Nairobi, Kenya, and Toronto, Canada – 12 May 2022: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AviaPro Consulting Inc. The MoU will provide a framework of cooperation between AFRAA and AviaPro Consulting to support the provision of aviation consulting services in the following areas:

• Airline network and fleet planning,
• Sales, pricing and revenue management,
• Airline operations planning and audit services,
• Airline start-up consulting services,
• Airline financial planning,
• Manpower sourcing for specialised airline resource requirements,
• Airline IT,
• Cargo consulting,
• Air service development,
• Aviation legal support consulting.

The MoU was signed by Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary-General and Kevin Clarke, AviaPro Consulting Inc.’s Head of Consulting Services. Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will cooperate closely and complement each other’s aviation consulting services offering to African airlines to enable them respond to evolving market dynamics.

Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “AFRAA Aviation Consultancy Unit which was set up in 2019, provides a wide scope of in-depth air transport industry experience to African aviation stakeholders. We are backed by expert consultants specialized in the air transport sector and we are pleased to add Aviapro Consulting’s expertise to enrich our capabilities. This collaboration will enhance AFRAA Consultancy services capability to meet the needs of aviation sector in Africa.”

Mr. Kevin Clarke added: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with AFRAA. This mutually beneficial relationship allows our company to leverage its global aviation experts with years of expertise in the aviation industry, to consult and recommend optimal ways to develop network and fleet planning, enhance all aspects of flight and ground operations, and maximize revenue opportunities. Our objectives are fully aligned to those of AFRAA, which is to maximize AFRAA members’ success during these challenging post-pandemic times.”

Mr. Clarke added: “We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation between our two organizations. This MOU will reinforce the aviation consulting work already being offered by AFRAA to its members, and will complement it with state-of-the-art methods and ideas to support the growth and development of AFRAA members.”

AFRAA Aviation Consultancy Unit has successfully carried out various consultancy projects in Africa. The main objective of the Unit is to provide consultancy support to African stakeholders and provide data-driven studies that are aimed to build winning strategies for a sustainable air transport sector in the African continent.

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About AviaPro Consulting

AviaPro Consulting was founded in 2014 with the vision of becoming a premier hub for aviation consulting services. It provides expert consulting and advisory services for the aviation industry. 

 AviaPro Consulting works with an extensive network of aviation professionals, and with industry partners that rely on its expertise to enhance their resource capacity and expand their service offering. Our global associates complement our expertise with location-specific know-how. 

 AviaPro can quickly deploy hands-on expert resources to support our clients in their aviation planning, modelling and operational challenges, regardless of location. From Revenue Management, Flight Operations, Air Service Development, Cargo Operations, to MRO services or IT integration, AviaPro Consulting offers top of the line aviation consultancy with an impressive success record in the industry. Our expertise and knowledge allow us to adapt and operate in full compliance under FAA, EASA, ICAO or IATA operational frameworks.

With the addition of expertise in new services such as airport management, sustainable fuels, airline hybridization, smart airports, and EVTOL integration, AviaPro Consulting is well positioned to offer its clients a complete array of aviation solutions. 

 

Casablanca, Morocco, 26 April 2022: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Groupement Des industries Marocaines Aéronautiques et Spatiales (GIMAS) and the Africa Air Forum (AAF) have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) for the Organisation of the 1^st Edition of the Aerospace African Forum. The Forum, which is scheduled to take place on 16 February 2023, is a unique event in Africa that will gather the major players in the aerospace industry. Through this cooperation, AFRAA is part of the Advisory Council and Committee for the event’s organization.

The Aerospace African Forum will be held under the theme: “Sustainable Mobilities” and will bring together key decision makers from all aerospace-related sectors: industry, transport, defense, science, technology, start-ups, artificial intelligence, data and political leadership to deliberate on how Africa must play its part in the global front to shape the future.

The MoC was signed by Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary General, Ms. Maria El Filali – GIMAS’s Director General and Mr. Emeric d’Arcimoles – President of AAF in Casablanca – Morocco.

Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated at the signing ceremony: AFRAA is pleased to be among the key stakeholders involved in the Advisory Committee for the organization of the first edition of the Aerospace African Forum. This collaboration will bring the synergies of AFRAA – the leading trade association of African airlines, GIMAS – an industrial federation with 140 Moroccan companies backed by the Moroccan Government’s support and AAF’s network, expertise and knowledge of aviation and transport industries for the convening of the Forum.”

Morocco plays a major part in the industrial evolution of aerospace in the African continent and Casablanca as a pivotal city at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, is an ideal location for the event.” He added.

Technological innovation will be at the heart of the event’s discussions. The Forum will facilitate an understanding of the cultural and environmental specificities of African technological development to grasp the best uses of these technological gems capable of solving the economic, health, and environmental crises impacting Africa and project the continent into the future. The debates will be broadcast live to allow a large audience, especially the younger generations, to access the participants’ exchanges.

Notes for editors

 About   AFRAA

 The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

25 avril 2022, Casablanca ( Maroc ) Le lundi 25 avril, à l’occasion du lancement de la première rencontre du programme « Dialogue avec les PDG des compagnies aériennes membres de l’AFRAA » au siège de Royal Air Maroc à Casablanca (Maroc) le Secrétaire Général de l’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines (AFRAA), M. Abdérahmane Berthé, a rencontré le Président Directeur Général de Royal Air Maroc, M. Abdelhamid Addou. L’initiative fait partie de la stratégie de communication de l’AFRAA avec les dirigeants de ses compagnies membres dans le but de créer un espace de dialogue nécessaire à l’élaboration d’initiatives transformatrices.

S’exprimant lors de la réunion, M. Abdérahmane Berthé, Secrétaire général de l’AFRAA, a déclaré en substance : « L’AFRAA est ravie de lancer aujourd’hui le programme « Dialogue avec les PDG » en collaboration avec notre premier hôte, Royal Air Maroc qui est l’un des premiers membres de l’AFRAA ayant adhéré à l’association en 1977. Les délibérations d’aujourd’hui ont permis de créer un pont pour la réflexion et l’échange d’idées entre l’AFRAA et Royal Air Maroc. »

« La présente initiative nous donne une meilleure compréhension des besoins individuels, des enjeux et défis locaux, des priorités et des plans d’affaires des compagnies aériennes, afin de nous permettre de prendre des mesures spécifiques susceptibles de mieux servir les intérêts de ces dernières. Je me réjouis de la poursuite d’une relation de travail mutuellement enrichissante avec Royal Air Maroc ainsi qu’avec l’ensemble de la famille de l’AFRAA » a ajouté M. Berthé.

Le programme « Dialogues avec les PDG » constituent des sessions régulières d’échanges se déroulant tout au long de l’année entre les décideurs d’une compagnie aérienne membre et le leadership de l’AFRAA dans le cadre d’une mise en œuvre efficace de projets et d’actions à valeur ajoutée contribuant au développement durable des membres. Les actions de l’AFRAA s’appuient sur 5 piliers dont :

1. Transport aérien sûr, sécurisé et fiable ;
2. Visibilité, réputation et influence des compagnies aériennes africaine ;
3. Transport aérien viable ;
4. Coopération ;
5. Intelligence des données.

Étaient présents lors des délibérations les représentants suivants du Secrétariat de l’AFRAA et de Royal Air Maroc : Ms Maureen Kahonge, Snr Manager Business Development & Communications (AFRAA), Mme Ilhma Kazzini, Directeur Commercial (Royal Air Maroc), M. Rachid Bzioui, Senior Manager Aeropolitical & Industry Affairs (Royal Air Maroc) et Ms Fatima Zahra Jabri, Director Alliances & Partnerships (Royal Air Maroc).

 

Note :

À propos de l’AFRAA

L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines, également connue sous le sigle AFRAA, est une association professionnelle de compagnies aériennes des États membres de l’Union africaine (UA). Fondée à Accra, au Ghana, en avril 1968, et ayant son siège à Nairobi, Kenya, l’AFRAA a pour mission de promouvoir et de servir les compagnies aériennes africaines et de défendre l’industrie aérienne africaine. L’Association a pour vision un secteur du transport aérien durable, interconnecté et abordable en Afrique, où les compagnies aériennes africaines deviennent des acteurs clés et des moteurs du développement économique africain.

 Les 44 compagnies aériennes membres de l’AFRAA couvrent l’ensemble du continent et comprennent tous les grands opérateurs intercontinentaux africains. Les membres de l’Association représentent plus de 85% de tout le  trafic international transporté par les compagnies aériennes africaines. Suivez-nous sur Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

 

25 April 2022, Casablanca – Morocco: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, met Royal Air Maroc Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Abdelhamid Addou for the AFRAA launch edition of “AFRAA Member Airline CEOs Leadership Dialogues” session on Monday 25 April at Royal Air Maroc headquarters in Casablanca, Morocco. The CEO Dialogues session is part of AFRAA’s strategy to communicate with member’s leadership aimed at creating the space for dialogue that is necessary to develop transformative initiatives.

Speaking at the CEO’s Dialogue session, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General stated: “AFRAA is pleased to launch today the CEOs Dialogues with our debut host as Royal Air Maroc, one of AFRAA’s earliest members that joined the Association in 1977. Today’s deliberations created an opportunity to connect for reflection and exchange of ideas between the AFRAA and Royal Air Maroc.”

“This initiative facilitates better understanding of individual airline needs, local matters and challenges, priorities and business plans thereby enabling us tailor specific actions that enhance relevance of the Association to our membership. I look forward to a continued mutually beneficial working relationship with Royal Air Maroc and the entire AFRAA fraternity at large.” Mr. Berthé added.

The CEO’s Dialogues are a continuous, round-the-year sessions that will engage the Member airlines’ decision makers with AFRAA leadership towards effective implementation of added-value projects and actions supporting members’ sustainability. AFRAA’s actions are anchored on 5 pillars including:

1. Safe, secure and reliable air transport
2. visibility, reputation and influence of African Airlines
3. Sustainable air transport
4. Cooperation
5. Data intelligence

AFRAA Secretariat and Royal Air Maroc representatives present during the deliberations included: Ms. Maureen Kahonge – Snr Manager Business Development & Communications – AFRAA, Ms. Ilhma Kazzini Commercial Director – Royal Air Maroc, Mr. Rachid Bzioui – Aeropolitical & Industry Affairs Senior Manager – Royal Air Maroc and Ms. Fatima Zahra Jabri – Director Alliances & Partnerships – Royal Air Maroc.

Notes for Editors

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

 

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

21 April 2022, Addis Ababa – Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines MRO, UTD Aviation Solutions and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) have signed a tripartite MoU to work together on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services in pursuance to the The Brown Condor Initiative (BCI). The signing ceremony took place at Ethiopian Airlines headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Brown Condor Initiative (BCI) is a joint initiative which was conceptualized in 2020 and officially launched by UTD Aviation Solutions and AFRAA in May 2021. The BCI project is aimed at providing a platform for AFRAA members with Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities to relieve USA MRO workforce crunch in terms of both facilities and manpower constraints, as well as support other airlines from USA in MRO services and aircraft spares.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General stated: “This signing ceremony with Ethiopian Airlines is a significant milestone in the Brown Condor project. We express our appreciation to Ethiopian Airlines as the first African airline to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will operationalize the objectives of this robust Project.”

“For 2 years, as part of the industry recovery measures at AFRAA, we have been working with partners to bring solutions to our members to reduce costs or increase revenues. We look forward to onboard other AFRAA airlines with EASA or FAA Certified MRO capabilities onto this project. Our joint efforts reflect a paradigm shift in the MRO industry.” Mr Berthé added.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tassew on his part, said: Ethiopian MRO Services, as the largest MRO service provider in Africa, is continuously increasing its capacity and expanding its reach to customers in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.  We are pleased to sign this MoU with UTD and AFRAA as it is in line with our plan to increase our market reach and build our presence in North America and tap into the big potential market in the region.”

“The pandemic has exposed how delicate the aviation pipeline truly is. OEMs and MRO’s have consistent demand for airframe checks and engine shop visits, and a relatively predictable demand for new, repaired and used spares. Without a major Paradigm Shift, we will never find a solution.  The African Aviation Renaissance is the Paradigm Shift needed for the solution to this Crisis.

This Tripartite Agreement will correct the trajectory of the Aviation comeback. “said Dahir Mohammed, President and CEO of UTD Aviation Solutions.

The MoU will forge collaboration between AFRAA member Airlines’ associated MROs with US Airlines, MROs, OEMS, Distributors and other US civil aviation organizations companies. The management of the Airline’s MRO excess of spare parts inventory both locally and from USA shall be coordinated through a virtual consignments platform.

The Brown Condor Initiative is code named after Colonel John C. Robinson the first African American aviator who also participated in the Ethiopian victorious war against Italy. Colonel John C. Robinson was enlisted by the then Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie as a fighter pilot. He immediately began training young Ethiopians in the technical complexities of aviation, especially pilots in preparation for war. For his daring service amid Ethiopian skies, Robinson earned international renown as the “Brown Condor of Ethiopia.” Through this unique joint initiative, UTD Aviation and AFRAA seek to re-establish African aviation renaissance in MRO services and aircraft spares.

Notes for Editors

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the fastest growing Airline in Africa. In its seventy-five years of operation, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the Pan-African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 130 international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian fleet includes ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Airbus A350, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 777-200LR, Boeing 777-200 Freighter, Bombardier Q-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate these aircraft. Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2025 that will see it become the leading aviation group in Africa with Seven business units: Ethiopian International Services; Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services; Ethiopian MRO Services; Ethiopian Aviation Academy; Ethiopian ADD Hub Ground Services, Ethiopian Airports Services and Ethiopian Express Services (Domestic). Ethiopian is a multi-award-winning airline registering an average growth of 25% in the pre covid seven years.

Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com

Tel: (251-11)517-8913/165/529/

Web: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/et

Social Media

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EthiopianAirlines

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/flyethiopian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly.ethiopian/

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/company/ethiopian-airlines/

Telegram:   https://t.me/ethiopian_airlines

YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/c/Ethiopianairlinescom

 

 About UTD

United Aviation Solutions (UTD) is headquartered in New York near JFK International airport and is a certified member of the Airline Suppliers Association operating as an (ASA)- 100 certified supplier ensuring FAA compliance with Advisory Circular (AC) 00-56. UTD operates as a pioneer in North American Aviation as a registered Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and an accredited member of the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). 

 About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.

AFRAA membership of 44 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.