Nairobi, Kenya, et Toronto, Canada – 12 mai 2022: L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines (AFRAA) a signé un protocole d’entente avec AviaPro Consulting Inc. Le protocole d’entente fournira un cadre de coopération entre AFRAA et AviaPro Consulting pour soutenir la fourniture de services de conseil en aviation dans les domaines suivants:

• Planification du réseau et de la flotte des compagnies aériennes,
• Gestion des ventes, des prix et des revenus,
• Services de planification et d’audit des opérations aériennes,
• Services de conseil en démarrage de compagnies aériennes,
• Planification financière des compagnies aériennes,
• L’approvisionnement en main-d’œuvre pour les besoins en ressources spécialisées des compagnies aériennes,
• Informatique aérienne,
• Conseil en fret,
• Développement des services aériens,
• Conseil en soutien juridique aéronautique.

Le protocole d’entente a été signé par Abdérahmane Berthé, secrétaire général de l’AFRAA et Kevin Clarke, responsable des services de conseil d’AviaPro Consulting Inc. Selon les termes de l’entente, les deux parties coopéreront étroitement et compléteront mutuellement l’offre de services de conseil en aviation aux compagnies aériennes africaines afin de leur permettre de répondre aux besoins changeants dus à l’évolution du marché.

Abdérahmane Berthé a déclaré : « L’unité de conseil en aviation de l’AFRAA, créée en 2019, fournit un large éventail d’expériences approfondies dans le secteur du transport aérien aux compagnies aériennes africaines. Nous sommes soutenus par des consultants experts spécialisés dans le secteur du transport aérien et nous sommes heureux d’ajouter l’expertise d’Aviapro Consulting pour enrichir nos capacités. Cette collaboration renforcera la capacité des services de conseil de l’AFRAA à répondre aux besoins du secteur de l’aviation en Afrique. »

Kevin Clarke a ajouté : « Nous sommes très heureux de collaborer avec l’AFRAA. Cette relation mutuellement bénéfique permet à notre société de tirer parti de ses experts mondiaux de l’aviation ayant des années d’expertise dans l’industrie de l’aviation, de recommander des moyens judicieux de développer la planification du réseau et de la flotte, d’améliorer tous les aspects des opérations aériennes et de maximiser les opportunités de revenus. Nos objectifs sont pleinement alignés sur ceux de l’AFRAA, qui est de maximiser le succès des membres de l’AFRAA en ces temps difficiles d’après-pandémie. »

Clarke a ajouté : « Nous nous réjouissons à la perspective d’une longue et fructueuse coopération entre nos deux organismes. Ce protocole d’entente renforcera le travail de consultation en aviation déjà offert par l’AFRAA à ses membres et le complétera par des méthodes et des idées de pointe pour soutenir la croissance et le développement des membres de l’AFRAA.

AFRAA Aviation Consultancy Unit a mené avec succès divers projets de conseil en Afrique. L’objectif principal de l’Unité est de fournir un soutien consultatif aux parties prenantes africaines et de fournir des études basées sur des données visant à élaborer des stratégies gagnantes pour un secteur du transport aérien durable sur le continent africain.

À propos d’AFRAA

L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines, également connue sous son acronyme 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 basée à Nairobi, au Kenya, la mission de l’AFRAA est de promouvoir, de servir African Airlines et de défendre l’industrie aéronautique africaine. L’Association envisage une industrie du transport aérien durable, interconnectée et abordable en Afrique où les compagnies aériennes africaines deviennent des acteurs et des moteurs clés du développement économique africain.

L’adhésion à l’AFRAA de 44 compagnies aériennes couvre l’ensemble du continent et comprend tous les principaux opérateurs africains intercontinentaux. Les membres de l’Association représentent plus de 85% du trafic international total transporté par les compagnies aériennes africaines. Suivez-nous sur Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter et YouTube.

À propos d’AviaPro Consulting

AviaPro Consulting a été fondée en 2014 avec la vision de devenir un centre de premier plan pour les services de conseil en aviation.

AviaPro Consulting travaille avec un vaste réseau global de professionnels de l’aviation et avec des partenaires de l’industrie qui comptent sur son expertise pour améliorer leur capacité de ressources et élargir leur offre de services. Nos associés internationaux complètent notre expertise par un savoir-faire local spécifique à leur région.

AviaPro peut rapidement déployer des ressources d’experts pratiques pour aider nos clients dans leur planification aéronautique, leur modélisation et leurs défis opérationnels, quel que soit leur emplacement. De la gestion des revenus, des opérations aériennes, du développement des services aériens, des opérations de fret, aux services MRO ou à l’intégration informatique, AviaPro Consulting offre des conseils aéronautiques haut de gamme avec un succès impressionnant dans l’industrie.

Notre expertise et nos connaissances nous permettent de nous adapter et d’opérer en totale conformité dans le cadre opérationnel de l’AFA, de l’AESA, de l’OACI ou de l’AITA.

Avec l’ajout d’une expertise dans de nouveaux services tels que la gestion des aéroports, les carburants durables, l’hybridation des compagnies aériennes, les aéroports intelligents et l’intégration EVTOL, AviaPro Consulting est bien positionnée pour offrir à ses clients une gamme complète de solutions aéronautiques.

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.

Release date: 03 February 2022

The number of people infected by the Omicron Covid variant continues to increase. This has unfortunately resulted in some countries putting in place panic measures against international travel.  Globally, the number of cases has reached 350 million and 10.7 million in Africa. Stringent travel advisories, insistence on full vaccination before travel, forceful vaccination at ports of arrival, repatriation of passengers not meeting entry travel requirements and quarantine of passengers at their own costs are some of the unorthodox measures being enforced by some governments. In fact, in one African country airlines are fined as much as US$3,500 per passenger for landing passengers that have not taken their second vaccination or failed to complete online health declaration forms.

As a result of these uncoordinated measures, air passenger traffic from January to December was only 42.3% compared to the same period in 2019.  Capacity reached 52.7%. In January 2022, the capacity is expected to inch up by 6.3% to 59% while air passenger traffic will see a marginal increase of 0.3 from the previous month.

Domestic market maintained the biggest share for capacity deployed though actual passenger traffic saw a dip. Domestic demand at 42% however outperformed intra-Africa and intercontinental which remained subdued at 31.9% for intra-Africa and 25.6% for intercontinental. On the actual number of passenger seats offered, domestic, intra-Africa and intercontinental account for 47.3%, 24.9%, and 27.8% respectively.

At least 3 African airlines continued their international routes expansion and by end of the year 2021 had exceeded the number of international routes operated pre-Covid. 12 other African airlines also either re-opened routes or launched new international routes. As at the end of 2021, African airlines had reinstated approximately 80.8% of their pre-Covid international routes, though frequencies remain low.

The Intra-African connectivity reached 76% of the pre-Covid level in November 2021, increased to 80% in December and is forecast to slide back to 76% in January 2022 because of the closure of some routes. The political situation in Ethiopia resulted in the contraction of traffic volumes in November and December 2021. The situation is however improving.

Across Africa in general, passenger traffic volumes remain depressed due to the unilateral and uncoordinated travel health restrictions imposed by some governments following the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COV-2.

Airline revenues have remained low with many operators battling with cash-flow issues. Full year revenue loss for 2021 is estimated at US$8.6b, equivalent to 49.8% of the 2019 revenues. In 2020, African airlines cumulatively lost $10.21b in revenues due to the impact of the pandemic, representing 58.8% of 2019 revenues.

Other government regulatory Developments:

• The Kenya government through its Ministry of Health has mandated arriving passengers 18 years and older to present valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate at the port of entry effective December 22, 2021.  Similarly, all departing passengers must also present valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
• Effective January 2, 2022, passengers arriving in Rwanda must quarantine for three 3 days at a designated quarantine hotel at their own cost; take PCR test on the 3^rd day at own cost as well as antigen test. Additional PCR test required on 7^th day at a destination testing site also at own cost.
• All adult passengers travelling to Ghana must be fully vaccinated and present a negative PCR test result in order to enter the country, as of December 14, 2021. Airlines shall be surcharged $3,500 for every passenger they fly in who is not vaccinated against COVID-19 or who has not completed the pre-departure health declaration forms from point of origin. Only arriving citizens and diplomats who are not fully vaccinated will be vaccinated at the airport upon arrival. All departing passengers from the country must be fully vaccinated.
• Effective January 15, 2022, foreign flight crews travelling to Canada are only allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated.  This includes cargo operations.
• Anyone entering the UK must now quarantine until they receive the results of a PCR test taken on their second day in the country. Anyone testing positive faces a 10-day quarantine.
• The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued Safety Decision 2021-02 no. 23 on 30 December 2021, which imposed restrictions and strict entry/exit measures on flights and passengers for operations from/to the UAE.  AFRAA wrote to DG GCAA expressing the impact this will have on African airlines and requesting for a meeting to find a more acceptable solution. The UAE announced on 26 January 2022 the resumption of passenger flights from the countries that had been restricted effective 29 January 2022.

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.

Nairobi, 13 January 2022: The travel ecosystem is reeling from the adverse impact of the re-introduction of travel restrictions and implementation of blanket travel bans since the onset of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is making a clarion call to governments and stakeholders to harmonise the health protocols, reconsider the bans and adopt a risk-based approach in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “2021 marked the dawn of recovery with positive trends in air transport activity being remarked across the globe. As at October 2021, African airlines had reopened 81.3% of their international routes that had been closed due to the pandemic. African cargo capacity grew by 33% since 2019 and cargo load factors improved by 9% from pre-pandemic levels.”

“The travel restrictions and blanket bans are a huge risk to the gains made in the recovery of the travel ecosystem. Furthermore, air transport connectivity and economic sustainability of airlines’ operations will be negatively impacted.” Mr. Berthe added.

AFRAA recognises that a risk-based approach and the safe reopening of borders are critical for the efficient restart of aviation. We urge governments to remove border restrictions and open their markets to restart the industry with support from Industry Restart Plan Standards and guidance documentation.

Recommendations for Vaccination, Travel Entry and Exit Requirements

AFRAA reiterates the Call to Action campaign for Africa against Covid-19 “Saving Lives, Economies, and Livelihoods” by the Africa High-Level Task Force. In line with the Call to Action campaign, AFRAA is impressing upon governments and stakeholders on the following specific elements to safely re-open all borders:

1. States should not impose COVID-19 vaccination certificates as a mandatory travel entry and exit requirement until there is satisfactory access to vaccines globally, reasonable vaccination coverage is attained, and sufficient guidance on the use of the vaccine for travel is available based on recommendations of the WHO.
2. States to continue with pre-departure testing until vaccines become widespread, with States transitioning to the use of Rapid Antigen Testing as an alternative to PCR, some of which have been proven to have similar reliability to PCR, is significantly cheaper and takes within 30 minutes for results.
3. To address credibility of test/vaccination certificates, Governments to continue to adopt digital COVID-19 test/vaccination certificates wherever possible as verifiable health credentials and as a trusted platform for traveler information.
4. States to implement rapid roll-out of vaccines across the continent to facilitate the restart of economies and Air Transport. To date, less than 6% of Africans are fully vaccinated. Vaccination will mitigate the greatest risks of the spread of the pandemic.

AFRAA remains committed to support the travel ecosystem recovery and continues to engage in collaborative efforts with stakeholders on initiatives that will form a strong foundation for the transformation and development of air transport sector.

Download PDF: The Call for Action document can be accessed via the link: https://africacdc.org/download/call-to-action-safe-reopening-of-borders-to-save-lives-economies-and-livelihoods-in-africa/

Download the Full Press Release Here: Press Release – Clarion Call for a Safe and Risk Based Approach for Travel

Nairobi, 13 janvier 2022 : Présentement l’écosystème du voyage subit l’impact négatif de la réintroduction des restrictions aux voyages et de la mise en œuvre d’interdictions générales de voyage depuis l’apparition de la variante Omicron du coronavirus. L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines (AFRAA) lance un vibrant appel aux gouvernements et aux parties prenantes en vue de l’harmonisation des protocoles sanitaires, la reconsidération des interdictions et l’adoption d’une approche axée sur le risque, conformément aux directives de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS).

Le Secrétaire général de l’AFRAA, M. Abdérahmane Berthé, a déclaré que « l’année 2021 a marqué l’amorce de la reprise avec des tendances positives, remarquées dans le monde entier, au niveau du transport aérien. En octobre 2021, les compagnies aériennes africaines avaient rouvert 81,3 % de leurs lignes internationales fermées en raison de la pandémie. La capacité de fret a augmenté de 33 % depuis 2019 et les coefficients de remplissage du fret se sont améliorés de 9 % par rapport aux niveaux d’avant la pandémie ».

« Les restrictions au voyage et les interdictions générales constituent un risque énorme pour les gains réalisés dans le cadre du rétablissement de l’écosystème du voyage. De plus, la connectivité du transport aérien et la durabilité économique des opérations des compagnies aériennes seront négativement impactées».

« L’AFRAA reconnaît qu’une approche basée sur le risque et la réouverture protégée des frontières est essentielle pour le redémarrage efficace du transport aérien et par conséquent, lance un appel aux gouvernements africains pour la suppression des restrictions au niveau des frontières et pour l’ouverture de leurs espaces en vue de la relance du secteur avec le support des normes et des documents d’orientation du plan de redémarrage du secteur » a ajouté  M. Berthe avant de préconiser des recommandations.

Recommandations relatives à la vaccination et aux conditions d’entrée et de sortie des voyageurs

L’AFRAA réitère la campagne d’appel à l’action pour l’Afrique contre la Covid-19 lancée par le groupe de travail de haut niveau pour l’Afrique sous le thème « Sauver des vies, des économies et des moyens de subsistance » et attire l’attention des gouvernements et des parties prenantes sur les éléments spécifiques suivants dans le cadre de la réouverture protégée de toutes les frontières :

1. Les États ne devraient pas imposer des certificats de vaccination COVID-19 comme condition obligatoire d’entrée et de sortie des pays jusqu’à ce qu’un accès satisfaisant aux vaccins soit assuré au niveau mondial, qu’une couverture vaccinale raisonnable soit atteinte et que des conseils suffisants sur l’utilisation du vaccin pour les voyages soient disponibles sur la base des recommandations de l’OMS.
2. Les États doivent continuer à effectuer des tests pré-départ jusqu’au moment où une généralisation de la vaccination sera atteinte, en passant à l’utilisation de tests antigène rapides comme alternative aux tests PCR. Ces tests antigènes rapides se sont avérés, pour certains, d’une fiabilité similaire au PCR, tout en étant nettement moins chers et permettant d’obtenir des résultats en 30 minutes.
3. Pour garantir la crédibilité des certificats de test/vaccination, les gouvernements doivent continuer à adopter, dans la mesure du possible, les certificats de test/vaccination numériques COVID-19 en tant qu’attestations sanitaires vérifiables et en tant que plate-forme de confiance pour les données des voyageurs.
4. Les États doivent mettre en œuvre un déploiement rapide des vaccins à travers le continent pour faciliter le redémarrage des économies et du transport aérien. A ce jour, moins de 6% des Africains sont complètement vaccinés. La vaccination atténuera les plus grands risques de propagation de la pandémie.

L’AFRAA reste déterminée à soutenir la reprise de l’écosystème du voyage et continue de s’engager dans des efforts de collaboration avec les parties prenantes dans le cadre d’initiatives qui constitueront une base solide pour la transformation et le développement du secteur du transport aérien.

Pour le téléchargement du fichier PDF : Le document de l’appel à l’action peut être consulté via le lien suivant : https://africacdc.org/download/call-to-action-safe-reopening-of-borders-to-save-lives-economies-and-livelihoods-in-africa/

Téléchargez le communiqué de presse ici

Release date: 07 December 2021

A new wave of infection of COVID19 is ongoing in Europe and Oceania. Partial lockdowns and various restrictions measures are established in countries like Austria, Netherland, Belgium, etc.

Moreover, a new and potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant first identified by South African scientists has prompted a fresh round of travel restrictions across the world and raised concern about what may be next in the pandemic. On 26 November 2021, WHO designated the variant B.1.1.529 a variant of concern named Omicron.

It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible (e.g. more easily spread from person to person) compared to other variants, including Delta. The number of people testing positive has risen in areas of South Africa affected by this variant, but epidemiologic studies are underway to understand if it is because of Omicron or other factors.  Globally, the number of cases has reached 257 million and 8.6 million in Africa.

From January to November 2021, air passenger traffic reached 41.6% compared to the same period in 2019.  Similarly, capacity reached 58%. The low evolution of ASK is explained by the ongoing travel restrictions and the low willingness of travelers.

Domestic market maintained the biggest share for capacity but reduced traffic in August 2021, with demand for passenger outperforming intra-Africa and intercontinental at 39% compared to 29.3% for intra-Africa and 31.6% for intercontinental. Both intra-Africa and intercontinental displayed an increase in traffic.  As regards passenger seats offered, domestic, intra-Africa and intercontinental account for 44.7%, 22.4%, and 32.9% respectively.

African airlines’ restart of operations on international routes continued with the positive trend into November with four of the top 15 African airlines exceeding the number of their international routes in the pre-COVID period. However, as of November 2021, we noted a slight decreased from 81.3% in October to 80.8% in November 2021 due to some airlines that closed few international routes, among which Air Arabia Maroc and EgyptAir.

The Intra-African connectivity reached 78% of the pre-Covid levels in October 2021. However, the connectivity in Mauritius remained 98% lower than in February 2020. Airports like Abidjan and Dakar slightly exceed their level of connectivity of February 2020.

Across the African continent in general, passenger traffic volumes continued to be low due to the inconsistencies in the messaging regarding border closures, health protocols and continued surge in COVID-19 infections in some countries, and recently the concern about omicron identified as a potentially more transmissible coronavirus variant. The result is significant low airlines revenues. Full year revenue loss for 2021 is forecast at US$8.5b that is 49% of the 2019 revenues. In 2020, African airlines cumulatively lost $10.21b in revenues due to the impact of the pandemic, representing 58.8% of 2019 revenues. This poor performance is a direct threat to the survival of the African aviation industry.

Other government regulatory Developments include:

• The government of Morocco tightened entry restrictions to its territory and suspended flights to some European countries including UK, Germany and the Netherlands due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. The move comes in response to the growing number of COVID-19 cases across Europe.
• Effective December 1, 2021, only COVID-19 certificates obtained on the Trusted Travel platform or verified on the Global Haven systems will be valid for entry or exit into Namibia at certain points of Entry. Namibia aligned itself with the African Union, which has implemented the Trusted Travel System, an online platform for travelers to register their personal and COVID-test related details prior to travel.
• EU: Recommendation on the lifting of European travel restrictions for third-countries nationals – Updated country list – Two African countries on the list: Namibia and Rwanda, as from 9 November 2021
• The Government of Canada published the list of countries with entry prohibitions, which includes Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Foreign nationals who have been in any of these countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada. This as of December 1, 2021.
• US join EU in restricting travel from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. The ban came into effect on 29 November.
• Effective December 6, 2021 the United Kingdom has banned flights from Nigeria over the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus.