Airline Performance:

2024 is definitely the year of recovery for aviation. Airlines operations have exceeded pre-Covid level both in terms of capacity and traffic carried.

The number of seats offered in the region increased by 12.6%, from 14.3 million in March 2019 to 16.1 million in March 2024, thanks to new routes and frequencies added. Over the same period, ASKs also exceeded the level of March 2019 by 7.7%. African carriers accounted for 49.5% of the international capacity and 35.9% of the intercontinental capacity.

AFRAA estimates that passenger traffic carried by African operators in 2024 will be about 98 million.  In terms of capacity split between African and non-African operators on both regional and intercontinental routes, AFRAA estimate a 50.7% and 49.3% respectively. A further disaggregation of capacity on only the intercontinental routes reveals a much lower share of 35.7% for Africa as against 64.3% for non-African operators.

Though continent-wide intra-African connectivity exceeded pre-Covid level since December 2022, major hubs like Johannesburg and Casablanca are yet to reach 2019 levels.

Similar to trafic growth, African airlines are also seeing improved revenue performance. AFRAA estimated revenue for January 2024 was US$ 1.83 billion compared to US$1.56 billion in November, 2023 indicating a revenue growth of 14.75%.

Global price of Jet A1 continues to fluctuate from week to week. The global average jet A1 price ended the week of 22^nd March 2024 up 1.1% at $109.08/bbl.

 

Regulatory/Industry Affairs

ATNS in South Africa implemented the revised Air Traffic Service Charges, effective May 1, 2024. These charges were reviewed and approved by the regulator.

A proposed $20 per passenger fee at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, Ghana to cover airport maintenance works and baggage belt repairs, without following due process attracted condemnation by operators and the industry. While there is a need for investment in infrastructure to meet growing demand, AFRAA advocates strict adherence by all service providers to the stipulated ICAO principles contained in DOC9082.  Following intervention by the parliament of Ghana, levying of the proposed fee has been suspended.

Airplanes Africa Limited’s (AAL) has achieved a commendable feat by assembling the first Skyleader 600 aircraft in Tanzania. This could mark the beginning of Africa’s venture into aircraft assembly and components manufacture.

Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to signing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) solemn commitment. If done, this will bring to 39 the African State that have committed to opening up their markets. Similarly, internal discussions are ongoing in Tanzania on their commitment to SAATM. If the 2 countries join, EAC will boast a big domestic market for air travel. Open skies will boost intra-African connectivity, drive down airfares, and stimulate air traffic and revenue growth across the continent as well as create jobs.

Sierra Leone CAA’s Consumer Protection Unit has reached out to her ECOWAS partners in the Consumer Protection industry to harmonies the positions to safeguard the sub-region consumer interest in civil aviation. Striking a balance between protecting passenger rights and ensuring sustainable air services is crucial for a healthy aviation industry.

Ecuador has made positive strides with a new Tourism Law which eliminates currency repatriation tax and to reduce the 5% jet-fuel tax by 1% annually over the next 5 years. The African Continent can emulate this gradual tax reduction model of Ecuador to reduce some of the burdensome taxes that are hampering aviation development on the continent.

ICAO and the Aviation Working Group (AWG) are collaborating to enhance cross-border aircraft transferability by promoting compliance with the Cape Town Convention. This will improve efficiency and safety in the aircraft leasing and financing sector and AFRAA commends the 2 organisations for the initiative.

Jambojet CEO takes the stage on the April edition of AFRAA Sky-Connect show

 

Join us for a thought-provoking one-on-one dialogue with Mr. Karanja Ndegwa Jambojet CEO as he addresses stakeholders on Jambojet’s milestones, intra-Africa connectivity and airline collaboration for a sustainable interconnected air transport industry in Africa.

 

Highlights of the dialogue:

 

1. Regional airline operations and connectivity within the East African Community.
2. Operating costs and infrastructure: cost built-up, airline ticket price and traffic composition and price elasticity, infrastructure to support passenger/cargo operations.
3. Professional skills development and inclusivity.
4. Airline collaboration – the opportunities, impediments and way forward.

 

Expect nothing but out-of-the-box thinking and far – reaching recommendations to shape Africa’s aviation.

 

Join us on 03 April 2024 at 14.00hrs EAT

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FHSGdGQOR06YtpriVkbKmA

16 February 2024, Malabo –  Equatorial Guinea: Airlines and airports have an interdependent relationship and a coordinated interaction is key for the air transport industry to thrive. In line with this and with the objective to develop coordinated synergies that will align efforts to enhance airport and airline operations in Africa, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Terminals Malabo Airport Management (TMAM).

The MoU was signed by Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé – AFRAA Secretary General and Mr. Ahmed Al Hadabi – Group CEO of Terminals Group at sidelines of the Future of Air Transportation Summit in Malabo –  Equatorial Guinea. Under the framework of the MoU, AFRAA and TMAM will focus on the following areas of collaboration:

1. Efforts to promotion of travel and tourism within Africa
2. Data sharing and analytics
3. Initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies, customer service, and strategic planning
4. Environmental sustainability
5. Airport Infrastructure Development
6. Training and capacity building
7. Innovation and Technology
8. Emergency Response and Crisis Management
9. Special handling services
10. Enhancement of customer service for passengers
11. Advocacy and policy engagement

 

An annual workplan shall be developed to set and track progress of activities between AFRAA and TMAM.

 

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 54 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total

Taking place under the theme: “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development,” the AGA is being hosted by Uganda Airlines at the high patronage of the Government of Uganda.

AFRAA AGA is the largest gathering of African Airlines CEOs and air transport decision makers in Africa. Meet us in December at the AGA to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the sector’s recovery efforts and deliberate on feasible solutions for the industry’s sustainability.

Sponsorship

Through sponsorship and exhibition, the high profile of participants at the AGA will provide excellent brand visibility to African aviation top decision makers and leaders at the event.

The sponsorship options available can be accessed via the link: Sponsorship Options 

For more information, please contact the undersigned:

Ms. Maureen Kahonge
Senior Manager Business Development & Communications
African Airlines Association (AFRAA)
Mobile: +254 725500470
Email:   mkahonge@afraa.org

AFRAA and Uganda Airlines are preparing to make your experience at the AFRAA AGA in Kampala wonderfully memorable!

Tukwaniriza e Uganda (Welcome to Uganda)!

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) had the opportunity to contribute to the TIACA Regional Summit held from 19 – 21 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. AFRAA participated in the following sessions:

1. Presentation by Mr. Denis Kimani – Manager, Government, Legal and Industry Affairs

Topic: Workforce Challenges – Attracting, Retaining and Developing the Next Generation Workforce continues to be a Universal Challenge. How is Africa tackling this crucial topic? 

Attracting, retaining, and nurturing the next generation workforce in the aviation industry is a global obstacle that applies to air cargo in the African continent as well. The presentation focused on the key challenges faced in attracting, retaining, and developing the next generation workforce in African air cargo operations.

The growth of the air cargo sector in Africa necessitates a corresponding investment in human capital. Professionals such as pilots, cabin crews, engineers, and dispatchers are needed to support the potential traffic growth in Africa, which is projected to double every 15 to 20 years. The fact that 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30 presents an opportunity to meet these workforce needs.

To address these challenges, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) initiative. NGAP aims to develop strategies, best practices, tools, standards, and guidelines to attract, educate, and retain the next generation of aviation professionals.

Various industry players have also taken initiatives to address the workforce challenges. For example, the “Ask IATA” program brings together academic institutions and IATA experts to discuss the present and future of aviation. Additionally, air cargo operators have implemented their own initiatives to tackle the workforce issues. AFRAA offers consultancy services to identify gaps in any institution and offers tailored solutions based on the gap analysis.

However, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. Limited awareness among young professionals about career opportunities in the air cargo industry is a significant hurdle. The industry also faces a shortage of specialized skills and knowledge required for air cargo operations, and there is a lack of tailored African air cargo programs in African universities and vocational training institutions.

Retention is another challenge, with high attrition rates due to limited career growth opportunities and competition from other industries. Inadequate measures to foster employee satisfaction and engagement within the air cargo sector contribute to this issue.

The rapid advancement of technology in the air cargo industry poses another challenge. There is a need for a skilled workforce to adapt and leverage new technologies, but limited exposure to and training on emerging technologies exist.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to conduct targeted awareness campaigns to educate and attract young professionals to the air cargo industry. Specialized training programs should be established in collaboration with industry stakeholders to bridge the skills gap. Embracing technological advancements through training programs and collaborations with technology providers is essential. Employee engagement and retention strategies should also be implemented, including career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.

Partnerships with universities and research institutions can play a significant role in designing and delivering training programs, as well as encouraging industry practitioners to contribute their expertise.

By addressing the lack of awareness, skills gap, retention issues, and embracing technological advancements, the African air cargo industry can overcome its workforce challenges. Through collaborative efforts between stakeholders, training programs, and employee engagement strategies, the industry can thrive with a skilled and motivated workforce.

2. Panel moderated by Ms. Maureen Kahonge – Senior Manager, Business Development and Communications

Topic: Spotlight on Air Cargo East Africa

The Panelists included:

• Jacob Bwana – General Manager Marketing & Business Development – KAA
• Dawit Woubishet – CEO – Woubget Holdings, international federation of freight forwarders associations FIATA board member and chairman of the Air Freight Institute, vice chair for Ethiopia freight forwarding association
• Absolom Ngari – Director Strategy, GSSA & Airline Partnerships – Aero Africa

The panel discussed the unique opportunities and challenges in air cargo for East Africa and proposed recommendations to drive air cargo and ultimately drive regional economic growth.

The Key Takeaway points included:

• Need to increase the level of value-added exports from the region
• Address the limitations of market access by implementation of SAATM
• Enhance intra and inter regional trade by implementation of AfCFTA
• Balance inbound and outbound cargo
• Skills development and initiatives to develop Next-Gen aviation professionals
• Enhance Safety and Security
• Infrastructure development to support the value chain and grow e-commerce
• Inter-modal collaboration to achieve speed, transparency and efficiency of cargo transportation

3. Panel modeled by Ms. Raffaella Irie – Manager, Training, Data and Statistics

Topic: Digital Innovations in Cargo Operations

The panel included the following industry representatives:

• Mr Kasaine Ole Pertet – General  Manager ICT, Kenya Airports Authority
• Mr Jasraj Chug – Co-founder & Director,  Cargoflash Infotech
• Mr. Meshack Kipturgo – Chairman,  NAS-Siginon Aviation
• Mr. Fred Gitonga – Country Sales Manager – Freight-In-Time/UPS Supply Chain Solutions

The discussions focused on how digital innovation could help enhance the cargo industry efficiency and make it relevant to customers, particularly in the African context.

The key recommendations from the panelists to take full advantage of the huge potential of cargo operations in Africa are:

• Take advantage of existing cargo data to make a precise diagnosis of the industry, identify gaps and take corrective actions;
• Encourage digital innovation at all levels by investing in the training and development of start-ups;
• Make sure that the regulatory environment is favourable to a digitalized and interconnected cargo ecosystem.

AFRAA prides itself in the partnership it has developed with The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) which is bringing value to the air cargo sector of the airline industry. In line with AFRAA’s collaboration with TIACA, AFRAA made interventions in the TIACA Regional Symposium – Africa taking place from 19-21 June 2023 in Nairobi – Kenya.

AFRAA Director Government, Legal & Industry Affairs – Raphael Kuuchi, made a speech on behalf of the Secretary General and a presentation on AFRAA’s vision for African aviation which included focus areas on air cargo.  The event was officiated by Hon Kipchumba Murkomen – the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of  Roads, Transport and Public Works of the Republic of Kenya.

Under the MoU, AFRAA and TIACA have committed to jointly work to develop cargo workforce capacity, advocate for market access and infrastructure development and facilitate cargo shipment as well as exchange cargo data. AFRAA looks forward to fruitful outcomes of this symposium that will give further impetus and clarity on the specific actions to be jointly pursued to develop cargo business in Africa.

AFRAA’s call to action made at the event hinged on the following:

1. Airlines to do more through collaboration and partnerships to increase their cargo market share, which today is very small.
2. Governments and airport authorities to build more cargo warehousing and allied capacity to support the anticipated growth in cargo in a SAATM and AfCFTA environment.
3. Governments to do more to facilitate cargo movement by eliminating excessive bureaucracies and harmonizing customs regulations to make air shipment efficient and competitive.

Dreieich, 7^th June 2023. Leading airline distribution provider, Hahn Air, is creating an innovation node for companies looking to advance their innovative projects. Under the name Innovation at Hahn Air, the Research & Development Department led by Executive VP Mathieu Montmessin, is inviting startups and industry players to pitch their ideas, build a proof of concept (POC) or jointly develop innovation concepts.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Hahn Air Research & Development Department has been exploring trends, analysing new technologies and generating new revenue streams for the Hahn Air product portfolio. Innovation at Hahn Air will make the team’s expertise available to companies working on unique ideas and out-of-the-box solutions that potentially have an impact on the travel industry.

“Innovation is all about team-work, creativity and courage”, says Mathieu Montmessin. “We are therefore introducing Innovation at Hahn Air for potential partners that are interested in gaining knowledge, advancing their business and driving innovation. Innovation at Hahn Air will support with domain knowledge and a wealth of expertise gained from various proof-of-concept projects. Working together, we hope to make significant impacts for our partners and ultimately advance innovation projects for the travel industry.“

Among the current projects of the Hahn Air Research & Development Department are:

• Blockchain: Hahn Air is exploring the world of blockchain technology by partnering with Chain4Travel as a node validator.
• NFT: By working closely with TravelX, Hahn Air is building a POC to understand the value and capabilities of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) as a distribution model for airlines.
• Artificial Intelligence: Hahn Air’s AI-chatbot on Facebook Messenger is leveraging natural language processing (NLP) to enhance interaction with travel agents and passengers.
• Big Data: To assist in Hahn Air’s decision-making and forecasting processes, the company is using machine learning models and leveraging a variety of data sources, including human mobility, prices, timetables and events.
• Travel Distribution: Hahn Air is working closely with deep tech game changer biztribution to prepare for upcoming change and disruption in the industry’s distribution ecosystem.

The team is also looking into the potential of loyalty programmes with unlimited transferability by collecting and converting cryptocurrencies. More information about Innovation at Hahn Air can be found at www.hahnair.com/innovation.

About Hahn Air

Hahn Air is a German scheduled and executive charter airline.  Since 1999 it offers indirect distribution services to other airlines and thus provides ticketing solutions to 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets.  With more than 20 years of experience, the company has established itself as the market leader. Today, Hahn Air’s partner network encompasses more than 350 partner airlines.

Hahn Air offers its distribution services exclusively to transportation companies and ticketing solutions to travel agents only.  However, travellers benefit as well as they are able to choose from more carriers, more routes and more destinations.  Every year millions of passengers travel between 4,000 locations using Hahn Air’s HR-169 tickets. It is the first and only airline worldwide that offers free and comprehensive reimbursement in case of insolvency of the operating carrier. Hahn Air is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and a globally connected stakeholder playing a leading role in the airline industry.

Hahn Air is 100% owned by the Hahn Air Group, an international corporation based in Dreieich near Frankfurt, Germany.  The fleet of Hahn Air Lines operates out of the airports Dusseldorf and Frankfurt Egelsbach.  The Group has offices around the world, including Minneapolis, Montevideo, Casablanca, New Delhi, Manila and Johannesburg.

Press Contact

Andrea Müller
Corporate Communications Manager
Hahn Air Lines GmbH
Tel: +49-6103-7331-421
E-Mail: a.mueller@hahnair.com
www.hahnair.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hahn-air/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HahnAir
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hahn_Air

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE 54^th AFRAA ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 11 – 13 DECEMBER 2022

EXCERPT ON ENVIRONMENT

AVIATION NET ZERO CARBON EMISSION BY 2050            RES AGA 54/10    

Recognizing the need for a sustainable aviation industry and the edge to develop a Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) to address the global challenge of climate change;

Noting that aviation plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of people to sustainably explore, learn, trade, appreciate cultures, and connect with other people around the world;

Conscious that African airlines’ current operations and emission levels are the lowest of all the world regions and that only about 10% of its population travel by air;

Aware that the potential for African airlines to grow in a SAATM and AfCFTA environment is enormous, and this should not be constraint by emission caps but instead supported by the global aviation community to realise the air connectivity required for Africa’s economic development;

Admitting that attaining net zero emissions by 2050 is an existential necessity and that the African aviation industry is progressively contributing its part to global emission goals but rightly demands the latitude to continue to accommodate the growing demand for air travel;

Knowing that a key enabler to net zero emission is the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and that this will stabilise international emissions at 85% of 2019 levels in the short-to-medium term, however, this may constraint African aviation’s ability to realise its full potential considering the lower level of current operations;

Appreciating the bold decisions made by the 77^th IATA AGM and the 41^st ICAO Assembly towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050;

The 54th AFRAA AGA Resolve to:

1. Call on the governments of African Union Member States to commit to long-term net zero emission goals aligned to the Decision of the 41^st ICAO Assembly and the Paris Agreement goal for global warming not to exceed 1.5 degrees Celcius without compromising the aviation growth potential in Africa:
2. Encourage all AFRAA member airlines to continue improving their operations’ efficiency to achieve sustained in-sector emissions reductions and to support the transition to reliable, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
3. Direct AFRAA to mobilise resources to assist airlines through capacity building and knowledge sharing on Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), and Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG) for net zero carbon emission by 2050.
4. Urge all industry stakeholders to commit to addressing the environmental impact of their policies, products, and activities with concrete actions and clear timelines, specifically including:

• Fuel-producing companies providing large scale, cost-competitive sustainable aviation fuels to the market;
• Governments and air navigation service providers eliminating inefficiencies in air traffic management and airspace infrastructure;
• Aircraft and engine manufacturers producing more efficient airframe and propulsion technologies; and
• Airport operators providing the needed infrastructure to supply SAF in a cost-effective manner, not exceeding existing infrastructure costs.

The Excerpt can be downloaded from this link: https://www.afraa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AFRAA-AGA54-Resolutions-Excerpt-on-Environmnt-RES-AGA-54-10.pdf 

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 50 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.