Desert dust’s open season on engines
Maintenance trends in Africa map the prevailing weather conditions. During the Harmattan season, for example, MROs usually notice a spike in engine-related events.
Features
in Maintenance / Features Benefits from pan-African outlook
Posted 12 September 2019
African aviation is prone to frequent change, according to AJW group sales director, Hafsah Abdulsalam.
in Features Algerians assemble new plant deal with Leonardo
Posted 11 September 2019
Africa is about to get a new helicopter assembly plant following a deal between Algeria and European manufacturer Leonardo. Alan Dron reports.
in Maintenance / Features Can Africa keep the wheels turning on its MRO potential?
Posted 10 September 2019
African aviation has a quandary: operators can’t afford to keep spending their maintenance budgets abroad, while establishing their own maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities is prohibitively expensive. But
in Features / Airports Terminal plugs new life into Tanzania
Posted 9 September 2019
Tanzania’s economic hub is due to get a boost as Dar-es-Salaam airport’s new terminal opens its doors for business. Alan Dron reports.
in Features Embraer targets the huge opportunity in Africa
Posted 5 September 2019
The Embraer Airline Business Seminar Africa 2019, held in Mauritius at the beginning of April, kept all its promises. The Brazilian manufacturer, which has recently partnered with Boeing, sees Africa as a market with a “huge potential”.
in Air Transport / Features Transformation building a head of steam
Posted 3 September 2019
Air Madagascar continues to implement its ‘Alefa 2027’ transformation plan that’s designed to revive this major airline player in the Indian Ocean and African regions.
in Air Transport / Features A cape of good hope for Icelandair
Posted 2 September 2019
Icelandair Group’s charter and leasing specialist, Loftleidir, has taken a majority shareholding in Cabo Verde Airlines. Alan Dron asks why the Nordic carrier is focusing on a tiny island group 5,000km south of its home?
in Features Airbus leads the way into African market
Posted 30 August 2019
The days have gone when African airlines were forced to struggle with aging aircraft. Kaleyesus Bekele has been finding out more from Airbus.
in Features DHL delivering vital medicines by drone
Posted 29 August 2019
Ukerewe District, an isolated island located on Lake Victoria in Tanzania, has been receiving regular deliveries of essential medicines by drone.
in Defence / Features Galaxy still out of this world
Posted 28 August 2019
The US Air Force’s Lockheed C-5 Galaxy remains a stalwart of airlift operations to and from Africa, supporting deployments and delivering humanitarian assistance.
in Air Transport / Features E2 wins the Peace prize…
Posted 27 August 2019
The newest Nigerian private carrier, Air Peace, is the largest airline in west Africa with 80% of market share. Now the biggest Embraer operator in the region will be the first to add an E2 to its fleet in Africa. Anuradha Deenapanray reports.
in Business & Finance / Features AfDB banks on more regional integration
Posted 22 August 2019
For several years the African Development Bank (AfDB) has been supporting commercial aviation in Africa and the organisation’s chief aviation officer, Romain Ekoto, has been explaining about current projects and his vision for the future.
in Features / Airports Bole in pole position
Posted 20 August 2019
Ethiopia’s increasingly relaxed visa regime and the expansion of the country’s national airline have helped Addis Ababa become Africa’s biggest long-haul transit hub. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features AS365N Dauphins for Djibouti
Posted 19 August 2019
As part of an ongoing expansion programme, Djibouti’s small air arm, the Force Aérienne du Djibouti (FAdD, Djibouti Air Force), has taken delivery of four newly refurbished AS365N Dauphins.
in Air Transport / Features New kid on the block is not kidding around
Posted 15 August 2019
Allan Kilavuka became CEO of Kenya Airways’ low-cost carrier (LCC), Jambojet, in January 2019, succeeding industry veteran Willem Hondius. Kilavuka talked to Victoria Moores about how it felt to fill those shoes, as a complete newcomer to
in Maintenance / Features Lufthansa Technik sets up shop in South Africa
Posted 14 August 2019
Lufthansa Technik has become the first foreign MRO provider to establish line maintenance operations in South Africa through a new contract with Comair – and it bodes well for the region. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Features The Major breakthrough for South African aviation
Posted 13 August 2019
Cindy Lou Dale turns the spotlight on a maverick pilot who – 90 years ago – revolutionised the airways over South Africa and effectively created the country’s most famous airline.
in Features / Airports It's good to talk why collaboration is the name of the game
Posted 12 August 2019
With significant growth forecast across the continent’s aviation sector, Chloe Wilson reports on how the industry is tackling challenges to safety and security in African airports.
in General Aviation / Features FAI celebrates and targets Africa
Posted 9 August 2019
As FAI marks its 30th anniversary it is looking to increase its business in Africa. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
in Defence / Features Twin giants square up for Herculean task
Posted 8 August 2019
With most African countries ignoring the more expensive C-130J Hercules, both the Leonardo C-27J and Airbus C295 are now battling it out for tactical airlift supremacy in Africa. Alan Warnes looks at the state of play and the status of the North
in Air Transport / Features Mahogany en route to a solid base
Posted 7 August 2019
After a false start in 2014, Mahogany Air is riding a wave of pro-aviation government policies in Zambia. Martin Rivers talked to the airline’s founder and chief executive, Jim Belemu.
in Features / Events MEBAA's North Star
Posted 5 August 2019
The MEBAA Show Morocco is the only dedicated business aviation event in north Africa – and its growing popularity reflects market demand.
in Features Mercy missions flood cyclone-hit areas with relief
Posted 2 August 2019
More than 1,000 people were killed and property destroyed as two cyclones tore through southern and eastern Africa in March and April. Humphrey Nkonde reports.
in Features / Airports The way Lusaka will live next...
Posted 1 August 2019
As African cities recognise the value of extending in and around airports, Chloe Wilson takes a closer look at the plans behind Lusaka’s Airport City.
in General Aviation / Features How the Black Hawk can give commercial operators an edge
Posted 31 July 2019
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk family helicopters have been used in Africa for several decades, with military operators including Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Commercial operators, however, were non-existent… with one
in Business Aviation / Features The BBJ's Royal family
Posted 29 July 2019
Business jets have been a controversial subject across Africa as governments of developing nations recognise a need for top-level travel for their heads-of-state while, at the same time, fending off accusations of buying expensive white elephants. Now, as Alan
in Defence / Features Man with a mission to modernise
Posted 26 July 2019
When Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was appointed as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) chief of air staff in July 2015, only 50% of his aircraft were serviceable. In one of his first speeches, he said he wanted “effective and efficient capacity building” and training
in Air Transport / Features Ethiopian – managing the MAX crisis
Posted 25 July 2019
Kaleyesus Bekele meets Tewolde Gebremariam, the CEO coping with the aftermath of the Ethiopian airliner crash that killed 157 people.
in Defence / Features Why are the Cobras not striking?
Posted 20 June 2019
Issues are arising surrounding the Kenya Air Force (KAF) Bell AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Features / ATM & Regulatory Mekonnen's law
Posted 19 June 2019
Tefera Mekonnen, the new secretary general of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), officially took up office on January 7. He shares his vision with Kaleyesus Bekele.
in Defence / Features Equatorial Guinea continues air force expansion
Posted 18 June 2019
The air force branch of the Equatorial Guinea Guardia Nacional (National Guard) has continued its expansion, writes Jon Lake.
in Features Astral plane plugs the capacity gap
Posted 17 June 2019
Kenyan all-freight operator, Astral Aviation, is to add two Boeing 767-200Fs this year – marking its first examples of the type – and is separately evaluating Airbus A321 and 737-800 freighters as it seeks to address capacity gaps in its fleet. Victoria
in Defence / Features Cameroon gears up for counter-insurgency campaign.
Posted 14 June 2019
The Armée de l’Air du Cameroun (Cameroon Air Force) is undergoing a major re-equipment programme, although the US halted assistance in February 2019 amid reports of gross violations of human rights by Cameroon’s security
in Air Transport / Features Air Côte d’Ivoire looks to long-haul
Posted 13 June 2019
Air Côte d’Ivoire’s business plan for the next 10 years maintains the current strategy but with an increased emphasis on long-haul, according to CEO, René Décurey.
in Features Clusters can make the difference
Posted 12 June 2019
Building up an aerospace manufacturing sector in Africa would be a significant creator of employment in the continent, says Airbus’ aviation White Paper. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features Tunisia completes Black Hawk purchase from US
Posted 11 June 2019
The US Army’s Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has completed the delivery of a $338 million foreign military sales (FMS) package of eight Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated training and support to Tunisia, writes Jon
in Air Transport / Features Camair-Co goes from strength to strength
Posted 10 June 2019
Cameroonian national airline, Camair-Co, posted a good performance in 2018 with a 62% increase in turnover, passenger traffic reaching 343,000, and a reduction in its operating loss, report Romuald Touembou Ngueyap and Vincent Chappard.
in Maintenance / Features Connected world keeps repair times in check
Posted 7 June 2019
Airbus has a vested interest in helping maintenance and repair organisations (MROs) and airlines manage their aircraft. Guillaume Mille explained the European airframer’s approach and goals to Chuck Grieve.
in Features / Airports Libreville to realise Gabonese dream
Posted 5 June 2019
Gabon’s planned new airport at Libreville will help to realise the dream of turning the city into a key airport hub in central and west Africa, through enhancing connectivity, providing jobs and increasing the country’s status in the region, writes
in Defence / Features Dogged determination to counter terrorism
Posted 4 June 2019
African air force commanders met with US Air Force and State Department leaders at the eighth annual Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) symposium in Morocco. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features Mauritania looks to strike a Paris match
Posted 3 June 2019
Mauritania Airlines is rapidly expanding its route network, but one of the major prizes still remains tantalisingly out of reach. Alan Dron reports.
in Maintenance / Features Russian MRO boost for Egyptian Air Force
Posted 31 May 2019
The Rostec State Corporation company, Russian Helicopters, is to open a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre for the Egyptian Air Force’s Mi-8T and Mi-17-1V helicopters.
in Features / Airports Zambia's Copperbelt plan is belting along
Posted 30 May 2019
The $397 million Copperbelt International Airport, being developed by the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL), is now 35% complete. Humphrey Nkonde looks at the project.
in Defence / Features Egypt gets extra bite with the ‘Nile Crocodile’
Posted 29 May 2019
The Kamov Ka-52 ‘Nile Crocodile’ helicopter has officially entered service with the Egyptian Air Force. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features A morale victory...
Posted 28 May 2019
Most African airline CEOs are tasked with reaching profitability. LAM Mozambique director general, João Carlos Pó Jorge, is no different. However, he also had to completely rebuild staff morale from absolute rock bottom – not once, but twice, as Victoria
in Space / Features How space can help Africa reap its rewards
Posted 24 May 2019
Making greater use of space – or at least Earth orbiting satellites – could greatly help African farmers and the wider population, the Airbus Aerospace In Africa forum heard. Alan Dron was there.
in Maintenance / Features Additive manufacturing coul be addictive
Posted 23 May 2019
The potential applications in MRO are among the many attractive features of additive manufacturing (AM).
in Features / Airports Kotoka terminal lightens the load
Posted 22 May 2019
The new Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), opened in September 2018, has considerably lowered pressure on the two other terminals, writes Vincent Chappard.
in General Aviation / Features Zambia on course for air ambulance service
Posted 21 May 2019
The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and Zambian Ministry of Health have agreed to partner in establishing a national air ambulance service using a dedicated emergency response aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Business Aviation / Features Have an ice day...
Posted 20 May 2019
An African company has targeted Antarctica as a tourist destination. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features MiG game in Africa
Posted 17 May 2019
The Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) MiG company is hoping that new variants will repeat the success of the original MiG-29 in Africa. Jon Lake reports.
in Air Transport / Features Air Burkina eyes regional expansion
Posted 16 May 2019
Ouagadougou-based Air Burkina has just completed a fleet upgrade and is preparing to strengthen its network as the government begins to study options for re-privatising the airline. Victoria Moores reports.
in Maintenance / Features It's time for spare parts to play more of a leading role
Posted 15 May 2019
The aircraft parts market is at a crossroads as demand challenges suppliers to come up with solutions that satisfy the requirements of both airworthiness and economics. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Features / Airports The springboard for progress
Posted 14 May 2019
Launched 12 years ago and based in Dakar, Senegal, the Union of West and Central African Airport Managers (UGAACO) brings together 17 airports in 16 countries in central and west Africa. The executive secretary of the union, Simon Kabore, talks about current
in General Aviation / Features Hunting hunters
Posted 10 May 2019
From military helicopters through ‘aerial bats’ to unmanned air vehicles, Africa’s aerial anti-poaching operations are being stepped up. David Oliver reports.
in Business Aviation / Features On the right road...
Posted 9 May 2019
The business aviation market in Nigeria is diverse and growing all the time – but it still faces a few problems. Chukwu Emeke takes a look at the big picture.
in Defence / Features Ghana’s air force in a class of its own
Posted 8 May 2019
The Ghana Armed Forces have a small but capable air force. The key to its success is training, as Patrick Dirksen and Frank Mink found out during a recent visit.
in Air Transport / Features Third time lucky?
Posted 7 May 2019
Senegal is once again spreading its wings with an ambitious new flag-carrier. Martin Rivers talked to the architects of the airline's business plan, Philippe Bohn and Jerome Maillet.
in Features Mission possible: taking aid to a new level...
Posted 25 March 2019
There’s a new era in air support opening up to the humanitarian community in Africa. David Oliver reports.
in Aircraft Interiors / Features Honeywell's X Factor on the right wavelength
Posted 22 March 2019
Honeywell is offering a new speedy JetWave installation service in South Africa. Steve Nichols reports.
in Air Transport / Features Africa joins the Nexus jet set
Posted 21 March 2019
Saudi Arabian-based Nexus is rapidly gaining a reputation throughout Africa for service excellence. Now, as Alan Dron reports, it is being courted by a number of different countries on the continent.
in Features Now Ethiopia is set to cut it as a part player
Posted 19 March 2019
Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa already have successful aerospace manufacturing industries. Now Ethiopia is about to establish its own aerospace cluster in east Africa. Kaleyesus Bekele reports.
in Air Transport / Features Uganda flies the flag again
Posted 18 March 2019
Uganda is rejoining the club of countries with national airlines as it seeks to recapture some of the revenue currently being taken by foreign carriers. Alan Dron reports.
in Defence / Features Mauritania goes for second Basler
Posted 15 March 2019
It looks like Mauritania is about to receive a second Basler turbo-Dak intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Features How to unleash the power of Africa through aerospace
Posted 14 March 2019
Africa has still not realised the full benefits of aviation, according to a panel of industry experts. Alan Dron finds out more at the launch of a new report setting out the sector’s potential to drive the continent’s economic and social
in General Aviation / Features Seychelles embraces drones for fishery protection
Posted 13 March 2019
The Seychelles Fishing Authority has unleashed an unprecedented combination of short-range drones, autonomous long-range unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), Earth observation data and fisheries intelligence analysis in its fight
in Air Transport / Features Ocean partnership on crest of the waves
Posted 12 March 2019
French airline, Air Austral, and local carrier, Air Madagascar, are continuing with their transformation plans – formalised in November 2017 – that are designed to develop their strategic partnership.
in General Aviation / Features Angola restructures state oil company air division
Posted 11 March 2019
Angola’s state oil company, Sonangol (Sociedade Nacional de Combustíveis de Angola – the National Fuel Society of Angola), has signed an agreement with a consortium formed by Canada’s CHC and Morocco’s Heliconia to
in Defence / Features Rwanda closes in on medevac Caravan
Posted 6 March 2019
A US Air Force (USAF) notification, issued on September 20, revealed that Rwanda is to receive two new aircraft to be used for medical evacuation and light transport missions during international peacekeeping operations throughout Africa.
in Air Transport / Features Give Peace a chance
Posted 4 March 2019
Against an unfriendly operating environment, characterised by multiple airport charges, tough competition and aggravating aero-politics, four-year-old Air Peace remains Nigeria’s fastest growing airline. Chukwu Emeke found out more from Air Peace chairman, Allen
in Business Aviation / Features Brent aims to expand VVIP operations
Posted 1 March 2019
Brent Aviation, a VIP charter operator based at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, is expanding its local VVIP services, writes Jon Lake.
in Defence / Features Tanzania takes delivery of new helicopters
Posted 28 February 2019
Tanzania is understood to have taken delivery of four Airbus Helicopters Cougar and Super Cougar transport helicopters, writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Features Figuring out the reasons for Africa's weight loss
Posted 27 February 2019
Media reports of sharp contractions in Africa’s air cargo market are not all they seem, reports Alan Dron.
in Features Major challenges face southern African airlines
Posted 26 February 2019
Humphrey Nkonde reports from the 48th Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) annual general assembly in Zambia.
in General Aviation / Features Partnership targets offshore market
Posted 25 February 2019
French helicopter company, Héli-Union, has announced a new partnership with Angolan business jet charter operator and service and maintenance provider, Bestfly, writes Jon Lake.
in Business Aviation / Features PC-24 takes the smooth with the rough
Posted 22 February 2019
Africa’s testing terrain and challenging runways make the Pilatus PC-24 a perfect aircraft for the region, according to ExecuJet, which is the first company to operate and manage the aircraft in Africa. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Defence / Features Kenya takes ex-Emirati Fennecs for anti-insurgency ops
Posted 21 February 2019
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) has taken delivery of nine Eurocopter AS550 Fennec light helicopters from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), writes Jon Lake.
in Air Transport / Features The big issues with being small...
Posted 20 February 2019
One of the small private airlines in Ethiopia, National Airways, is transforming itself from a charter flight operator to a scheduled flight service provider. Kaleyesus Bekele reports.
in Maintenance / Features Will CFM's policy unlock Africa's potential?
Posted 19 February 2019
The landmark agreement by CFM International to open up the aftermarket for its best-selling CFM56 engines should be good news for African airlines. Chuck Grieve reports.
in Features EDEX debut proves to be the perfect model
Posted 18 February 2019
For three days, from December 3-5, the Egyptian International Exhibition Centre in Cairo hosted the country’s first ever defence exhibition – EDEX 2018. Alan Warnes was there.
in Training / Features Going global: The Air School that's aiming high
Posted 15 February 2019
A South African flight school has gone global in its reach and is now training cadet pilots from all over the world. Dave Calderwood reports.
in Features / Airports Uganda’s new airport rising from the bush
Posted 14 February 2019
A new international airport is about to emerge in western Uganda, as the country seeks to unlock its oil wealth. Alan Dron reports.
in Business Aviation / Features CHC contracts cancelled over ‘local employment’ row
Posted 13 February 2019
A row over how many local people are employed by an international company has seen Equatorial Guinea cancelling contracts with CHC Helicopter. Jon Lake reports.
in Defence / Features Russian sales rush is on
Posted 12 February 2019
African countries have traditionally provided a good market for Russian Helicopters, with more than 700 in active service across the continent. Now, as Jon Lake reports, the push is on to sell more.
in Air Transport / Features The Phax of life
Posted 11 February 2019
Tunisian businessman and politician Mohamed Frikha tells Martin Rivers why he is bringing Syphax Airlines back from the dead.
in Maintenance / Features MRO looks set to break through in west Africa
Posted 8 February 2019
Chukwu Emeke highlights one of the major challenges facing west African airlines.
in Features In-flight connectivity in Africa worth mega-millions
Posted 7 February 2019
Inmarsat unveiled its white paper ‘In-flight connectivity – a new opportunity for African aviation’ at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) annual general assembly in November. Steve Nichols reports.
in Features / Airports Kenya merger plan is still up in the air
Posted 6 February 2019
Kenya Airways is seeking to emerge from a period of austerity and start to expand again. But, as Alan Dron reports, one part of the plan designed to bolster its financial strength has hit delays.
in Business Aviation / Features Time for Denali
Posted 5 February 2019
Cessna is entering a new segment of the aircraft market with its in-development Denali single-engine turboprop. Dave Calderwood takes a first look.
in Defence / Features Cameroon's eyes in the sky focus on Boko Haram
Posted 4 February 2019
Since May 2014, Cameroon has been battling the terrorist organisation known colloquially as Boko Haram. Erwan de Cherisey takes a look at the country’s capabilities.
in Air Transport / Features Makolo connects her magic Rwanda
Posted 1 February 2019
Yvonne Manzi Makolo was appointed CEO of RwandAir in April 2018. With no prior experience of the aviation industry, she has risen to the challenge and – less than a year in – she speaks to Victoria Moores with all the authority and passion of an industry veteran.
in Air Transport / Features It's time for some joining-up thinking
Posted 11 December 2018
Rolls-Royce’s senior market analyst for Middle East & Africa, Taieb Ben Sghaier, outlines the potential for the civil aviation sector across the African continent.
in Air Transport / Features Air Algérie starts to punch its weight again
Posted 10 December 2018
Faced with the opening up of air freight to national private operators as part of the government’s new economic orientation, Air Algérie has taken measures to adapt to the new environment. Anuradha Deenapanray and Vincent Chappard
in Features / Events Pineau promises a vintage year
Posted 7 December 2018
The sixth running of Morocco’s Marrakech Air Show takes place from October 24-27 at the country’s Base Ecole des Forces Royales Air – the prestigious Royal Air School. The school’s director, Gaël Pineau, tells Vincent Chappard about what’s planned.
in Air Transport / Features How Dana sowed the seeds of recovery
Posted 6 December 2018
In Nigeria, an airline that suffers a crash invariably collapses. Dana Air’s chief operating officer explains to Alan Dron how the company’s qualities have allowed it to buck that trend.
in Defence / Features Hawk helicopters pave the way for troops' rescue
Posted 5 December 2018
Jon Lake reports on a vital helicopter rescue mission near the Somali border with Kenya.
in Air Transport / Features Nouvelair gets personal
Posted 3 December 2018
Nouvelair, a Tunisian private company operating charter and scheduled flights, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2019. Deputy general manager, Chokri Zarrad, shared his ambition for the company with Vincent Chappard.
in Defence / Features Africa's arms race
Posted 30 November 2018
Many believe that Africa will be the big growth market for the global defence industry, thanks to burgeoning security requirements and vast oil and natural gas reserves. Jon Lake takes a look at the situation.
in Air Transport / Features Pereira wrestles with TAAG team troubles
Posted 29 November 2018
Despite the Angolan Government disbanding a consortium that planned to set up a feeder airline for national carrier TAAG, one of the main movers behind it believes that the project will still go ahead. Alan Dron reports.
