Air Transport in Africa Outlook - 2024

[rwandan-flyer]

Welcome to the eighth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Dr. James Pearson, Analyst at Simple Flying.

Together, we discuss:

Norse Atlantic Airways, a new carrier for Africa, is launching a three times a week operation from Gatwick in London to Cape Town International. Jon recently interviewed Norse, so if you want to hear more listen here


EasyJet's expansion into Cape Verde. Could this move be the start of a trend of major European low-cost carriers expanding into sub-Saharan markets?


Ethiopian Airlines' launch of the Warsaw route using the Boeing 737 MAX indicates their expansion into secondary markets in Europe. This strategy allows them to tap into niche markets and connect with their hub in Addis Ababa.


ASKY Airlines has made schedule changes to improve the utility of their aircraft and enhance their economics. They have swapped some of their routing and are focusing on maximizing connectivity through their hub in Lomé, Togo.


Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi was attributed to paperwork issues or delays in obtaining the operating permit. The success of this route remains uncertain, given the competition from other airlines serving the Nairobi market.

The impact of political instability and restricted airspace which continue to pose challenges for airlines operating in Africa.

RUMOUR MILL

Emirates return to Nigeria (this has since been confirmed)

Air Asia's plans for Africa

Uganda Airlines proposed Boeing order and Abu Dhabi route

Air Peace looking at Abuja-London

Air Canada looking at African markets

South African Airways flights to Thailand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzQTn6B ... el=AviaDev

[Homo Aeroportus]

As mentioned earlier this year by member Rwandan-flyer and here https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/qata ... -of-congo/

The inaugural flight from Doha to Kinshasa landed at N’djili International Airport on Saturday, 1 June 2024, bringing the total number of African destinations served by the airline to 29.
https://www.qatarairways.com/en-WW/2380 ... -the-congo

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “At Qatar Airways, we recognise the immense potential in Africa.
The four weekly services will also increase capacity to Angola, raising the number of flights to Luanda from one to four. The addition of Kinshasa also complements the airline's over 170 weekly flights across Africa. There has been a strong growth in the market with nine new destinations operated by Qatar Airways in Africa since December 2020. Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt are the African cities newly added to the extensive Qatar Airways network.

Flight schedule to Kinshasa:

Every Monday and Saturday (all local time):
Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) – Flight No. QR1491
Departure from (DOH) 02:45 – Arrival at (FIH) 08:10

Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) – Flight No. QR1491 via Luanda (LAD):
Departure from (FIH) 09:40 – Arrival at (DOH) 22:50


Every Thursday and Friday (all local time):
Doha (DOH) to Kinshasa (FIH) - Flight No. QR1489 via Luanda (LAD):
Departure from (DOH) 09:20 –Arrival at (FIH) 18:25

Kinshasa (FIH) to Doha (DOH) - Flight No. QR1489
Departure from (FIH) 19:55 – Arrival at (DOH) 05:45+1

H.A.

[rwandan-flyer]

New route:

Egyptair will start to serve Somalia and Djibouti from July 2024 (https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240605-msjul24jibmgq). Interesting. Somalia gets more and more air link outside Africa with FlyDubai, Tutkish Airlines, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways.

About JIB, this is not good news for Air France which operates 1 flight per week. , Ethiopian, Qatar Airways and FlyDubai (with Emirates codeshare) fly to JIB, Saudia was also supposed to fly to JIB last year. Kenya Airways appears to have suspended its route during covid.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240605-msjul24jibmgq

Air France-KLM Group downgrades stake in KQ


Air France-KLM Group has downgraded its investment in Kenya Airways to a “financial asset” that could be sold any time when the need arises.

“The Group’s stake in Kenya Airways Ltd is 7.76 percent as at December 31, 2023,” it said in its 2023 annual report.

https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/bu ... kq-4643224

[rwandan-flyer]

One week after Qatar Airways started flights to DR Congo, Emirates strikes back. Madagascar will be the next destination in Africa for Emirates. Another strong competitor after Ethiopian (from Marseille nd Paris) and Turkish (from Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg, Basel Mulhouse) for Air France on one of its hugest market in Africa. EK provides also flights from, Paris, Nice and Lyon in France.


Flights start in early September 2024, 4 flights per week via The Seychelles https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/e ... eychelles/

And some people think that there is no market in Africa.

[rwandan-flyer]

Exotic cargo route coming? Air Atlanta Icelandic has made a request for a regular cargo flight between Iceland and Johannesburg taged with Lusaka in Zambia (flights btw LUN and JNB will be operated by STABO which has made a request) one flight per week

Note that Fedex has added a new list of aircraft (only B777Fs) for its line to Nairobi and Johannesburg (opened in 2022) from Memphis via Dubai and Milan (in my opinion this is also a renewal license.) But sometimes it's a plane that arrives from the USA with a stop at Paris and flies to Dubai and then to Africa. It is one of the rare FedEx aircraft that leaves CDG late in the morning on Saturdays. I can see it during my breaks

Verdict by June 28, 2024 https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/in ... t-comments






While the airline is experiencing problems with its 787s (maintenance problems on the engines). A 787 has been stuck in Malaysia for several months, after one was stuck for months in China. https://www.nst.com.my/business/corpora ... ember-2023

The company launched a cargo flight to Honk Kong in a B767F https://www.logupdateafrica.com/air-car ... ng-1352303

And it seems that the company wants to land in South Africa again. She had to stop her flights a few years ago due to a dispute with a farmer for whom Tanzania did not pay her compensation https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49460873

5 flights per week to Johannesburg. We will have to wait until April 25, 2025 at the latest for the verdict. https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/in ... r-tanzania




The airline based in Libreville and which mainly operates the ATR 72 600, but has also leased a CRJ 700 from CemAir wishes to serve Johannesburg from Libreville using an Airbus A320 ZS-GAS. Not very young, but the South Africans (African Charter Airlines, CemAir, Globus Aviation) are enjoying great success in terms of leasing and subcontracted flights in Africa: Somalia, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Zambia, etc.

Verdict by July 3, 2024 https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/in ... ts-invited

[url=https://servimg.com/view/11287103/2789][ /url]

[rwandan-flyer]

Air France will start flights to Kilimanjaro via Zanzibar. But AF will drop its route to Dar Es Salaam. AF resumed its route to Dar Es Salaam last year, 29 years after they close the route.

Winter 2024-2025: Air France will connect Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

3 flights per week operated by Airbus A350-900 from November 18, 2024, continuing from Zanzibar

Air France continues to diversify its long-haul network. After announcing the first new features of its 2024-2025 winter program, the company is today unveiling an additional destination in East Africa.



On November 18, 2024, the company will inaugurate a new route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), continuing from Zanzibar (also in Tanzania). This connection will be operated 3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays by Airbus A350-900 offering 34 seats in the Business cabin, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy.



This circular Paris – Zanzibar – Kilimanjaro connection will replace the Paris – Zanzibar – Dar Es Salam connection previously provided by Air France. Dar Es Salam will continue to be accessible via Amsterdam, the Tanzanian capital being served by KLM 7 times per week (continuing from Kilimanjaro 5 times per week, and continuing from Zanzibar 2 flights per week). The coordination of the flight schedules of the two companies allows their customers to benefit from a wider choice of days and times of operation.

https://www-tourhebdo-com.translate.goo ... r_pto=wapp

[sn26567]

Air France will start flights to Kilimanjaro via Zanzibar. But AF will drop its route to Dar Es Salaam. AF resumed its route to Dar Es Salaam last year, 29 years after they close the route.

Winter 2024-2025: Air France will connect Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

3 flights per week operated by Airbus A350-900 from November 18, 2024, continuing from Zanzibar

Air France continues to diversify its long-haul network. After announcing the first new features of its 2024-2025 winter program, the company is today unveiling an additional destination in East Africa.

On November 18, 2024, the company will inaugurate a new route from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), continuing from Zanzibar (also in Tanzania). This connection will be operated 3 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays by Airbus A350-900 offering 34 seats in the Business cabin, 24 in Premium Economy and 266 in Economy.

This circular Paris – Zanzibar – Kilimanjaro connection will replace the Paris – Zanzibar – Dar Es Salam connection previously provided by Air France. Dar Es Salam will continue to be accessible via Amsterdam, the Tanzanian capital being served by KLM 7 times per week (continuing from Kilimanjaro 5 times per week, and continuing from Zanzibar 2 flights per week). The coordination of the flight schedules of the two companies allows their customers to benefit from a wider choice of days and times of operation.

https://www-tourhebdo-com.translate.goo ... r_pto=wapp

We also published the news on our homepage:

https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/air- ... nounces-n/

[rwandan-flyer]

Air Asia X will start Kuala Lumpur Nairobi route from 15 Nov24, using an A330-300, 4 times a week https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240623-d7nw24nbo

[rwandan-flyer]

Air Asia X will start Kuala Lumpur Nairobi route from 15 Nov24, using an A330-300, 4 times a week https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240623-d7nw24nbo

The airline seems to want to focus on East Africa: Mombasa, Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam and Entebbe (too bad not Kigali, but the demand in Asia and Oceania is still too low) could be added.

The airline also hopes to obtain traffic rights to operate intra-African routes in East Africa. So tag service such as Kuala Lumpur Nairobi Entebbe .

Some of these routes would be operated A321XLR and route openings will depend on the delivery schedule. The airline wants to tap into the market between Africa and Asia/Oceania (China, Central Asia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia to name few).

The airline aims to carry 156 000 pax between Nairobi and Kuala Lumpur.

https://simpleflying.com/airasia-x-targ ... tinations/

[rwandan-flyer]

It seems that Singapore Airlines has made a request to South African civil aviation to serve Durban in an A350-900. The airliney currently serves Johannesburg (once a day) and Cape Town (once a day): SIN-JNB-CPT-JNB-SIN https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/in ... -license-3

Singapore Airlines is one of the rare Asian airlines with Air China to resist against Middle Eastern airlines (Saudia, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways), Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian on the Asia-South Africa market. I'm not putting Qantas because I don't know if the airlines attracts a lot of Asian traffic via Sydney. I think it's mainly coming from Australia and New Zealand to South Africa with few connections to Southern Africa with Airlink (interline https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/partners). I am thinking about of Zimbabwe (served by Qantas till 2000s). South African Airways canceled its code share with Qantas in February 2024 https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/qantas- ... nance.html


Jet Airways did not last long on the Johannesburg Mumbai route: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jet ... 033609.cms

Malaysia Airlines closed its Kuala Lumpur Johannesburg Buenos Aires & KUL- Cape Town - Buenos Aires routes in 2012, after more than 20 years of service https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/i ... sa-1210994

Thai Airways closed its route to Johannesburg in 2015 https://www.google.com/search?q=thai+ai ... s-wiz-serp


Cathay did not relaunch its route to Cape Town after Covid.

https://www.gov.za/documents/notices/in ... -license-3

[Homo Aeroportus]

No juice at GABS/BKO.

On 08JUL, the DG of the National Civil Aviation Agency at Bamako has informed ASECNA :
"Given the stock level, I invite you to issue a NOTAM on the non-availability of Jet A1 between 09JUL 00:01 and 14JUL 23:59 ...."

Check fuel sufficient for flight

Notam issued almost immediately.

A0811/24 NOTAMR A0802/24
Q) GOOO/QFUAU/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1232N00757W005
A) GABS B) 2407091129 C) 2407152359
E) FUEL JET A1 NOT AVAILABLE

H.A.

[rwandan-flyer]

Uganda Airways has teased the announcement of new destinations on July 17, with the main aim of boosting its Entebbe hub.

The bets are open. Below is a list of destinations that have been returning regularly for several months.

For 2023

London Gatwick? Point to point: 11,248. Demand is higher at Heathrow (68,680), but the airline did not obtain slots. They have also lost a lot of time because Uganda had received a stop from the English authorities. Uganda has failed to meet British safety and security requirements for its civil aviation

Guangzhou? Point to point: 25,522

Harare (Zimbabwe)? Point to point: 9,149

Lusaka (Zambia)? Point to point: 14,146

Kigali (Rwanda)? Point to point: 42,468. The previous Uganda Airlines (1976-2001) ceased its flights to Kigali in 2001, following its bankruptcy.

It seems it could be Harare and Lusaka

[rwandan-flyer]

No podcast last month, but he's back this month. Interesting topics.

Particularly on the strategy of the 3 large European groups on Africa. Our two speakers say that Air France and Lufthansa have a different strategy, but clearly offensive in Africa.

The Lufthansa group will enable to its subsidiaries to operate some routes in Africa without the presence of Lufthansa: Brussels Airlines, Swiss for VFR/Business routes, Edelweiss Air and Discovery Airlines for premium leisure routes

Air France, which closed Joon, prefers to send its own planes and share with KLM.

IAG well....they are missing. We hardly see them in economic or aviation conferences in Africa like Aviadev, Africa CEO, African Aviation Summit, Air Finance Africa, African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General Assembly (AGA),....To tell the truth Africa does not interest them at all. British Airways operates in Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria. A speaker says he has talked with BA officials, they have a very colonial vision (a bit like AF before the arrival of Ben Smith). We mainly serve our ex colonies (at least the biggest markets). We are not really interested by the rest of Africa.

And some people there wanted to see Brussels Airlines into IAG....

nteresting discussions on Air Asia about Kenya. A point-to-point market of more than 200,000 passengers per year (Air Asia network via Kuala Lumpur), but too much competition. Our speakers are not confident, especially since one discussed (furthermore the moderator of the discussion will have an interview with an Air Asia manager) with company officials. They are not really aiming to play on demand, but rather to stimulate it.

interesting (and sometimes a little bit heated) debates about Air Cote d'Ivoire and Air Canada in West Africa (visa and connecting in North America for Africans) and Uganda Airlines.

For Uganda Airlines it is above all a question of the illogical development of its fleet. The leased A320 cannot fly to South Africa for administrative reasons. A non-South African company that rents an aircraft registered in South Africa must make a specific request to carry out regular flights to South Africa. The order for 737Max, A320Neo and 787. Too many different aircraft for a small fleet, combined with long delivery times.

Good listening

The AviaDev Africa Connectivity podcast returns this July after a break last month for the conference in Windhoek, and boy do we have quite a show for you! :the stewpot:

Join Jon Howell, Behramjee and myself as we take no prisoners (ok, it's mainly BG and myself - Jon is always the diplomat) while discussing the latest African aviation news and itineraries.

• Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi - are they delusional to think that over 1,300 weekly seats each way will work in a market that had barely 9,000 passengers last year?
• Air France to Kilimanjaro - how Africa is increasingly becoming an attractive seasonal destination for European carriers wishing to deploy widebody reserve capacity.
• flyNamibia to Maun - does it make sense to base your expansion strategy on “import” tourists rather than your domestic market?
• Emirates to Madagascar via Seychelles - a rare and easy fruit to pick with a purely utility flight.
• Ethiopian adds Rome to 'third shore', takes Gatwick to daily changes and more European routes for winter.
• Uganda Airlines - how bad can a government mess up the running of a national airline? Well, that might be the answer!
• Etihad to Nairobi - how on earth can such a major airline mess up the launch of a route this badly and then pretend it never happened?
• Emirates will finally restart Lagos in October 2024! I can finally put this monthly topic to bed

All this and much more in an exceptional episode of over 90 minutes. We'll probably ruin your productivity for the day, but you'll leave both entertained and enlightened. :sun:

Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast network. We are everywhere!

https://youtu.be/unLFLTLmyEQ?si=3IViZKLL6eYhxRdM

Rumor mill:
Etihad launch postponed in Nairobi
Uganda Airlines to launch Gatwick
Rumored plane order from Uganda Airlines
Singapore Airlines applies for Durban
The potential of Air Canada in West Africa
Emirates announces date to restart Lagos

[Homo Aeroportus]

No juice at GABS/BKO.

On 08JUL, the DG of the National Civil Aviation Agency at Bamako has informed ASECNA :
"Given the stock level, I invite you to issue a NOTAM on the non-availability of Jet A1 between 09JUL 00:01 and 14JUL 23:59 ...."


IMG-20240709-WA0007.jpg

Check fuel sufficient for flight

Notam issued almost immediately.

A0811/24 NOTAMR A0802/24
Q) GOOO/QFUAU/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1232N00757W005
A) GABS B) 2407091129 C) 2407152359
E) FUEL JET A1 NOT AVAILABLE

H.A.

Situation is improving, ... somewhat :

A0835/24 NOTAMN
Q) GOOO/QFULT/IV/NBO/A/000/999/1232N00757W005
A) GABS B) 2407160001 C) 2407222359
E) LIMITATION OF REFUELLING FOR JET A1:
FOR REGULAR FLIGHTS: 20 000 LITERS.
FOR IRREGULARS FLIGHTS: 10 000 LITERS.

I suppose "irregular flights" means "non-scheduled flights"

H.A.

[rwandan-flyer]

Eritrea suspends Ethiopian Airlines flights, airline says https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/er ... 024-07-24/
-------------------------------

While Ethiopian Airlines will soon take delivery of its first A350-1000, ET has targeted future destinations. A short summary from Sean Mendis, who is often well-informed, who responded to an Ethiopian aviation fan on airliners.net.

Europe and North America are at the top of the list for long-haul. Montreal and Toronto (new route because already served by ETH) could be served via Abidjan for Montreal and Accra for Toronto. The company is eyeing Minneapolis. Not surprised because it is a destination that has a strong demand in Africa. Delta and Air France are rubbing their hands, like New York, Washington or Houston which also have a big demand with Africa.

The return to Amsterdam (line eliminated in the 2000s) and the arrival in Lisbon are conditional on a solution concerning the slots.

In Africa, Mozambique or the DR Congo could see new routes. Mauritius in the sights and Morocco? Increased flights on many routes in Africa. Either adding a 2nd daily flight or a 3rd daily flight depending on the destinations. Duplications with Asky to come in West Africa.

When he talks about the 3rd bank, he is talking about the 3rd wave of connections in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian airlines posted record profits for the financial year ended July 7. The CEO indicated that they would open 5 new routes during the current financial year. Speculation?

Dhaka, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Montreal and Minneapolis are probably their top 5 destinations for long-haul routes.

Dhaka is awaiting authorizations, otherwise it would have already been launched this summer via Karachi. It will happen sooner rather than later.

Amsterdam and Lisbon are slot issues.

Montreal is a bilateral issue. They would do it via Abidjan if all goes well. Otherwise, Toronto via Accra is another option they will accept if Canada is generous. CI and Ghana are both on board, but Canada is not. I am not holding my breath.

Minneapolis is a growing market in East Africa that can be done from existing banks. It only takes one GE-powered 787 to free up airspace elsewhere - currently there are two RR-powered 787s in long-term AOG due to engine supply chain issues - once that is sorted out they can free up airspace. I expect this to launch in time for S25 and will be a goldmine for connections to Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, etc.

The fundamentals of their growth this year will come from better utility of existing assets though. So more flights on the third bank. Top of that wish list is the third Nairobi, but Kenya is Kenya and is blocking it. They are also looking at other African routes where possible using the Max. Durban was to be one of the routes planned, but it has fallen out of favour with all opinions within the team. Other DRC destinations are likely if politics doesn’t intervene. And perhaps more Mozambique destinations with the same caveat. There is also the intention to expand into North Africa – I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Max to Casablanca at some point. Mauritius remains top of the wish list, but politics. Finally, they want to offer more direct services on the routes that ASKY provides to the long haul network, both to free up more yield capacity for ASKY and to provide a more competitive product. Expect to see possible routes like Monrovia, Bissau etc. in due course, similar to what they are currently doing with Freetown. https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtop ... &start=100

[rwandan-flyer]

A series of 4 articles about Air Senegal

1st part


Air Senegal: how to avoid a crash?

Why Air Senegal lost the trust of its customers and partners

In great financial difficulty, the Senegalese national company created in 2017 by Macky Sall makes a series of strategic errors, to the point of (sometimes) violating safety rules and putting its passengers in danger.


https://www-jeuneafrique-com.translate. ... r_pto=wapp

In addition to a large debt, security issues, late wages and resignations, Air Senegal owes money to service providers and lessors.

At the end of June 2024, the company almost saw its entire medium-haul fleet impounded : 2 Airbus A319s and 2 A321s. The lessor asked it to pay a bill of 8 million dollars before midnight. Finally, part of it was paid and the remaining 3,500,000 million will be staggered payments. However Air Senegal plans to buy its 4 Airbuses

The company is constantly under pressure on its fleet. Thus the airline leases aircraft, but its costs explode.

Jeune Afrique estimates that several hundred suppliers in Senegal or abroad are no longer paid or paid late. This ranges from catering to hotels to airports. Those who were paid have mostly broken the contracts with Air Senegal, or reduced services (Cabo Verde Airports). It owes 8 million USD to Air France Industries, 35 Million to 2 airport companies in Senegal.

With the suspension of flights to French Province (Lyon, Marseille) and Barcelona and cancelations, in January 2024 Air Senegal opearet 440 fewer flights, a 14% drop in the number of flights compared to January 2023. For March 2024, it fell below the 20% mark for fewer flights compared to March 2023.

About customers, between delays, cancellations, technical incidents, little or no financial compensation, they no longer really believe in Air Senegal. They gave a nickname: "Air, I don't care". In French « Air ça m’est égal » it sounds like Air Senegal.

[rwandan-flyer]

Now we just have to wait for the officialization of the agreement with RwandAir which was supposed to take place last month . Well, one month either way won't make any difference. because RwandAir has been saying for 2 years that there are still some details to settle.

QR therefore has a partnership to cover North and West Africa with Royal Air Maroc. East and Central Africa with RwandAir and therefore Southern Africa with Airlink

Interesting Airlink and RwandAir already have an interline agreement https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/partners and the daylight KGL JNB flight is operated in codeshare between RwandAir and Qatar Airways

21:10
WB109
Johannesburg (JNB)
RwandAir 737
Scheduled
21:10 QR6423
Johannesburg (JNB)
Qatar Airways 737

Qatar Airways Invests in Airlink to Boost African Network

20 August 2024, Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/qatar- ... 25pc-stake

[Homo Aeroportus]

....
Qatar Airways Invests in Airlink to Boost African Network

20 August 2024, Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent.

https://www.flyairlink.com/en/za/qatar- ... 25pc-stake

You beat me by 15 minutes

Reuters :
Qatar Airways to take 25% stake in South African carrier Airlink
August 20, 2024 2:05 PM GMT+2
DOHA, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Qatar Airways will take a 25% stake in South Africa-based regional carrier Airlink as both airlines seek to boost services and passenger numbers across Africa, they said on Tuesday

H.A.

[rwandan-flyer]

A good news for Brussels Airlines. An avgkee from Ghana has posted on A.net (see below the discussion that i had with him) that Air France will end its Accra Paris Cdg route from late October 2024. Loads are very low. The flight was previously operated via Ouagadougou, but Air France suspended this service last year.

https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtop ... #p24411057

Since 2022, Air France ended 4 routes served by Brussels Airlines....Despite tiny hub, SN does a good work. It's not easy to compete with Air France. The grass is not greener outside Brussels Airlines

Excellent analysis. Thanks!
A large network carrier with this many 2-4 times weekly frequency is an oddity for me, but perhaps I am not so well informed. Wonder if they still make money on those routes.

Turkish Airlines' 737MAX incursion into West/Central Africa (with ET following in their footsteps) suddenly looks to be quite a brilliant move to encourage more frequencies.

If anything, the business case for Asky just got better with the struggles AF faces. Wish KP all the best with their expansion plans!

https://newsghana.com.gh/air-france-set ... arket/?amp

Looks like AF is going to end ACC service. 3 weekly is not viable for a large network carrier with little O&D to and from CDG.

Will KL push for more ACC service as they seem to have a full plane every single time? I think even they are down to 6 weekly.

Sean will probably bring more informations, because he has worked for Africa World Airlines and he knows very well the Accra market (market share, yield,...) and has often some insiders news.

Maybe they will be a talk in the next AviaDev Insight Africa's Connectivity podcast with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially and his data about point to point market and the most popular destinations beyond CDG with AF

As article says, Accra was served via Ouagadougou (suspended by Air France) but i m quite surprised that Accra can't fill an A330-200. But don't forget also that in addition the Heathrow service, British Airways from London Gatwick (good for the point to point market) and ITA Airways from Rome (probably we will soon LH code on these flights) have started routes to Accra, while United Airlines have added more flights between Washington and Accra if i m right. More competition.

But yes Amsterdam Accra point to point is bigger than Paris Cdg Accra, probably Netherlands host a big Ghanian community and helped by the huge network from Amsterdam (KLM & Delta), KLM can send the B777-300ER almost every day.

Almost the same size than Accra Washington Accra

Amsterdam Accra : 38 896
Accra Amsterdam : 30 559

Almost the same size than Accra Nairobi Accra

Accra Paris Cdg : 17 978
Paris Cdg Accra : 16 936

It's however intersting to see Air France since 2022 (covid or not), they closed some routes to Africans English Speaking. Some of these routes lasted only 1 or 2 seasons:

Banjul, Dar Es Salaam (from Late Oct24), Monrovia, Freetown and soon Accra.

[rwandan-flyer]

297. AviaDev's September 2024 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis, Chief Regional Troublemaker and Lorne Philpot, aviation journalist https://aviadevinsight.libsyn.com/297-a ... journalist

Welcome to the eleventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are:

Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN

Lorne Philpot, Aviation Journalist CONNECT WITH LORNE

Key topics discussed:

South African Airways to launch Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam from November

Fastjet increasing Bulawayo frequencies

RwandAir ceasing their Cape Town connection

Ethiopian Airlines to open Monrovia, Liberia, and Port Sudan

Qantas to up gauge the Sydney-Johannesburg route to an A380

Brussels Airlines' fleet expansion and plans for Sub-Saharan Africa

Virgin Atlantic to launch daily Accra flights from May 2025

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