AviaDev Insight Africa

🌍 This episode was recorded 13th October, live and on location at the 52nd AASA AGA, in Hermanus, Western Cape. ✈️ The Safair fleet continues to expand and the airline recently secured the right to serve 11 regional destinations. Together, Kirby and I discussed: 🛫 The next steps. What needs to happen to make the regional routes a reality? 🤝 How airport and destination partners can support Safair to bring the airline to their destination ✈️ The fleet plans. Will Safari stick with the 737 family? 🤝how have the airline partnerships that were built during Covid supported the airline's growth trajectory? If you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, leave us a review and share it with someone in your network that you think will benefit

🌍 In this episode, we head to west Africa, specifically Togo to speak with a friend of AviaDev, Nowel Ngala, Commercial and Ground Operations director at ASKY Airlines, a private and profitable airline with a strategic partnership with Ethiopian airlines. In the podcast, we discuss: 🛫 Why now is the right time to start services to Sao Tome and Principe 💡 How has 2022 been overall? Has the recovery been above the expected level? ✈️ Fleet plans for the airline. Will ASKY keep a uniform fleet? 🔮 How ASKY views the competitive market in the region, specifically the anticipated launch of Nigeria Air? You can connect with Nowel here

🔮 Today we are taking a leap into the future as we attempt to understand the opportunity offered to African aviation from new technologies, specifically e-flight. At AviaDev in June 2022, the NACO team delivered a thought-provoking session on this topic, which can be viewed here Accompanying the podcast is a white paper on the subject, which can be downloaded here In the podcast, we discuss: 💡 What inspired the report and what it sets out to understand? 🌿 The sustainable technologies available currently ✈️ Why e-flight, rather than SAF or hydrogen power craft? 🛫 How close we are to commercialised electric flights? 🚧 What are some of the barriers holding back the implementation? 💰 How will we fund the infrastructure required at an airport level? 🌍 What sort of connectivity could this technology offer Africa? 💡 How do we make it a reality? Is it simply a mixture of collaboration and cash? CONNECT WITH CHRISTINE CONNECT WITH LINDO CONNECT WITH MARCEL

In this episode, we visit the beautiful country of Namibia to preview the upcoming Namibia Aviation and connectivity forum, which will take place November 16-18 in Windhoek. I am joined by the CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, Mr Bisey Uirab and Verengai Ruswa, the Project Lead for the event. In the episode, we cover: 🛫 The current aviation landscape in Namibia and the path to post-Covid recovery 🛫 What the new strategic partnership and equity investment in FlyNamibia by Airlink means for the country 🛫 How the airport company's strategy has evolved 🛫 Why now is the right time to host the aviation forum and what it aims to achieve? 🛫 The topics to be discussed and some of the speakers that will participate? 🛫 How the team will ensure the findings and results of the deliberations are actionable. 🛫 To find out more, you can visit the event website https://www.namibiaaviationforum.com/ Connect with Verengai here Follow the event on LinkedIn here

✈️ The 21st September 2022 marked the 10th anniversary of Africa World Airlines (AWA) 🌍 AWA is a domestic and regional airline operating a fleet of Embraer ERJ 145s from a base in Ghana. Sean Mendis was employee #1 at the airline. In this episode, Sean tells the full story of how the airline was conceived, structured and how it has become the success we know today. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand the complexity and difficulties of setting up an airline in Africa. To see the images, you can also watch the episode on youtube You can connect with Sean here

In this podcast, I am joined by Aaron Munetsi, CEO and Tatum Kok, Aviation Analyst from the Airlines Association of Southern Africa. In the podcast, we discuss: ✈️ Aaron's first 12 months at the helm of AASA ✈️ How to manage a group of stakeholders that are in constant co-opertition? ✈️ How AASA is engaging airlines from outside the region ✈️ The recovery of the industry. Are we on track and what more needs to be done to support? ✈️ The state of connectivity in the region and initiatives to open skies, borders and improve collaboration ✈️ The overall theme of the upcoming Annual General Assembly and what to expect The AGA will take place at the Arabella Hotel 13-16th October 2022. #myafricandream #aasa You can find out more about AASA by visiting the website www.aasa.za.net and following on LinkedIn and Twitter If you enjoyed this podcast, don't keep it to yourself. hit the share button now and maybe even leave us a 5 ⭐ review in the apple store

In this episode, we speak to Chairman of Kuva Air, James Saruchera. Kuva Air attended AviaDev Africa for the first time in June 2022 and we pride ourselves on supporting all airlines that have an active Air Operating Certificate Kuva is a Domestic Zimbabwean airline with a difference. The airline operates an Embraer 120 serving Harare, Victoria Falls and Kariba and they started service in late May 2022. In this episode, we discover: 🛫 The big idea of the airline 🌍 The fleet and route plans 🦋 The story behind the brand 👩‍💻 How the blockchain can change the game in aviation To find out more visit https://kuva-air.com/ or follow @kuvaair on Twitter and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it with your network

A real highlight of the event is presenting the Ato Girma Wake Award for an outstanding contribution to route development in Africa. This year's winner was Sanjeev Gadhia CEO of Astral aviation and that episode is freely available on the podcast as episode 212. However, we couldn't resist dipping into the back catalog to release the interview AviaDev CEO Jon Howell did with Ato Girma back on stage in Kigali at AviaDev 2017. In this episode, you will hear Girma talk about the following: 🛫 His career journey 🛫 What he would have been if he hadn't become an aviator 🛫 Ethiopian Airlines growth strategy 🛫 The national carrier conundrum 🛫 SAATM Watch out for the incredible anecdote about a meeting with Sir Richard Branson. If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with someone you feel would benefit from listening and leave us a review on apple podcasts.

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 📲 The topic was "Implementing practical technology to propel African aviation" ✈️ How can airlines and airports take advantage of accessible, affordable technologies and an ever more connected world to deliver cost savings and a better customer experience? Your moderator for this session is Refilwe Ledwaba, Founder, girls Fly Programme for Africa You will hear from the following panelists: Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer, FlySafair Blaine Powell, Chief Sales Officer, Ink Innovation Aditi Thaker, Account Director- Eastern and Southern Africa, SITA Khangi K., Chief Executive Officer, Swissport Ciaran Wilson, Head of Sales (Europe, Middle East and Africa) CellPoint Digital If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 🤝 The topic was "Building profitable, sustainable and equitable airline partnerships" 🛫 The recent past has seen an increasing trend towards interlining and co-operation between airlines. How are these performing and what are the potential pitfalls to avoid? How do we ensure that all partners are treated and compensated fairly? Your moderator for this session is Ato Girma Wake, AviaDev Patron and Board Chairman, Ethiopian Airlines You will hear from the following panelists: Simon Newton-Smith, Chief Commercial Officer, South African Airways Nowel Ngala, Director, Commercial & Ground Operations, ASKY Airlines Surafel Saketa, Manager Group Business Development and Equity Partner Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines Getaneh Woldemichael, Commercial Director, Air Botswana If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 📦 The topic was "Where are the opportunities for the OEMs in Africa?" ✈️ How will the African fleet mix develop? Is the freighter business here to stay? What role will sustainability play in the future of African aviation? Your moderator for this session is Joanna Bailey, Managing Editor, Simple Flying You will hear from the following panelists: Jason Sutcliffe, Regional Marketing Director, Rolls-Royce Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Boeing Andrew Armitstead, Head of Airline Marketing, Africa & Middle East, Airbus Hussein Dabbas, General Manager - Middle East and Africa. Embraer If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 💵 The topic was "Diversifying African airport revenue to build resilience" ✈️ 72% of operating revenue at African airports is derived from aeronautical sources. Covid exposed the need for airports to diversify their revenue, but how can this be done without huge capital expenditure? Your moderator for this session is Marcel Langeslag, Director Africa Aviation, NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants) You will hear from the following panelists: Moritz Breickmann, Investment Director, Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) Julien Coffinier, Chief Executive, Ravinala Airports Namory Camara, Managing Director, SOGEAC- Aéroport International Ahmed Sekou Toure If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 📦 The topic was "Air cargo's role in route development in Africa" ✈️ The discipline of air service development has changed forever. Air freight is playing an ever-increasing role in assessing the viability of new routes. Against the shifting sands of rapidly changing health and travel protocols, airline planners have had to be more responsive than ever before. Is this trend here to stay or are airlines taking a longer-term view? Your moderator for this session is John Grant, You will hear from the following panelists: Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO, Astral Aviation Martin Gitonga, Head of Network Planning and Alliances, Kenya Airways Zoe Rajohnson, Commercial and Marketing Director, Ravinala Airports David King, Project Manager, Cape Town Air Access If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🎤 This is a live session recording from the 1st July at AviaDev Africa 2022. 💵 The topic was "Financing African airlines. Navigating the route to profitability" ✈️ To buy, lease or look for creative, shorter-term solutions? What are the relative merits of each option and where can finance be found? Your moderator for this session is Sean Mendis, Aviation Expert You will hear from the following panellists: Joao Po Jorge, Director General, LAM Mozambique Airlines Helen Brume, Director Project and Asset based finance, Afrexim Bank Rodger Foster, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airlink Sameer Adam, Senior Vice President, ACIA Aero Leasing Federico Curto, Commercial Project Manager, Avion Express If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

In 2018, we started our AviaDev Ambassador programme and the concept was very simple. Offer aspiring aviators an opportunity to really be part of the industry and have an opportunity to address the audience from the stage. After a rigorous selection process, we selected 3 rising aviation stars who will propose their solutions for a more connected and profitable African aviation industry. There's also a nice surprise at the end in terms so what they are doing to take things forward from here! 🔗 Connect with Mahek here 🔗 Connect with Thabiso here 🔗 Connect with Ronnie here

🏆 Since 2018, AviaDev has presented one distinguished leader in aviation with this annual award for their contribution to route development in Africa. 🌍 Previous winners include Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, Africa - IATA; Raphael Kuuchi, Special Envoy on Aero-political Affairs, IATA and Chris Zweigenthal, Chief Executive, Airlines Association of Southern Africa. 🎁📦✈️ We are delighted to announce that in 2022, this esteemed award was presented to Sanjeev Gadhia, Founder and CEO, Astral Aviation. You will hear Sanjeev being interviewed by both Ato Girma Wake, Board Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines and Event Patron of AviaDev Africa and Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director, Advocacy and Strategic Relations, IATA. If you enjoyed the session, please share it with someone in your network that would benefit from listening

🛫 This episode is an exclusive, guest presented by Kojo Bentum Williams the editor of Voyagesafriq and the host of the VA tourism podcast, which you should all subscribe to at this link: https://thetourismpodcast.podbean.com/ 🌍 Kojo is a widely respected voice of African tourism and his partnership is vital to ensuring a more connected Africa. This is one of the new CEO's very first interviews and we are grateful that Kojo has been kind enough to share this content with the AviaDev Insight Africa listeners. You will hear about Mesfin's journey to becoming CEO, how stability, agility, and diversification have been key to Ethiopian's success and more details on the strategic partnerships and plans across Africa. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and we will see you for the next episode soon

In this episode, we head down to the gateway to the world's most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Park in South Africa to speak with Grant Ponting, the CEO of Kruger Mpumulanga International airport. The airport has made some notable strides in terms of new route development and is continuing its drive for new services by attending AviaDev Africa in Cape town 29th June- 1st July. 🛫 In this episode, we discuss the following: ✈️ We get to meet Grant, the CEO ✈️ We understand some more about the catchment area and demographic the airport serves ✈️ We discuss the new routes that have been launched and are coming online later this year ✈️ We find out more about how the airport sees its immediate future in terms of growth and where it is focusing its efforts on development. ✈️ Finally, we discuss the approach to improving customer service across the airport and digitisation. If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening.

🛫 In this episode, we explore the world of aviation operations, with Aviation Co-ordination services or ACS as they are known in the industry. 👩‍💻 Digitisation is a word hear often and trend that needs to be embraced and not ignored. In this episode, we look at how ACS is driving the adoption of new technologies and looking to expand its operations beyond the borders of South Africa. Connect with Duke here Find out more about ACS If you enjoyed this podcast, there are three things you can do to support us: 1. Share it with someone in your network you think will benefit from listening 2. Subscribe to the show to never miss another episode 3. Leave a review so we can be found by even more people

With increased operational costs, airlines are laser-focused on delivering efficiencies, whilst also improving the passenger experience and opportunities to generate ancillary revenues. In this episode recorded on location in Magical Kenya during the AFRAA Stakeholder Convention, I was joined by Francois Chazelle, VP, Commercial Middle East, and Africa at SITA for aircraft. In this episode, we discuss: 🛫 The factors driving passenger behavior and what passengers expect onboard? ✈️ How route optimization software can deliver tangible results in terms of reducing fuel burn 🌿 How do SITA's solutions support the drive towards a more sustainable future? 📱The response of African airlines to new technologies and digitization. You can connect with Francois here Find out more about SITA's solutions here If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with someone you think will benefit from listening and leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This episode was recorded on location in Magical Kenya, where AviaDev attended the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention. Kuljit Ghata-Aura is President, Boeing Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Kuljit is a relatively new name and face in the African aviation industry, but his experience and African roots are deep as we discover on the podcast. Together, we discuss: 🛫 Boeing's huge African footprint and the long-term outlook for the continent. ✈️ The aircraft types that will be needed for growth in Africa and whether that will be the single-aisle 737 family or the wide-body aircraft 🌍 The challenges and opportunities that will determine the growth of the African aviation market? 📦 The freighter market and interest in passenger to freighter conversions. Is this a long-term trend? 🌿 Sustainability. How Boeing is supporting the shift to sustainability and the technologies it believes will support the transformation 🤝 If you would like to connect with Kuljit, click here

This episode was recorded 10th May 2022 on location in Magical Kenya, where AviaDev attended the AFRAA stakeholders convention in Nairobi. During the event, Airbus presented their view of the near future at the event so for those of you who were not fortunate enough to be here with us or want to dive deeper, our aim is to give you the insight into what was discussed? Together, we discussed: 🌍 The current environment and the recovery in Africa ✈️ Fleet growth predictions. Just how much growth can we expect and what is the split between replacement and growth? 🛫 Where is the growth- single or twin aisle? 🌍 Where are the opportunities for new routes in Africa? ✈️ Why the A220 is the perfect tool to support this development? To download the presentation, please click here To connect with Geert, please click here

In this episode, I am joined by a new voice in African aviation, Dainius Staniulis, the Vice President Commercial at Avion Express. Together, we explore a relatively new concept for African aviation that we touched on in episode 189 with Sylvain Bosc, CEO of Avico. The topic is wet-leasing or ACMI which stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance. ✈️ We discuss how African airlines can use this solution to deploy capacity where and when required and not just as an emergency response. 🌍 We talk about seasonality and the opportunity to deploy capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa during the European "low season" 🛫 We also identify which airlines are the best fit for the solution? You can find out more about Avion Express here You can connect with Dainius here

Covid undoubtedly increased the complexity of travel. Alongside the usual stresses of visas and all the other logistics of any trip, the added health protocols made travel more difficult than ever before. However, today, we discuss an active solution that came online in December 2021 in the Republic of Seychelles, a cutting-edge cloud-based system and biometric corridor that screens arrivals to the country in a touchless and speedy environment. In this episode, we cover: 🛫 The concept of Travizory and the problem they set out to solve? ✈️ Why Seychelles chose to be the first African country to implement biometrics at their borders 🌍 How much the system costs, the speed of implementation and integration with the current systems, plus data protection 🏖️ How visitors responded to the system You can find out more about Travizory here You can connect with Tom on Linkedin here You can connect with Alan on LinkedIn here

Cemair have undoubtedly been one of the pandemic's aviation success stories. Established in 2005, Cemair is headquartered at OR Tambo International in Johannesburg and operates a variety of routes domestically and regionally. In this episode, we gain an understanding of how Cemair have made it this far and how the pandemic experience changed the airline's strategy, what the fleet and network expansion plans look like and how the ongoing drive to create partnerships and interline agreements are supporting the business' goals. Miles and Paul will be joining us at AviaDev Africa 2022. You can find out more and register here Find out more about Cemair If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone you think would benefit from listening.

This episode focuses on an exclusive new report from the aviation consultancy team at MHIRJ, which is due to be released mid-2022. We focus on the 5 major trends that will shape African aviation over the next 30 years. In the episode we cover: ✈️ The aim and methodology of the new report ✈️ The five major trends that will shape African aviation 🌍 Fleet development and fleet mix. Which sector of the market will show the most growth 🌍 Why connectivity opportunities between West Africa and Southern Africa are perhaps the most exciting ✈️ How partnerships, equity investments and national carriers will develop and co-exist You can connect with Patrick here Find out more about MHIRJ here

This episode features Marcel Langeslag, Director, Aviation Africa at Netherlands Airport Consultants Limited (NACO). NACO offer planning, design and advisory services to airports across the globe and Marcel is involved in numerous projects across the African continent. In this episode, we cover: ✈️ the 5 emerging trends that will improve airport resilience ✈️ The cargo opportunity for African airports. A long term trend worth investing in? ✈️ The changing face of airport finance and increase in private sector involvement. Are airports still a solid investment? ✈️ Diversification away from aeronautical revenues. How do airports build resilience? Find out more about NACO here You can connect with Marcel here If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This podcast was recorded on location at ACI Africa in Mombasa 16th March 2022. Joining me is Namory Camara, the new Managing Director of SOGEAC (the Airports Company of Guinea). in the podcast we discuss: ✈️ Mory's aviation career to date ✈️ Top priorities for Guinea's aviation development ✈️ Route development plans and opportunities for the country ✈️ Infrastructure development and investment ✈️ Why we should visit Guinea You can connect with Mory here Find out more about SOGEAC here If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

My special guest for this episode is none other than the Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Conservation, Republic of Kenya, Honourable Najib Balala. This episode was recorded at the beautiful Vipingo Hills Golf Club to the North of Mombasa. Minister Balala and I have spoken together on numerous conference sessions and one of his great passions is aviation. In the podcast, we discuss: 🛫 The symbiotic relationship between aviation and tourism ✈️ How Kenya have supported airline partners to serve the destination? 🌍 The prospect of a pan-African airline 🏖️ How Nairobi and Mombasa can develop simultaneously 🌍 Whether the pandemic has strengthened the call for African unity or exacerbated protectionism You can follow the Minister on Twitter here If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening, and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This episode is a 2 parter recorded on location in Mombasa, Kenya, during the ACI Africa conference. between 8-10 May 2022, AFRAA will host its stakeholders' convention in Nairobi in partnership with Kenya Airways. We first hear from Mr Berthe, Secretary General of AFRAA (African Airlines Association) and we discuss: ✈️ The latest figures for February 2022 ✈️ The key topics for the Stakeholders convention, being held under the theme "Beyond the crisis" ✈️ The potential impact of health protocol relaxation We then speak to Allan Kilavuka and covered the following topics 🛫 KQ's cargo business and whether it is here to stay 🛫 The current challenge of the oil price rise and the impact on fares 🛫 The potential impact of the relaxation of health protocols in Kenya on KQ's business activities 🛫 Fleet plans. Are they downsizing? 🛫 More details about the partnership with SAA and other carriers If you enjoyed this episode, please share with someone in your network and please subscribe! 💻 You can find out more about the conference here

On 9th March 2022, Eswatini Air will welcome its first aircraft to the Kingdom, an Embraer ERJ 145. I am joined by Xavier Masule, Commercial Director and together we discuss: The ownership structure and mandate of the airline The passenger mix. Is the focus on business or tourism traffic? Fleet plans. Why did the airline choose the ERJ 145? The initial routes and when we can expect operations to commence The airline's view of partnerships and the longer-term plans for the airline If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening, and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people.

This March will see the first live, in-person aviation event in Africa for 2 years. The 67th ACI Africa Board and Committee meetings regional conference and exhibition will take place 12-18 March in the wonderful location of Mombasa, Kenya and AviaDev will be present. ACI Africa is the Voice of African Airports, with its prime objective to represent and advance the collective interests of African airports In this podcast, I am joined by the Secretary-General of ACI Africa, Ali Tounsi and together we preview the conference and discuss the key issues of focus for ACI as we look to recover from the effects of the pandemic. Find out more and register for the event here: http://aci-africa.net/

In this episode, I am joined by the co-hosts of one of my favourite podcasts, Bryanair. The podcast was a real support to me personally during the Covid lockdown. It was a weekly dose of industry news and flight deck banter, which offered an escape from the negativity around us and it has gone from strength to strength over the last 2 years. In the podcast, we cover: The Bryanair origin story The overall aim of the podcast and how it has developed The format and audience The beauty of the podcast medium and its adoption in Africa What to expect from the podcast in the future You can discover the show for yourself by subscribing on your platform of choice or by clicking here https://bryanair.libsyn.com/ You can connect with Bryan here You can connect with Ryan here If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people. You can also visit the AviaDev website, www.aviationdevelop.com to sign up for the AviaDev newsletter.

2021 was yet another disastrous year for African airlines in terms of profitability and any recovery was impacted by the Omicron variant. The African Airlines Association or AFRAA was a member of the multi-sectoral task force that met and created a document that called for the safe reopening of borders back in February 2021 and there is now a renewed effort to implement the recommendations. Together with Mr Berthe, we discuss Why is now the right time for a renewed effort to harmonise travel protocols. How AFRAA is supporting the African CDC and what AFRAA member airlines want to see in terms of progress? Digitizing travel in 2022 and harmonizing the inter-operability of solutions AFRAA's aims and objectives for 2022. You can find out more at www.afraa.org If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people. You can also visit the AviaDev website to find out more and sign up for AviaDev Africa taking place on the treasure island of Madagascar this June.

The Covid crisis has had a profound impact on the aviation sector in Africa and these shifting sands have demanded resilience and have inspired new innovative approaches to ensure survival. One airline famed for its innovation is South Africa's FlySafair and they have announced that they will launch their first service outside of South Africa's borders on March 8 2022 with a two weekly service to the beautiful island of Mauritius. Kirby Gordon joins me for this podcast and is full of optimism for the immediate future. Together, we discuss: Why now is the right time to launch the Mauritius route and what is the passenger profile expected on the route FlySafair's regional expansion plans. What does the airline look for from a potential airport/ destination partner? FlySafair's approach to partnerships Further innovations to add to the product mix. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people. You can also visit the AviaDev website to find out more and sign up for AviaDev Africa taking place on the treasure island of Madagascar this June.

In this episode, we meet Simon Newton-Smith, who joined SAA in August 2021 as Interim CCO. He has a deep and varied background including having previously worked with SAA some 20 years ago. SAA emerged from business rescue in April 2021 and the airline has entered a turbulent market. In the podcast, we cover: How Simon would sum up the progress made since exiting business rescue Where the bright spots are and how the route network has been developed What SAA are looking for from potential airports/ destinations that want to attract the airline Clarification around the KQ/SAA strategic partnership SAA's fleet plans. His thoughts on the recovery of business travel Immediate strategic objectives for 2022 If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone that you think would benefit from listening and don't forget to leave us a review so we can be found by even more people. Find out more about AviaDev at www.aviationdevelop.com/africa

This is the first podcast of 2022 and as such I am delighted that we are discussing a positive and uplifting pan- African project that aims to spotlight opportunities for intra-africa trade and tourism development across the value chain. The event is the Walk for Love and in this episode, I discuss the concept of the project, why it's needed and how you can get involved with event organiser, Toni Ukachukwu, plus include a snippet of a new song that will be released alongside the walk. EMAIL: [email protected] INSTAGRAM @walkforloveafrica TWITTER @wfl_africa FACEBOOK @walkforloveafrica Song of love by Vicky Sampson out 12th Feb.

For this episode, I am joined by Derek Nseko, Publisher of Airspace-Africa and together we meet Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines. Uganda Airlines was recently crowned the world's youngest fleet by ch-aviation and operates a fleet of CRJ-900s and A330s. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discover the following: Jenifer's background and passions The priorities of Uganda Airlines in 2022 and beyond How Uganda Airlines views partnerships and collaboration Network and fleet development plans Find out more about Uganda Airlines here Connect with Derek here and visit airspace-africa

In this episode, Sylvain joins us to discuss a fascinating article focused on the opportunity for African airlines to wet-lease in capacity during peak times. Is this a solution that can allow airlines to operate profitably? What type of airline is it most suited to? Is it a way to ensure important connectivity without the huge price tag of a long-term lease or aircraft purchase? You can read the blog here Want to know more about the opportunity? Connect with Sylvain here Email [email protected]

In the light of the recent events AviaDev team talks to Dirk Singer, Head of Research at Simpliflying who has been covering the implications of the pandemic on the world of travel since the early days. Also today, Dirk is very actively commenting end explaining the current situation on Linkedin and also on Simpliflying corona weekly newsletter. On 25th November we heard the first news about a new variant of covid-19 which was discovered by the scientists in South Africa and later it was named Omicron by WHO. What followed was very quick reaction of the international community to ban the flights from South Africa and other African countries. With Dirk we are discussing the current situation, what we do know about Omicron on 30 November 2021, how effective the travel bans are and what can we expect in the coming weeks.

This episode is a recording of a session delivered on 11th November 2021 at the Future Flying Forum, presented by Simple Flying and powered by AviaDev. Sean Mendis took to the stage to present on the topic of the future of African aviation. Sean is an aviation expert who has started up benefits airlines on the continent, along with time spent managing Mogadishu airport in Somalia and a cargo airline. He is known for his informed and honest opinions and has a deep-rooted passion for the African aviation industry, which is something I am sure we all share.

This episode was recorded at the Dubai Airshow with Nuno Pereira CEO of Bestfly, an Angolan-based aviation company with operations in Cabo Verde, Angola and Aruba. I was also joined by Sameer Adam, Senior Vice President Commercial, ACIA Aero Leasing ("ACIA"), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services. The companies agreed to the lease of two aircraft, one Embraer E-190 and one ATR 72-600, which are joining the other two ATR72-600s on lease from ACIA in the carrier's fleet. ACIA and Bestfly also agreed to further expand the E-190 lease portfolio in 2022. Together we discussed the planned deployment of the new aircraft and longer-term plans for diversification You can connect with Sameer here

This episode is the recording of the interview I conducted on 10th November for the Future Flying Forum, an event brought to you by Simple Flying, the world's largest aviation news website, which was delivered in conjunction with the AviaDev team. Over 2 days, we took our delegates on a journey from Australia to Alaska stopping off on the way. Rodger has been a guest on the podcast before and he has been the CEO of Airlink since inception in 1992 and the airline has grown to operate a fleet of over 50 commercial aircraft. In 2020, Airlink began operating on its own 4Z code ending a 23 year franchise agreement with SAA. Today, Airlink is the second biggest airline in Africa by number of flights operated and has signed numerous codeshares and interlines over the last 12 months. Together we discuss the partnerships, fleet plans, his thoughts on sustainability and take a look into the future.

On November 1st 2021, SITA announced that in a bid to support the recovery of travel and tourism globally, their digital travel declaration solution will be available free of charge to all governments globally. The solution allows passengers to share required health and travel documentation with governments ahead of travel, streamlining the process In this episode, I am joined by Jeremy Springall, Vice President, SITA AT BORDERS to understand how the solution works and how it can support Africa's aviation and travel recovery. Read all about it here https://www.sita.aero/pressroom/news-releases/sita-launches-free-digital-travel-declaration-solution-supporting--governments-in-safely-opening-their-borders/

In this episode, we welcome back Tom from AviAssist to discuss the world of aviation safety, which is the bedrock upon which our great industry is built, ahead of the SiAA conference. Together we discuss the safety environment in African aviation ahead of upcoming AviAssist Safety in African Aviation Conference, which was beautifully delivered on a virtual platform in 2020 and will once again take place virtually this year. We discuss the topics, speakers and format to offer a flavour of what you can expect on 19th November and 7th December. You can register for just $7 here

In this episode, I am joined by Meir Hadassi-Turner ,Founder and CEO of AeroCRS, an innovative Software as a Service (SaaS) provider of passenger services systems and much more. In this episode we discuss the changing landscape of distribution and how and why airlines must understand this customer behaviour to ensure they are prepared for the future including a move towards: Last minute bookings Desire for flexible fares Direct booking with the airline The increasing role of insurance The ability to amend bookings easily and directly The upcoming AeroCRS Virtual customer conference will take place 23rd and 24th November and you can register today here To listen to our previous interview, which features AeroCRS customer Lift, click here

Today's podcast focuses on the next generation. In September, with the support of Embraer, we embarked on the African Aviators Webinar Series which spotlights a different aviation profession each month. Our aim is to feature both aspiring and serving aviators that can offer practical advice on how to get involved in our great industry. As part of the event, we run a live quiz which tests aviation knowledge and our first winner was Kingsley Okoli, who is an active member of the African aviation Facebook group. After his win, I caught up with Kingsley and he is a remarkable young man and that is why we are here today as his story is similar to so many others out there. He is actively looking for his next role, so connect with him here https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsley-okoli-617651121/ Kingsley has also written a though provoking article expanding on the points raised in the podcast, which you can read via his LinkedIn profile.

This podcast is a recording of the first Skyheroes Africa that took place on 7th October 2021. Skyheroes is an AviaDev innovation, aiming to keep the African aviation community, informed, educated and entertained in equal measure. Expect strong opinions, fierce debate and to raise a smile. Our sky heroes are: Aaron Munetsi, CEO, Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) Sean Mendis, Aviation Expert Kwame Bekoe, Aviation Professional

On 30th September, Etihad, the Abu Dhabi based international airline announced that they will be launching 3 new routes to the African continent. Starting in November, the airline will begin serving Cape Town, Johannesburg and Zanzibar. In this episode, we are going to discover why these routes were chosen, how Etihad views Africa as an opportunity and how it views cooperation with airline partners in the sun-Saharan region. To do this, I was joined by Javier Alija, the Head of Network Planning and alliances at Etihad. You can plan and book your next trip with Etihad at www.etihad.com

This episode was guest hosted by Kojo Bentum-Williams, Publisher of VoyagesAfriq and host of the VA tourism podcast, which you can subscribe to here: https://thetourismpodcast.podbean.com/ Kojo was attending the Africa Travel and Tourism Summit hosted by South African Tourism and took the opportunity to discuss the following with Thomas: Regional market attractiveness The financing of the operation The fleet and expansion plans