Already having the world's 4th largest flight network and flying to 279 destinations in 110 countries, Turkish Airlines continues to grow by adding a new flight destination in Africa.
The final panel session at the Aviation Africa event looked at the shortage of human capital in the region and the need to train young people to make sure the industry thrives.
Despite the positives for business aviation across Africa, there are still a number of challenges. Ian Sheppard, editor, African Aerospace, moderated a panel session looking at the industry.
The launch three years ago of the African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) moved business aviation in the region into the spotlight. Operators, financiers, lessors, owners, FBO and flight service providers now have a voice.
Low cost carrier Air Arabia has reported a 13% increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2015.The Sharjah airline which operates from Morocco and Egypt announced its financial results this morning as the airline's route and hub expansion strategy continued to deliver strong financials and healthy passenger number growth.
Poor Search and Rescue (SAR) coordination has been highlighted by a succession of international air tragedies. In a case study, Brian Day, ICAO HQ technical officer, SAR (retired) and now a civil aviation SAR consultant, said SAR's purpose is clear and unambiguous – it saves lives.
No Open Sky agreements have been signed between African countries, but several have been signed between African countries and other regions. The consequence has been a limitation on the growth of Africa's airlines, efficiency reductions and higher costs, leading to a negative impact on economic development.
Former director of CAA in Lebanon (twice), Dr Hamdi Chaouk, now managing partner, Aviation Minds, opened the second day of the first Aviation Africa conference and exhibition in Dubai by explaining how African nations need to take a close look at themselves before they can put together an aviation strategy that has any chance of success.
Dr. Nicklas Dahlstrom, director of human factors for Emirates Airline, addressing the Aviation Africa conference in Dubai today, told the audience that human factors training is essential, especially when people from different cultures work together.
Having made impressive strides with its turnaround plan, Air Nambia is itching to get back into growth mode before a new breed of low-cost competitors swoops on the country. Martin Rivers reports.
flyafrica.com, Africa's Low Fare Airline, successfully launched its ainaugural Windhoek to CapeTown flight on Monday 2 November with the on time departure of N6 347 from Windhoek at 10:55 AM.
Ethiopia has announced plans to construct a USD 4 bn mega airport in Addis Ababa that is intended to serve as many as 120 mn passengers annually when it opens in more than a decade's time.
The UK-Nigeria market is currently served on a daily basis by Arik Air, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways. There is an O&D demand of an estimated 2,500 passengers a day between the UK and Nigeria before you even start looking at connection options, and this has grown at an average annual rate of 9.2 per cent since 2010.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for further action on three vital aspects of the air cargo business: transitioning to paperless freight processes, a focus on global handling standards for pharmaceutical freight, and tough action to ensure the continued safe transportation of lithium batteries by air.
Libya's post-revolution civil war has crippled the country's aviation sector, with airports and aircraft damaged by fighting and all international carriers forced to withdraw from the Libyan market. A year after intense clashes destroyed Tripoli International Airport, the Airports Authority is planning to build a semi-permanent terminal and get international flights back up and running. Tom Westcott reports from Tripoli.
Switzerland-based ExecuJet has come a long way since it started out in South Africa in the 90s. Yet its heart is still in Africa, as Ettori Poggi told Ian Sheppard.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed for environmental research and surveying, will become the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered aircraft fully developed in South Africa, Allafrica reports.
Solenta Aviation plans to acquire B737s, as it begins commercial passenger operations after expanding its Gabonese Air Operators Certificate beyond cargo operations, ch-aviation reports.
Fastjet Zimbabwe commenced revenue operations last week with passenger flights between Harare International and Victoria Falls, ch-aviation has reported.
CAMRA Regional Airlines, a Canadian-backed start-up, is looking to offer passenger and cargo flights throughout Cameroon and West Africa, ch-aviation has reported.
