AviaDev Insight Africa

In this episode, Host Jon Howell sits down with Theo Wensink, Head of Airline Marketing, Middle East and Africa at Embraer to discuss the "Connecting Africa" report which premiered at AviaDev Africa 2025.  Providing commentary and insight into the findings are regular podcast contributors, aviation consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially.  Together, they explore why the report was created, the methodology, and then we count down the top unserved routes from 10 to 1, identifying which have the best chance of being served and by whom.  Download the report here  CONNECT WITH THEO CONNECT WITH SEAN CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Connecting Africa Report 01:23 Embraer's Footprint in Africa 08:44 Methodology Behind the Report 13:21 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Brazzaville to Dakar 23:02 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Douala to Dakar 28:55 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 36:44 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Abuja to Nairobi 44:00 Connecting Africa: The Abuja to Nairobi Route 44:24 Bamako to Brazzaville: Humanitarian and Diplomatic Links 53:10 Cotonou to Dakar: Trade and Student Travel 59:00 Cape Town to Lagos: Business and Leisure Dynamics 01:05:54 Dakar to Libreville: Oil and Banking Connections 01:10:46 Lusaka to Cape Town: Mining and Tourism Opportunities 01:20:37 Abidjan to Douala: The Unserved Route Potential

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell speaks with Chidozie Uzoezie, founder of the African Aviation Group (AAG), about the impact of the group on aspiring aviators in Africa. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the African aviation industry, the launch of Mentortude, an all-inclusive mentorship platform, and the upcoming Fireside Chat event aimed at empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. Find out more: https://www.mentortude.com/ Chidozie emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and access to information in shaping the future of aviation in Africa. 00:00 Introduction to African Aviation and Chidozie Uzoezie 03:09 The Impact of the African Aviation Group 06:07 Optimism for the Future of African Aviation 08:52 Introducing Mentitude: A New Mentorship Initiative 11:56 The Upcoming Fireside Chat Event 14:41 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Jon Howell speaks with aviation consultant Miretab Tesfaye about the ambitious Bishoftu Airport project in Ethiopia. They discuss the airport's projected capacity, the strategic advantages and opportunities for Ethiopian Airlines, and the challenges it faces in a competitive Global aviation market.  CONNECT WITH MIRETAB Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bishoftu Airport Project 05:03 Miretab's Journey and Experience 09:25 Overview of Bishoftu Airport Details 16:17 Ethiopian Airlines' Competitive Advantage 22:58 Challenges and Opportunities for Ethiopian Airlines 29:51 Future of Bishoftu Airport and Its Impact

In this episode, we speak with George Mothema, CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), to review the state of South African aviation in 2026 and preview the upcoming BARSA conference in KwaZulu-Natal. George highlights positive market developments including shareholding changes at Safair, Qatar's 25% stake in Airlink, and SAA adding new routes as it rebuilds. Key challenges discussed include ATNS's past neglect of instrument and flight procedure redesigns that led to suspended procedures and losses for airlines serving secondary airports, aging CNS equipment requiring manual workarounds, delayed airport maintenance by ACSA with noted improvements at OR Tambo, and border management bottlenecks such as long passport-control queues and delays implementing e-gates due to slow biometric systems and aging platforms.  Find out more: https://barsa.co.za/  00:00 Welcome to AviaDev Insight Africa + Introducing BARSA CEO George Mothema  01:17 South Africa Aviation 2026: The Good News (market shakeups, new investors, SAA routes) 04:21 The Bad News: ATNS flight procedure suspensions & air traffic systems upgrades 06:23 Airport maintenance & border control bottlenecks 08:27 Policy & safety snapshot: civil aviation policy balance 11:39 Regional recovery & why BARSA is heading to KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)  15:43 Conference theme reveal: "Destination Africa" and what it means 16:07 Program deep dive 22:34 Who should attend BARSA 2026 30:48 Wrap-up.

In this episode, the focus is on Africa World Airlines (AWA) and its new Chief Operating Officer, Sohail Mahmood Sohail shares his aviation journey so far and what attracted him to join AWA. We then delve into the foundational strengths of AWA, including its hub and spoke model operating out of Accra, Ghana, and the reasons for its resilience. We then move to fleet and route strategy, where Sohail hints at potential expansion on both fronts in 2026, before wrapping up with a discussion on the strategic importance of partnerships and interline agreements to enhance AWA's route network and market presence. 

This session was live-streamed on 26th January 2026. To stay up to date with all things AviaDev, sign up at https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated As always, we are joined by our trusted pair — Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis. Chapters: 2025 AviaDev Award winners announcements Ethiopian Airlines S26 network updates  Impact of updated US travel restrictions on Africa demand in 2026 Qatar Airways frequency increases to South Africa  TAAG's planned Guangzhou service on 787  Air Sierra Leone Banjul–London Gatwick  fastJet cutting LUN-HRE flights  Airlink increasing Lilongwe flights and looking at ordering 30 E175-E2s to replace E135/140 fleet. SAA-Cemair codeshare agreement Kenya Airways 777-300ER returns on LHR from June Uganda Airlines A330 issues  Air Tanzania finally launching Accra 28JAN26? Air Côte d'Ivoire longhaul schedule updates  WRAPUP Air Zimbabwe's US$775m turnaround and fleet replacement plan Delta's 787-10 order and implications for Africa Enugu Air's E195 expansion and virtual airline model Oman Air to Kigali? FlyNAS launching Abha to Addis Ababa 2x weekly Air Algerie 2x weekly ALG-NDJ-ADD starting March 2026

Katherine Nicholls is a South African who recently graduated from the University of Surrey with an MSc in Air Transport Management.  Her dissertation focused on the potential for Cape Town to evolve from a destination airport into a major aviation hub. Learn about Katherine's research, which combines network analysis, connectivity data, and broader market factors. Discover the roles of regional and international connectivity, infrastructural challenges, the impact of home-based carriers, and the future of Cape Town's aviation landscape. CONNECT WITH KATHERINE

This is an audio recording of the annual AviaDev Insight Africa Awards, which was also live-streamed via the AviaDev YouTube channel and Jon Howell's personal LinkedIn page. Join our monthly podcast guests, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially, who have been working independently (no collusion here!) to pick their nominees across these much-debated categories:  ✈ New Intercontinental Africa Route of the Year ✈ New Intra-Africa Route of the Year ✈ Best Intercontinental "Expansion" Route of the Year ✈ Worst Route Decision of the Year ✈ Route Suspension of the Year ✈ Surprise Route of the Year ✈ Most Sensible Commercial Decision of the Year by an African airline Expect strong opinions, healthy debate, and possibly a few raised eyebrows! A reminder that the views expressed are those of my guests and not necessarily those of AviaDev.

*Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include: 02:51 Ethiopian Airlines' Fleet Expansion at Dubai Air Show with more A350-900 and 737 Max 8s 11:10 Air Senegal's Surprising Boeing "Order" of 15 Boeing 737 MAX 8s  21:08 Air Côte d'Ivoire's landmark Embraer 4 x E175 Order.  Read Behramjee's analysis 33:53 Ethiopian Airlines and Air Congo's ATR 72-600 Order 36:43 Flydubai's Massive Aircraft Orders from Airbus and Boeing and what it could mean for Africa 43:49 Emirates' New Routes to Cape Town and Nairobi  48:47 Kenya's Aviation Policy and Market Access Issues, plus challenges Facing Kenya Airways  01:00:33 Air Transat's New Routes to West Africa (Dakar, Senegal and Accra, Ghana) 01:14:32 Air Tanzania's New Vic Falls - Cape Town route  01:20:04 Farewell and AviaDev Connectivity Update 2025 Awards preview This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE 

Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated This episode was recorded Tuesday 2nd December on location in Luanda, Angola, during the 57th AFRAA AGA. Join Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, as he sits down with Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commercial, to discuss fleet growth, financing, and the future of African connectivity. Raphael shares his insights on supply chain challenges, risk perception, airline financing, and the impact of Nigeria signing the Cape Town Convention. They also explore trends in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and fleet composition for the next decade.  Find out more about Jetcraft Commercial Listen to the previous interview from Feb 2025 Listen to the interview from December 2023

Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated  In this episode, we feature Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), as she begins her second term.  Host Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, asks the tough questions regarding implementation, disputes, enforcement, and opportunities.  Reflections on the first term as SG What do you say to SAATM skeptics? How many countries can be classified as "SAATM Operational" today? Is AFCAC going to publish a YD compliance scorecard? What is the dispute resolution process if any airline is denied traffic rights? What punitive measures can AFCAC take? How can AFCAC ensure it represents airlines of all shapes, sizes and ownership structures? KPIs for SG's next 3-year term as AFCAC SG You can follow Adefunke Adeyemi on LinkedIn here  Listen to the previous interview here 

In this episode, we feature the exciting development of Cape Winelands Airport in the Western Cape, South Africa. Jon is joined by Mark Wilkinson, Director, and together, they discuss the project's inception, environmental impact assessment approval, collaboration with Cape Town Air Access, NACO, and Growthpoint, and the significant economic and aviation impacts. This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the airport's vision to transform an old military airfield into a full commercial international airport, unlocking business opportunities and supporting sustainable growth in the region.  Watch the video from Windhoek here  Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include: SAA's new Johannesburg - Gaborone route and fleet RFP Proflight Zambia's new Maun route via Livingstone  Airlink's new Zanzibar route from June on E2  Airlink to Nacala from Feb 2026 Airlink is increasing Blantyre to daily Malawi Airlines Liliongwe to Johannesburg increased to 10x weekly New Lilongwe to Entebbe route 4x weekly Air Cote d'Ivoire to Beirut from Jan 26 Lufthansa Group's Africa expansion Brussels airlines to open Kilimanjaro Nairobi-Frankfurt on LH increased from 5 weekly to daily Munich to Johannesburg to move to year-round Zurich to Windhoek new route on Edelweiss Discover to add A350s Frankfurt to Seychelles to become year-round Air Seychelles to go daily to Abu Dhabi Air Peace's Caribbean charter flights  Ethiopian increasing Rome to double daily from 1 June 2026  This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE 

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell speaks with three inspirational AviaDev ambassadors—Mahek Shah, Usman Cisse, and Ellah Wafula about their experiences at the recent ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals event in Durban, August 2025. Supported by Airlink, these young aviators not only attended the event but also spoke to a global audience. They discuss their backgrounds, motivations, and key insights gained from the summit. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, structured pathways, and collaboration across generations to empower the future leaders of the African aviation industry. They also emphasize the role of social media in engaging and inspiring the next generation. The episode includes reflections on the impact and legacy of such events and calls for more structured support to bridge the gap for young aviation enthusiasts in Africa.  Connect with Ousman on LinkedIn Follow Ousman on TikTok Follow Ousman on Instagram Connect with Mahek on LinkedIn Follow Wings for Women on Instagram Find out more about Wings for Women Connect with Ellah on LinkedIn Find out more about AWAM Kenya

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Jon welcomes SAA's CCO, Tebogo Tsimane.  Together, they dive into SAA's upcoming 4th November route launch, Johannesburg to Gaborone, and explore the strategic and operational reasons behind this move. They then move into a discussion around  SAA's fleet expansion and modernization plans, including their partnership with Turkish carrier Sun Express and the expected launch of new long-haul and regional routes. Tebogo emphasizes the importance of densifying current markets and strengthening partnerships with travel agents. Connect/ Follow Tebogo

In this episode of Avia Dev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell, CEO and founder of AviaDev Africa, discusses the latest developments in communications and technology in African aviation with Yann Cabaret, CEO of SITA for Aircraft, and Martin Smillie, Senior Vice President, The Communications Services Business Unit The episode focuses on how targeted investments in technology can enhance operational efficiency, build resilience, and improve the bottom line for African airports and airlines. Connect/Follow Yann on LinkedIn Connect/ Follow Martin on LinkedIn

In this episode, host Jon Howell speaks with Miguel Carneiro, the Chief Commercial Officer of TAAG Angola Airlines.  The discussion covers TAAG's ambitious transformation over the past year, including the induction of new aircraft, new and reinstated routes, and the move to the new International airport. Miguel shares insights about the airline's recent fleet expansions, deploying Boeing 787 and A220 aircraft, and the importance of building a robust African network.  Follow/ Connect with Miguel on LinkedIn here

Join Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, as he hosts a special video podcast from Lusaka at the Airlines Association of Southern Africa's Annual General Assembly. to watch the video, head to this link In this episode, Jon speaks with Keira Langford-Johnson, the Business Development Director at Proflight Zambia. They discuss exciting new route announcements, including Lusaka-Livingstone-Maun and Lusaka-Livingstone-Windhoek, the regulatory and developmental processes behind these routes, and the specific challenges and considerations in regional aviation route development. They also delve into the fleet specifics and future expansion plans of Prof Flight Zambia. This episode offers valuable insights for those interested in the African aviation industry, route development, and tourism connectivity. 01:03 Announcing the New Lusaka-Livingstone-Maun Route 02:18 The Route Development Process and role of AviaDev Africa 07:28 Discussing the Second Route: Lusaka-Livingstone-Windhoek 11:31 Fleet Expansion and Future Plans 13:58 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE   1 Min Deep Dive: New York to Africa Market  33 mins Turkish Airlines' Mega Order with Boeing  41 mins Ethiopian Airlines Schedule Updates 45 mins Malawi Airlines Fleet Expansion 47 mins TAAG's New 787 Delivery 49 mins United Nigeria's Fleet Acquisition  If you enjoyed the episode, please share, post and subscribe! 

In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include the arrival of Embraer's E2 aircraft in the Airlink fleet and its strategic significance, the burgeoning route developments by Middle Eastern carriers into Nairobi, the operational changes at Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania's new routes to Accra and Lagos, and Etihad's planned seasonal entry into Zanzibar.  This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE  3 mins Airlink's New Embraer E2 Fleet 09:04 Speculations on Airlink's Route Expansion 27 mins Flydubai to launch Nairobi and a general discussion on GCC Carriers in East Africa 37 mins KQ's Existential Crisis and Strategic Challenges 40 mins KQ's New Route 42:14 Air Tanzania's New Route to Accra 49 mins Ethiopian Airlines' Dominance in Zanzibar as Etihad enters the market in 2026 64 mins RwandAir's Upgraded Mombasa-Zanzibar Flight 

In this episode, we discuss the challenges and objectives of aviation development in The Gambia, focusing on both regional and international connectivity, tourism, infrastructure, and policy developments. Haddy shares insights about The Gambia's efforts to improve connectivity and attract new routes, the importance of regional partnerships, and her vision for the future of Gambia's aviation landscape.  Connect with Haddy

Welcome to the September edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics covered this month: Ethiopian Airlines reporting a $1.05 Billion profit on $7.6 Billion revenue ADD-ABV going 10 weekly from 28OCT25 12th weekly TNR, reducing NOS from Jan-Mar, SEZ reduction Jan-Mar. 4th daily EBB  Group CEO Mesfin Tasew to retire in 2026 Rwandair report a $93m half-year loss KGL MBA ZNZ 3x weekly route launching in December 2025 An additional A330 coming from QR Tanzania's new taxes + mandatory insurance and the potential impact on demand Air Tanzania to launch Lagos from 13SEP25 3x weekly using a 737Max Uganda Airlines report a $76m loss for 2024-5 Kenya Airways report a loss of $94m for the first half of 2025 Qatar to launch a 3rd daily NBO, Lagos back to 14x weekly, JNB up to 18x, CPT 12x, upguage others like CMN FlyNAS to launch Riyadh- Nairobi from 2 October, 3 x week SAA to launch Gaborone flights in November, A330 wetlease from Hi-Fly Proflight Zambia will launch flights 3 x week from Lusaka via Livingstone to Windhoek starting March 3 2026.  Airlink may suspend ticket sales in Mozambique and will increase JNB-BLZ flights to 6x weekly from October.  KLM - reduces KGL and EBB from 7 to 3 weekly in NW25, CPT increasing 7 to 11 weekly (previously announced) Air Cote D'Ivoire is taking delivery of an A330 on 4th September and has loaded ADJ-CDG for sale

In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Lester, ACMI and Leasing Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Chapman Freeborn Airchartering.  Together, we delve into the intricacies of ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) leasing, comparing it to renting a tuxedo for event season, and discuss its strategic advantages for African airlines facing unique market challenges. The conversation covers the benefits, common misconceptions, and regulatory hurdles of ACMI leasing, while highlighting African success stories such as Lift and Uganda Airlines. Andrew emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and partnership to maximize profitability and meet seasonal demand, advocating for a broader acceptance and smarter implementation of ACMI as part of a fleet strategy in Africa. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Email Andrew:  Find out more about Chapman Freeborn here  ACMI Leasing & Aircraft Leasing Solutions Download the brochure:  Chapman Freeborn ACMI Leasing Solutions by Chapman Freeborn

Welcome to the July edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics covered this month: The latest in the FlySafair pilot strike saga Virgin increasing capacity on LHR-LOS from 26 October, deploying the 397 seater A350-1000. A good move or short term strategy? Qatar Airways reducing Nigeria frequencies in W25. Why? South African Airways' new route CPT-MRU and the fallout from the restated accounts FastJet Mozambique- the latest developments FastJet to launch a new domestic route from Vic Falls to Bulawayo from 8th August 4 x week DEEP DIVE: CDG-Africa route performance of ET vs KQ TAAG Angola to launch Nairobi 3 x week from 1st Sept. What is the outlook? Flightlink open a new service to Nairobi from Zanzibar - listen to the recent podcast with Munawer, the CEO here Air india suspend Nairobi. Will it come back? ASKY's new service to Nouakchott, Mauritania. Where can they go next? Listen to the recent podcast with Date, the Commercial Director here If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your network or leave us a review. All event sessions from AviaDev Africa 2025 and the vodcast are available on the AviaDev YouTube Channel

In this episode, Date and I delve into the airline's growth and future ambitions. ASKY Airlines, now operating profitably for 15 years, boasts a fleet of 14 aircraft, connecting nearly 30 destinations across Africa. Date discusses recent network expansions, the airline's strategic focus on increasing flight frequencies, and the challenges and opportunities in African connectivity. The conversation also covers the transition to a uniform fleet, the high cost of operations in West and Central Africa, prospects of long-haul expansion, and potential infrastructure developments. The episode underscores ASKY's methodical approach to sustainable growth and market adaptation. Connect with Date here Download the AFRAA taxes and charges report here 

In this wide-ranging episode, we speak to Munawer Dhirani after the inauguration of Flighlink's new Zanzibar-Nairobi daily service, exploring why now is the right time to open the route.  Additionally, we discuss fleet and network expansion objectives, Munawer's origin story, and the whole concept behind Flightlink as an airline.  An inspirational story of resilience, enterprise, flexibility, and ultimately success.  Find out more about Flightlink www.flightlink.co.tz  To watch the sessions from AviaDev Africa, visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7pW7r3IP6ehOTKXB2cPE41eY8X2tBVNr&si=M-8jn4uhmPYsGPZh 

In this episode, I share the first episode of a podcast series I hosted and recorded back in 2021, entitled "The Fighter Pilot and the CEO" The focus of this particular episode is a conversation about whether leaders are born or made and the role of culture and education in forming effective leaders.  If you enjoyed it, you can listen to the full series on the podcast platform of your choice by searching "Fighter pilot and the CEO" or head here https://www.fighterpilotandceo.com/podcasts/  Representing the C-suite was Peter Davies, someone who brings over 40 years of boardroom and airline experience, having served as CEO of multiple airlines, including Brussels Airlines, Air Malta, and Caribbean Airlines, and now the Founder and CEO of Airline Management Group. Joining Peter on the flight deck was Andy Wright, a retired wing commander from the Royal Air Force.   

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, I spoke with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, about the airline's innovative use of AI, particularly their new AI agent named Lindi. Together, we discuss the implications of AI in customer service, the incentives for customers to use Lindi, and the feedback received since its launch. The conversation also features a deep dive into the fleet standardisation challenges and the airline's regional expansion plans.

Welcome to the June edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics covered this month: The impact of the Trump travel ban on Africa's airlines, with a deep dive into Ethiopian Airlines' next moves in the market Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways announcement on 1st July and what it could mean, plus a brief discussion on the fleet and growth plan (more to come next month) Airlink's order of 10 E2-195s, which start to arrive from September. How will they be used now the airline has applied for Cape Town - Lagos and Accra, plus Johannesburg to Mauritius and Zanzibar. Air Cote d'Ivoire suspending routes to Casablanca and Johannesburg The impact of this on SAA who serve Abidjan Air Peace announcing new flights from Abuja to London Heathrow 4 x week from October. Will it work? Zambia Airways launched Lusaka- Harare Africa World Airlines launched Ouagadougou 1 July. What does this mean for the Sahel region and AWA's network? ITA rumours around serving Abidjan and Lagos plus Zanzibar in Northern Hemisphere Winter Air Tanzania's Johannesburg- Zanzibar schedule  If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your network or leave us a review. All event sessions and the vodcast is available on the AviaDev YouTube Channel

This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar.  In this session, industry leaders discuss the critical aspects of tourism and aviation policy integration within the African context. The panel reviews the vital role of private sector and government collaboration, and the importance of regional connectivity. Key points address the economic impact of improved air access, the challenges posed by protectionist policies, and the necessity for a data-driven approach. The discourse emphasizes actionable steps like fostering deeper cooperation between tourism bodies and aviation authorities and how better trade and infrastructure can elevate African tourism. Your moderator is Natalia Rosa, Tourism Project Lead, SADC Business Council Panellists: Hafsa H. Mbamba, Tourism Delivery Manager, Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau (ZPDB) Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director General for Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government

This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar.  This engaging session features real-life examples from Namibia, Madagascar, and Zambia. Moderated by Francis Doku, the discussion dives into how airlines, airports, and tourism boards can work together to overcome barriers such as high costs, regulatory challenges, and the lack of data-driven strategies. The panelists, representing different sectors, emphasize the need for shared data, trust, government support, and innovative marketing to create successful partnerships. They also highlight the significant impact of external support in orchestrating and sustaining these collaborative efforts. Your moderator is Francis Doku, CEO, Maestro Africa Group Panellists: Keira Langford-Johnson, Business Development Director, Proflight Zambia Charmaine Matheus, Namibia Tourism Board Minosoa Tatamo Rakotozafy, Head of Aeronautical Activities, Ravinala Airports 

This session was recorded on Thursday, 12th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. Key topics include ownership models, market access barriers, regulatory challenges, and strategies to unlock capital and promote growth in the sector. Panelists share their perspectives on the significance of liberalizing the air transport market through initiatives like SAATM, the importance of risk management, and the critical need for investments in local talent and infrastructure. Despite diverse views, there is a consensus on the necessity for enhanced regulatory reforms and regional cooperation to foster a more competitive and thriving aviation industry in Africa.  Your moderator for this session is Hilka Birns and she was joined by: Helen Brume, Director, Projects & Asset Based Finance, Afreximbank Munawer Dhirani, CEO, Flightlink Julian Edmunds, Group Strategy & Development Director, Fastjet Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines Peter Ulanga, Managing Director & CEO, Air Tanzania

This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar.  The panel discuss innovative strategies for increasing revenue, enhancing passenger satisfaction, and leveraging real estate development around airports. Success stories from Zanzibar and Guinea exemplify effective modernization and operational efficiency while maintaining customer experience. Additionally, Murat Gun from Emirates Leisure Retail discusses their vision for Zanzibar's airport, focusing on creating an experience in tune with the island's vibe and local culture. The session concludes with a collaborative discussion on future growth and investments in airport infrastructure.  Your moderator for this session is Jody Appollis, Aviation Project Manager at NACO Airport Consultants and she was joined by: Namory Camara, Managing Director, SOGEAC Murat Gun, Managing Director, ELR UAE and Travel Retail Seif Juma, Director General, Zanzibar Airports Authority Oliver Mathwich, Chief Commercial Officer, Dnata Dr Bao Rasebolai Mosinyi, Chief Executive Officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana

In this discussion, industry experts explore the critical challenges facing African aviation, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and financing hurdles. Topics discussed include the viability of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) solutions, the importance of transparent and strategic business planning for attracting investments, and the impact of government taxes and tariffs on the industry. The session also touches on practical solutions for managing the supply chain crisis and optimizing fleet management. Your moderator for this session is Tristan Brouard, ACC aviation and he was joined by: Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General, African Airlines Association Miguel Carneiro, Chief Commercial Officer, TAAG Angola Airlines Linas Dovydenas, President IMEA, Chapman Freeborn  Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial Maarten Grift, Sales Manager, TrueNoord

This session was recorded on Thursday, 12th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar.  The panel discusses the integration of AI in various facets of the aviation industry, such as customer service, operational planning, revenue management, and fraud detection in payments. Topics addressed include the benefits of AI, such as predictive maintenance, personalized customer experiences, and cost reductions, as well as challenges like AI hallucinations, regulatory compliance, and the need for human oversight.  Your moderator for this session is Refilwe Ledwaba, and she was joined by Judy Waruiru, Network International Hassan Aurag, Hitit Bharat Kumar, Revenue Technology Services Martin Gitonga, Kenya Airways  

This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar.  The discussion delves into various challenges and strategies for domestic and regional route development, including market stimulation, aircraft utilization, regulatory constraints, and the importance of balance between yield and volume. Key takeaways emphasize the intricacies of route planning, the importance of domestic market dominance, and the impact of external factors such as slot availability and geopolitical issues on airline operations Your moderator for this session is Sean Mendis, African aviation expert and he was joined by: Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, Uganda Airlines Tebogo Tsimane, Chief Commercial Officer, South African Airways Keira Langford-Johnson, Business Development Director, Proflight Zambia Karanja Ndegwa, Managing Director and CEO, JamboJet

This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar.  Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his remarkable journey from an engineering trainee to leading Africa's largest airline. Mesfin discusses his extensive experience in various roles within Ethiopian Airlines, the unique management culture of the airline, the significant strides in human resource development, and future infrastructure projects. The episode features João Po Jorge, Former CEO of LAM Mozambique Airlines and a 2024 award recipient, plus Ato Girma Wake, for whom the award is named. 

Access to finance is a perennial challenge for many African and Global airlines and it starts with identifying the right solution for your business model.   For this episode, I am joined by Tristan Brouard, Vice President of Asset Management at ACC Aviation, a global leader in aircraft leasing that offers transaction and consultancy services.  Tristan will be hosting a panel at AviaDev in Zanzibar and in the build up, we have created an insightful blog post that supports this podcast. Read the blog post here   We discuss: The current environment for aircraft financing in Africa? The different forms of aircraft acquisition available to an airline How this mix is changing in Africa, especially as ACMI providers grow in number and scope? Where can airlines typically source finance? How can airlines take concrete steps to help themselves become more investment-friendly and build trust with lenders and lessors? Will there be a shift in how aircraft financing is approached in Africa? CONNECT WITH TRISTAN HERE FOLLOW ACC AVIATION HERE

Welcome to the April edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics covered this month: Air Côte d'Ivoire's incoming A330-900 and potential destinations, including Beirut. RwandAir's interest in developing Mombasa and Zanzibar (great timing for AviaDev) Delta is upgrading Atlanta - Lagos to A350-900 daily Air France is increasing Cape Town service in Winter Air Asia has confirmed it will end the Nairobi route  Air Tanzania is announcing Johannesburg- Zanzibar flights from 10th June (perfect timing for AviaDev) A deep dive analysis into the Dubai-Africa market, comparing ET vs KQ performance

In this episode, we welcome back Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director - East Africa, Network International.  AI is influencing all aspects of the aviation business, and payments are no exception.  Together, we discuss: Has the momentum towards payment digitisation from passengers continued? How is this reducing cost and complexity for airlines? Is the new "buy now, pay later" concept supporting airlines in acquiring new customers?  What can be done with the data Network International collects?  How can airlines prevent fraud, which continues to be an issue impacting the industry?   Read the blog post here Connect with Judy here Stay up to date with Network International here

In this episode, we welcome Denis Kulikov, Deputy CEO at AI12 and Michael Jonga, Director Africa to explore how safety culture and its direct impact on insurance premiums, which can be a substantial expense for African airlines.  Together, we discuss: The different types of insurance required to operate  The link between safety and premiums and how to break the perception of risk The level of premiums paid by African airlines vs the World average Practical steps airlines can take to reduce this The role of an insurance broker and the benefits of engaging one such as AI12 Find out more about AI12 Connect with Denis Connect with Michael

We welcome the Director General of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Hassan Moalim and Tom Perkins, CEO of Navpass to tell the story of how Somalia's airspace has been reinvented over the last 7 years.  We chart the course from when Somalia took back control of the Sovereign Airspace from ICAO and how Navpass supported them to collect all overflight fees owed whilst improving safety, security, and reliability for all stakeholders.  The story is a blueprint for what can be achieved through trust, collaboration and innovation.  You can meet the DG and the Navpass team at AviaDev Africa in Zanzibar in June 2025.  Find out more about Navpass Connect with Tom    

In this episode, I speak to Jody Appolis, airport engineer who heads NACO's business development unit in sub-Saharan Africa and Adam Ekman Pedersen who is Airport Commerce and customer experience lead. Supported by the infographic below, we are focused on African airports and the hot topic of non-aeronautical revenues. We look at how Africa compares to the global average and discuss some potential solutions to address this. Together, we discuss: The difference between aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues How does Africa compare to the global average in terms of the ratio between the two?  Does the overperformance of duty-free in Africa indicate a lack of decent alternative shopping or simply a compelling duty-free offering?  How can the retail offering be improved and what role does the customer experience play in developing non-aeronautical revenues?  How do we cater for Gen Z travellers and their preferences? CONNECT WITH JODY CONNECT WITH ADAM  

In this episode, I interview Dirk Singer, co-author of "Sustainability in the Air," Volume two.   The first edition is one of my favourite publications and highlights specific companies and case studies relating to sustainability 18 months after the first volume was published, we discuss the following: Is the desire and requirement to focus on sustainable solutions more important than ever?  Which technologies are attracting the most investment? How supportive are governments of this new technology, and is the support reducing? What is the shortest route to affordable sustainable aviation fuel?  Is there increased investment in the early stage tech from OEMs and end users? What are the opportunities and threats for African aviation? Buy the book on Amazon here Connect with Dirk here  

Welcome to the April edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics covered this month: Ethiopian Airlines to launch to Sharjah 4 x week and go double daily to Lagos from July.  Qantas is rumoured to be launching Perth-Johannesburg in December 3 x week Etihad to increase flights from Nairobi to double daily in December Deep dive into the London-Africa dynamic and how London Gatwick has improved it's share of African traffic Air Sierra Leone launching to London Gatwick from Freetown in June with one of our commentators heavily involved Condor expanding services to Cape Town and Johannesburg from November Africa World Airlines launching flights to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 3 June Kenya Airways summer schedule changes and west Africa operation Listen to Sean's commentary on SAA here 

In this episode, I sit down with Selim Bouri, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at SITA to interpret the findings of a recent SITA survey focused on air transport IT.  Selim shares his insights on the below questions: Has momentum towards digitalization and IT investment in African airports broadly continued post-Covid?  Why was passenger processing identified as the most important factor in the report?   What solutions can African airports focus on in 2025 that ensure the highest return for the lowest investment and the shortest implementation time? How can Artificial Intelligence support airports and what specific solutions are already available to African airports? How can technology investment support sustainability targets and initiatives?  You can meet the SITA team at AviaDev Africa in June Follow/ Connect with Selim on LinkedIn Download the IT insights report here  SITA is the World's leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology. Visit the website

In this episode, I sit down with Kwame Bekoe, Co-Founder and CEO of AfriSAF, https://afrisaf.com/  After 20 years working in the aviation industry for companies such as Airbus, GECAS, Zero and now proudly owning an MBA, Entrepreneur Kwame Bekoe is embarking on his biggest mission yet- to unlock Africa's sustainable energy potential.  In the episode, we discuss Kwame's passion for agriculture and Africa, why he feels a biomass-driven SAF solution is what the world needs now, and the input and enthusiasm of African airlines and investors.  CONNECT WITH KWAME

In this episode, I am joined by Anastasija Visnakova, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, a re-established OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).  The D328eco is a modern turboprop aircraft boasting state-of-the-art technology and exceptional performance. Together, we discuss: The history of the airframe and how we got here The major features (Capacity, layout) and what specific items make it 21st century ready Why the aircraft is a good fit for the African market and how it can be utilised The sustainability benefits and potential savings for operators How to finance a purchase and when an aircraft may be available.  You can meet the Deutsche team at AviaDev in Zanzibar June 11-13th  Visit the website to find out more Connect with Anastasija

Welcome to the March edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics this month include: Recap and feedback on Uganda Airlines' new LGW route Kenya Airways report a $42 million profit and continues to tweak its schedules and navigate operational challenges Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Partnership. Who stands to gain the most and what's behind it? Deep Dive Topic 1: Understanding the importance and changing dynamic of the China market to Ethiopian Airlines' network.  Deep Dive Topic 2: US-South Africa schedule changes as Delta and United lean in to Cape Town and away from Johannesburg Fastjet to launch Harare-Lusaka from 9th April Airlink to boost Nairobi to 10 x week and Lusaka to 10x day Singapore Airlines increasing Johannesburg to 10x week in April and 12x from June Gulf Air to return to Nairobi on 2nd June after a 13 year hiatus Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and share it with someone from your network who may benefit from listening. 

In this episode, we hear Rodger Foster's farewell speech to the industry ahead of his retirement.    Rodger is CEO and Managing Director of Airlink, and the speech reflects on his career and the evolution of Airlink since its founding in 1992. He reflects on the journey through significant political and economic changes in South Africa, detailing the challenges and achievements in the aviation industry. Rodger discusses the current state of the industry, emphasizing the need for updated regulatory frameworks, better infrastructure, and more collaborative approaches to unlock Africa's aviation potential. He criticizes the inefficacy of the Single African Air Transport Market (SATAM), and addresses issues like unfair economic regulations, outdated airport services, and the need for modernized weather services and digitalization. Ultimately, Rodger advocates for fundamental growth changes and greater unity across the industry to ensure a sustainable future. Watch Rodger's lifetime achievement award interview here

Welcome to the February edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, 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  Topics this month include: Air Peace canceled Johannesburg, Lome, and Jeddah flights, but signed an interline agreement with Emirates RwandAir's connectivity challenges and how they can overcome them Ethiopian updates include the new Porto Route, Manchester moving to daily service, Entebbe increase, Moscow increase, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur increases, and a change in routing for West Africa Etihad to suspend Seychelles from 22 May Condor increasing Cape Town from 5-7 per week and Jo'burg from 2-3 per week, plus Norse to go 4 x weekly to CPT Winter 2025 ITA to start Rome - Mauritius flights from November 2025 Cathay Pacific to increase to Jo'burg from 5 x week to daily from July Uganda Airlines latest on the London route Eswatini Air to open Lusaka 2 x week