AviaDev Insight Africa

In this episode, I am joined by Toni Ukachukwu, Founder of Aviators Africa, an integrated PR, marketing and consulting company. He joins me to talk about the Maiden Edition of the Aviators Africa tower awards and 3rd CEO's forum, taking place 27-28th October 2021 live in Lagos and online too. Nominations can be made here. Deadline 10th September 2021 Connect with Toni here

This episode is dedicated to a new webinar series focused on offering practical advice to the next generation of African aviators. Joining me for the discussion is the Publisher and Editor of Airspace-Africa, Derek Nseko and Chidozie Uzoezie, Founder of the African Aviation Group on facebook, which boasts over 260,000 members. Over the next 6 months, we will convene monthly to focus on a different industry discipline bringing qualified Africans to share their experience and advice. The series is brought to you by AviaDev, Airspace-Africa and the African Aviation Group (on facebook) and proudly supported by Embraer. At the end of each discussion, there will be a live aviation quiz with prizes provided by our event partner, Embraer. Registration is open now here

In today´s episode we discuss with Arran Rice (CEO & Founder at Simple Flying), Joanna Bailey (Managing Editor at SimpleFlying) and Jon Howell (CEO & Founder at AviaDev) new online event: The Future Flying Forum. The event is brought to you by SimpleFlying and powered by AviaDev. Safely strapped into your own comfortable seat, we'll follow the sun from East to West, touching down along the way to chat with aviation's leading CEOs. More information and registration is available at futureflyingforum.com.

Moses Ngwanah is now based in Madagascar, having gained experience working for Camair-Co in his native Cameroon and ASKY in Togo. Moses recently released an article all about why and how Africa must unite in terms of civil aviation rulemaking and how this can support the implementation of SAATM. You can read that here: In this episode we explore the following: Why is African aviation so fragmented in its rule-making? What is the specific solution and what are the benefits for all stakeholders? Which industry actors should be responsible for implementation and do they have sufficient power? How would it be funded and where do we start? To connect with Moses, click here

My guests for this episode are Dr. Andre Schulz, General Manager, South and Eastern Africa at the Lufthansa Group and Marco Götz, Chief Revenue Officer at Eurowings Discover. Together we discuss the launch of a new leisure carrier from the Lufthansa stable that launched operations to Mombasa and Zanzibar on 25th July 2021. We discuss: Why Eurowings Discover was created and the gap it aims to fill? Why Mombasa and Zanzibar? Where next? How big a part cargo plays in the operation? The types of destinations the carrier is looking to serve What Discover is looking for in an approach from a destination/ airport The fleet You can connect with Andre here You can connect with Marco here

This podcast is the audio recording of the financing African aviation session and brings together some familiar voices to our community representing both the banks and the lessors active in the African market. Moderator: Dickon Harris, Editor, ISHKA Panellists: Eddie Browne, AVP Marketing, Europe, Africa and CIS, Aergo Sameer Adam, SVP, Commercial, ACIA Aero Leasing Group Bradley Gordon, Head of Aviation: Africa, Investec James Geldenhuys, Head of Aircraft Finance, Nedbank Ishka, https://www.ishkaglobal.com/ provide data, insight, analysis and advisory services to help inform investment strategies.

This special podcast is the recording of the interview between Hilka Birns, a wonderful journalist working with our great partners, ch-aviation and Jon Ayache, CEO of lift, South Africa's newest airline. The wide-ranging conversation covers the flexible business model, incorporating a conversation about the fleet mix, new routes, and the distribution model. We also discuss the use use of technology to improve the passenger experience and how the airline continues to innovate with its own theme song, dogs on planes and onboard silent discos. Jonathan Ayache CEO, lift Hilka Birns Journalist, ch-aviation

This special podcast is the recording of the panel session at AviaDev Africa entitled, "Harnessing the power of technology to improve profitability across the value chain." Technology only moves in one direction. Constant progress through continuous improvement and innovation. The Covid pandemic has provided an opportunity for the entire aviation industry to revisit existing processes, identify inefficiencies in these processes and adapt accordingly. But can cutting-edge solutions be provided without huge capital expenditure? Session moderated by Kwame Bekoe Aviation Professional Panelists: Nick Ashton Head of Partnerships & Industry Affairs, Dohop Blaine Powell Chief Sales Officer, Ink Aviation Ciaran Wilson Head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Cellpoint Digital

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 9th June 2021 at the AviaDev Africa online conference. Air travelers do not fly to an airport. They fly to a destination. In 2018, 57% of tourists arrived at their destination by air. So why are tourism authorities not more involved in the process of attracting airlines, often leaving it to the airport authorities? With airport revenues decimated by the impact of the pandemic, is it time for tourism authorities to take a front seat and lead the conversations with airlines? Session moderated by: Mafalda Borea Co-Founder and CEO of Sustainable First ™; Sustainability Editor, VoyagesAfriq Panellists: Hon. Najib Balala Cabinet Secretary for tourism and wildlife, Republic of Kenya Carol Hay CEO, McKenzie Gayle Limited and Former Director of Marketing UK & Europe for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)

In this wide-ranging panel session, we ask the tough question "Just what is the role of a National Airline?" Should it be seen as a Commercial enterprise or strategic economic enabler? Is it possible that it can be both? After 74 years of operation, Air Namibia was formally liquidated in March 2021. In this session, we explore what has happened to air connectivity in Namibia in the months following the cessation of the national carrier and how connectivity can be improved to, from and within the country. We also discuss the role of a new SAA and its prospective challenges Session moderated by: Wrenelle Stander Former CEO, Comair Ltd Panellists: Escher Luanda Former Chairperson, Air Namibia Rodger Foster Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airlink

In this episode, we catch up with the CEO of NavPass, Tom Perkins, who joined us back in episode 124 to outline the solution. Since then, NavPass have begun operations in the African market, supporting South Sudan with improving airspace safety and the collection of air navigation fees. We explore how they have delivered the solution, how the technology works and how it has been received by different stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem To find out more visit www.navpass.aero

In this episode, we are joined by Matheus Piorino, Director of Customer Finance, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Vadims Fokins, Deputy Marketing Director, Leasing at Embraer Commercial Aviation. Embraer has just released the African Market Perspectives report, which can be downloaded here Some say it has never been a better time to start an airline as there is now an opportunity to disrupt previous business models and start operations without any legacy debt. Together we discuss: Right-sizing Will the African market be dominated by new or pre-owned aircraft? The challenge of financing fleet expansions and start ups The merits of leasing versus purchasing You can connect with Matheus here You can connect with Vadims here

In this episode, we travel to Nairobi, where I speak to Moses Mwangi, CEO of 748 Air Services Limited. Moses has over 25 years of experience in the African aviation industry. 748 has a diversified business model and this has allowed them to thrive despite the global pandemic and even launch new domestic services to Kisumu and Mombasa in May 2021. 748 were the global launch customer for De Havilland's Simplified Package Freighter (SPF) solution on their Dash 8's allowing them to shift from operating a passenger to freighter aircraft in just 1 hour. We discuss how they have worked with the OEM to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. We also look to the future and talk domestic and regional expansion plans.

In this episode, we discuss how technology will support the passenger journey and improve the passenger experience. We discuss why now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at how technology can replace or support existing systems and how often it is not as capital or labour intensive a process as it was in the past. Finally, we discuss the role of the health/immunity passport in the African market and how we can continue to travel in a part vaccinated world. Connect with Shawn here Find out more about ink here:

In this episode, we are joined by the Head of Partnerships and Industry Affairs at Dohop. Nick has over 15 years airline experience gathered at carriers such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia and Vueling and outlines how partnerships between airlines have evolved over this time and where they are heading. We focus on the opportunity for African airports and airlines to harness this technology to improve the customer experience, drive more direct bookings and build their route network through partnerships. You can connect with Nick here Find out more about Dohop at www.dohop.com

In this episode, we are joined by Ciaran Wilson, Head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Howard Blankenship, Head of Global Sales at Cellpoint Digital. In March 2021, Cellpoint was appointed by Avianca, to optimize their payments across their global operation. The Latin American market has huge similarities to that of Africa, so together we explore the unique challenges airlines face in the current market and the future of payments. You can connect with Ciaran here You can connect with Howard here Find out more about Cellpoint here

For this episode, we were joined by 3 members of the Collins Aerospace Avionics team, Jens Ziesel, Regional Sales Director; Kimberley Patel, Account Director and Philippe Hervy, Account Director. Collins Aerospace Avionics has created a dedicated Africa team in 2020 and in this podcast, we explore how they have supported their customers, why they are so excited about the continent's prospects, and how they work to add value in this ever-changing climate. Connect with Jens here Connect with Kimberley here Connect with Philippe here Find out more about Collins here

On 14th April 2021, Nowel Ngala, Group Commercial and Ground Operations Director at ASKY Airlines was appointed Chairman of the AFRAA Aero-political committee. Nowel published a comprehensive article outlining his key objectives in this role, which can be read here and forms the basis of this conversation. We discuss: The distinction between taxes and charges Whether taxes and charges will continue to rise in African aviation Whether governments understand the true value of aviation How we as an industry can support a call for reforms Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed it, please share with your network and register now for AviaDev Africa, taking place 9-10 June online: https://www.aviationdevelop.com/africa/

This episode is the first in a new series of podcasts spotlighting innovation and the impact of positive disruption on the African aviation industry, ahead of AviaDev Africa 2021 ONLINE. First, I am joined by Meir Hadassi Turner, Founder and CEO of AeroCRS, an innovative provider of passenger service systems and much more besides, to discuss the changing needs of airlines. We then move to Cape Town, South Africa, where I am joined by Jon Ayache, CEO and Cilliers Jordaan, Head of Commercial at lift. We discuss how they were able to leverage technology to launch in a short window and what their plans are in the short, medium and longer-term. Register now to attend AviaDev Africa at www.aviationdevelop.com/africa and find out more about AeroCRS at https://www.aerocrs.com/

This is a recording of a brand new format we introduced at AviaDev: SkyHeroes. SkyHeroes is the aviation talkshow where 3 of industry experts share their open opinions on hot aviation topics in a light way, sometimes controversial, sometimes not completely politically correct, sometimes funny. But if we can still laugh, even in these difficult times, it means we are still alive, right? This time our experts were John Grant, Sean Mendis and Max Oldorf and the topics we were discussing included: The return of 737 MAX European Court decided that state aid to AirFrance and SAS was not discriminatory New airlines on the rise in Africa Turkish Airlines taking the leading position on the global market It was a fascinating discussion. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

This episode is the seventh in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews recorded live on 26th February 2021. Sanjeev is the CEO of East Africa's largest private cargo airline, the Vice Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association and Vice Chairman of the AFRAA Cargo Task Force. In the session, we discuss the following: Astral's role in distributing the vaccine across Africa New markets that Astral are exploring Interlining agreements and co-operation Fleet expansion plans To connect with Sanjeev click here https://www.astral-aviation.com/

This is a recording of a live interview Juraj Toth did with Dirk Singer on 23 February 2021. Dirk works as a Research Director at Simpliflying. He produces daily newsletter with updates on how aviation, travel and tourism are responding to the ongoing pandemic, what measures are here to stay, how travel will look like in the part vaccinated world and other related topics. Dirk is one of the very few people out there following the implications of the pandemic on air travel very closely from the very beginning. In the interview guys discussed everything from vaccination, to testing and digital health passports and how all of this will reflect on the way summer 2021 will look for airports, airlines, destinations and general public. If you haven´t done it yet, you can subscribe here to receive newsletter from Dirk with daily updates on air travel in a part vaccinated world.

This episode is co-hosted by AviaDev Special Advisor, John Barcroft. Almost 20 months after the last live AviaDev Africa event, we meet the 3 ambassadors and check in on their professional progress since the event. We discuss their personal aviation stories and hopes and dreams for the future. Connect with Kgomotso Connect with Shingai You can watch the session from AviaDev Africa 2019 here

This episode is the sixth in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews recorded live on 12th February 2021. Mr. Berthé is the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the leading trade association for African airlines. He is also an air transport industry expert. In the session, we discuss the following: AFRAA's current priorities Access to financing for all African airlines Member sentiment towards SAATM and AfCFTA Collaboration between member airlines through harnessing new technologies Contact AFRAA at [email protected] You can download the infographic here

In this episode, I am rejoined by Daniel Silke who featured in episode 3. Daniel is a well-respected analyst and commentator on political and economic issues in Africa and beyond. Together we explore: The macro-economic trends and how these will impact Africa The AfCFTA and how much impact it can have Financial support for aviation The future of live events You can connect with Daniel on LinkedIn here Find out more at https://www.danielsilkeglobal.com/

This episode focuses on the upcoming GHI Digital reconnect Africa event taking place 16th February 2021, of which AviaDev Africa is a partner. We explore the format of the event, preview some of the speakers and key sessions plus take a look into the future of ground handling on the continent. Register now at https://african.ghiconferences.com/ Connect with Max here

This episode is the fifth in our "Audience with" series of live audience interviews. Despite his tender age, Sean already has a 20 year career in aviation management behind him, working for passenger and cargo airlines, ground handling companies, jet fuel providers and in airport management. We discuss a huge range of topics on this podcast including: African aviation's response to the pandemic How to get SAATM kick started How to operate in a highly politicised environment How to build airline resiliency You can connect with Sean here

In this episode, we are joined by an aviator with over 30 years of experience. Capt. Kibe has the unique position of having been a pilot and airline owner and now is in charge of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. This is an uplifting conversation that starts by exploring the impact of the pandemic on the KCAA and how its priorities have changed as we start 2021. You can find Capt. Kibe on LinkedIn here If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to share it with one person in your network that you feel will benefit from listening and sign up for our weekly newsletter at www.aviationdevlop.com/africa

In 2020's final episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Juraj Toth, MD AviaDev Europe spoke to CEO & Founder of AviaDev, Jon Howell. Discussion points include: How AviaDev survived 2020 The hardest challenges what the team has learned The highlights of the year and a look into 2021

In this episode, we meet the founder and curator of the African Aviation Group, a facebook group boasting 227,000 members and counting. You can join here We discuss how and why the group was created, the successes it has delivered and how the group's members see the future prospects for the industry. You can connect with Chidozie here

This episode is a recording of "An audience with Adefunke Adeyemi" which took place on December 18th 2020. It is an uplifting session that covers a variety of topics including the role of women in aviation; the importance of SAATM to the success of the AfCFTA; financial support and where it should be offered and much more.

This episode is brought to you in association with AviAssist Foundation, https://aviassist.org/ The co-host for this episode is AviAssist Director, Tom Kok and we welcome Sakhile Reiling, Board Member at the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, former CEO of Air Botswana and pilot to the hotseat. We discuss the disconnect between theory and practice when it comes to training, collaboration between organizations and the concept of systems thinking Connect with Sakhile here Connect with Tom here

This episode is the third in our series of live podcasts with industry leaders. Peter has dedicated his professional life to supporting ailing carriers around the world and recently spent time as Chief Restructuring Officer at SAA. In this session, we talk about how airlines start the turnaround process and what ingredients are required to ensure the best chance of success. We then focus heavily on SAA and discuss what a new SAA could look like plus reflect on some of the decisions made over the years. Finally, we zoom out to look at the prospects for Africa including SAATM and the threat of non-African airlines to the industry.

In this episode, I am joined by Chamsou Andjorin to preview the AAIG Aeropoltical Forum taking place on Wednesday 11th November 2020. The event offers insightful debate and is one of AviaDev's favourites on the calendar We discuss how and why the group was formed; who will be involved in the event next week and the key themes and talking points we can expect to tackle. You can register here Download the programme here

This episode is a live recording of the second AviaDev insight live podcast, recorded October 22nd 2020. Many of the questions posed came from our live audience and we discussed the following topics: The new interline agreement with EK and QR plus others that could be on the horizon (with African carriers) The rebuilding of the regional network, whilst Airlink continues to serve trunk routes The suitability of the fleet for the new operating environment Financing and liquidity Whether more private Africa airlines can be established and thrive in a post-pandemic World

This is a recording of the first AviaDev Insight live featuring Ato Girma Wake, Former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines and former Chairman, RwandAir, which took place October 9th 2020 The industry finds itself facing the largest crisis since commercial aviation began and so we took this opportunity to pose questions from our live audience. Topics discussed include SAATM implementation, co-operation, the next generation and some reasons to be optimistic. Enjoy and if you would like to suggest a guest for our next live session, get in touch.

Arpad Szakal is a career transition coach at the centre for Aviation Psychology. He joined us for the Africa Tomorrow event in July 2020, moderating our next generation panel. The purpose of this episode is to provide practical advice to the huge number of aviators that have had their career ambitions blown off course by the pandemic. We discuss how to understand the skills and value you already have, what you can do now to equip yourselves for the future and how to become more visible. You can connect with Arpad here If you enjoyed the podcast, please share it with one person in your network that you think will benefit from listening.

This podcast episode was recorded 1st October 2020, the day Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Uganda opened their borders to international arrivals for the first time since the onset of Covid-19. We discuss if there have been any winners through the pandemic, what the continent's future fleet mix may look like, testing as a silver bullet to get the industry back on its feet and how we keep the next generation of African aviators engaged in pursuing their dreams. You can find out more about airnews at: https://www.airnews.co.za/ You can connect with Derek on LinkedIn here

In this episode, David explains the concept of his new Aero Clinic, where his carefully curated team of experts are on hand to assist African airlines of all sizes. If you want to find out more visit www.tuscar.ie and connect with David on LinkedIn here We also discuss the current African aviation landscape including the leasing community's perception of Africa, investor sentiment and why now is a great time to start an airline.

Rob Bor and Aedrian Bekker are both clinical psychologists and the founders of the Centre for Aviation Psychology, https://www.centreforaviationpsychology.com/ In this episode, we tackle the stigma around pilot mental health. This is a particular concern in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how peer to peer support can often be the solution Connect with Rob here Connect with Aedrian here Other resources: www.bizavpsp.com - a peer support network for business and rotary wing aviators www.cappsp.com - a peer support network for scheduled AOCs who want to share costs and resources

This episode was recorded 23rd September 2020, 10 days ahead of many African borders opening to International travelers. We discussed IATA's key messages for the industry, government support and financing for the industry, how to ensure once we open we stay open and if now is the right time to push for SAATM implementation.

In this episode, we speak with Miretab Tesfaye, Director Group Integrated Marketing Communications at Ethiopian Airlines about how technology and digital solutions have been given a seat at the top table within the airline and enabled them to be agile enough to adapt to the headwinds created by Covid-19. We also uncover some of the success stories that the technology has helped to deliver in recent months and also gain an insight into how the technology was developed in-house, with the support of external vendors, by Miretab and his talented team of software engineers. You can connect with Miretab here

In this episode, we discover more about a new, free interactive tool that has been developed by NACO which outlines the propensity to fly in Africa. You can take a look here We also discuss how governments can facilitate aviation growth on the continent, the future of airport infrastructure financing and the importance of diversifying away from aeronautical revenue. The paper we cite can be downloaded here To find out more, you can connect with Marcel here This episode was recorded on 24th August

In this episode, we preview the Masterclass taking place on 27th August 2020, entitled "The Commercial Imperative for African Aviation - Marketing & Sales Post COVID-19: Reinventing Your Competitive Advantage" This is brought to you in association with the Aviationia Division of the AeroNAD Group, which is delivering tailored aviation education and training solutions, adapted to individual as well as organisational needs, through the harmonisation of academia and industry for a better aviation ecosystem across the African Continent. You can still register for the masterclass here You can find out more about AeroNAD here

In this episode, we take a detour from aviation-specific content and focus on the future. Namely the future of work, the future role of technology in our lives, the future of the aviation industry and the future opportunities this offers Africa. Somi Arian is a tech philosopher, international speaker, entrepreneur, award-winning filmmaker and LinkedIn Top Voice among UK influencers. Her work focuses on the impact of technology on society at large, the future of work and digital marketing. She has given talks to industry leaders from organizations as diverse as the BBC, The Economist, Marie Claire, The Guardian, Amazon, HSBC, Virgin Atlantic and American Express. Her 2018 documentary The Millennial Disruption is compelling viewing and can be watched here: Her new book, Career Fear (and how to beat it) is available to order here

In this episode, we explore the world of innovation in the field of crew uniforms and discover more about Keyvan's innovative Antibacterial Cabin crew uniform solution that aims to replace PPE. You may have seen the different airline approaches to crew uniform. We have seen some airlines implement full PPE to protect their staff, but this can lead to a less than perfect experience for the passengers. You can watch the short uniform video here You can find out more about Keyvan aviation here

In this episode, recorded on 17th July 2020, we meet Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Comair Ltd and discuss the following: The business rescue process and when we can expect to see Comair flying again The dynamics of the Southern African aviation market and how Comair can emerge stronger post-Covid. How the industry is supporting each other and delivering Where Comair's diversification strategy stands today The airline's fleet plans and how to rebuild passenger confidence

In this episode, Jon Howell is joined by the TRM management team, James and Hugo Hill to discuss airline insurance. Did you know that some premiums have increased 30% year on year and that insurance can represent around 3% of an airline's operating cost? For any startups, we talk about the insurance you need to have and how underwriters are perceiving risk differently in the Post-Covid environment. You can connect with James here You can connect with Hugo here www.trm.co.za

This exclusive episode was recorded 8th July 2020. Gidon Novick is a former Comair CEO and founder of Kulula.com who is planning to launch a new domestic airline in South Africa. Amongst other things, I asked the following: Why now is the right time to launch an airline? What equipment does he plan to deploy? Which routes will he fly? When we can expect the airline to start? What did he learn in his time in and out of the industry which makes him ready for the journey ahead?

Recorded on 2nd July 2020, this webinar was brought to you by Tuscar Aero Consulting and featured the following speakers: David Aher Tuscar Aero Consulting Dikko Nwachukwu jetWest Partners Aaron Munetsi African Aviation Expert Our aim was to determine how we can improve the resilience of African airlines to ultimately make the proposition more attractive to potential investors.