumour mill...

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Airpeace launch to London Gatwick

12:06 Fastjet increasing Vic Falls Kruger frequency

27:50 ASKY restarts operations in Niger

33:03 RwandAir suspends Mumbai route

38:38 Indigo's Impact on India to East Africa Market

40:22 Cemair Launches Mala Mala from Johannesburg

42:02 Uganda's Intention to Join SAATM

46:44 SAA Makes Port Elizabeth a Year-Round Service

50:30 Ethiopian Airlines Orders 20 777Xs

56:15 Nigerian Government Instructs Foreign Airlines to Reduce Prices

57:12 Emirates' Potential Return to Nigeria

01:00:21 Uganda's Intention to Sign on to SAATM

Connect with Tatenda here

Connect with Sean here

• How and why the event was created and what it aims to achieve
• Who the event partners are
• The format of the event
• Some of the speaker and session highlights

• The Wild Africa Fund aims to popularize conservation across Africa and engage local communities through media and influencers.
• Tourism plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and economic development in Africa.
• Partnerships with airlines and airports allow the fund to create bespoke content that promotes wildlife conservation and tourism.
• The aviation industry can contribute to efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and promote sustainable tourism in Africa.

Follow Wild Africa on Instagram

Follow Wild Africa on facebook

• BARSA's mandate and summit objectives
• Key objectives for BARSA in 2024 - ensuring fuel security, addressing regulatory issues, and supporting the development of aviation infrastructure.
• Key sessions and speakers we will hear from at the event.
•  Leadership development and developing a skills pipeline

To find out more about the Summit, please visit: https://barsa.co.za/summit-2/ 

Welcome to the fifth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, a podcast that offers insights into new route developments in Africa.

Hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, this podcast covers new route developments and expansions in the aviation industry on the African continent.

Kenya Airways announced some huge changes to the network and to discuss this we are joined by Martin Gitonga, head of network planning and alliances at the airline to discuss the thought process behind the strategy.

I was joined for this interview by Chief Regional troublemaker, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially, an aviation consultant and Africa specialist.

The podcast is wide-ranging and discusses new routes, codeshares, scheduling, visas, and much more, so fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the episode.

In this episode, Jon and Victo discuss the need for better accessibility and communication for differently able travelers in Africa, as well as the importance of creating uniform global standards.

They also explore the role of airlines and customers in driving change and using technology to improve accessibility.

Victo shares her experiences and highlights the work of the Tunaweza Foundation in supporting people with disabilities. The episode concludes with a discussion on Victo's TED Talk and involvement with the Obama Foundation.

00:00 Introduction 01:19 Discussing African aviation accessibility 06:15 Challenges faced by differently able travelers 13:05 The need for better facilitation by airlines and airports 14:47 Creating uniform global standards 15:44 The role of airlines and customers in driving change 18:10 Using technology to improve accessibility 24:18 Engagement with airlines and the need for follow-up 26:30 The Tunaweza Foundation and its mission 31:54 Victo's TED Talk and involvement with the Obama Foundation 35:16 Closing remarks

Connect with Victo:

https://twitter.com/VictoNalule

https://www.linkedin.com/in/victo-nalule

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47UWiWAVgAg

https://tunawezafoundation.org/

https://www.facebook.com/victo.nalule/

https://twitter.com/TunawezaO

https://twitter.com/TunawezaO/status/1726908954784280946/photo/1

https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/disability-champion-nalule-to-present-at-hiv-NV_146931

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell interviews Dr. Namhla Tshetu, the Executive Manager for Corporate Services at Airlink, Africa's largest private carrier.

Together, they discuss Namhla's role in aeropolitical affairs and her aviation journey.

They also touch upon the Airlinkers booklet and The Link program, sharing its successes.

Namhla talks about her recently completed PhD on open skies in Africa and the potential for its realization.

A deep dive into the thorny issue of aeropolitical negotiations and market access conversations, especially in southern Africa. 

Airlink's strategy post-SAA partnership and working with CEO Rodger Foster.

Finally, they touch on Airlink's future plans, hinting at consolidation and potential expansion. 

Connect with Namhla here

Download the Airlinkers booklet here 

Head over to www.AviaDev.com to sign up for event updates.

Finally, as always, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe for free to ensure you never miss another episode.

Welcome to the fourth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, a podcast that offers insights into new route developments in Africa.

Hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, this podcast covers new route developments and expansions in the aviation industry on the African continent.

For this month's episode, Jon is joined by two industry analysts, Sean Mendis and Dr. James Pearson, to discuss and analyze these developments.

In this episode, the podcast discusses:

TAAG Angola closing Madrid and moving to a daily Lagos service

SAA's new route from Johannesburg to Perth

Discover's continued expansion in Africa 

Malawian increasing its Johannesburg routes

Ethiopian Airlines' daily flights to Toronto and its North American ambitions

Fastjet's reduction in Harare-Johannesburg flights

Air Senegal's strategy shift, including new strategic partnerships

The rumors about Gabon launching a national carrier.

Connect with Sean here

Connect with James here

Subscribe to James' weekly route newsletter here

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you feel would benefit from listening and subscribe to never miss another episode

This episode was recorded on location in London at the Headquarters of Zero on 30th November 2023.

Zero, https://www.zero.co/ is a pioneer in the field of sustainable aviation fuel and I visited Kwame Bekoe, an industry colleagues and a personal friend, who is serving as the Commercial Director of the business. 

Kwame Bekoe has a rich aviation history including working with GECAS, a large international lessor, and before this over 10 years with Airbus.

After completing an MBA with Columbia Business School he embarked on his latest journey with Zero to revolutionise the industry.

In the episode, we discuss:

The mission and origin story of the company and its links to Formula1

Why Kwame chose to join Zero after completing his MBA

How the technology works

Industry partnerships with Boeing and Rolls-Royce

The biggest challenges right now

The size of the opportunity for Africa to lead the charge with new fuels.

The roadmap for the coming years. 

You can follow/ connect with Kwame here

This episode was recorded on location in Kampala, Uganda where I attended the 55th African Airlines Association AGA, hosted by our friends at Uganda Airlines, 

During the 3 days, I took the opportunity to sit down with Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft commercial who spent 18 years working with Bombardier in Africa, Europe and the Middle East bringing the Q400, C-series which became the A220 and also the Crj 1000 to the continent.

He set up Jetcraft commercial in 2015 where he focuses on the global procurement and placement of commercial aircraft, so together we explore the current market trends and opportunities affecting Africa

We discuss:

• Is there a trend towards rightsizing in Africa? 
• Is the demand for widebodies waning?
• With interest rates high and finance hard to secure, are there more airlines looking for short term dry/damp/wet leasing arrangements
• The costs of leasing right now
• Will there be consolidation coming to the market?

Jetcraft Commercial are here to help you with your aircraft needs, so please contact the team via the website www.jetcraftcommercial.com

Follow / Connect with Raphael here https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelhaddad/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe to ensure you never miss another episode.

This episode is the third of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. 

My guests for this podcast are:

Aviation consultant, analyst and commentator, Sean Mendis, who brings over 20 years of experience in the industry, including stints managing airports, commercial airlines, and also cargo airlines in Africa and the Middle East.

Behramjee Ghadially, an aviation consultant with over 20 years of experience (9 of which has been in Africa) supporting airlines globally with their network planning and strategy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Airlink moving to daily Malawi from mid December, whilst SAA has announced they are pulling out. 

•  

  Etihad's Abu-Dhabi to Nairobi service and why Etihad has a small footprint compared to the other Middle Eastern carriers

•  

  FlyNamibia to launch Luanda, Maun and Victoria Falls in 2024

• Jambojet launching Mombasa-Zanzibar with a dash 8

•  

  TAAG Angola increasing Sao Paulo frequencies

•  

  flydubai ordering 787s and what this means for Africa

•  

  ET's Dubai Airshow orders and how they plan to deploy the aircraft

• SAA to launch Gqeberha from Johannesburg

Rumour Mill

• Malawi Airlines adds an ex-asky 737-700. Will we finally see the new routes they have been teasing for months?
• Madagascar Airlines. What’s next there?
• Emirates back to Nigeria. Anytime soon?
• Air Tanzania to start USA

Did we miss a route? Let me know Email Jon

Connect/ Follow Behramjee Ghadially here

Connect/ follow Sean Mendis here

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and never miss another episode.

This episode was recorded 7th November 2023 on location in Windhoek, Namibia

I spoke with Bisey Uirab, the CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, who is responsible for the operation and development of the country's airports. 

Bisey himself has a long history of leading multiple private sector and state organizations including the Namibia Ports Authority, where he served as CEO for 10 years before becoming CEO of NAC in 2019.

 In the episode, we discuss:

• The connectivity and aviation development ambitions of Namibia 
• The factors attracting new carriers to the country
• Airport infrastructure development and investment plans
• What Namibia hopes to achieve by hosting AviaDev Africa 2024

You can follow NAC via LinkedIn here  

Check out www.AviaDev.com to sign up for event updates. 

Finally,  if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe for free to ensure you never miss another episode.

This episode was recorded on 7th November on location in Windhoek, Namibia, where AviaDev Africa 2024 will take place June 19-21.

Today’s guest is at the helm of one of the most important stakeholders, FlyNamibia, who will be heavily involved in the event as an official carrier

Andre Compion is a well-known Namibian businessman and the Managing Director of FlyNamibia.

In the episode, we discuss: 

• How and why Fly Namibia was created
• The thinking behind the equity stake from Airlink
• The current network and fleet
• The recent IATA membership and what the airline aims to do with this
• New route developments

You can follow FlyNamibia’s  via their social media handles here:

LinkedIn

Instagram

To find out more about 2024's event, visit www.aviadev.com to sign up for event updates. 

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe for free to ensure you never miss another episode.

In this episode, we dive into a topic that has been dominating conversations over the last couple of years, specifically aviation’s role in supporting the drive towards net zero and a more sustainable industry.

To do this I am joined by Dirk Singer, the Head of Sustainability at Simpliflying, a consulting firm that is dedicated to supporting a greener and more environmentally sustainable future for air travel. 

Together we discuss:

• How best to address the topic of sustainability with industry stakeholders?
• What Simpliflying is aiming to achieve with the book? 
• Should Africa be subject to the same sustainability targets as everyone else, when its aviation industry is unprofitable?
• Who should finance sustainability?
• What can African aviation and governmental stakeholders be doing now to capitalise on the opportunity?

Buy the book here

Listen to the sustainability in the air podcast now here or find it on all platforms

Follow Dirk on LinkedIn

Follow Simpliflying on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, click subscribe to never miss another episode and please share with someone you feel would benefit from listening

This episode is the second of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. 

My guests for this podcast are:

Aviation consultant, analyst and commentator, Sean Mendis, who brings over 20 years of experience in the industry, including stints managing airports, commercial airlines, and also cargo airlines in Africa and the Middle East.

Tatenda Karuwa - a journalist writing for Simple Flying, the largest aviation website globally https://simpleflying.com/

In this episode, we cover:

• SAA to launch Sao Paulo from both CPT and JHB
• SAA opening Abidjan
• Uganda Airlines launching Mumbai and Lagos
• Ibom Air launching Accra
• Air Tanzania swapping Mumbai to the Boeing 737 MAX 9
• Ethiopian Airlines increasing Accra and Seychelles
• Fastjet increasing frequencies from Bulawayo to Johannesburg

Rumour Mill:

• Emirates to return to Nigeria
• Ghana Airlines latest
• TAAG to launch LGW

Did we miss a route? Let me know Email Jon

Connect/ Follow Tatenda Karuwa here

Connect/ follow Sean Mendis here

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and never miss another episode.

This podcast was recorded on 18th October in Dakar, Senegal, where I was attending the ACI Africa Annual General Assembly. 

Senegal is also the home base of the African Civil Aviation Commission or AFCAC who have been very visible and busy sensitising stakeholders in terms of the benefits of the single African air transport market. In June at AviaDev, AFCAC and AviaDev signed an MoU to support each other in the fields of communication and route development. 

In this episode, Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General, AFCAC and I discuss:

• Status update. What is the current state of progress?
• How do you respond to airline CEOs who don't necessarily support SAATM?
• Have there been new intra-African routes launched that may not have happened before SAATM?
• Have AFCAC been successful in solving market access disputes?
• Are AFCAC lobbying for visa reform?
• The goals and objectives of the next 2 years

Follow AFCAC on LinkedIn here

Watch Adefunke's lifetime achievement award interview here

As always, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and never miss another episode.

This episode is an opportunity to understand what we can expect from the upcoming AFRAA AGA taking place in Kampala, Uganda in November 2023.

Together we discuss:

The African aviation recovery

AFRAA’s current priorities

Preview of sessions, speakers and topics to be addressed at the AGA

What will be on offer for the delegates 

Find out more about the AFRAA AGA here

Hit that share button to share these insights with someone you feel will benefit from listening and see you for the next episode soon. 

In this episode, we are heading to Germany to meet the CCO of discover airlines an airline delivering a huge number of international tourists to the African continent.

In this episode, we discover...

The origin story of the airline

The current network and how it has been developed

The fleet composition and product offering

The market composition

The rebranding exercise

Future African destinations

How airports and destinations can influence Discover's planning decisions

The Namibian market. Why has it been such a success?

You can connect with Helmut on LinkedIn here

Visit the discover website

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, don't hesitate to subscribe and never miss another episode.

In this episode, we welcome back a previous guest, Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, a low-cost South African airline that is about to embark on a regional expansion launching new routes to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.

Together we discuss:

Why now is the right time to enter these new markets

What is driving the demand on the routes? 

How FlySafair expect the routes and load factors to develop and the role local partners will play in this development

How AviaDev has supported the conversations around these new route developments

The impact of the FlySafair and South African Rugby team strategic partnership on the business

Are the immediate plans to continue to expand or consolidate?

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to never miss another episode.

In this episode, I am joined by flydubai, a very important international airline serving multiple points in Africa, which has just announced a brand new route, taking its African network to 11 destinations in 10 countries.

The airline has announced it will serve Mombasa on the east coast of Kenya 4 times per week from January 2024.

In this podcast, we hear directly from the airline as to what has prompted this new route announcement and also to get a general feel of FlyDubai’s approach to development in Africa, with Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations at flydubai. 

Connect/ Follow Sudhir on LinkedIn here

For those listening, you can now head across to our new website www.AviaDev.com to see the theme for our 2024 event and get a flavour of our event plans. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating to enable us to be found by even more people, and feel free to share the link with someone in your network that you think would benefit from listening.

This episode is the first of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. We also have a rumour mill section focusing on those routes that could be on the horizon.

My guest for this podcast is aviation consultant, analyst and commentator, Sean Mendis, who brings over 20 years of experience in the industry, including stints managing airports, commercial airlines, and also cargo airlines in Africa and the Middle East.

In this episode, we cover: 

Upcoming New Routes in next quarter:

• Safair to Maputo (4x week), Livingstone (4x week), Harare (daily) and Victoria Falls (3x week) (early October).  
• ASKY to Nairobi (01 October) (3x week) and has recently launched Luanda (3x week)
• Uganda Airlines to Lagos (3xweek)  (19th October) / Mumbai (7th October) (3xweek)
• Flynas from Riyadh and Jeddah 3 x weekly each starting in October
• Air Peace to Jeddah via Kano from October

Other routes announced:

• Flydubai to Mombasa in January (4 x weekly)
• Brussels Airlines to Nairobi next summer (6 x weekly) and daily on Kigali 

Rumour Mill:

• Emirates to return to Nigeria
• United Nigeria Airlines gets designation to the US, UK, Netherlands and elsewhere
• Uganda Airlines to Saudi Arabia
• Malawi teasing Kigali, Pemba and Nampula

Thanks to everyone out there for joining us. You can connect with or follow Sean on LinkedIn here

Any comments about the show and how we can improve it, drop me an email.

Finally, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave the show a review so we can be found by more people (just scroll to the "ratings and reviews section and pop in a comment). 

Hit the share button and share the episode with someone in your network you feel would benefit from listening. 

Don't forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss another episode.

In this episode, we travel to the Republic of Angola, in southern Africa where the new Luanda International Airport will soon come online with the ambition to become a major hub for Africa.

Ahead of the inauguration, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Angola is hosting an online event, on Tuesday 19th September which will offer potential investors an overview of the project itself and associated investment opportunities.

To preview the event, it’s a great honour to welcome back a previous guest, Hon Minister Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu, the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Angola.

In the episode, we discuss:

• How the government views the future management of the major gateway airport to Angola?

• Why any potential partners listening should look to invest in Angola?

• Why our viewers should attend the event on 19th September and who the event is aimed at?

• Who will we hear from during the event and what individual topics will they cover?

There will also be an opportunity to arrange private one-to-one meetings with the Ministry too. If you are interested in attending, registration can be made at https://mintrans-tenders.ao/

This episode was recorded on June 16th 2023. 

Mr Foster has been instrumental in the growth of Airlink since its inception in 1992.

Airlink operates over 50 commercial jetliners operating to more than 45 destinations in 14 African countries and to St Helena Island, making it the largest privately-owned regional airline in Africa.

Airlink continues to expand its route network, connecting more African cities and promoting tourism and trade across the continent.

We take this opportunity to discuss his journey and passion for the industry with Ato Girma Wake and Sanjeev Gadhia the 2022 award recipient.

Moderator: Ato Girma Wake, Patron, AviaDev

In conversation with:

Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO & Founder, Astral Aviation

Linden Birns, Communications Advisor, Airlink

This podcast is a recording of a panel session from June 16th 2023.

Together, we discuss what are airlines looking for and how airports can work with their stakeholders to deliver innovative approaches that will ultimately create sustainable route networks. 

MODERATOR: Refilwe Ledwaba, Founder, Girls Fly Africa

In conversation with:

Tim Harris, Partner, Consulum 

Nowel Ngala, Director, Commercial & Ground Operations, ASKY

Hendrik Du Preez, Vice President Sales - Africa, Qatar Airways

Christine Mwakatobe, Managing Director, Kilimnajaro Airports Development Company

Minosoa Rakotozafy, Head of Aeronautical Activities, Ravinala Airports

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone in your network that you think would benefit from listening

This podcast is a recording of a panel session from June 15th 2023.

Join us as we discuss how the OEMs have supported their customers to adapt their strategy to open new routes and deliver new revenue streams during and since the pandemic. 

MODERATOR: Aaron Munetsi, CEO, Airlines Association of Southern Africa

In conversation with:

Dominique Dumas, Vice President Sales Africa & Indian Ocean, ATR

Joep Ellers, Airline Marketing Director - Africa, Airbus

James Bosse, Director Sales, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited 

Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial

Stephan Hannemann, VP Sales & Marketing, Head of MEA, Embraer

Jason Sutcliffe, Regional Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce

This episode is a recording from June 15th. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing African airline CEOs as they work to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Can African airlines prioritize sustainability over profit in the short-term?

MODERATOR: Hilka Birns, Aviation Journalist, ch-aviation

In conversation with:

• Jenifer Bamuturaki, Chief Executive Officer , Uganda Airlines
• Eduardo Fairen, Chief Executive Officer, TAAG 
• Linden Burns, Communications Advisor, Airlink
• Allan Kilavuka, Group MD & CEO, Kenya Airways

This is a recording of the AviaDev Africa panel session from June 15th focused on How the latest technological innovations enable the African aviation industry to operate more efficiently and sustainably. 

MODERATOR: Habba Hadijah Kamwesiga, Head of Marketing & Communications , RwandAir

In conversation with:

Richard Ortega, Commercial Director EMEA, Kiu System Solutions

Judy Waruiru, Managing Director, DPO Pay 

Javed Malik, Chair of the Advisory Board, Ink Innovation

Brett Preston, Executive | Aerospace and Aviation, Technodyn International

Manish Shrivastava, Co-Founder , Tourish

This is a recording of the session entitled "Creating a winning formula for airport hotels in Africa: Understanding the requirements for success"

Moderator:

Trevor Ward, Principal, W Hospitality Group 

In conversation with

Shamil Manek, Director, The Merwest Company

In just over 2 weeks, the African aviation industry will convene in Nairobi, Kenya for AviaDev Africa.

We have a panel dedicated to discussing new technologies at the event. Post Covid, digitisation is one of the hottest topics in the industry and one of the companies blazing a trail in this space is Technodyn International, which already support a multitude of companies across the aviation value chain.

In this episode, we discuss:

How Technodyn and IFS are related and what solutions are on offer

How Technodyn International Supports the aviation industry

The tangible benefits of deploying the IFS solution

Understanding the level of technological adoption currently within African aviation

The capital investment required to implement the IFS solution

To find out more you can visit the Technodyn website here

Connect with Brett on LinkedIn

Connect with Esenthren on LinkedIn

Meet the team at AviaDev in Nairobi 14-16th June 2023

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In this episode, we meet the leader of a true African success story.

Since its inception in 2006, DPO Pay has played a vital role in changing the payments landscape across Africa. 

Together, we discover how DPO supports its airline customers to process transactions seamlessly and prevent fraud, whilst simplifying the process for the general public and making air travel more accessible. 

Find out more about DPO Pay here

Connect or follow Judy on LinkedIn here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone in your network that you think would benefit from listening. 

This podcast was recorded 10th May on-site at the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa, where I was joined by Rodger Whittle, The commercial director for Africa at Kiu, a company with a global footprint that offers an innovative and robust Passenger Service system and suite of airline Solutions.

Rodger himself has vast African aviation experience and is now leading the charge to support airlines to reduce their cost of distribution.

Today’s episode is supported by an article that is featured in the current edition African skies, AFRAA’s magazine which focuses on containing costs affecting airline distribution in Africa. 

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Together, we discuss:

The current state of airline distribution in Africa 

Why Kiu's solutions make sense for Africa

Kiu's full suite of solutions

Future trends affecting the technology and airline distribution space 

You can connect with Rodger via LinkedIn here

Find out more about Kiu's solutions here

You will also be able to meet Rodger and the team at AviaDev in Nairobi this June.

This podcast was recorded May 10th in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention which was hosted by Ethiopian Airlines.

One of the secrets of Ethiopian airlines' success is their drive to constantly innovate and develop.

The aviation academy is one example of the group's has diversification and has recently been upgraded to an aviation university. 

Together, we talk about how Africa can develop the skills required to support human capital development on the continent.

To find out more about the University, you can click here

To follow or connect with Kassie on LinkedIn click here

If you enjoyed this podcast, please forward it to one person in your network that you think would benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you at AviaDev Africa in Nairobi this June. 

For this episode, I am joined by Kevin Markette, General Manager, East Africa at the Lufthansa Group.

On 2nd May 2023, the group announced a capacity/ schedule increase for Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, and Brussels airlines in the region.

Together, we discuss what has driven this announcement and what this means for the region.

You can connect with Kevin on Linkedin here and of course, meet the team at AviaDev Africa 2023 in Nairobi this June.

For this episode, we find ourselves in Nairobi Kenya, where the AviaDev Africa conference will take place in June.

Our Host partners for the event are the Kenya Airports Authority, an autonomous body charged with the responsibility of managing all airports across Kenya.

They are also the entity that is actively involved in route development, the main focus of AviaDev, namely engaging the airlines to start or expand their services to Kenya’s airports.

In this episode, I am joined by Jacob Bwana, Head of Marketing and Business Development at KAA and together we discuss:

The post-covid recovery and resurgence.

Where KAA sees gaps in the destinations served both within Africa and outside the continent

How KAA works with other stakeholders to attract and retain airlines? 

The Cargo market opportunity.  Is the market softening or continuing to grow and how is KAA supporting its development?

An update on infrastructural development plans within the portfolio?

What KAA hopes to achieve from hosting AviaDev Africa in Nairobi?

Find out more about KAA here 

In this episode, we take a glimpse into the future of how we may travel and how airports and airlines can incorporate innovation to build resilience into their businesses.

I am joined by Javed Malik, Chair of the Advisory Board at Ink Innovation. Javed has been a leader in the aviation industry for over 27 years, having held various Group and C-level positions, including Group COO of AirAsia, COO of Bangalore Airport, along with senior roles at Qatar Airways, Worldwide Flight Services and British Airways.

Javed leads the INK plus division and his advisory work focuses on ground handling, airline operations and airports worldwide.

Together we discuss:

What areas are the quick wins that require a limited investment for African airports to focus on?

How can airports position themselves to be more attractive to investors? 

Examples of real world hardware and software solutions that can quickly and affordably be implemented in Africa

What this means for customer behaviour and the adoption of these new technologies. How do we cater for all different traveller profiles?

Follow or connect with Javed on LinkedIn 

Find out more about INK via their website

In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the current priorities of Ethiopian Airlines, the hosts of the upcoming 11th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention, scheduled to take place 7-9th May in Addis Ababa. 

Together we discuss:

• How important the African has market been in making ET what it is today and what it will be tomorrow in the face of continued competition
• The latest news on Ethiopian's partnerships across Africa, especially Nigeria and the DRC.
• What informed the new development that Ethiopian Aviation Academy will now offer degree courses
• The overall African aviation industry performance so far in 2023
• The key topics and speakers that will join the Stakeholders Convention in May

To find out more about the convention, click here

In this episode, we head to Dakar, Senegal to pay a visit to the Headquarters of The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), a specialist agency of the African Union.

AFCAC is the executing agency of SAATM, the Single Africa Air Transport Market, which if successfully implemented could hold the key to a golden age of Aviation development on the continent. 

To discuss progress, challenges, and priorities, we are joined by the recipient of the 2021 AviaDev Ato Girma Wake lifetime award for an outstanding contribution to route development in Africa, Madame Adefunke Adeyemi, the Secretary General of AFCAC. 

Together, we discuss:

• The increased visibility and reach of AFCAC through a new communications strategy and appointment of SAATM Ambassadors across the continent
• 5 months on from the launch of the Pilot Implementation Plan, where do we stand with SAATM progress? 
• What are the common objections to not joining the PIP and how is AFCAC ensuring these countries are not left behind?
• Is everything in place to deal with any disputes that may arise during implementation?
• Why the immediate focus is on growing the number of 5th freedom routes across the continent. 

You can visit AFCAC at www.afcac.org 

Follow AFCAC on twitter here

Follow AFCAC on LinkedIn here

 If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon

In this episode, we explore a solution that is growing in importance in Africa, namely ACMI, an acronym meaning Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance, a form of leasing.

Our guest is Dainius Staniulis, the Vice President of Commercial and Business Development at Avion Express, a provider of short and long-term leasing and charter solutions. 

In the episode, we discuss:

The definition of ACMI and how it differs from the traditional means of operating on the continent. 

How big the ACMI market is right now?

The prevailing market conditions in Africa that make ACMI particularly appropriate. 

Examples where the solution has been deployed successfully on the continent. 

Can an airline still make money on this type of operation? 

If you are listening and want to know more, read the article accompanying the post here

Connect with Dainius on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, leave us a review so we can be found by more people and share the episode with someone you think will benefit from listening. 

This episode is an exclusive interview with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, a low-cost airline based in South Africa. 

Bookings were opened for a new flight to Zanzibar in the week of 13th March 2023 and in this interview, we set out to understand why now is the right time to launch the route, the traffic profile driving the route, an update on the fleet expansion and which other destinations are on the radar in the Southern African region.

You can follow Kirby on LinkedIn here

Find out more at https://www.flysafair.co.za/

 If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

In this episode, we preview the upcoming inaugural AviaDev Real Estate event, taking place alongside AviaDev Africa in Nairobi on 14th June 2023. 

The podcast provides more background on how real estate development could act as a catalyst for the successful future of many African airports. 

Marcel has contributed an article in Airport World, expanding on many of these topics, which you can access here

Download the white paper here

In the episode, we ask:

Just how resilient is real estate and what are the reasons behind this resilience? 

How do African airports fit with the airport city concept? Are they large enough?

What specific developments can African airports look at as potential real estate development opportunities? 

What are the main ingredients to ensure success? 

What airports can expect from the AviaDev Real Estate event

Let’s discuss the format and what they can expect from the event?

Connect with Marcel here

Finally, If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

This episode was recorded on the sidelines of the ACI Africa event which took place in Kigali, Rwanda between 28th February and 2nd March 2023.

I am joined by Adonis Succar is the Director of Business Development for MEA at SITA. SITA is the world's leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology and has many customers on the African continent. 

In the podcast, we discuss:

Passenger preferences.  Are we all looking for a more contactless, digitally enabled journey? 

How can an airport deliver innovation and contactless solutions without huge costs? 

What are the tangible benefits to digitizing?

How do smaller airports future-proof themselves? 

How do we plan for and cater for the increased proportion of older travellers? What opportunities and challenges does this offer?  

Finally, what does the journey of the future look like? How far are we away from not needing our physical passports in order to travel? 

Download the IT insights report here

Connect with Adonis here

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

For this episode, you find me on location in the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda.

AviaDev’s relationship with Rwanda and RwandAir goes back to 2016 when AviaDev was born in Kigali.

My guest today is the CEO of RwandAir, Yvonne Manzi Makolo who took the reins of the airline in 2018.

Yvonne comes from a telecommunications background rather than aviation, although she’s now firmly immersed in our community and the airline continues to develop with new routes, new aircraft, and a renewed focus on cargo operations.

In this podcast we discuss:

✈️ would Yvonne consider herself an #avgeek ? ✈️ what’s the current network strategy? ✈️ what’s driving the new focus on cargo business with the arrival of a Boeing 737-800 freighter? ✈️ the latest on the partnership/ strategic investment from Qatar ✈️ Yvonne’s priorities as she becomes the first African and first female to chair the board of governors ✈️ The impact of the Arsenal F.C sponsorship from Visit Rwanda on traffic and awareness ⚽️ Is Yvonne an Arsenal fan? 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

In this episode, we speak to George Mothema, the CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa or BARSA, who are a valuable partner for AviaDev and represent the interests of domestic, regional and international airlines serving South Africa to government and other stakeholders in the airline industry.

In podcast 229, we briefly discussed the idea of an upcoming BARSA event. This is now a reality and in this episode we preview the event, which will take place at the wonderful Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town on 10th March.

You find out more here https://barsa.co.za/summit/

Follow BARSA on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/company/board-of-airline-representatives-of-south-africa/ 

Don’t forget, AviaDev takes place in Nairobi Kenya between 14th and 16th June 2023. To find out more, please visit www.aviationdevelop.com

 If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

In this episode, AviaDev Africa shares an exclusive interview that was hosted, produced and published by AeroTime.

In the interview, AeroTime Journalist and Africa correspondent Michael Jonga sat down in the AeroTime Studio with the Honourable Minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Hadi Abubakar Sirika.

key topics include:

🛫 The expected launch of Nigeria Air in the first quarter of 2023 and its ownership structure with Ethiopian Airlines.

🛫 The fallout from the legal action taken by some of Nigeria's domestic airlines as a result.  

🛫 Developing connectivity to Nigeria and the Minister’s forecast of Nigeria seeing 50 to 60 million passengers per annum within the next decade under the Single African Air Transport Market?

🛫 Measures being put in place by the Nigerian government to prevent the build-up of unrepatriated airline ticket revenues.

🛫 Investments being made into Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and personnel training.  

You can watch the full video interview on AeroTime, click here: https://youtu.be/XNqPyDYBLPo

Read the full interview publication on AeroTime, click here: https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/exclusive-nigeria-air-expected-to-receive-aoc-for-q1-launch-breakeven-by-2026

To connect with Michael Jonga, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jonga-719378183/

AeroTime is a global and digital multi-channel aviation hub that provides news, events, recruitment and advisory services to the aviation world.

Find out more about AeroTime here: https://www.aerotime.aero/

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon.

In the first episode of 2023, I am joined by 2 guests from Embraer Commercial Aviation, namely Stephane Hannemann, the VP of sales and marketing for The Middle East and Africa, who started his Embraer in the African market and has come full circle, and Akie Chabra, sales director, who joined the team in 2022, is based in Johannesburg and has a background in aviation and finance.

Embraer boasts many customers on the African continent and continues to add new operators.

In this episode, we discuss the following:

How did the region perform and how did Embraer perform in 2022?

What are airline executives in Africa focused on in 2023 and is there a greater need for rightsizing than ever before?

The dominant trends for 2023

New projects at Embraer

Southern Africa focus. How will the market develop in 2023 and beyond

To connect with Stephan Hannemann, click here

To connect with Akie Chhabra, click here 

Find out more about AviaDev Africa here 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon

For today’s episode, you find me on location in Istanbul. Back in 2019, we announced that AviaDev would be taking place on the treasure island of Madagascar in 2020 and we started working on the plans for the event. Little did we know that in March 2020, everyone’s lives would be turned upside down.

The Ravinala Airports team has just announced a really innovative and proactive route incentive program for new routes to Antananarivo and Nosy Be airports. 

In the podcast, we discuss:

• The role and remit of Ravinala Airports
• The objectives of the route incentive program
• Why now is the right time 
• What routes qualify for support and what is the support on offer?
• How is the program being financed?
• The top routes that could and perhaps should be served as a result of this scheme?

If you are an airline that is interested in finding out more, you can connect with Tatam and receive the full document here: https://ravinala-airports.aero/en/ravinala-airports/offre/ 

You can connect with Tatamo here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatamo-rakotozafy-9a481940/ 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon

For today's episode, we take a flight to the home of AviaDev Africa 2023, Nairobi, Kenya to meet Martin Gitonga, Head of Network Planning and Alliances at Kenya Airways, an airline that plays a vital role in keeping Africa connected to itself and the wider world.

In the last month, there have been some exciting new route announcements from the airline. These include a four-weekly flight from Mombasa to Dubai and a twice-weekly Accra- Dakar flight.

In this podcast, we discuss:

How 2022 has performed from KQ's perspective

Why now is the right time to launch Accra/ Dakar

The type of traffic is driving the demand?

How KQ see the recent progress with SAATM

The reasons behind launching Mombasa to Dubai on 15th December. 

The other routes/ destinations KQ are considering increasing flights to and how interested partners can attract the attention of KQ?

The impact AviaDev Africa being hosted in Kenya will deliver for KQ and Kenya generally?

You can follow/connect with Martin on LinkedIn here

In this episode, we head back to Cape Town, the host city of AviaDev Africa 2022 to meet David King, Project Manager and Paul van den Brink, Aviation Liaison, from Cape Town Air Access team powered by WESGRO who have overseen a pretty incredible recovery of connectivity since the effects of the pandemic subsided earlier this year.

In this episode, we take a look at the domestic, regional and international recovery and get a feel for what’s missing from the network. We also discuss the importance of air cargo in route development and how the Air Access team is supporting other African destinations in their drive to improve their air connectivity.

CONNECT WITH PAUL

CONNECT WITH DAVID

In this episode, we are joined by the CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines.

TAAG is one of the most interesting airline stories out there currently as it is reinventing itself, expanding its fleet and network and restructuring itself ready for private investment.

The man charged with leading this transformation is Eduardo Fairen Soria, an experienced pilot and airline executive who has been involved in numerous airline ventures around the globe.

In this session, we meet the man himself, understand the vision and mission of the airline and focus on the new routes being launched which including 2 never served by TAAG before, namely Durban and Accra.

We discuss:

Eduardo's philosophy when it comes to airline management?

Eduardo's mandate for the airline and what are the timelines?

Why now is the right time to launch Durban and Accra?

Where next within Africa?

What do you look and need for in terms of approach from an airport/destination working to attract TAAG?

The fleet plans. TAAG have ordered 6 A220s for the airline which should start arriving in January 2023.

Will these replace the 737s, compliment them and what will you look to do with the 737s?

And the 777s remain for long-haul markets?

What about airline partnerships?

Connect with Eduardo here

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Between 11th and 13th December, AFRAA (African Airlines Association) will host the 54th Annual General Assembly in Dakar, Senegal. 

In this podcast,  Maureen joins me to preview the event and provide an outline of what AFRAA’s current priorities are for its members.

Together we discuss:

🌍 How AFRAA's member airlines are performing? 

🛫 The top 3 pressing issues AFRAA are occupied with currently?

🤝 Why the theme of the AGA is “Acing the roadmap to sustainable African aviation”?

🗣️ Who are some of the industry speakers speaking at the AGA? 

Finally, we look into 2023 to discuss AFRAA's outlook for the industry’s prospects. Will it be the year that we finally see liberalization coming to the continent?

REGISTER FOR THE AGA HERE

CONNECT WITH MAUREEN HERE

FOLLOW AFRAA ON LINKEDIN HERE 

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This podcast was recorded on 7th November 2022 during World Travel Market in London. 

Joining Jon Howell was Bronwen Auret, Chief Quality Assurance Officer at South African Tourism. SAT has been a long-term partner of AviaDev Africa and is one of the tourism authorities in Africa that really understand the value and impact of airlift on their success. Together we discussed:

🛫 how SAT support airlines starting or expanding services to the country 🌍 the domestic market focus during covid. Is the market still performing well and how are capacity issues affecting demand ✈️ How SAT support the air access teams in each province If you enjoyed the podcast, hit the share button now and send it to someone you feel would benefit from listening.

Subscribe to AviaDev Insight Africa for free and never miss another episode

This podcast was recorded on location during the 52nd AASA AGA in Hermanus, South Africa. 

We meet George Mothema, the CEO of BARSA to discuss:

• George's background and the progress made in his first 12 months at the helm
• How BARSA views the recovery so far? What else needs to be done to ensure a sustained recovery?
• What are the current objectives of BARSA?
• George's first live BARSA conference coming in 2023. What it aims to achieve and who will be in attendance

You can follow BARSA on LinkedIn here

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon

This episode is a special joint episode recorded on location at the stunning Kruger Shalati, train on the bridge. 

I was joined by Kojo Bentum Williams, CEO of VoyagesAfriq travel media and host of the VA Tourism Podcast, which you can find here

Together we took the opportunity to discuss the symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism and why there is still a disconnect. 

Together we discussed:

🏖️ the tourism and aviation relationship from the tourism standpoint?

🌍 Whether the focus on domestic and regional tourism markets will endure post-pandemic?

🛫 How we move forwards to get these industries talking more than they do now?

If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe so you never miss another episode, share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we look forward to seeing you for the next episode soon

🌍 This episode was recorded 13th October, live and on location at the 52nd AASA AGA, in Hermanus, Western Cape.

✈️ The Safair fleet continues to expand and the airline recently secured the right to serve 11 regional destinations. 

Together, Kirby and I discussed:

🛫 The next steps. What needs to happen to make the regional routes a reality?

🤝 How airport and destination partners can support Safair to bring the airline to their destination

✈️ The fleet plans. Will Safari stick with the 737 family?

 🤝how have the airline partnerships that were built during Covid supported the airline's growth trajectory?

If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review and share it with someone in your network that you think will benefit

🌍 In this episode, we head to west Africa, specifically Togo to speak with a friend of AviaDev, Nowel Ngala, Commercial and Ground Operations director at ASKY Airlines, a private and profitable airline with a strategic partnership with Ethiopian airlines.

In the podcast, we discuss:

🛫 Why now is the right time to start services to Sao Tome and Principe

💡 How has 2022 been overall? Has the recovery been above the expected level?

✈️ Fleet plans for the airline. Will ASKY keep a uniform fleet?

🔮 How ASKY views the competitive market in the region, specifically the anticipated launch of Nigeria Air?

You can connect with Nowel here

🔮 Today we are taking a leap into the future as we attempt to understand the opportunity offered to African aviation from new technologies, specifically e-flight. 

At AviaDev in June 2022, the NACO team delivered a thought-provoking session on this topic, which can be viewed here

Accompanying the podcast is a white paper on the subject, which can be downloaded here

In the podcast, we discuss:

💡 What inspired the report and what it sets out to understand?

🌿 The sustainable technologies available currently 

✈️ Why e-flight, rather than SAF or hydrogen power craft?

🛫 How close we are to commercialised electric flights?

🚧 What are some of the barriers holding back the implementation?

💰 How will we fund the infrastructure required at an airport level?

🌍 What sort of connectivity could this technology offer Africa?

💡 How do we make it a reality? Is it simply a mixture of collaboration and cash?

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE

CONNECT WITH LINDO

CONNECT WITH MARCEL

In this episode, we visit the beautiful country of Namibia to preview the upcoming Namibia Aviation and connectivity forum, which will take place November 16-18 in Windhoek. 

I am joined by the CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, Mr Bisey Uirab and Verengai Ruswa, the Project Lead for the event. 

In the episode, we cover:

🛫 The current aviation landscape in Namibia and the path to post-Covid recovery

🛫 What the new strategic partnership and equity investment in FlyNamibia by Airlink means for the country

🛫 How the airport company's strategy has evolved

🛫 Why now is the right time to host the aviation forum and what it aims to achieve?

🛫 The topics to be discussed and some of the speakers that will participate?

🛫 How the team will ensure the findings and results of the deliberations are actionable. 

🛫 To find out more, you can visit the event website https://www.namibiaaviationforum.com/ 

Connect with Verengai here

Follow the event on LinkedIn here

✈️ The 21st September 2022 marked the 10th anniversary of Africa World Airlines (AWA)

🌍 AWA is a domestic and regional airline operating a fleet of Embraer ERJ 145s from a base in Ghana. 

Sean Mendis was employee #1 at the airline. In this episode, Sean tells the full story of how the airline was conceived, structured and how it has become the success we know today. 

This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the complexity and difficulties of setting up an airline in Africa.

To see the images, you can also watch the episode on youtube

You can connect with Sean here

In this podcast, I am joined by Aaron Munetsi, CEO and Tatum Kok, Aviation Analyst from the Airlines Association of Southern Africa.

In the podcast, we discuss:

✈️ Aaron's first 12 months at the helm of AASA

✈️ How to manage a group of stakeholders that are in constant co-opertition?

✈️ How AASA is engaging airlines from outside the region

✈️ The recovery of the industry. Are we on track and what more needs to be done to support?

✈️ The state of connectivity in the region and initiatives to open skies, borders and improve collaboration

✈️ The overall theme of the upcoming Annual General Assembly and what to expect

The AGA will take place at the Arabella Hotel 13-16th October 2022. #myafricandream #aasa

You can find out more about AASA by visiting the website www.aasa.za.net and following on LinkedIn and Twitter

If you enjoyed this podcast, don't keep it to yourself. hit the share button now and maybe even leave us a 5 ⭐ review in the apple store

In this episode, we speak to Chairman of Kuva Air, James Saruchera. 

Kuva Air attended AviaDev Africa for the first time in June 2022 and we pride ourselves on supporting all airlines that have an active Air Operating Certificate

Kuva is a Domestic Zimbabwean airline with a difference. The airline operates an Embraer 120 serving Harare, Victoria Falls and Kariba and they started service in late May 2022.

In this episode, we discover:

🛫 The big idea of the airline

🌍 The fleet and route plans

🦋 The story behind the brand

👩‍💻 How the blockchain can change the game in aviation

To find out more visit https://kuva-air.com/ or follow @kuvaair on Twitter and Instagram. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it with your network

A real highlight of the event is presenting the Ato Girma Wake Award for an outstanding contribution to route development in Africa.

This year's winner was Sanjeev Gadhia CEO of Astral aviation and that episode is freely available on the podcast as episode 212.

However, we couldn't resist dipping into the back catalog to release the interview AviaDev CEO Jon Howell did with Ato Girma back on stage in Kigali at AviaDev 2017.

In this episode, you will hear Girma talk about the following:

🛫 His career journey

🛫 What he would have been if he hadn’t become an aviator

🛫 Ethiopian Airlines growth strategy

🛫 The national carrier conundrum

🛫 SAATM

Watch out for the incredible anecdote about a meeting with Sir Richard Branson.

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with someone you feel would benefit from listening and leave us a review on apple podcasts. 

• Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer, FlySafair

  Blaine Powell, Chief Sales Officer, Ink Innovation

  Aditi Thaker, Account Director- Eastern and Southern Africa, SITA

  Khangi K., Chief Executive Officer, Swissport

  Ciaran Wilson, Head of Sales (Europe, Middle East and Africa) CellPoint Digital

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

• Simon Newton-Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, South African Airways
• Nowel Ngala, Director, Commercial & Ground Operations, ASKY Airlines
• Surafel Saketa, Manager Group Business Development and Equity Partner Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines
• Getaneh Woldemichael, Commercial Director, Air Botswana

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

• Jason Sutcliffe, Regional Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce
• Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Boeing
• Andrew Armitstead, Head of Airline Marketing, Africa & Middle East, Airbus
• Hussein Dabbas, General Manager - Middle East and Africa. Embraer

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

• Moritz Breickmann, Investment Director, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)
• Julien Coffinier, Chief Executive, Ravinala Airports
• Namory Camara, Managing Director, SOGEAC- Aéroport International Ahmed Sekou Toure

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

• Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO, Astral Aviation
• Martin Gitonga, Head of Network Planning and Alliances, Kenya Airways
• Zoe Rajohnson, Commercial and Marketing Director, Ravinala Airports
• David King, Project Manager, Cape Town Air Access

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

• Joao Po Jorge, Director General, LAM Mozambique Airlines
• Helen Brume, Director Project and Asset based finance, Afrexim Bank
• Rodger Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airlink
• Sameer Adam, Senior Vice President, ACIA Aero Leasing
• Federico Curto, Commercial Project Manager, Avion Express

In 2018, we started our AviaDev Ambassador programme and the concept was very simple. Offer aspiring aviators an opportunity to really be part of the industry and have an opportunity to address the audience from the stage. 

After a rigorous selection process, we selected 3 rising aviation stars who will propose their solutions for a more connected and profitable African aviation industry.

There's also a nice surprise at the end in terms so what they are doing to take things forward from here! 

🔗 Connect with Mahek here

🔗 Connect with Thabiso here

🔗 Connect with Ronnie here

🏆 Since 2018, AviaDev has presented one distinguished leader in aviation with this annual award for their contribution to route development in Africa. 

🌍 Previous winners include Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, Africa - IATA; Raphael Kuuchi, Special Envoy on Aero-political Affairs, IATA and Chris Zweigenthal, Chief Executive, Airlines Association of Southern Africa.

🎁📦✈️ We are delighted to announce that in 2022, this esteemed award was presented to Sanjeev Gadhia, Founder and CEO, Astral Aviation.  

You will hear Sanjeev being interviewed by both Ato Girma Wake, Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines and Event Patron of AviaDev Africa and Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, IATA. 

If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening 

🛫 This episode is an exclusive, guest presented by Kojo Bentum Williams the editor of Voyagesafriq and the host of the VA tourism podcast, which you should all subscribe to at this link: https://thetourismpodcast.podbean.com/ 

🌍 Kojo is a widely respected voice of African tourism and his partnership is vital to ensuring a more connected Africa.

This is one of the new CEO's very first interviews and we are grateful that Kojo has been kind enough to share this content with the AviaDev Insight Africa listeners.

You will hear about Mesfin’s journey to becoming CEO, how stability, agility, and diversification have been key to Ethiopian’s success and more details on the strategic partnerships and plans across Africa.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we will see you for the next episode soon

In this episode, we head down to the gateway to the world's most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park in South Africa to speak with Grant Ponting, the CEO of Kruger Mpumulanga International airport. 

The airport has made some notable strides in terms of new route development and is continuing its drive for new services by attending AviaDev Africa in Cape town 29th June- 1st July.

🛫 In this episode, we discuss the following:

✈️ We get to meet Grant, the CEO

✈️ We understand some more about the catchment area and demographic the airport serves

✈️ We discuss the new routes that have been launched and are coming online later this year

✈️ We find out more about how the airport sees its immediate future in terms of growth and where it is focusing its efforts on development.

✈️ Finally, we discuss the approach to improving customer service across the airport and digitisation. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening. 

🛫 In this episode, we explore the world of aviation operations, with Aviation Co-ordination services or ACS as they are known in the industry.

👩‍💻 Digitisation is a word hear often and trend that needs to be embraced and not ignored.

In this episode, we look at how ACS is driving the adoption of new technologies and looking to expand its operations beyond the borders of South Africa.

Connect with Duke here

Find out more about ACS

If you enjoyed this podcast, there are three things you can do to support us:

1. Share it with someone in your network you think will benefit from listening

2. Subscribe to the show to never miss another episode

3. Leave a review so we can be found by even more people

With increased operational costs, airlines are laser-focused on delivering efficiencies, whilst also improving the passenger experience and opportunities to generate ancillary revenues. 

In this episode recorded on location in Magical Kenya during the AFRAA Stakeholder Convention, I was joined by Francois Chazelle, VP, Commercial Middle East, and Africa at SITA for aircraft.

In this episode, we discuss:

🛫 The factors driving passenger behavior and what passengers expect onboard?

✈️ How route optimization software can deliver tangible results in terms of reducing fuel burn

🌿 How do SITA's solutions support the drive towards a more sustainable future? 

📱The response of African airlines to new technologies and digitization. 

You can connect with Francois here

Find out more about SITA's solutions here

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This episode was recorded on location in Magical Kenya, where AviaDev attended the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention. 

Kuljit Ghata-Aura is President, Boeing Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Kuljit is a relatively new name and face in the African aviation industry, but his experience and African roots are deep as we discover on the podcast.

Together, we discuss:

🛫 Boeing's huge African footprint and the long-term outlook for the continent. 

✈️ The aircraft types that will be needed for growth in Africa and whether that will be the single-aisle 737 family or the wide-body aircraft

🌍 The challenges and opportunities that will determine the growth of the African aviation market? 

📦 The freighter market and interest in passenger to freighter conversions. Is this a long-term trend? 

🌿 Sustainability. How Boeing is supporting the shift to sustainability and the technologies it believes will support the transformation

🤝 If you would like to connect with Kuljit, click here

This episode was recorded 10th May 2022 on location in Magical Kenya, where AviaDev attended the AFRAA stakeholders convention in Nairobi. 

During the event, Airbus presented their view of the near future at the event so for those of you who were not fortunate enough to be here with us or want to dive deeper, our aim is to give you the insight into what was discussed?

Together, we discussed:

🌍 The current environment and the recovery in Africa

✈️ Fleet growth predictions. Just how much growth can we expect and what is the split between replacement and growth?

🛫 Where is the growth- single or twin aisle?

🌍 Where are the opportunities for new routes in Africa?

✈️ Why the A220 is the perfect tool to support this development?

To download the presentation, please click here

To connect with Geert, please click here

In this episode, I am joined by a new voice in African aviation, Dainius Staniulis, the Vice President Commercial at Avion Express. 

Together, we explore a relatively new concept for African aviation that we touched on in episode 189 with Sylvain Bosc, CEO of Avico. The topic is wet-leasing or ACMI which stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance.

✈️ We discuss how African airlines can use this solution to deploy capacity where and when required and not just as an emergency response.

🌍 We talk about seasonality and the opportunity to deploy capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa during the European “low season”

🛫 We also identify which airlines are the best fit for the solution?

You can find out more about Avion Express here

You can connect with Dainius here

Covid undoubtedly increased the complexity of travel. Alongside the usual stresses of visas and all the other logistics of any trip, the added health protocols made travel more difficult than ever before.

However, today, we discuss an active solution that came online in December 2021 in the Republic of Seychelles, a cutting-edge cloud-based system and biometric corridor that screens arrivals to the country in a touchless and speedy environment.

In this episode, we cover:

🛫 The concept of Travizory and the problem they set out to solve?

✈️ Why Seychelles chose to be the first African country to implement biometrics at their borders

🌍 How much the system costs, the speed of implementation and integration with the current systems, plus data protection

🏖️ How visitors responded to the system

You can find out more about Travizory here

You can connect with Tom on Linkedin here

You can connect with Alan on LinkedIn here

Cemair have undoubtedly been one of the pandemic's aviation  success stories.

Established in 2005, Cemair is headquartered at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg and operates a variety of routes domestically and regionally.

In this episode, we gain an understanding of how Cemair have made it this far and how the pandemic experience changed the airline’s strategy, what the fleet and network expansion plans look like and how the ongoing drive to create partnerships and interline agreements are supporting the business’ goals.

Miles and Paul will be joining us at AviaDev Africa 2022. You can find out more and register here

Find out more about Cemair

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone you think would benefit from listening. 

This episode focuses on an exclusive new report from the aviation consultancy team at MHIRJ, which is due to be released mid-2022. We focus on the 5 major trends that will shape African aviation over the next 30 years. 

In the episode we cover:

✈️ The aim and methodology of the new report

✈️ The five major trends that will shape African aviation

🌍 Fleet development and fleet mix. Which sector of the market will show the most growth

🌍 Why connectivity opportunities between West Africa and Southern Africa are perhaps the most exciting

✈️ How partnerships, equity investments and national carriers will develop and co-exist

You can connect with Patrick here

Find out more about MHIRJ here

This episode features Marcel Langeslag, Director, Aviation Africa at Netherlands Airport Consultants Limited (NACO). NACO offer planning, design and advisory services to airports across the globe and Marcel is involved in numerous projects across the African continent.

In this episode, we cover:

✈️ the 5 emerging trends that will improve airport resilience

✈️ The cargo opportunity for African airports. A long term trend worth investing in?

✈️ The changing face of airport finance and increase in private sector involvement. Are airports still a solid investment?

✈️ Diversification away from aeronautical revenues. How do airports build resilience?

Find out more about NACO here

You can connect with Marcel here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This podcast was recorded on location at ACI Africa in Mombasa 16th March 2022. 

Joining me is Namory Camara, the new Managing Director of SOGEAC (the Airports Company of Guinea). 

in the podcast we discuss:

✈️ Mory's aviation career to date

✈️ Top priorities for Guinea's aviation development

✈️ Route development plans and opportunities for the country

✈️ Infrastructure development and investment 

✈️ Why we should visit Guinea

You can connect with Mory here

Find out more about SOGEAC here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

My special guest for this episode is none other than the Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Conservation, Republic of Kenya, Honourable Najib Balala.

This episode was recorded at the beautiful Vipingo Hills Golf Club to the North of Mombasa. Minister Balala and I have spoken together on numerous conference sessions and one of his great passions is aviation. 

In the podcast, we discuss:

🛫 The symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism

✈️ How Kenya have supported airline partners to serve the destination?

🌍 The prospect of a pan-African airline

🏖️ How Nairobi and Mombasa can develop simultaneously 

🌍 Whether the pandemic has strengthened the call for African unity or exacerbated protectionism

You can follow the Minister on Twitter here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening, and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This episode is a 2 parter recorded on location in Mombasa, Kenya, during the ACI Africa conference. 

between 8-10 May 2022, AFRAA will host its stakeholders' convention in Nairobi in partnership with Kenya Airways. 

We first hear from Mr Berthe, Secretary General of AFRAA (African Airlines Association) and we discuss:

✈️ The latest figures for February 2022

✈️ The key topics for the Stakeholders convention, being held under the theme "Beyond the crisis"

✈️ The potential impact of health protocol relaxation

We then speak to Allan Kilavuka and covered the following topics

🛫 KQ's cargo business and whether it is here to stay

🛫 The current challenge of the oil price rise and the impact on fares

🛫 The potential impact of the relaxation of health protocols in Kenya on KQ's business activities

🛫 Fleet plans. Are they downsizing?

🛫 More details about the partnership with SAA and other carriers 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share with someone in your network and please subscribe! 

💻 You can find out more about the conference here

On 9th March 2022, Eswatini Air will welcome its first aircraft to the Kingdom, an Embraer ERJ 145. 

I am joined by Xavier Masule, Commercial Director and together we discuss:

• The ownership structure and mandate of the airline
• The passenger mix. Is the focus on business or tourism traffic?
• Fleet plans. Why did the airline choose the ERJ 145?
• The initial routes and when we can expect operations to commence
• The airline's view of partnerships and the longer-term plans for the airline

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening, and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This March will see the first live, in-person aviation event in Africa for 2 years. The 67th ACI Africa Board and Committee meetings regional conference and exhibition will take place 12-18 March in the wonderful location of Mombasa, Kenya and AviaDev will be present.

ACI Africa is the Voice of African Airports, with its prime objective to represent and advance the collective interests of African airports

In this podcast, I am joined by the Secretary-General of ACI Africa, Ali Tounsi and together we preview the conference and discuss the key issues of focus for ACI as we look to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Find out more and register for the event here: http://aci-africa.net/

In this episode, I am joined by the co-hosts of one of my favourite podcasts, Bryanair.

The podcast was a real support to me personally during the Covid lockdown. It was a weekly dose of industry news and flight deck banter, which offered an escape from the negativity around us and it has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years. 

In the podcast, we cover:

• The Bryanair origin story
• The overall aim of the podcast and how it has developed
• The format and audience 
• The beauty of the podcast medium and its adoption in Africa
• What to expect from the podcast in the future

You can discover the show for yourself by subscribing on your platform of choice or by clicking here https://bryanair.libsyn.com/ 

You can connect with Bryan here 

You can connect with Ryan here

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

You can also visit the AviaDev website, www.aviationdevelop.com to sign up for the AviaDev newsletter. 

2021 was yet another disastrous year for African airlines in terms of profitability and any recovery was impacted by the Omicron variant. 

The African Airlines Association or AFRAA was a member of the multi-sectoral task force that met and created a document that called for the safe reopening of borders back in February 2021 and there is now a renewed effort to implement the recommendations.

Together with Mr Berthe, we discuss

Why is now the right time for a renewed effort to harmonise travel protocols.

How AFRAA is supporting the African CDC and what AFRAA member airlines want to see in terms of progress?

Digitizing travel in 2022 and harmonizing the inter-operability of solutions

AFRAA’s aims and objectives for 2022.

You can find out more at www.afraa.org 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

You can also visit the AviaDev website to find out more and sign up for AviaDev Africa taking place on the treasure island of Madagascar this June.

The Covid crisis has had a profound impact on the aviation sector in Africa and these shifting sands have demanded resilience and have inspired new innovative approaches to ensure survival.

One airline famed for its innovation is South Africa's FlySafair and they have announced that they will launch their first service outside of South Africa’s borders on March 8 2022 with a two weekly service to the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Kirby Gordon joins me for this podcast and is full of optimism for the immediate future. 

Together, we discuss:

• Why now is the right time to launch the Mauritius route and what is the passenger profile expected on the route
• FlySafair's regional expansion plans. What does the airline look for from a potential airport/ destination partner?
• FlySafair's approach to partnerships
• Further innovations to add to the product mix. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

You can also visit the AviaDev website to find out more and sign up for AviaDev Africa taking place on the treasure island of Madagascar this June.

In this episode, we meet Simon Newton-Smith, who joined SAA in August 2021 as Interim CCO. He has a deep and varied background including having previously worked with SAA some 20 years ago. 

SAA emerged from business rescue in April 2021 and the airline has entered a turbulent market. 

In the podcast, we cover:

• How Simon would sum up the progress made since exiting business rescue
• Where the bright spots are and how the route network has been developed
• What SAA are looking for from potential airports/ destinations that want to attract the airline
• Clarification around the KQ/SAA strategic partnership
• SAA's fleet plans. 
• His thoughts on the recovery of business travel
• Immediate strategic objectives for 2022

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don’t forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

Find out more about AviaDev at www.aviationdevelop.com/africa 

This is the first podcast of 2022 and as such I am delighted that we are discussing a positive and uplifting pan- African project that aims to spotlight opportunities for intra-africa trade and tourism development across the value chain.

The event is the Walk for Love and in this episode, I discuss the concept of the project, why it’s needed and how you can get involved with event organiser, Toni Ukachukwu, plus include a snippet of a new song that will be released alongside the walk. 

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM @walkforloveafrica

TWITTER @wfl_africa

FACEBOOK @walkforloveafrica

Song of love by Vicky Sampson out 12th Feb.

For this episode, I am joined by Derek Nseko, Publisher of Airspace-Africa and together we meet Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines. 

Uganda Airlines was recently crowned the world's youngest fleet by ch-aviation and operates a fleet of CRJ-900s and A330s. 

In this wide-ranging conversation, we discover the following:

• Jenifer's background and passions
• The priorities of Uganda Airlines in 2022 and beyond
• How Uganda Airlines views partnerships and collaboration
• Network and fleet development plans

Find out more about Uganda Airlines here

Connect with Derek here and visit airspace-africa

In this episode, Sylvain joins us to discuss a fascinating article focused on the opportunity for African airlines to wet-lease in capacity during peak times. 

Is this a solution that can allow airlines to operate profitably? 

What type of airline is it most suited to?

Is it a way to ensure important connectivity without the huge price tag of a long-term lease or aircraft purchase?

You can read the blog here

Want to know more about the opportunity?

Connect with Sylvain here

Email [email protected]

In the light of the recent events AviaDev team talks to Dirk Singer, Head of Research at Simpliflying who has been covering the implications of the pandemic on the world of travel since the early days.

Also today, Dirk is very actively commenting end explaining the current situation on Linkedin and also on Simpliflying corona weekly newsletter.

On 25th November we heard the first news about a new variant of covid-19 which was discovered by the scientists in South Africa and later it was named Omicron by WHO. What followed was very quick reaction of the international community to ban the flights from South Africa and other African countries. 

With Dirk we are discussing the current situation, what we do know about Omicron on 30 November 2021, how effective the travel bans are and what can we expect in the coming weeks. 

This episode is a recording of a session delivered on 11th November 2021 at the Future Flying Forum, presented by Simple Flying and powered by AviaDev. 

Sean Mendis took to the stage to present on the topic of the future of African aviation. 

Sean is an aviation expert who has started up benefits airlines on the continent, along with time spent managing Mogadishu airport in Somalia and a cargo airline.

He is known for his informed and honest opinions and has a deep-rooted passion for the African aviation industry, which is something I am sure we all share.

This episode was recorded at the Dubai Airshow with Nuno Pereira CEO of Bestfly, an Angolan-based aviation company with operations in Cabo Verde, Angola and Aruba. I was also joined by Sameer Adam, Senior Vice President Commercial, ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services. 

The companies agreed to the lease of two aircraft, one Embraer E-190 and one ATR 72-600, which are joining the other two ATR72-600s on lease from ACIA in the carrier’s fleet. ACIA and Bestfly also agreed to further expand the E-190 lease portfolio in 2022.

Together we discussed the planned deployment of the new aircraft and longer-term plans for diversification

You can connect with Sameer here

This episode is the recording of the interview I conducted on 10th November for the Future Flying Forum, an event brought to you by Simple Flying, the world's largest aviation news website, which was delivered in conjunction with the AviaDev team.

Over 2 days, we took our delegates on a journey from Australia to Alaska stopping off on the way.

Rodger has been a guest on the podcast before and he has been the CEO of Airlink since inception in 1992 and the airline has grown to operate a fleet of over 50 commercial aircraft.

In 2020, Airlink began operating on its own 4Z code ending a 23 year franchise agreement with SAA.

Today, Airlink is the second biggest airline in Africa by number of flights operated and has signed numerous codeshares and interlines over the last 12 months.

Together we discuss the partnerships, fleet plans, his thoughts on sustainability and take a look into the future. 

On November 1st 2021, SITA announced that in a bid to support the recovery of travel and tourism globally, their digital travel declaration solution will be available free of charge to all governments globally.

The solution allows passengers to share required health and travel documentation with governments ahead of travel, streamlining the process

In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Springall, Vice President, SITA AT BORDERS to understand how the solution works and how it can support Africa's aviation and travel recovery. 

Read all about it here https://www.sita.aero/pressroom/news-releases/sita-launches-free-digital-travel-declaration-solution-supporting--governments-in-safely-opening-their-borders/ 

In this episode, we welcome back Tom from AviAssist to discuss the world of aviation safety, which is the bedrock upon which our great industry is built, ahead of the SiAA conference.

Together we discuss the safety environment in African aviation ahead of upcoming AviAssist Safety in African Aviation Conference, which was beautifully delivered on a virtual platform in 2020 and will once again take place virtually this year. We discuss the topics, speakers and format to offer a flavour of what you can expect on 19th November and 7th December. 

You can register for just $7 here

In this episode, I am joined by Meir Hadassi-Turner ,Founder and CEO of AeroCRS, an innovative Software as a Service (SaaS) provider of passenger services systems and much more. 

In this episode we discuss the changing landscape of distribution and how and why airlines must understand this customer behaviour to ensure they are prepared for the future including a move towards:

• Last minute bookings
• Desire for flexible fares
• Direct booking with the airline
• The increasing role of insurance
• The ability to amend bookings easily and directly

The upcoming AeroCRS Virtual customer conference will take place 23rd and 24th November and you can register today here

To listen to our previous interview, which features AeroCRS customer Lift, click here

Today’s podcast focuses on the next generation.

In September, with the support of Embraer, we embarked on the African Aviators Webinar Series which spotlights a different aviation profession each month. Our aim is to feature both aspiring and serving aviators that can offer practical advice on how to get involved in our great industry. 

As part of the event, we run a live quiz which tests aviation knowledge and our first winner was Kingsley Okoli, who is an active member of the African aviation Facebook group.

After his win, I caught up with Kingsley and he is a remarkable young man and that is why we are here today as his story is similar to so many others out there.

He is actively looking for his next role, so connect with him here https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsley-okoli-617651121/ 

Kingsley has also written a though provoking article expanding on the points raised in the podcast, which you can read via his LinkedIn profile. 

This podcast is a recording of the first Skyheroes Africa that took place on 7th October 2021.

Skyheroes is an AviaDev innovation, aiming to keep the African aviation community, informed, educated and entertained in equal measure. Expect strong opinions, fierce debate and to raise a smile.

Our sky heroes are: 

Aaron Munetsi, CEO, Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)

Sean Mendis, Aviation Expert

Kwame Bekoe, Aviation Professional

On 30th September, Etihad, the Abu Dhabi based international airline announced that they will be launching 3 new routes to the African continent.

Starting in November, the airline will begin serving Cape Town, Johannesburg and Zanzibar. 

In this episode, we are going to discover why these routes were chosen, how Etihad views Africa as an opportunity and how it views cooperation with airline partners in the sun-Saharan region.

To do this, I was joined by Javier Alija, the Head of Network Planning and alliances at Etihad. 

You can plan and book your next trip with Etihad at www.etihad.com 

This episode was guest hosted by Kojo Bentum-Williams, Publisher of VoyagesAfriq and host of the VA tourism podcast, which you can subscribe to here: https://thetourismpodcast.podbean.com/ 

Kojo was attending the Africa Travel and Tourism Summit hosted by South African Tourism and took the opportunity to discuss the following with Thomas:

Regional market attractiveness

The financing of the operation

The fleet and expansion plans

In this episode, I am joined by Toni Ukachukwu, Founder of Aviators Africa, an integrated PR, marketing and consulting company. 

He joins me to talk about the Maiden Edition of the Aviators Africa tower awards and 3rd CEO's forum, taking place 27-28th October 2021 live in Lagos and online too. 

Nominations can be made here. Deadline 10th September 2021

Connect with Toni here

This episode is dedicated to a new webinar series focused on offering practical advice to the next generation of African aviators.

Joining me for the discussion is the Publisher and Editor of Airspace-Africa, Derek Nseko and Chidozie Uzoezie, Founder of the African Aviation Group on facebook, which boasts over 260,000 members. 

Over the next 6 months, we will convene monthly to focus on a different industry discipline bringing qualified Africans to share their experience and advice. 

The series is brought to you by AviaDev, Airspace-Africa and the African Aviation Group (on facebook) and proudly supported by Embraer.  

At the end of each discussion, there will be a live aviation quiz with prizes provided by our event partner, Embraer.

Registration is open now here

In today´s episode we discuss with Arran Rice (CEO & Founder at Simple Flying), Joanna Bailey (Managing Editor at SimpleFlying) and Jon Howell (CEO & Founder at AviaDev) new online event: The Future Flying Forum.

The event is brought to you by SimpleFlying and powered by AviaDev. Safely strapped into your own comfortable seat, we’ll follow the sun from East to West, touching down along the way to chat with aviation’s leading CEOs.

More information and registration is available at futureflyingforum.com. 

Moses Ngwanah is now based in Madagascar, having gained experience working for Camair-Co in his native Cameroon and ASKY in Togo. 

Moses recently released an article all about why and how Africa must unite in terms of civil aviation rulemaking and how this can support the implementation of SAATM. You can read that here: 

In this episode we explore the following:

• Why is African aviation so fragmented in its rule-making?
• What is the specific solution and what are the benefits for all stakeholders? 
• Which industry actors should be responsible for implementation and do they have sufficient power? 
• How would it be funded and where do we start?

To connect with Moses, click here

My guests for this episode are Dr. Andre Schulz, General Manager, South and Eastern Africa at the Lufthansa Group and Marco Götz, Chief Revenue Officer at Eurowings Discover. 

Together we discuss the launch of a new leisure carrier from the Lufthansa stable that launched operations to Mombasa and Zanzibar on 25th July 2021. 

We discuss:

• Why Eurowings Discover was created and the gap it aims to fill?
• Why Mombasa and Zanzibar?
• Where next?
• How big a part cargo plays in the operation?
• The types of destinations the carrier is looking to serve
• What Discover is looking for in an approach from a destination/ airport
• The fleet

You can connect with Andre here

You can connect with Marco here

This podcast is the audio recording of the financing African aviation session and brings together some familiar voices to our community representing both the banks and the lessors active in the African market.

Moderator:

Dickon Harris, Editor, ISHKA

Panellists:

Eddie Browne, AVP Marketing, Europe, Africa and CIS, Aergo

Sameer Adam, SVP, Commercial, ACIA Aero Leasing Group

Bradley Gordon, Head of Aviation: Africa, Investec

James Geldenhuys, Head of Aircraft Finance, Nedbank

Ishka, https://www.ishkaglobal.com/ provide data, insight, analysis and advisory services to help inform investment strategies.

Jonathan Ayache CEO, lift

Hilka Birns Journalist, ch-aviation

Technology only moves in one direction. Constant progress through continuous improvement and innovation. 

The Covid pandemic has provided an opportunity for the entire aviation industry to revisit existing processes, identify inefficiencies in these processes and adapt accordingly.

But can cutting-edge solutions be provided without huge capital expenditure?

Session moderated by

Kwame Bekoe Aviation Professional

Panelists:

Nick Ashton Head of Partnerships & Industry Affairs, Dohop

Blaine Powell Chief Sales Officer, Ink Aviation

Ciaran Wilson Head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Cellpoint Digital

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 9th June 2021 at the AviaDev Africa online conference.

Air travelers do not fly to an airport. They fly to a destination.

In 2018, 57% of tourists arrived at their destination by air.

So why are tourism authorities not more involved in the process of attracting airlines, often leaving it to the airport authorities?

With airport revenues decimated by the impact of the pandemic, is it time for tourism authorities to take a front seat and lead the conversations with airlines?

Session moderated by: Mafalda Borea Co-Founder and CEO of Sustainable First ™; Sustainability Editor, VoyagesAfriq

Panellists:

Hon. Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary for tourism and wildlife, Republic of Kenya

Carol Hay CEO, McKenzie Gayle Limited and Former Director of Marketing UK & Europe for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

In this wide-ranging panel session, we ask the tough question "Just what is the role of a National Airline?"

Should it be seen as a Commercial enterprise or strategic economic enabler?

Is it possible that it can be both?

After 74 years of operation, Air Namibia was formally liquidated in March 2021.

In this session, we explore what has happened to air connectivity in Namibia in the months following the cessation of the national carrier and how connectivity can be improved to, from and within the country.

We also discuss the role of a new SAA and its prospective challenges

Session moderated by:

Wrenelle Stander Former CEO, Comair Ltd

Panellists:

Escher Luanda Former Chairperson, Air Namibia

Rodger Foster Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airlink

In this episode, we catch up with the CEO of NavPass, Tom Perkins, who joined us back in episode 124 to outline the solution. 

Since then, NavPass have begun operations in the African market, supporting South Sudan with improving airspace safety and the collection of air navigation fees. We explore how they have delivered the solution, how the technology works and how it has been received by different stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem

To find out more visit www.navpass.aero 

In this episode, we are joined by Matheus Piorino, Director of Customer Finance, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Vadims Fokins, Deputy Marketing Director, Leasing at Embraer Commercial Aviation. 

Embraer has just released the African Market Perspectives report, which can be downloaded here

Some say it has never been a better time to start an airline as there is now an opportunity to disrupt previous business models and start operations without any legacy debt. 

Together we discuss:

• Right-sizing
• Will the African market be dominated by new or pre-owned aircraft?
• The challenge of financing fleet expansions and start ups
• The merits of leasing versus purchasing

You can connect with Matheus here

You can connect with Vadims here

In this episode, we travel to Nairobi, where I speak to Moses Mwangi, CEO of 748 Air Services Limited. Moses has over 25 years of experience in the African aviation industry. 

748 has a diversified business model and this has allowed them to thrive despite the global pandemic and even launch new domestic services to Kisumu and Mombasa in May 2021. 

748 were the global launch customer for De Havilland’s Simplified Package Freighter (SPF) solution on their Dash 8's allowing them to shift from operating a passenger to freighter aircraft in just 1 hour. We discuss how they have worked with the OEM to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

We also look to the future and talk domestic and regional expansion plans. 

In this episode, we discuss how technology will support the passenger journey and improve the passenger experience. 

We discuss why now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at how technology can replace or support existing systems and how often it is not as capital or labour intensive a process as it was in the past. 

Finally, we discuss the role of the health/immunity passport in the African market and how we can continue to travel in a part vaccinated world. 

Connect with Shawn here

Find out more about ink here: 

In this episode, we are joined by the Head of Partnerships and Industry Affairs at Dohop. 

Nick has over 15 years airline experience gathered at carriers such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia and Vueling and outlines how partnerships between airlines have evolved over this time and where they are heading. 

We focus on the opportunity for African airports and airlines to harness this technology to improve the customer experience, drive more direct bookings and build their route network through partnerships. 

You can connect with Nick here

Find out more about Dohop at www.dohop.com 

In this episode, we are joined by Ciaran Wilson, Head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Howard Blankenship, Head of Global Sales at Cellpoint Digital. 

In March 2021, Cellpoint was appointed by Avianca, to optimize their payments across their global operation. The Latin American market has huge similarities to that of Africa, so together we explore the unique challenges airlines face in the current market and the future of payments. 

You can connect with Ciaran here

You can connect with Howard here

Find out more about Cellpoint here

For this episode, we were joined by 3 members of the Collins Aerospace Avionics team, Jens Ziesel, Regional Sales Director; Kimberley Patel, Account Director and Philippe Hervy, Account Director.

Collins Aerospace Avionics has created a dedicated Africa team in 2020 and in this podcast, we explore how they have supported their customers, why they are so excited about the continent's prospects, and how they work to add value in this ever-changing climate.  

Connect with Jens here

Connect with Kimberley here

Connect with Philippe here

Find out more about Collins here

On 14th April 2021, Nowel Ngala, Group Commercial and Ground Operations Director at ASKY Airlines was appointed Chairman of the AFRAA Aero-political committee. 

Nowel published a comprehensive article outlining his key objectives in this role, which can be read here and forms the basis of this conversation. 

We discuss:

The distinction between taxes and charges

Whether taxes and charges will continue to rise in African aviation 

Whether governments understand the true value of aviation

How we as an industry can support a call for reforms

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed it, please share with your network and register now for AviaDev Africa, taking place 9-10 June online: https://www.aviationdevelop.com/africa/ 

This episode is the first in a new series of podcasts spotlighting innovation and the impact of positive disruption on the African aviation industry, ahead of AviaDev Africa 2021 ONLINE. 

First, I am joined by Meir Hadassi Turner, Founder and CEO of AeroCRS, an innovative provider of passenger service systems and much more besides, to discuss the changing needs of airlines. 

We then move to Cape Town, South Africa, where I am joined by Jon Ayache, CEO and Cilliers Jordaan, Head of Commercial at lift. We discuss how they were able to leverage technology to launch in a short window and what their plans are in the short, medium and longer-term. 

Register now to attend AviaDev Africa at www.aviationdevelop.com/africa and find out more about AeroCRS at https://www.aerocrs.com/ 

This is a recording of a brand new format we introduced at AviaDev: SkyHeroes. SkyHeroes is the aviation talkshow where 3 of industry experts share their open opinions on hot aviation topics in a light way, sometimes controversial, sometimes not completely politically correct, sometimes funny. But if we can still laugh, even in these difficult times, it means we are still alive, right?

This time our experts were John Grant, Sean Mendis and Max Oldorf and the topics we were discussing included:

1. The return of 737 MAX
2. European Court decided that state aid to AirFrance and SAS was not discriminatory
3. New airlines on the rise in Africa
4. Turkish Airlines taking the leading position on the global market

It was a fascinating discussion. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

This episode is the seventh in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews recorded live on 26th February 2021.

Sanjeev is the CEO of East Africa's largest private cargo airline, the Vice Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association and Vice Chairman of the AFRAA Cargo Task Force. 

In the session, we discuss the following:

• Astral's role in distributing the vaccine across Africa
• New markets that Astral are exploring
• Interlining agreements and co-operation
• Fleet expansion plans

To connect with Sanjeev click here

https://www.astral-aviation.com/

This is a recording of a live interview Juraj Toth did with Dirk Singer on 23 February 2021.

Dirk works as a Research Director at Simpliflying. He produces daily newsletter with updates on how aviation, travel and tourism are responding to the ongoing pandemic, what measures are here to stay, how travel will look like in the part vaccinated world and other related topics. Dirk is one of the very few people out there following the implications of the pandemic on air travel very closely from the very beginning.

In the interview guys discussed everything from vaccination, to testing and digital health passports and how all of this will reflect on the way summer 2021 will look for airports, airlines, destinations and general public.

If you haven´t done it yet, you can subscribe here to receive newsletter from Dirk with daily updates on air travel in a part vaccinated world.

This episode is co-hosted by AviaDev Special Advisor, John Barcroft.

Almost 20 months after the last live AviaDev Africa event, we meet the 3 ambassadors and check in on their professional progress since the event. 

We discuss their personal aviation stories and hopes and dreams for the future. 

Connect with Kgomotso

Connect with Shingai

You can watch the session from AviaDev Africa 2019 here

This episode is the sixth in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews recorded live on 12th February 2021.

Mr. Berthé is the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the leading trade association for African airlines. He is also an air transport industry expert.

In the session, we discuss the following:

• AFRAA's current priorities
• Access to financing for all African airlines
• Member sentiment towards SAATM and AfCFTA
• Collaboration between member airlines through harnessing new technologies

Contact AFRAA at [email protected] 

You can download the infographic here

In this episode, I am rejoined by Daniel Silke who featured in episode 3.

Daniel is a well-respected analyst and commentator on political and economic issues in Africa and beyond.

Together we explore:

• The macro-economic trends and how these will impact Africa
• The AfCFTA and how much impact it can have 
• Financial support for aviation 
• The future of live events

You can connect with Daniel on LinkedIn here

Find out more at https://www.danielsilkeglobal.com/ 

This episode focuses on the upcoming GHI Digital reconnect Africa event taking place 16th February 2021, of which AviaDev Africa is a partner. 

We explore the format of the event, preview some of the speakers and key sessions plus take a look into the future of ground handling on the continent. 

Register now at https://african.ghiconferences.com/ 

Connect with Max here 

This episode is the fifth in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews. 

Despite his tender age, Sean already has a 20 year career in aviation management behind him, working for passenger and cargo airlines, ground handling companies, jet fuel providers and in airport management. 

We discuss a huge range of topics on this podcast including:

African aviation's response to the pandemic

How to get SAATM kick started

How to operate in a highly politicised environment

How to build airline resiliency

You can connect with Sean here

In this episode, we are joined by an aviator with over 30 years of experience.

Capt. Kibe has the unique position of having been a pilot and airline owner and now is in charge of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. 

This is an uplifting conversation that starts by exploring the impact of the pandemic on the KCAA and how its priorities have changed as we start 2021. 

You can find Capt. Kibe on LinkedIn here

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it with one person in your network that you feel will benefit from listening and sign up for our weekly newsletter at www.aviationdevlop.com/africa 

In 2020's final episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Juraj Toth, MD AviaDev Europe spoke to CEO & Founder of AviaDev, Jon Howell.

Discussion points include:

• How AviaDev survived 2020 
• The hardest challenges
• what the team has learned
• The highlights of the year and a look into 2021

In this episode, we meet the founder and curator of the African Aviation Group, a facebook group boasting 227,000 members and counting. You can join here

We discuss how and why the group was created, the successes it has delivered and how the group's members see the future prospects for the industry. 

You can connect with Chidozie here

This episode is a recording of "An audience with Adefunke Adeyemi" which took place on December 18th 2020. 

It is an uplifting session that covers a variety of topics including the role of women in aviation; the importance of SAATM to the success of the AfCFTA; financial support and where it should be offered and much more. 

This episode is brought to you in association with AviAssist Foundation, https://aviassist.org/

The co-host for this episode is AviAssist Director, Tom Kok and we welcome Sakhile Reiling, Board Member at the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, former CEO of Air Botswana and pilot to the hotseat.  

We discuss the disconnect between theory and practice when it comes to training, collaboration between organizations and the concept of systems thinking

Connect with Sakhile here

Connect with Tom here

This episode is the third in our series of live podcasts with industry leaders. 

Peter has dedicated his professional life to supporting ailing carriers around the world and recently spent time as Chief Restructuring Officer at SAA. 

In this session, we talk about how airlines start the turnaround process and what ingredients are required to ensure the best chance of success.

We then focus heavily on SAA and discuss what a new SAA could look like plus reflect on some of the decisions made over the years. 

Finally, we zoom out to look at the prospects for Africa including SAATM and the threat of non-African airlines to the industry. 

In this episode, I am joined by Chamsou Andjorin to preview the AAIG Aeropoltical Forum taking place on Wednesday 11th November 2020. 

The event offers insightful debate and is one of AviaDev's favourites on the calendar

We discuss how and why the group was formed; who will be involved in the event next week and the key themes and talking points we can expect to tackle. 

You can register here

Download the programme here

This episode is a live recording of the second AviaDev insight live podcast, recorded October 22nd 2020. 

Many of the questions posed came from our live audience and we discussed the following topics:

• The new interline agreement with EK and QR plus others that could be on the horizon (with African carriers)
• The rebuilding of the regional network, whilst Airlink continues to serve trunk routes
• The suitability of the fleet for the new operating environment
• Financing and liquidity
• Whether more private Africa airlines can be established and thrive in a post-pandemic World

This is a recording of the first AviaDev Insight live featuring Ato Girma Wake, Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines and former Chairman, RwandAir, which took place October 9th 2020

The industry finds itself facing the largest crisis since commercial aviation began and so we took this opportunity to pose questions from our live audience. 

Topics discussed include SAATM implementation, co-operation, the next generation and some reasons to be optimistic. 

Enjoy and if you would like to suggest a guest for our next live session, get in touch.  

Arpad Szakal is a career transition coach at the centre for Aviation Psychology. He joined us for the Africa Tomorrow event in July 2020, moderating our next generation panel. 

The purpose of this episode is to provide practical advice to the huge number of aviators that have had their career ambitions blown off course by the pandemic. We discuss how to understand the skills and value you already have, what you can do now to equip yourselves for the future and how to become more visible. 

You can connect with Arpad here 

If you enjoyed the podcast, please share it with one person in your network that you think will benefit from listening. 

This podcast episode was recorded 1st October 2020, the day Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Uganda opened their borders to international arrivals for the first time since the onset of Covid-19.

We discuss if there have been any winners through the pandemic, what the continent's future fleet mix may look like, testing as a silver bullet to get the industry back on its feet and how we keep the next generation of African aviators engaged in pursuing their dreams. 

You can find out more about airnews at: https://www.airnews.co.za/ 

You can connect with Derek on LinkedIn here

In this episode, David explains the concept of his new Aero Clinic, where his carefully curated team of experts are on hand to assist African airlines of all sizes. If you want to find out more visit www.tuscar.ie and connect with David on LinkedIn here

We also discuss the current African aviation landscape including the leasing community's perception of Africa, investor sentiment and why now is a great time to start an airline. 

Rob Bor and Aedrian Bekker are both clinical psychologists and the founders of the Centre for Aviation Psychology, https://www.centreforaviationpsychology.com/ 

In this episode, we tackle the stigma around pilot mental health. This is a particular concern in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how peer to peer support can often be the solution

Connect with Rob here

Connect with Aedrian here

Other resources:

www.bizavpsp.com - a peer support network for business and rotary wing aviators

www.cappsp.com - a peer support network for scheduled AOCs who want to share costs and resources 

This episode was recorded 23rd September 2020, 10 days ahead of many African borders opening to International travelers. 

We discussed IATA's key messages for the industry, government support and financing for the industry, how to ensure once we open we stay open and if now is the right time to push for SAATM implementation. 

In this episode, we speak with Miretab Tesfaye, Director Group Integrated Marketing Communications at Ethiopian Airlines about how technology and digital solutions have been given a seat at the top table within the airline and enabled them to be agile enough to adapt to the headwinds created by Covid-19. 

We also uncover some of the success stories that the technology has helped to deliver in recent months and also gain an insight into how the technology was developed in-house, with the support of external vendors, by Miretab and his talented team of software engineers. 

You can connect with Miretab here

In this episode, we discover more about a new, free interactive tool that has been developed by NACO which outlines the propensity to fly in Africa. You can take a look here

We also discuss how governments can facilitate aviation growth on the continent, the future of airport infrastructure financing and the importance of diversifying away from aeronautical revenue.

The paper we cite can be downloaded here

To find out more, you can connect with Marcel here

This episode was recorded on 24th August

In this episode, we preview the Masterclass taking place on 27th August 2020, entitled "The Commercial Imperative for African Aviation - Marketing & Sales Post COVID-19: Reinventing Your Competitive Advantage"

This is brought to you in association with the Aviationia Division of the AeroNAD Group, which is delivering tailored aviation education and training solutions, adapted to individual as well as organisational needs,  through the harmonisation of academia and industry for a better aviation ecosystem across the African Continent. 

You can still register for the masterclass here

You can find out more about AeroNAD here

In this episode, we take a detour from aviation-specific content and focus on the future.

Namely the future of work, the future role of technology in our lives, the future of the aviation industry and the future opportunities this offers Africa.

Somi Arian is a tech philosopher, international speaker, entrepreneur, award-winning filmmaker and LinkedIn Top Voice among UK influencers. Her work focuses on the impact of technology on society at large, the future of work and digital marketing.

She has given talks to industry leaders from organizations as diverse as the BBC, The Economist, Marie Claire, The Guardian, Amazon, HSBC, Virgin Atlantic and American Express.

Her 2018 documentary The Millennial Disruption is compelling viewing and can be watched here: 

Her new book, Career Fear (and how to beat it) is available to order here

In this episode, we explore the world of innovation in the field of crew uniforms and discover more about Keyvan’s innovative Antibacterial Cabin crew uniform solution that aims to replace PPE.

You may have seen the different airline approaches to crew uniform. We have seen some airlines implement full PPE to protect their staff, but this can lead to a less than perfect experience for the passengers.

You can watch the short uniform video here

You can find out more about Keyvan aviation here

In this episode, recorded on 17th July 2020, we meet Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Comair Ltd and discuss the following:

• The business rescue process and when we can expect to see Comair flying again
• The dynamics of the Southern African aviation market and how Comair can emerge stronger post-Covid. 
• How the industry is supporting each other and delivering 
• Where Comair's diversification strategy stands today
• The airline's fleet plans and how to rebuild passenger confidence

In this episode, Jon Howell is joined by the TRM management team, James and Hugo Hill to discuss airline insurance. 

Did you know that some premiums have increased 30% year on year and that insurance can represent around 3% of an airline's operating cost? 

For any startups, we talk about the insurance you need to have and how underwriters are perceiving risk differently in the Post-Covid environment. 

You can connect with James here

You can connect with Hugo here

www.trm.co.za 

This exclusive episode was recorded 8th July 2020. 

Gidon Novick is a former Comair CEO and founder of Kulula.com who is planning to launch a new domestic airline in South Africa. Amongst other things, I asked the following: Why now is the right time to launch an airline? What equipment does he plan to deploy? Which routes will he fly? When we can expect the airline to start? What did he learn in his time in and out of the industry which makes him ready for the journey ahead?

Recorded on 2nd July 2020, this webinar was brought to you by Tuscar Aero Consulting and featured the following speakers:

David Aher Tuscar Aero Consulting

Dikko Nwachukwu jetWest Partners

Aaron Munetsi African Aviation Expert

Our aim was to determine how we can improve the resilience of African airlines to ultimately make the proposition more attractive to potential investors. 

Ahead of the delivery of TAAG Angola Airlines' first Dash 8-400 aircraft, we took time to sit down with Hon. Ricardo Daniel Sandao Quieros Viegas D'Abreu and discussed the role of aviation in the development of trade; the impact of Covid on the industry and the country's aims and ambitions for the medium/ long term

Ivana is a pilot, Reiki practitioner and advocate of mindfulness. She is also the Governor of the African Section of the 99s, https://www.african99s.com/ a non-profit organization of International Women Pilots. 

In this episode, we explore the findings of a Harvard study into depression in pilots, which can be downloaded here and discuss strategies to prevent and cope with the challenge, especially in the current times of crisis. 

Please seek professional help if any of the issues raised have affected you. 

You can connect with Ivana here

In late June 2020, TAAG Angola Airlines will take delivery of their first DeHavilland Dash 8-400 turboprop. 

In this episode, we understand some more about why this aircraft was chosen, where it will be deployed and the wider commercial strategy of TAAG Angola airlines and of course get to meet the man himself. 

This episode was recorded in Addis Ababa in March 2020 just as the Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold. 

Navpass is bringing an innovative, technology-driven approach enabling African governments to optimize and monetize their sovereign airspace,. These navigation fees can be reinvested to make airspace more efficient and safer. 

You can find out more at https://navpass.aero/ 

My guest today is Shashank Nigam, a person with jet fuel in his veins. Shashank is the founder and CEO of SimpliFlying, one of the world´s largest aviation marketing firms and author of SOAR, a bestseller on airline marketing. Together with his team at SimpliFlying they have created a material titled The Rise of Sanitized Travel which details over 70 different areas in the passenger journey that are expected to either change or to be introduced from scratch, to restore confidence in flying after COVID-19 pandemic. You can download the full report here.

This webinar was recorded 6th May 2020 and brought together aviation and airline restructuring specialists to deliver their solutions to the question of "what can and should I be doing right now?" We look in detail at operational restructuring, financial restructuring, lessor negotiation and more. Moderators: Jon Howell, AviaDev John Grant, AviaDev Consult Panellists: Eddy Pieniazek, Head of Analytics and Advisory at Ishka Sylvain Bosc, Aviation Consultant and former CCO at South African Airways, fastjet and SVP Europe, Qatar Airways Steven Kargman, President, Kargman Associates David Aher, Managing Director, Tuscar Aero Consulting Limited

This Webinar was recorded on 17th April 2020 and is brought to you by AviaDev Africa and VoyagesAfriq Travel Media to help shape the policy direction of tourism post covid-19. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions are a vital part of any national tourism strategy and provide huge economic benefits to those countries that have embraced them as a source of income. In this webinar, we explore the future of this sector and ask the following: What can MICE businesses be doing right now? Where should Africa be looking for MICE business? Is technology really a suitable substitute for the real experience? Hosts: Jon Howell, CEO, AviaDev Africa Kojo Bentum-Williams, CEO VoyagesAfriq media Ltd. Panelists: Rick Taylor, Founder and CEO of The Business Tourism Company, South Africa Yoadan Tilahun, Founder and CEO, Flawless Events, Ethiopia Kwakye Donkor, CEO, Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, CEO, Zapphaire Events Group, Nigeria Frank Murangwa, Director Destination Marketing, Rwanda Convention Bureau

This is the audio recording of the fourth weekly webinar whihc took place on 8th April.

The webinar brought together experts in the field of airport city development, airport planning, and airport operations to discuss and determine how and African airports can diversify their revenue post-Covid-19 Host: Jon Howell, CEO, AviaDev Africa Panelists: • Chloë Greenbank, Editor, Regional Gateway • Pieter van der Horst, MD at AIREA, Airport City Expert at NACO and co-founder of Airport City Academy (ACA). • Marcel Langeslag, Director, Aviation Africa at NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants • Nicolas DEVILLER, Deputy CEO - Antananarivo & Nosy Be Airports - ADP International

This episode is the recording of the first AviaDev Tourism webinar delivered on 3rd April 2020 and is brought to you by AviaDev Africa and VoyagesAfriq Travel Media.

The webinar was set to help shape the policy direction of how tourism will be done post Covid-19. You will hear from the below contributors:

Hosts: Jon Howell, CEO, AviaDev Africa Kojo Bentum-Williams, CEO VoyagesAfriq media Ltd. Panelists: Anita Mendiratta, Founder and President of Anita Mendiratta and Associates; Advisor to UNWTO Secretary General Sisa Ntshona : CEO of South African Tourism Judy Kepher -Gona : Tourism Policy Analyst, STTA Dr Carmen Nibigira: Tourism Policy Analyst Mohammed Hersi: President of Kenya Tourism Federation & Operations Director Pollmans Tours and Safaris

This episode is the audio recording of the third AviaDev webinar that took place 1st April 2020. 

We discuss the challenges, priorities, and opportunities offered by COVID-19. 

Our esteemed panel consisted: 

• Tefera Mekonnen Tefera, Secretary General, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) • Ato Girma Wake, AviaDev Patron and former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines • Sanjeev Ghadia, Vice Chairman, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and CEO, Astral Aviation • Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General. African Airlines Association

This episode is the audio recording of the second AviaDev webinar that took place 25th March 2020. 

We discuss the different forms of support that are or could be available to the airlines, whether this will lead to more consolidation and cooperation and much more. 

Our esteemed panel consisted: 

• Ogaga Udjo, Managing Director, ZA Logics • Raphael Kuuchi, Special Envoy to Africa on Aeropolitical Affairs, IATA • Joao Po Jorge, CEO, LAM Mozambique Airlines • Nowel Ngala, Commercial Director, ASKY Airlines • Sean Mendis, Chief Operating Officer, Africa World Airlines

You can also watch the webinar on youtube here

In this podcast, I speak to Shingai George, a dedicated AviaDev Ambassador and technology enthusiast. 

We discuss how new technologies such as blockchain, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence will change the aviation industry, which could be even more prevalent in a post COVID-19 world. 

You can connect with Shingai here

In this episode, we discuss Kenya Airways' response to the ongoing and evolving COVID-19 crisis but so much more. 

We discuss KQ's focus on collaboration with regional and international players, the relationship with Jambojet; the performance of the JFK route launched in 2018; open skies and future fleet plans. 

You can connect with Martin on LinkedIn here

This episode was recorded on location in Antananarivo 27th February. 

GS Airlines started commercial operations in January 2020 with domestic flights within Madagascar. In this podcast, we discover more about the airline's plans in terms of routes, fleet plans and much more. 

You can meet the team at AviaDev Africa 2020, Antananarivo 6-8 May. 

AviaDev Africa is delighted to be a media partner of Aviation Africa, taking place 4-5 March in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Ahead of the event, we spoke with the Conference Chairman about what we can expect from the upcoming event, how the African aviation landscape continues to evolve and much more.

You can find out more about the conference at http://www.aviationafrica.aero/home 

Attracting and retaining high-caliber talent is a challenge across the aviation industry. As an organization embedded in the industry, AviaDev is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated recruitment arm, AviaDev Recruit, powered by Bourne Recruitment. 

In this podcast, I speak to Andrew Bourne, President & CEO, Bourne Recruitment about the new venture. 

If you would like to find out more, please click here 

Contact Andrew on LinkedIn here

This episode was recorded on location in Dubai during the Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS). 

Cellpoint Digital works with airlines to simplify and create a "frictionless" booking process. We talk about how airlines can use their digital channel to drive ancillary sales (upgrades, baggage, catering) and integrate many different payment methods. 

Within Africa, there are huge opportunities for airlines to adopt this technology and harness new traveller behaviour to improve bottom-line performance. 

To find out more, visit https://cellpointdigital.com/

To connect with Ciaran click here

In this episode, we delve into the world of aviation infrastructure investment with the Investment Director of AIIM (Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers). They currently have over $2 billion USD under management and have recently invested in Abidjan AIrport. 

We discuss:

• How attractive aviation infrastructure projects are as investment propositions
• What a project needs to develop to help secure investment
• The common mistakes that need to be avoided

You can find out more about AIIM here

You can connect with Moritz on LinkedIn here

This episode covers an article that Ogaga has written for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, entitled the state of African aviation, which you can read here. 

We take a pulse of the industry today, look into whether an airline's ownership is a precursor to success and how African airlines can arrest their negative financial performance.

We then look into the future exploring the opportunities for competition, cooperation and consolidation. 

You can connect with Ogaga on LinkedIn here

Alexander Herring has been embedded in the Africa market for over 20 years and travelled to over 40 African countries.

He holds a role as a private sector liaison specialist with the World Bank, providing a bridge between airports and the bank itself. 

In this episode, we discuss the progress of African aviation development, the current infrastructure investment and development environment and take a look into the future. 

This episode is an Aircraft leasing 101. I am joined by 2 representatives of the World's largest regional aircraft leasing company with a large footprint in Africa, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC).

The topics we cover are:

• Why consider leasing, rather than buying? 
• How does the landscape look in Africa currently?
• What does an airline need to do to secure a lease agreement and what are the common errors to be avoided?
• What are my options if I'm a startup airline?

Click to connect on LinkedIn with  Sasha

Global population is becoming more and more aware about the climate change, many people say we are the last generation that can do something in order to prevent irreversible changes in the climate. And aviation found itself in the centre of this debate, even though it produces just around 2,5% of global CO2 emissions. We´ll take a close look into this topic with Dirk Singer, who´s author of Airline Marketing Monthly Magazine and its December issue was titled the Flight Shaming Special. You can download it here for free: http://tiny.cc/3zd1iz - and we definitely recommend that, it puts many thing into perspective.

This podcast was recorded on location in London on 8th January. 

David outlines the concept of Virtual Interlining and how it can benefit both airports and airlines.

We also discuss how this technology could provide a lightweight and modern alternative to developing a traditional African alliance. 

You can connect with David on LinkedIn here 

Find out more about Dohop here

Alex MacPhail has developed a large social media following through his storytelling as an airline pilot.

This episode focuses on how Alex's life in aviation as a pilot has inspired a passion for high-performance teams. We discuss his career, the concepts of leadership and how to ensure high performance no matter your business. 

You can connect and follow Alex via LinkedIn here

In this episode, I speak with Stuart Barwood, Director, Strategic Partnerships for airlines and travel at Forter, about the thorny issue of aviation fraud. Just how much money are airlines losing to fraudulent activities and what strategies can be adopted to address the issue?

To download the Fraud Attack Index 

To find out more about Forter, visit www.forter.com 

This special episode was recorded at 36,000 feet somewhere between Mauritius and Addis Ababa on board the "Techlion Profit hunter", E2-195. 

We talked all things Africa, including how Embraer has grown from a presence of 40 aircraft to 200+ in 2019; the impact the E2 can have in the market and the story behind the Techlion livery. 

This episode was recorded on 12th November 2019 at the 51st AFRAA AGA. 

We discuss the focus on human capital development through The Flying Academy of The Air Mauritius Institute which started operations in August; the opportunity to position Mauritius as a hub for Africa-Asia; and the short, medium and long term goals of the airline. 

This episode was recorded live at  the 51st Afraa annual general assembly on November 11th 2019. 

The topic for discussion was SAATM. Where to from here and the panel was ably moderated by Aaron Munetsi, Director Government, Legal and industry affairs at AFRAA.  

You will hear from Eric Ntagengerwa, Senior policy officer- Air Transport at the African Union Commission, then Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, Africa and Middle East and also Vijay Poonoosamy, Director International and Public Affairs at the QI group.

This episode was recorded on location during AviaDev Europe 2019 in Valencia, Spain. 

We spoke to Mario about the unique geographic location of Cabo Verde and the advantages that this delivers. Mario explains the structure of the airline itself and the involvement of Iceland Air. 

Cabo Verde has big plans for Africa including Lagos launching in December 2019. We discuss this and opportunities for interlining and code sharing moving forwards. 

Recorded on location at ACI Africa in Accra, Ghana, we discover the ROUTES partnership, which sets out to reduce the opportunities for unlawful wildlife trafficking across the globe. 

This is a huge issue in Africa and it starts with awareness and training. 

You can find out more at: https://routespartnership.org/ 

This episode focuses on the British Overseas territory of St Helena. An island full of fascinating historic significance, it is living proof of the neverending power aviation has to connect and transform communities. 

James discusses the challenges involved in getting the airport opened to commercial traffic and what the future holds

If you would like to watch the Embraer "taming of the winds" video you can click here: 

Mugabe Isaac is a young aviator that is due to graduate as a licensed aircraft dispatcher from the Ethiopian Aviation Academy in November 2019.

He has been associated with AviaDev since 2016 and this is his inspirational story of what can be achieved with a strong work ethic and incredible belief.

You can connect with Isaac here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mugabe-isaac-611576120/ 

This episode was recorded in Paris just ahead of the announcement that Ravinala Airports will host AviaDev Africa 2020 in Antananarivo, 6-8 May 2020. 

We discuss the progress of the new terminal project, the key markets of interest for air service development and find out some more about the new dawn that Madagascar is experiencing. 

You can find out more about Ravinal Airports at https://ravinala-airports.aero/en/

This episode was recorded on 24th September 2019 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the African Hotel Investment Forum, Africa's premier hotel investment event organised by Bench Events 

Former podcast guest and friend of AviaDev, Rick Taylor sat down with Esayas to discuss the move into hotels, the key challenges facing the airline and the drive towards sustainability. 

Released on the day of the inaugural Windhoek-Cape Town flight, I spoke to Simon about why now is the time to spread their wings regionally, the airline's history and plans for future expansion. 

You can find out more about the airline at https://www.flywestair.com/en

In this episode, we take a deep dive into SAA with someone who devoted 5 years of service to the airline.

We discuss the proposed merger of SAA, SAX and Mango; whether the carrier missed an opportunity to create 2 hubs in both JNB and CPT; the fleet SAA are operating today and whether adopting technology could be the solution to the carrier's woes. 

You can connect with Gaurav on LinkedIn Twitter 

In this episode, we discuss why cabin crew is such a fulfilling career, service standards in Africa and how to inspire more women and girls to join our magnificent industry. 

You can follow Mama J by searching MamaJaviation on all social media platforms and at http://mamajaviation.com/

This episode is brought to you in conjunction with the Global Investment in Aviation Summit, which will be held 27-29th January 2020 in Dubai. www.gias.ae

We meet the charismatic and passionate project manager, who provides an overview of the lofty ambitions of the event and the opportunities that exist for African projects looking for investment, African investors looking to invest and much more

This episode was recorded 5th September in London. Dirk discusses the use of airline marketing in Africa along with some best practice examples of airlines doing it well. 

We also talk about the evolution of the podcast and the rise of the social media influencer in an environment where "fakery" is everywhere. 

You can subscribe and download the magazine here

In this episode, we talk to one of African aviation's newest CEOs about his personal journey and his focus on continued innovation across the business, plus the challenges he has faced so far. 

With multiple new market entrants since jambojet's entry 5 years ago, we explore the competitive East African landscape and receive an insight into the growth plans of an airline with lofty ambitions. 

In this episode, I am joined by two good friends with a strong track record in both the business of aviation and tourism, but also academia. 

We discuss the training and development opportunities that exist within airlines and how these gaps can be bridged. We then move onto a discussion about the Portuguese speaking African countries and the opportunities they represent. 

You can connect with Rui here and Gavin here

In this episode, we find out more about the fleet and network development plans of an airline that plans to connect West Africa from an operational hub in  Banjul, The Gambia. 

We talk about why they will succeed where others have failed and how attending AviaDev has assisted their development. 

Find out more at http://www.flywestaf.com/

Recorded 22nd August following the announcement of an interline agreement between AWA and Ethiopian Airlines and ASKY, we explore the airline's approach to collaboration, co-operation, and partnerships. 

We also talk about how the partnership may affect the drive for a national carrier in Ghana and the huge number of other partnerships on the horizon after the successful agreements with South African Airways and Emirates. 

Jim Belemu is a CEO on a mission.

Mahogany Air is a private airline in Zambia that has big expansion plans. This episode covers the airline's route and fleet plans, his views on partnerships and collaboration and much more.

Recruiting and retaining pilots globally and in Africa is a challenge, especially for smaller, regional carriers.

In this episode, Laura and I discuss a new holistic approach to pilot recruitment that aims to deliver efficiency and cost-savings for the airlines and pilots. 

To find out more, visit https://www.globalpilotsource.com/

Meet Dikko Nwachukwu, a Nigerian with the ambition to deliver affordable air travel to the general population. 

This candid interview offers a unique insight into the realities of the journey. We also discover the airline's unique value proposition, fleet plans and much more

This episode was recorded on July 17th 2019 in Maputo, Mozambique with the enigmatic and charismatic CEO of Aeroportos de Mozambique. 

We speak to Dr Chaves about his rise to the top of the airports company, the renewed focus on tourism as an economic driver for Mozambique's development, airspace liberalisation and much more.

Recorded on 17th July in Maputo, Mozambique, this episode provides insight into the refreshing and pragmatic approach of the LAM operation.

Specifically, we discuss the impact liberalization has had on the LAM operations, the fleet and network plans driving the growth of the airline and LAM's position on the SAATM

This episode was recorded 25th July 2019 in London. 

We discuss the pace of tourism growth in Africa; how the tourism authorities can be more involved in attracting air services to their destination and the concept of "Brand Africa", and just how optimistic Anita is about Africa's future. 

You can find out more about Anita at https://anitamendiratta.com/

This episode was recorded July 16th on location in Maputo, Mozambique. 

Rampa discusses the continued rise of Lanseria, one of only a small number of private airports in Africa. Specifically, we discuss how it has positioned itself as a hub for low-cost carriers and how it plans to take the next step to international operations. There is also mention of a new route that has been developed as a result of a meeting at AviaDev and adopting a stakeholder approach to route development

This episode is accompanied by an exclusive report available to download now for free at www.aviationdevelop.com/africa produced by Watson Farley & Williams, a law firm specialising in transport and energy based in London. http://www.wfw.com/

We compare and contrast the European open skies initiative with the ambitions of Africa, to understand the differences between the two and why a more regionalised approach may be the route to success. 

Recorded on 15th July 2019 on location in Maputo, Mozambique, we spoke to Joep about how Airbus views the African opportunity, their current footprint and which aircraft are creating most interest in the market. 

We also discuss the cost of aircraft acquisition and potential solutions for carriers.  

This episode discusses the numerous opportunities that exist between China and Africa, with one of China's foremost aviation experts. 

We discuss the outbound tourism market; chinese investment, construction and concessioning of airports; the opportunity for Chinese aircraft manufacturers and the attractiveness of Africa to Chinese airlines.

This episode is brought to you in conjunction with the 2019 China Aviation and Tourism Forum, https://atchinaforum.com/ taking place 24-25th October in Beijing. 

Ahead of the GHI (Ground Handling International) Conference taking place in Nairobi in September 2019, we spoke to Max about the unique aspects of ground handling in Africa along with challenges and opportunities on offer to airports, airlines and ground handling companies. 

For more information on the conference and African Aviation Week, visit https://african.groundhandling.com/

In this episode, we travel to Uganda to ask Mathias how the average Ugandan views the national carrier project; how much the new project is politically motivated and motivated by what is happening elsewhere in East Africa and what the future holds for private airlines in the country and region. 

You can connect with Mathias by searching "fly east Africa" on all platforms

Recorded on location in London on 2nd July 2019, we spoke to Tom about the perception of African aviation safety, area of improvement and how the AviAssist Foundation is upskilling and empowering Africa to ensure a safety culture is created and maintained. 

AviaDev is proud to support the next generation of aviators by giving them a platform and a voice.

Jesse-Alex is a licensed flight operations officer and attended an Aviators Africa event in Lagos in 2018. He wrote a great thesis on ancillary revenue generation, which is why I invited him onto the podcast. 

We discuss the Nigerian aviation market, the national carrier and much more. 

If you would like to connect with Jesse-Alex, you can find him here: 

This episode was recorded on May 20th by Toni Ukachukwu, Aviation Development Director at AviaDev.

It was recorded at a stakeholders forum in Lagos and the topics discussed included the revitalization of the national carrier project, privatization and concessioning of the country's airports and much more.

In this episode recorded 21st May 2019, I spoke with Nunurai Ndawana from the PR and communications team at the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.

We discussed how to change the narrative that aviation is the preserve of the rich in Africa and how to prevent and deal with reputational damage. We also took a look into the future. 

This episode was recorded on May 17th at the Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit.

Guest presenting was Kojo Bentum-Williams, CEO of VoyagesAfriq Media based in Ghana. 

Topics discussed included carbon offsetting, how using a growth paradigm in isolation is not the way to go and Judy explains her mantra of "sustainability is the new luxury"

In this episode, Jon Howell spoke to Linden Birns about exactly what defines a "crisis", the importance of having a plan in place that moves with today's new age of social media.

We also discussed the respective Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing responses to the ET302 tragedy. 

You can contact the team at [email protected]