The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) > AFRAA
Posted on:

Air Botswana Resumes Scheduled Operations

The Air Botswana Board, Management and Staff are pleased to announce the re-introduction of the airline’s scheduled domestic operations effective July 17, 2020. This resumption is subject to health and safety protocols and the new ways of working. The Airline shall gradually increase frequency of operations on the basis of demand and reinstate regional operations as soon as current travel restrictions are lifted.

“This is an exciting development, one that we have been eagerly awaiting! We are looking forward to resuming operations and embracing our new ways of working. As we gradually reintroduce operations, we will continually explore other possible recovery strategies that address the commercial viability and business sustainability of the national airline, without compromising the health and safety of both staff and customers. Following the suspension of operations towards the end of March, Air Botswana has been waiting for an opportunity to reunite its valued customers with their loved ones, their businesses and nature,” said the General Manager, Ms. Agnes T. Khunwana.

Air Botswana has a commendable record of the highest safety and operational standards and as such, safety remains at the heart of the business. “After the great set-back we have suffered as an industry, we are counting on our customers to support us through this difficult period in the history of aviation. We will incorporate all industry best practices and national regulations in the fight against COVID-19.” stated Ms. Khunwana.

The Airline extends its heartfelt gratitude to customers, staff and the public for their immense support and understanding during these difficult times. The public is further encouraged to take advantage of the efficient point-to-point air travel services, that are conducted under strict protocols and regularly supervised by capable entities, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) and Port Health officials.

In furtherance of the fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Botswana has put in place contactless booking and ticketing mechanisms through its online booking and ticketing platform (https://www.airbotswana.co.bw/) and we encourage our patrons to take advantage of the same. Customers may also call the Air Botswana Call Centre (+267 3680900/3688550) for remote assistance with their travel arrangements.

We once again count on the travelling public’s patronage of the national Airline and urge all to stay safe and obey health protocols as issued by public health authorities from time to time. Thank you.

Source: Air Botswana

Posted on:

Press Release: AFRAA intensifies efforts for financial support to African airlines from adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic

As part of intensified efforts and initiatives for financial support to its members from the adverse impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) staged a webinar on the theme: “Financial support to the African airline industry in the context of COVID-19 pandemic impacts.”

The webinar, which took place on 04 June 2020, was held in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The webinar is a follow up to a survey done by AFRAA and UNECA to quantify the indebtedness of African airlines from COVID-19 impacts which forms basis for campaigns for the much-needed financial support.

During this important webinar, Afreximbank sensitized African airlines on existing opportunities under the bank’s Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA) designed to assist member countries in managing the adverse impacts of financial and economic shocks caused by COVID-19 pandemic. African airlines had a unique platform to discuss requirements and modalities for engagement with Afreximbank with a focus on immediate requirements.

AFRAA’s Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “The impact of the pandemic on the airline industry is severe and unprecedented. Immediate cash injection is needed to avoid insolvency or bankruptcy of African airlines that are expected to lose US$ 8.1bn in revenues for the year 2020.”

Among other actions that form part of the African High Level Task Force recommendations to African governments, AFRAA has proposed the setting up of an aviation sectorial COVID-19 recovery fund for the support of the airline industry.

“We will continue to seek more avenues for support to the industry from development finance institutions, country development partners and international donors as we navigate through these tough times.” Mr Berthe added.

The webinar concluded with a call for the development of a standard framework that could be adopted by all financial institutions and donors for application on airlines seeking financial assistance.

Posted on:

Press Release: AFRAA releases COVID 19 Impact Assessment on African Airlines

Nairobi, Kenya – 02 June 2020: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has released a new analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the airline industry in Africa which reveals an estimated revenue loss of USD 8.103 billion for African airlines for the year 2020. The analysis is the first in a series of studies that will be published by the Association examining the toll of the pandemic on Africa’s air transport sector.

The impact assessment analysis further shows a 90.3% year on year passenger traffic reduction for the month of May; recovery is expected to start from Q3 2020 with domestic operations, followed by regional and intercontinental flights.

On cargo operations, there is currently a shortage of cargo capacity in Africa due to needs for carriage of medical equipment and essential goods. In the wake of this lack of capacity and rising prices, AFRAA is assisting its members to adapt in a bid to keep supply chains operational.

The evolution of the number of COVID-19 cases indicates that the most impacted countries in Africa are South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Ghana, each with a total of more than 5,000 cases of infection. While the rate of infections in other continents is beginning to ease off, in Africa the rate of infections are still on the rise. However, the recovery rate in Africa is higher, with an average death rate of 9% compared to the global rate of 19%.

Setting ground for the survival and recovery of the air transport industry

AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “The availability of liquidity is the main issue to be addressed for airlines to survive and restart their operations. Without it, airlines can simply not survive this pandemic long enough to restart their operations. AFRAA urges African governments to consider a bailout and stimulus package that compensates for the significant losses, reduces the burden of ongoing operating costs, and subsidizes the industry’s survival and recovery.”

“We also call upon international financial institutions and development partners to support Airlines with facilities that can help ensure the availability of much-needed credit and liquidity,” Mr. Berthe added.

“There is also the need to ensure passenger confidence to resume air travel. Communication with passengers on the health and safety measures in place is crucial to reassure them of a safe and sterile travel experience with appropriate measures in place,” Mr Berthé added.

AFRAA’s recovery plan and High Level Task Force for the rebound of the Airline industry

Since the onset of the crisis, AFRAA whose mission is to serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry has taken various initiatives to ensure the sector’s resilience to the pandemic and for post recovery efforts. Key among these initiatives is the AFRAA recovery plan that defines a framework of various areas of intervention measures to be taken as part of urgent, immediate, and consistent actions for the survival and rebound of the industry.

AFRAA is also working closely with leading aviation industry organizations under the framework of the High Level Task Force that is undertaking various actions to ensure that the African civil aviation industry is well positioned on a strong trajectory for recovery during and post COVID-19.

To access the Impact Assessment, please click here: http://afraa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/CoVID-19-Impact-assessment.pdf

To access the Press Release, please click here: http://afraa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AFRAA-releases-COVID-19-impact-assessment-on-Africa.pdf

Posted on:

L’AFRAA élabore un plan de relance COVID-19 pour l’industrie du transport aérien en Afrique

En soutien à ses membres dans ces circonstances exceptionnelles de la pandémie COVID-19, l’AFRAA a organisé un webinaire dans le cadre des actions urgentes, immédiates et cohérentes visant la survie de l’industrie. Le webinaire, qui avait pour thème « Naviguer en pleine pandémie COVID-19 et se préparer à la reprise d’après-crise », a permis à l’AFRAA de documenter les précieuses contributions des compagnies aériennes qui font partie du plan de reprise de l’AFRAA pour la relance de l’industrie aérienne.

Le Secrétaire général de l’AFRAA, M. Abderahmane Berthe, a déclaré : « Le monde subit les effets néfastes de la pandémie du Coronavirus (COVID-19) et l’industrie aéronautique se trouve être l’un des secteurs les plus touchés. L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines est solidaire avec le reste du monde dans ses efforts de collaboration visant à soutenir l’industrie du transport aérien en ces temps difficiles. »

Il a ajouté que pour que les économies africaines se redressent, une industrie aéronautique dynamique s’avère cruciale au regard du rôle important que joue le secteur en matière de développement économique et social.
Un certain nombre d’experts en la matière ont fait des présentations sur la manière dont les compagnies aériennes africaines peuvent créer et mettre en œuvre leurs plans de relance dans des domaines tels que le repositionnement de la flotte et du réseau, les questions de financement et de trésorerie, les tendances en matière de carburant et les mesures d’efficacité énergétique, entre autres.

Depuis le début de la crise, l’AFRAA a pris diverses initiatives à ce jour et travaille en étroite collaboration avec les principaux partenaires et institutions du transport aérien afin de trouver des solutions pratiques pour assurer la résilience du secteur à la pandémie et pour entreprendre les efforts de rétablissement après la crise.

En collaboration avec la Commission Economique des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique (UNECA), l’AFRAA mène actuellement une enquête pour quantifier l’impact du COVID-19 sur les compagnies aériennes africaines. Les résultats feront partie des contributions aux efforts de lobbying de l’AFRAA visant à obtenir un soutien financier de la part des gouvernements aux compagnies aériennes africaines.

Les compagnies aériennes et les parties prenantes au webinaire ont souligné la nécessité de mener des efforts coordonnés et d’avoir une approche collaborative pour assurer la durabilité du secteur du transport aérien dont les opérations ont été gravement touchées par la pandémie. Le webinaire s’est achevé avec l’élaboration d’un plan de relance qui a défini un cadre d’actions devant être menées par l’AFRAA en collaboration avec les différentes parties prenantes.

AFRAA
L’Association des compagnies aériennes africaines, également connue sous l’acronyme AFRAA, est une association professionnelle de compagnies aériennes des États membres de l’Union africaine (UA). Fondée à Accra (Ghana) en avril 1968 et ayant son siège à Nairobi (Kenya), l’AFRAA a pour mission de promouvoir et servir les compagnies aériennes africaines ainsi que de défendre les intérêts du secteur de l’aviation en Afrique. L’Association envisage l’existence d’un secteur du transport aérien viable, interconnecté et abordable en Afrique où les compagnies aériennes africaines deviennent les principaux acteurs et moteurs du développement économique.

Les 45 compagnies aériennes membres de l’AFRAA proviennent de l’ensemble du continent et englobent tous les principaux opérateurs intercontinentaux africains. Les membres de l’Association représentent plus de 85% du trafic international total transporté par les compagnies aériennes africaines.

Posted on:

Press Release: AFRAA develops a COVID-19 recovery plan for the African airline industry

Nairobi, Kenya- AFRAA, in support to its members during these exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic, has staged a webinar as part of urgent, immediate and consistent actions for the survival of the industry. The webinar which was held under the theme: “navigating COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for recovery post-crisis” provided a platform for AFRAA to document valuable inputs from airlines that forms part of AFRAA’s recovery plan for the rebound of the Airline industry.

AFRAA’s Secretary General, Mr. Abderahmane Berthe stated: “The world is experiencing the adverse impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the aviation industry is amongst the worst impacted. The African Airlines Association is in solidarity with the rest of the world in collaborative efforts to support the airline industry during these difficult times.”

He added that for African economies to recover, a vibrant aviation industry will be critical given the sector’s significant role in economic and social development.
A number of subject matter experts made presentations on how African airlines can create and implement their recovery plans on areas such as: fleet and network repositioning, finance and cash flow issues, fuel trends and fuel efficiency measures among others. A recovery plan that outlines a framework of actions to be taken by AFRAA and other stakeholders was one of the key outcomes of the session.

Since the onset of the crisis, AFRAA has taken various initiatives to date and is working closely with key air transport institutions and partners to find workable solutions to ensure the sector’s resilience to the pandemic and for post recovery efforts.

In collaboration with the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), AFRAA is currently conducting a survey to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on African Airlines, the results will be part of the inputs for AFRAA’s lobbying efforts for financial support from governments to Airlines.

Airlines and stakeholders at the webinar stressed the need for coordinated efforts and a collaborative approach to ensure the sustainability of the airline industry whose operations has been greatly affected by the pandemic. The webinar concluded with a recovery plan that outlined a framework of actions to be taken by AFRAA in collaboration with various stakeholders.

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 45 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.

Posted on:

AFRAA joins the 3rd meeting on implementation of SAATM

AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, joined key #aviationindustry stakeholders at the 3rd meeting on implementation of the joint prioritized action plan for the operationalisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in Dakar, at the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) headquarters, to discuss the progress and challenges of opening African skies.

Mr. Berthé, pointed out that the African #aviation is a fast-growing sector and industrialization will not only transform commodities and trade products but also strengthen connectivity within Africa.

Posted on:

Routes and AFRAA sign agreement to help drive growth for the Africa aviation market

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Routes have signed their first formal agreement in history. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sees AFRAA, the leading trade Association for African airlines and Routes, the organiser of the leading route development events for the industry, work together to stimulate new air services and champion the African aviation industry.

Projections have indicated that, within the next 20 years, the African continent will be one of the fastest-growing aviation markets – accounting for 334 million passengers by 2037. Under this partnership which demonstrates the growing importance of African aviation industry, AFRAA and Routes will work jointly on sharing of data and analytics, promotion of key issues that are affecting airlines and airports within Africa, access to media opportunities among other mutually beneficial actions.

“This MoU is beneficial to support the development of aviation in Africa which is growing at above global average rates but accounts for less than 3% of global traffic. Strong partnerships among industry stakeholders are instrumental to the realisation of African aviation’s potential which will result in economic and social benefits for the continent.” said Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General. Berthé added: “Among our new strategic objectives is to become a hub for data intelligence and expertise on the African Aviation Industry. African airlines have to keep up with the developments through proper information management and data intelligence. We count on the data and analytics support from this partnership to back this objective.”

Mr. Steven Small, brand director for Routes, said: “We are delighted to have established a formalised agreement with AFRAA, following many years of working closely together. The synergies in values between our organisations, regarding driving a sustainable air transport industry for the African region, makes this a powerful partnership that we are excited to develop.” Small added; “For over a decade, Routes has recognised the importance of enhancing intra-Africa connectivity. We are delighted that senior leaders from AFRAA will
continue to support and join us at our future events.”

Address

AFRAA Building, Red Cross Road, off Popo Road which is Off Mombasa Road in South C.
P. O. Box 20116, Nairobi ,00200 Kenya

Call Us

+254-20-2320144 +254-20-2320148

Send us an email

afraa@afraa.org

Mission: To promote, serve African airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.

Links

Newsletter Signup

Socials

Copyright © 2024 | African Airline Association | All Rights Reserved.
X
Add to cart