Getting across Africa by air is so difficult that passengers often have to detour via Europe, but there is now a renewed push to make African air transport liberalization a reality.
The Israeli airline hopes to begin an inaugural route from Tel Aviv to the Japanese capital in March having twice previously postponed plans to enter the market.
A deepening shortage of qualified pilots will force carriers to pare back service to small communities, fueling further consolidation in the years to come.
Air Arabia is currently in the market for seven additional aircraft so the airline can cope with the faster-than-expected recovery of air travel demand, according to CEO Adel Ali.