News & Analysis
AASA News
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
23 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Nucore Software Solutions
-
23 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Dentons South Africa Inc.
-
23 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: AEG Fuels
-
22 October. [54th AASA AGA] AASA elects Chair, Deputy
-
22 October. [54th AASA AGA] Aviation challenges strangling African airline growth
-
21 October. [54th AASA AGA] Southern African airlines group announces top officials for the 2024/25 year
-
21 October. [54th AASA AGA] AASA elects its Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson for 2024-25
-
21 October. [54th AASA AGA] ATNS commits to flight procedure deadlines
-
21 October. [54th AASA AGA] Airlines face challenges ahead of peak season
-
19 October. [54th AASA AGA] Press Release AASA’s 2024-25 Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson elected
-
11 October. [EVENT: Aviation Africa Summit 2024] Time for the doubters to change their tune
-
9 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO)
-
9 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Sasol
-
27 September. How sustainable is Africa’s aviation growth?
-
16 September. Creecy tackles ongoing ATNS-related delays
-
13 August. Air Transport leaders descend on Aviation Africa 2024
-
6 August. Msunduzi flags safety concerns at Pietermaritzburg Airport
-
2 August. Infrastructure failures plague SA airports, causing costly delays and safety risks
-
1 August. Service breakdowns at airports signal ‘indifference to aviation sector’
-
1 August. Aviation disruptions threaten SA’s economic recovery
-
31 July. Airlines Association calls on Creecy to address disruptions to air travel
-
22 July. Delays anticipated at SA airports: George, Kimberley, Mthatha, Polokwane and Richards Bay
-
17 July. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Air Mauritius
-
12 June. African airline profits stagnate
-
10 June. Sustainable aviation fuel still only 0.5% of annual needs
-
19 March. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Regional One
-
15 March. SADC aviation leaders call for open skies to promote economic growth in the region
-
11 March. Aviation leaders call for liberalisation of Southern African skies
-
11 March. SADC economic future takes flight: Aviation leaders call for liberalisation of skies
-
30 January. Experts cautiously optimistic about increased intra-Africa air connectivity
-
26 January. GG50041 Department of Transport: ATNS publishes new tariff's effective 1 May 2024
-
26 January. Intra-Africa air connectivity up but headwinds remain
-
26 January. [INTERVIEW] AASA’s Aaron Munetsi on Southern Africa’s Tail and Crosswinds
-
18 January. Africa-South America air cargo traffic takes off as services resume
-
3 January. African Airlines discuss gender, diversity, SAATM and sustainable development
-
2 January. GG49969 Department of Transport: ACSA publishes new tariff's effective 1 April 2024
​​
Spotlight 2 0 2 3
​
-
22 December. GG 49947 SARS Traveller Declaration with amendments to the Customs and Excise Act
-
6 December. [RADIO INTERVIEW: 702] From the Winelands to the world: Cape Winelands Airport's R7bn upgrade underway
-
3 December. Travel light and arrive early at the airport, advises ACSA
-
1 December. ACSA urges airline passengers to adhere to hand baggage regulations
-
29 November. Much ado about taxes, charges, fees, costs in Africa's air transport industry
-
29 November. Closed markets, high costs hurting Africa airlines more
-
27 November. Closed markets, high costs hurting Africa airlines more
-
24 November. IATA: Namibia clean as a whistle
-
20 November. AFRAA AGM: Liberalised market via SAATM is a slow process
-
15 November. African Air Transport: Keyamo calls for speedy Implementation of Yamoussoukro Decision
-
10 November. [WATCH CNBC Africa CEO Interview] Airlines body roots for faster implementation of SAATM
-
12 October. A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: DPO Pay
-
12 October. African govt’s to open aviation markets to address poor intra-African air connectivity
-
12 October. AASA proposes measures to strengthen infra-Africa connectivity
-
11 October. AASA calls for visa-free travel in Africa
-
9 October. Southern African airlines body elects its leadership for next year
-
8 October. Time to address ‘embarrassingly low’ intra-African air connectivity, AASA CEO
AASA welcomes AEG Fuels who have completed their registration as an airline member. Since 1988 AEG Fuels has established single-supplier convenience through a network of strategic relationships with national and multinational oil companies, local fuel providers, and airport handling agents. Beyond fuel services, AEG also provides a suite of ancillary solutions such as fuel management, international trip planning, tax recovery services, carnet card benefits, and more. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
AASA welcomes Dentons South Africa Inc. who have completed their registration as an airline member. Dentons is a global law firm driven to provide you with the competitive edge in an increasingly complex and interconnected marketplace. Dentons have been present in Africa for 55+ years and pride themselves on their ability to respond to client needs through their offices in South Africa. The Dentons legacy in Africa through their combination in Kenya dates back to over a 120+ years. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
AASA welcomes Nucore Software Solutions who have completed their registration as an airline member. Providing state-of-the-art software solutions to the Travel Industry for 18 years. Nucore Software Solutions is a leading technology company headquartered in India. Nucore specializes in travel agency and airline ERP systems development. Every day Nucore processes 70 million transactions generating $7.5 billion in sales from more than 800+ agents in 43 countries serving more than 12,000 users in 3,000 locations. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
22
OCT
[54th AASA AGA / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update]
Aviation challenges strangling African airline growth
Challenges in aviation including fuel supply, red tape, visa regimes, and supply chain issues are strangling the growth of African airlines
At the AASA AGA, held in Paarl, Western Cape, last week, industry representatives gathered to discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Opening the AGA Blacky Komani, Chairperson of Safair Operations, said: “We have to be brutally frank with our issues and we do have issues. If we can’t resolve these as a collective, then we have a problem.” ^ Read more...
21
OCT
[54th AASA AGA / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update]
ATNS commits to flight procedure deadlines
Speaking at the AASA AGA in Paarl last week Friday, Carel Gersbach, Senior Manager: Technical Planning and Quality at ATNS, said the organisation is implementing measures to work through issues that have plagued the industry since April “especially towards the festive season,” as it continues to address a backlog of instrument flight procedures that caused significant flight delays and disruptions throughout the year. ^ Read more...
21
OCT
[54th AASA AGA / ARTICLE: Sunday Times/Business Times]
Airlines face challenges ahead of peak season
Flight delays, cancellations caused by navigational software issues dog aviation industry
Flights to and from SA airports over the peak summer season will experience delays and cancellations due to the ATNS suspension of hundreds of flight procedures after the agency missed a July 19 deadline to review and amend any flight procedures that needed updating. ^ Read more...
Paarl, Cape Town. The incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of AASA were elected at the 54th AGM and will serve for the next 12 months. Ms. Lulu Rasebotsa, General Manager of Air Botswana, has been elected as AASA’s Chairperson, with Interim CEO of South African Airways, Prof. John Lamola, re-elected as the Deputy Chair. ^ Download the media statement...
Lulu and John will provide guidance and support to AASA in our ongoing engagements with governments, tariff, licensing and safety regulators, airport operators, air navigation service providers and other role players in our advocacy work. Our goal is that policy, regulations and standards promote competitive, affordable, economically and environmentally sustainable, secure and safe air transport with comprehensive
intra-African connectivity. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
11
OCT
[EVENTS / ARTICLE: Times Aerospace] AASA IN THE NEWS
Time for the doubters to change their tune
​Barbara Creecy’s first formal public engagement in her new role as South Africa’s Minister of Transport was to open the 8th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, with a central theme of Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth.
Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, spoke to the central theme and the AU’s flagship Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) project's gathering momentum. Hearing the correct narrative around forging airline partnerships is essential from veterans of the African aviation world, he said. ^ Read more...
Our responsibility is to make sure we keep everybody on track in terms of how we work together as Africans. That is our biggest opportunity. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
09
OCT
NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: SAHCO
AASA welcomes Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc. (SAHCO) who have completed their registration as an Associate Member. SAHCO provides aviation ground handling services in Nigeria. Its services include aircraft/ramp handling, cargo handling, passenger handling, premium lounge, aviation security, and baggage reconciliation, as well as ground and flight dispatch services. The company also operates SAHCO Training Academy that offers aviation training courses; and provides equipment rental and maintenance services. The company is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
09
OCT
NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Sasol
AASA welcomes Sasol who have completed their registration as an Associate Member. Sasol Limited is an integrated energy and chemical company based in Sandton, South Africa. The company was formed in 1950 in Sasolburg, South Africa. Today, Sasol develops and commercializes technologies, including synthetic fuel technologies, and produces different liquid fuels, chemicals, coal tar, and electricity. Sasol is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: SOL) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SSL). We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
27
SEP
[EVENTS / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] AASA IN THE NEWS
How sustainable is Africa’s aviation growth?
Aviation experts discussed the challenge of funding airlines in Africa and questioned the sustainability of African airlines’ growth at the Aviation Africa 2024 event held recently in Johannesburg.
Data from IATA showed that African airlines were making an average of US$0.90c per passenger. This is an improvement on results two years ago, when African airlines were losing US$1 for each passenger. But it’s still behind the global profit average of US$6.14.
The improvement in profit was by Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, credited the improvement to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. ^ Read more...
Not everyone understands what SAATM is meant to do. It is not a tick-box exercise, it is a work in progress. Going from losing a dollar to making a dollar: this is progress, and shows that SAATM is working. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
16
SEP
[GOVERNMENT MEETING / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] AASA IN THE NEWS
Creecy tackles ongoing ATNS-related delays
Flight delays continue at South African airports due to the suspension of instrument approach procedures, while Air Traffic and Navigation Services’ (ATNS) plan to complete its maintenance backlog awaits industry comment, and finally, implementation.
Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, held a meeting late last week with aviation industry representatives for ATNS to share its turnaround plan to address its backlog in instrument flight procedure maintenance and the ongoing flight delays at airports across the country.
Industry representatives, including BARSA, AASA, SACAA and ACSA, were taken through the plan and received updates on approvals and pending approvals for various airports' flight procedures. ^ Read more...
13
AUG
[EVENTS / ARTICLE: Times Aerospace] AASA IN THE NEWS
Air Transport leaders descend on Aviation Africa 2024
Top executives and officials from across the airline and air transport world will assemble at the 8th Aviation Africa Summit & Exhibition.
A 2-day summit and exhibition covering the full aerospace spectrum across the African continent, the event is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, South Africa on 16 and 17th September 2024. The event is officially hosted by the Government of South Africa, the Ministry of Transport and led by SACAA.
With the theme Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth, the summit will look at how to improve connectivity on the continent. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, is a Panelist in the session: Putting it all together: where does Africa go from here. ^ Read more...
01
AUG
[ARTICLE: BIZCommunity] AASA IN THE NEWS
Aviation disruptions threaten SA’s economic recovery
A recent power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused significant delays and diversions for local and international airlines, impacting operations and finances. This issue and the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s (ATNS) indefinite suspension of flight approaches at nine airports have exacerbated the situation. ^ Read more...
On behalf of all its members, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa urges the Minister of Transport to ensure these avoidable failures are resolved expeditiously before irreparable economic harm is done and jobs are sacrificed. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
31
JUL
Sunday evening’s power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused numerous local and foreign airlines’ flights to and from the airport to be delayed and diverted, inconveniencing travellers and burdening carriers with additional costs and strained operations.
The breakdown at this economically strategic facility follows the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s (ATNS) indefinite suspension of flight approaches to nine of the country’s airports after it missed a deadline to complete mandatory reviews and to re-design any approaches that it found to be unfit for purpose. ^ Download the media statement...
20
JUL
[WATCH: eNCA] AASA CEO INTERVIEW
Flight delays and disruptions expected at several South African airports
11
JUN
[ARTICLE: BusinessDay] AASA CEO INTERVIEW
Sustainable aviation fuel still only 0.5% of annual needs
AASA welcomes Air Mauritius who have completed their registration as an airline member. Air Mauritius has contributed to the growth of aviation in the SADC region, and on the African continent, through their expansive route network which continues to grow as they add new routes. Their network covers routes on the African continent, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry.
Johannesburg. South Africa's Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) is grappling with an indefinite suspension of instrument-navigation at George, Kimberley, Mthatha, and Polokwane airports.
ATNS is suspending instrument-navigation flight approaches at several key airports to review and update procedures based on the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
ATNS cites an urgent compliance review, emphasising the complexities and the lack of a specific timeline for resolution. It's unable to say when will it conclude the maintenance.
Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, shared his insights on this critical issue. ^ WATCH on eNCA...
SADC governments have been urged to incentivise local production of SAF
​​Dubai. At the IATA AGM, Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA, noted population growth, urbanisation and the pressure to promote economic activity were driving demand for air transport to, from, and within Sub-Saharan Africa, and was set to double over the next decade. ^ Read more...
Besides cutting aviation emissions, locally produced SAF will reduce Southern African airlines' dependence on imported fuel. Currently, almost all our jet fuel is imported, adding several layers of cost for shipping, logistics, distribution, storage as well as statutory duties and taxes. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
Flight schedule disruptions are financial hammer blows to airlines. Their customers lose confidence resulting in lost sales, ticket cancellations and refunds...they are saddled with additional costs including extra fuel and ground handling for diverted flights, landing and parking charges at the diversion airports, and re-accommodating passengers...paying ATNS for extra en-route navigation and air traffic charges with diversions. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
Despite the challenges, the continent presents significant opportunities in aviation. We have all the ingredients for success and growth. We have a common purpose and a vision but we urgently need to fix some things that trip us up just as we’re about to cross the threshold. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
Market Analysis
IATA Economic Reports & News
​
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
3 October. August: New record high for Passenger load factor
-
3 October. August: Double-digit demand growth for Cargo continues
-
29 August. July: Passenger demand up 8%
-
29 August. July: Cargo double-digit YoY growth
-
30 July. June: Air cargo demand surges
-
2-3 July. Wings of Change Focus Africa Conference
-
2 July. IATA urges SA's government to leverage aviation for economic growth & job creation
AUGUST PASSENGER REPORT
New record high for Passenger load factor
​
African airlines saw a 10.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 7.3% YoY. The load factor rose to 77.8% (+2.0ppt compared to August 2023).
​
Asia routes in August saw double-digit growths with Africa-Asia retaining the highest YoY growth in August with 28.7%.
As of August 2024, international air travel demand’s monthly volumes have marked historic highs, or inched closer to them, for all regions including for the whole industry.
03
OCT
AUGUST AIR FREIGHT REPORT
Double-digit demand growth for Cargo continues
African airlines saw 7.5% YoY demand growth for air cargo in August.
Demand on the Africa–Asia market increased by 21.1% compared to August 2023, maintaining a streak of double-digit annual growth originating in the second half of 2023. August capacity increased by 11.4% YoY.
Regarding African carriers, the World Health Organization’s declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency did not visibly affect their overall traffic volumes. ^ Read more...
03
OCT
ICAO Reports & News
​
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
23 September. Landmark ICAO Symposium highlights the importance of enhanced cooperation on aviation non-COâ‚‚ emissions
-
10 September. ICAO high-level air navigation conference charts path for immediate and strategic enhancements for aviation sustainability
-
13 August. ICAO Signs New Agreements with African States to boost sustainable aviation
-
30 July. AFI Aviation Week 2024: Uniting Africa's Skies for sustainable development and regional Integration
-
4 July. New ICAO biometric passport standard adds flexibility
-
26 June. Updated ICAO global plan vital to strengthening aviation security
-
14 May. Enhancing cross-border transfer of aircraft and compliance with the CT Convention
10
SEP
AIR NAVIGATION CONFERENCE
Montréal. Representatives of the world’s governments have endorsed a suite of urgent actions to accelerate the aviation sector's transition to sustainability, while enhancing air safety and boosting operational efficiency.
The commitments emerged from ICAO's 14th Air Navigation Conference after nine days of intensive discussions in Montréal involving nearly 900 delegates from 110 ICAO Member States and 28 international organizations. Their decisions are set to reshape the future of international air travel and transport.
Delegates strongly emphasized embracing technological advancements, with agreement on the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks to manage emerging technologies, including electric and hybrid propulsion.
^ Read more...
23
SEP
SYMPOSIUM ON NON-COâ‚‚ AVIATION EMISSIONS
Montréal. ICAO has initiated the next step in the international community's efforts to reduce air transport's impact on the climate: addressing the non-CO2 emissions from international aviation. While carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions have long been the focus of international agreements and industry efforts, the sector's non-COâ‚‚ climate impacts have remained uncertain.
ICAO's landmark Symposium on Non-COâ‚‚ Aviation Emissions, held from 16-18 September 2024, drew some 800 attendees both in-person and virtually and focused on topics such as contrail formation, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, striving to understand and enhance the climate science, potential mitigation measures and policy options. ^ Read more...
Industry Reports & News
​
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
20 June. Airbus releases study identifying key unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa
-
17 May. Africa's air cargo potential
-
9 April. AI-Driven Optimization for Small and Medium-Size Airport Operations
-
27 March. Air Travel Forecast to 2030: The Recovery and the Carbon Challenge
-
14 February. Airport Traffic Forecasts 2023–2052
20
JUN
AFRICA: AIR TRAVEL & NEW ROUTES ANALYSIS
Airbus releases study identifying key unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa
Airbus Press Release.
​
Airbus has released an analysis Exploring the horizons: A study of unserved air routes to, from and within Africa detailing several key unserved African routes which could provide greater connectivity for travellers, drive economic growth in local economies, and provide a significant boost in revenue for airlines. The company also highlighted data on Africa from its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF).
​ “Despite significant traffic between certain city-pairs, some identified routes still lack regularly scheduled non-stop flights. Factors such as restrictive bilateral air service agreements, economic variables, and challenges with capacity, frequency and operating cost efficiency contribute to these routes remaining unserved. With our capacity to make analyses about route and network development potential in-house, Airbus is committed to partnering with airlines across Africa to identify optimised fleet solutions in line with network development requirements that further stimulate the continent’s air transport industry growth and improve connectivity. Geert Lemaire, Airbus Market Intelligence / Consulting Director. ^ Download the report...
Airline Member Routes & News
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​​
-
10 October. SAA: More flights to key destinations
-
8 October. TAAG Angola Airlines joins ALTA, paving the way for unparalleled Africa-Latin America connectivity
-
8 October. Airlink to launch Kinshasa route
-
2 October. Air Botswana, Airlink and FlySafair: ACSA welcomes new routes and additional flights to South Africa
-
30 September. Qantas gives Superjumbo boost to its Sydney-Johannesburg route and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare
-
30 September. SAA adds more frequency along Harare route
-
29 September. Airlink adds regional capacity: Maputo and Dar es Salaam
-
26 September. Airlink launches daily Beira service
-
23 September. Airlink eyes domestic trunk route growth, with boost from Qatar
-
23 September. New Air Mauritius Flights makes island stopovers a reality for Western Australians
-
22 September. Air Austral announces new weekly flight enhancing Réunion-Bangkok link
-
20 September. SAA ups capacity between Perth and Johannesburg amid sustained demand
-
20 September. SAA continues to soar: Two African destinations added from November
-
14 September. TAAG to launch cargo services in Nairobi
-
13 September. FlySafair adds a flight to Zanzibar
-
13 September. New Africa routes for SAA
-
9 September. CAAB Project to improve BW’s air connectivity takes off
-
9 September. Airlink's CT-Gaborone non-stop service launching 1 April 2025
-
2 September. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy orders 'urgent' action from aviation groups on flight delays
-
2 September. TAAG increase frequencies on regional connections from September 2nd
-
1 September. FlySafair to launch Windhoek flights
-
30 August. TAAG gears up to boost regional air cargo in southern Africa
-
30 August. Airlink’s CPT - Gaborone approved
-
27 August. Air Botswana: flights between Kruger and Chobe launching soon
-
27 August. SA Government Statement: Minister Barbara Creecy convenes urgent oversight meeting with aviation entities
-
27 August. Botswana Air Access takes flight
-
26 August. Cobra Aviation CEO Javed Malik continues to drive transformation
-
23 August. Rodger fosters Airlink's flightpath
-
23 August. Africa's potential is massive: Qatar Airways expands in Africa with Airlink investment
-
21 August. Qatar’s Airlink stake a ‘milestone for African aviation’
-
20 August. Air Botswana dates for new SA routes
-
16 August. Cape Town Air Access/Wesgro with Air Botswana enhances connectivity across Africa
-
15 August. Air Botswana increases flights to Zim
-
13 August. SA aviation continues to soar with 4 airlines recognised for service excellence in Africa
-
8 August. Direct route to boost Namibia and Botswana tourism
-
5 August. Malaysia Airlines, Air Mauritius revive codeshare flights, expanding travel horizons
30
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
Qantas gives Superjumbo boost to its Sydney-Johannesburg route and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare
Engineering News.
Australian national flag carrier Qantas announced it is nearly doubling passenger capacity on its Sydney-Johannesburg route, by introducing the Airbus A380 Superjumbo on to the route, as well as stablishing a codeshare partnership with South African regional and domestic carrier Airlink. The codeshare agreement means the QF code was added to Airlink’s domestic SA network, allowing travellers from Australia to connect with Airlink flights to SA destinations. ^ Read more...
23
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
Airlink eyes domestic trunk route growth, with boost from Qatar
Aviation Week Network.
South Africa-based regional airline Airlink plans a greater focus on trunk routes, seeing opportunity for improvement.
Fresh equity is enabling new agility at the carrier. Qatar Airways in August announced it would acquire a 25% stake. ^ Read more...
​
22
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
Air Austral announces new weekly flight enhancing Réunion-Bangkok link
Travel & Tour World.
Air Austral, a prominent French airline headquartered at Roland Garros Airport in Réunion, is expanding its global footprint with the introduction of a third weekly flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, starting December 10. This service extension, running through January 28, 2025, signifies a strategic enhancement to the airline’s operations, reflecting its commitment to fostering connectivity between Réunion and Asia.
Air Austral serves as a vital link between Réunion and numerous destinations across metropolitan France, South Africa, Thailand, and various locations within the Indian Ocean.
^ Read more...
23
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
New Air Mauritius Flights makes island stopovers a reality for Western Australians
Travel Weekly News.
​
Perth travellers heading to Europe have a new option to consider when planning their next long-haul rip thanks to Air Mauritius, the island’s national airline. ^ Read more...
20
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
SAA ups capacity between Perth and Johannesburg amid sustained demand
The South African News.
​
South African Airways (SAA) has responded to increasing demand by boosting the frequency of its nonstop flights between Perth and Johannesburg.
From 8 December 2024, SAA will increase the frequency of its nonstop service from Perth to Johannesburg to four flights per week, with a further increase to five flights per week beginning 7 January 2025.
The increase will provide even more opportunities for Australian travellers to experience SAA service en-route to Africa.
14
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
TAAG Angola Airlines to launch cargo services in Nairobi
Capital Business News.
TAAG Angola Airlines, the national carrier of Angola, has announced plans to commence cargo services to Nairobi, expanding its regional footprint.
The airline confirmed the new route in an update, stating that the service will be rolled out in the fourth quarter of 2024, alongside additional cargo routes to Kinshasa in the DRC, and Libreville in Gabon. ^ Read more...​
13
SEP
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
FlySafair adds another flight to Zanzibar
The South African News.
​
FlySafair will offer South Africans even more opportunities to visit the island of Zanzibar from next month.
FlySafair will ramp up flights to the island of Zanzibar, opening up more travel options for the December holidays. From 3 October, the airline will operate an additional flight between Johannesburg and Zanzibar on Thursdays. ^ Read more...
02
OCT
AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
Air Botswana, Airlink and FlySafair: ACSA welcomes new routes and additional flights to SA
BizCommunity News.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is excited to welcome new flight routes and additional flights to several of its airports, seamlessly connecting passengers to their next destinations.
ACSA is actively developing new flight route opportunities to enhance connectivity between countries on the African continent and around the world; accelerate recovery to pre-Covid-19 levels; enhance integration in the region; and provide greater convenience and flexibility for travelers. ​ ^ Read more...
Publications & Research
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
10 June. Air cargo market heads for double-digit growth in 2024
-
24 March. Airports Council International | World Airport Traffic Forecasts 2023 - 2052
-
12 March. IATA | Progress Report: Sustainability, Digitalization and Safety in Air Cargo
-
29 February. Global Aviation: Africa Attained Better Safety Record in 2023
-
6 February. SITA | Air Transport IT insights: upward trend in airport and airline IT spending revealed
-
18 January. CAPA | Charting Trends: Intra-African connectivity grows above 2 million weekly seats
AIR FREIGHT / IMPORTS & EXPORTS
Air cargo market heads for double-digit growth in 2024
​
The global air cargo market is on a pathway to double-digit growth in volumes in 2024 after a +12% YoY jump in demand in May, according to the latest data analysis by Xeneta.
Despite conservative, low single-digit industry growth forecasts at the end of 2023, expectations are boosted by six consecutive months of ‘extraordinary’ regional demand for cargo capacity, according to the Xeneta’s research. The global air cargo spot rate in May was a second monthly growth. ^ Read more...
10
JUN
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 2024 REVIEW
Airport Leaders’ Forum Report 2024
​
The International Airport Review (IAR) advisory board is made up of senior airport leaders from airports across the globe. The leaders’ forum meets yearly with the IAR content team to discuss their challenges, pain points, passenger trends and opportunities in an anonymous forum.
The special report includes sections such as airport development, biometrics, innovation, AI, cyber-security, sustainable aviation fuel, energy transition in airports, and workforce.
^ Read more...
20
MAY
Environment News
Spotlight 2 0 2 4
​
-
17 April. IATA and partners release Aviation Net Zero CO2 Roadmaps Review
-
13 March. IATA and Smart Freight Centre join forces on CO2 emission calculations
Spotlight 2 0 2 3
​
-
12 December. ICAO commits to 5% aviation Co2 reduction by 2030
-
27 November. International civil aviation agency adopts sustainable fuels framework
-
14 October. SAF production in Africa: the opportunities and risks of an emerging market
-
10 - 12 May. AASA attends EU-CORSIA Africa & Caribbean Regional Workshop: CORSIA Implementation after ICAO 41st AGA
​
Global Industry Initiatives
IATA
​​
ICAO
​​
USAID ROUTES Partnership
IATA CO2 CONNECT
IATA and Smart Freight Centre join forces on CO2 emission calculations
Airport Technology News.​
​
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) announced a partnership to provide consistent and transparent CO2 emissions calculations for air cargo shipments. This is an important step for the global air transport sector to advance its decarbonization efforts.
The two organizations will focus efforts on developing the cargo component of IATA’s CO2 Connect offering, which successfully launched its passenger version in 2022.
The IATA CO2 Connect platform uses primary industry data to power highly accurate carbon calculations. ^ Read more...
13
MAR
AVIATION NET ZERO CO2 REVIEW
IATA and partners release Aviation Net Zero CO2 Roadmaps Review
IATA News.​
​
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), together with the Air Transportation Systems Laboratory at University College London (UCL), the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), released the Aviation Net Zero CO2 Transition Pathways Comparative Review. This is the first review to compare 14 leading net zero CO2 transition roadmaps for aviation. The report aims to provide a “one-stop shop” for airlines, policymakers and all aviation stakeholders to better understand the key similarities and differences between the various roadmaps. ^ Read more...
17
APR
UNITED FOR WILDLIFE
The Buckingham Palace Declaration and Southern African Transport Taskforce
In November 2016, AASA signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD) with the aim of joining a worldwide campaign to combat international wildlife trafficking. The signatories of the United for Wildlife (UFW) Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration on the transportation of illegal wildlife products agreed to commit to combat the trade of illegal wildlife.
​ AASA has committed to help where possible to bring an end to the illegal trade in wildlife by signing this Declaration, creating an awareness amongst its members, and supporting implementation of the commitments.
On 6 February 2020, AASA offered to serve as a convening vehicle to support the establishment of the Southern African Transport Taskforce, emphasising the potential impact the Taskforce can have on all types of trafficking.
As a BPD signatory, AASA is ready to take their effort to the next level. Ian Cruickshank was appointed by United for Wildlife as Transport Taskforce Manager based in Southern Africa and will work with all stakeholders to set up the Southern African Task Force, with opportunities to become involved further afield.
AASA also has other environmental priority issues that impact the airlines in the Southern African region. These include Carbon Taxes for South African domestic aviation, and CORSIA, which deals with the climate change program for international aviation, as well as other climate change programs.
Due to the significance of the work that lies ahead, UFW have agreed that Ian, as their Transport Task Force Manager, works with AASA and the aviation sector as an Environmental and Wildlife Specialist to provide valuable expertise, and assistance to the sector, to achieve the respective goals and mandate of ensuring airlines in the Southern African region are aware of illegal wildlife trafficking practices and implement necessary preventative actions, and also ensure environmental compliance with the appropriate statutory requirements.
REDUCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNLAWAFUL TRANSPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (ROUTES)
Combating the illegal trade of wildlife
​
Transportation is the backbone of global trade, and traffickers of wild animals and wildlife products rely heavily on the efficiency of air travel and cargo carriers to smuggle illicit goods. Companies from the transportation and logistics sector can play a critical role in identifying and strengthening key risk points in the supply chains, thereby helping to prevent wildlife trafficking.
Although the duty for capturing and prosecuting these criminals rests with national enforcement authorities, aviation staff can provide an important source of additional intelligence. Associations like International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International (ACI), and AASA, together with organizations like United for Wildlife (UfW), are working with many other aviation stakeholders to support the work of enforcement agencies in combating the illegal trade in wildlife. ​​​​
The USAID Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership, which was operational in 2015-2021 and included ACI and IATA, has also developed a suite of resources to support wildlife trafficking prevention efforts in the air transport sector. The resources developed under ROUTES have been designed to enable companies to respond safely and effectively to instances of wildlife trafficking. Those resources can be accessed through the following links:​
-
Up-to-date wildlife trafficking data is available on the ROUTES Dashboard, including common trafficking routes and smuggling methods. After December 2021 this data will be included on the TRAFFIC Wildlife Trade Portal. The ROUTES Dashboard will remain but will not be updated.
-
Training, awareness, and guidance materials are available on the ROUTES website; and starting in 2022, these resources will be hosted on the USAID Biodiversity Links website.
-
General awareness training presentations: The following training resources provide an overview of wildlife trafficking for all staff. They include information on potential risks and impacts from wildlife trafficking, where and how it might occur, red flags to help staff identify trafficking and how to safely handle and report your suspicions. Each comes with detailed notes and talking points to guide training staff in delivering these materials.
-
Global awareness training presentations: Includes global case studies and data. Available as a half day workshop or a one-hour presentation in English, Chinese, French and Spanish.
-
Africa-specific awareness training presentations: Includes Africa-specific case examples and data. Available as a half day workshop or a one-hour presentation in English and French.
-
-
Role-specific training: Targeted training resources for staff who are more likely to encounter wildlife trafficking due to the nature or location of their work: cabin crew; cargo acceptance; cargo and baggage screener; check-in staff; ground handler; passenger screener. Three formats are available for each role with limited translations available:
-
1. E-learning course: Digital course focusing on how staff can help identify wildlife trafficking and what to do if wildlife is discovered. Available in Chinese, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish (Duration: 30 minutes).
-
2. Presentation: a PowerPoint presentation focusing on how staff can help identify wildlife trafficking and what to do if wildlife is discovered. Complete with detailed notes and talking points to guide training staff in delivering these materials. Available in English, Chinese, Spanish and French (Duration: 1 hour).
-
3. Toolbox talks: short 2-page briefs of the subject to support discussion in briefing meetings or other informal group discussions. Available in English, Chinese, Spanish and French (Duration: a few minutes).
-
-
Airport-specific resources such as training, handbook, and videos on the ACI website.
-
Airline-specific resources such as training and videos on the IATA website. ^ Read more...
-