ETHIOPIAN MRO SERVICES TO DEVELOP MAINTENANCE & REPAIR CAPABILITY ON ATR AIRCRAFT FOR AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST

Addis Ababa/Farnborough, 23 July 2024 – ATR, the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer, and Ethiopian MRO Services, a world-class maintenance and training provider, part of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, announced the signature of a Letter of Intent aimed at developing Ethiopian MRO Services’s ATR aircraft
maintenance and training capabilities.

This strategic agreement marks a significant milestone in expanding ATR’s presence in Africa and the Middle East, enabling enhanced support to local operators and fostering market growth. The cooperation would cover the development of Ethiopian MRO Services’s maintenance capabilities for ATR aircraft types and the establishment of a local spares’ stock to reduce response time for ATR operators in the region. It would also explore collaborative ways to train new ATR pilots with the Ethiopian Aviation University, the
most modern aviation guru.
With its extensive aircraft maintenance and repair capability, an international network for seamless spare parts delivery, multiple hubs across the continent, and an aviation training university, Ethiopian MRO Services is a key player in the aftermarket and the ideal local partner to cater to the needs of the 36 airlines operating 131 ATR aircraft across Africa and the Middle East.
Regarding the strategic agreement, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “This partnership aligns with Ethiopian Airlines Group’s vision to become a leading aviation reference for the African continent and the Middle East. We aim to share our expertise and benefit the entire African and Middle Eastern aviation community.

This collaboration reinforces Ethiopia’s positioning as a key hub, and the fact that an established OEM such as ATR approaches us to leverage our capabilities for their fleet and operators is a testament to the recognition we have earned.” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Ethiopian MRO’s
significant investments over the past years to expand their facilities combined with their dedication to developing their capabilities, present a timely opportunity for ATR to provide better support to our African and Middle Eastern operators.

We are confident this cooperation will help boost regional aviation locally and unlock further potential for
growth. Our operators will benefit from an improved quality of service, lower maintenance costs, reduced downtimes and lower emissions through the support of an experienced partner close to their needs.” While some parts of Africa and the Middle East have flourishing regional aviation networks, with turboprops playing a key role for local businesses, goods transport and tourism, the region remains widely under connected: 67% of the routes under 500NM are operated once daily or less, representing only 11% of seats. Most traffic is concentrated on a few well-served trunk routes, while connectivity from secondary cities is declining. Flying turboprops offers a reliable cost-effective solution for domestic and subregional connectivity, eliminating the need for expensive and environmentally disruptive ground infrastructure development.
With its unrivalled versatility, fuel efficiency and low operating costs, ATR aircraft are the ideal platform to serve the growing connectivity needs of the region’s communities. As part of its strategy to empower customer satisfaction and regional expertise, ATR also established at the end of 2023 a Regional Field Service Representative in Ethiopia as a key initiative to create more intimacy with its customers and enhance their satisfaction.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the
continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has
become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian
commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most
modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five
continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such
as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi
with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan
(Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that
will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian
has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven

consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been
registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.
For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com
Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com
Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907

Press Release- ETHIOPIAN MRO TO DEVELOP ATR MAINTENANCE REPAIR CAPABILITY FOR AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EASTDownload

INTRODUCING THE ASANTE LOUNGE, DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT

Kenya Airways has reopened its lounge in Terminal 1C at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport offering travelers a perfect spot to relax while at the airport. The refurbished lounge dubbed Asante Lounge promises guests a comfortable, pristine and relaxed environment for all guests.


Travelers can expect the highest level of service with a wide variety of food available. From quick easy to go snacks, to live cooking of eggs and pasta dishes, and to a full buffet which includes soups, salads, main courses and desserts. There is something for everyone. Guests also have plenty of Beverage options to choose from, including hot beverages, soft drinks (Still and sparkling water, sodas, juices), Spirits (Whiskies, Vodka, Gin, cognac, Liqueur, rum), Wines (Red, white, Rose, Sparkling) and Beers (Local and International).


Asante Lounge has a capacity of 42 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it a convenient relaxation spot for travelers. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for entertainment, the lounge is also fitted with showers for guests looking for a place to freshen up,with amenity kits and towels
provided..
Whether a guest has a long or a short layover at the airport, or simply needs to handle some business
before their flight, the lounge which is equipped with high speed Wi-Fi offers the perfect serene
environment at the airport.


The lounge is open for all business class guests, Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members as well as
SkyTeam Frequent Flier eligible programs. Customers travelling in Economy Class Cabin can purchase
lounge access at USD 25 for 3 hours, or USD 40 for 5 hours. So if you are looking for a place to eat, relax, freshen up or even do business while at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Asante Lounge is the perfect spot for you.

Eritrea is Surging the Tourism Industry with New Visa free travel Policy for Kenya & Uganda.

Eritrea stands as a captivating country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by the vast expanses of the Red Sea. Its strategic geographical position and extensive coastline have historically made it a pivotal player in the trade and cultural exchanges between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. This unique location is reflected in the diverse cultural fabric and linguistic mosaic that characterizes the nation today.

Historical Overview

The roots of Eritrea are deeply entrenched in both its location and its complex colonial history. Having been a convergence point for various civilizations, the region has witnessed an array of influences, from South Arabian to Ottoman Turkish, and eventually the Italian colonization in the 19th century. These layers of history have left a rich cultural and architectural legacy that continues to attract scholars and tourists alike.

Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity

Eritrea is home to a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, each preserving its own language and traditions. The nine recognized ethnic groups contribute to a linguistic landscape that includes Tigrinya, Tigre, and a number of other Afroasiatic languages, with Arabic and English serving as important secondary languages.

Tourism in Eritrea

Despite its political challenges, Eritrea offers an array of attractions for the intrepid traveler. From the mesmerizing architecture of Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the unspoiled islands and coral reefs of the Dahlak Archipelago, the country presents a tapestry of experiences. Eritrea’s tourism sector, though underdeveloped, provides a genuine adventure for those looking to explore one of Africa’s most secluded destinations.

Economic Landscape

Eritrea’s economy faces numerous challenges, reflected in its low ranking on the Index of Economic Freedom. However, it boasts significant potential in sectors like mining and tourism, which remain largely untapped due to geopolitical and internal issues.

Transportation Hubs

The country’s transportation infrastructure is centered around key airports like Asmara International, Massawa International, and Assab International. These facilitate both domestic and limited international travel, connecting Eritrea with neighboring countries and beyond.

Airline Services

The national carrier, Eritrean Airlines, along with other regional airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir, connect Eritrea to the wider region, offering links despite the challenging economic conditions.

Countries that can visit to Eritrea without Visa:- Kenya, Uganda

Accommodations

Luxury and comfort can be found at Asmara Palace Hotel, the top choice for international visitors, alongside other reputable options like Crystal Hotel and Hotel Asmara Central. These establishments provide quality service and are central to the experience of visiting the capital.

Cultural Significance and Landmarks

Eritrea is renowned for its architectural wonders, like the futuristic Fiat Tagliero Building and the classic Cinema Roma in Asmara, reflecting the Italian modernist influence. The nation’s historical depth is further highlighted by its archaeological sites and over 400 historic churches and monasteries, testament to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Eritrea remains a land of undiscovered beauty and rich history. Its complex past and diverse cultures make it a unique destination for those willing to venture off the beaten path. As the country slowly opens up to the world, its potential for tourism and economic growth continues to expand, promising a brighter future ahead.

Source:  Travel and Tour World.  

Evolution of alternative fuels for aviation.

While the aviation sector will have to overcome huge challenges to achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the industry has made great strides in its decarbonization journey. The uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is growing, with global SAF capacity expected to be nearly 6 billion gallons by 2030 from 1.3 billion gallons in 2023.1 However, today it is severely constrained by the limited availability of alternative aviation fuels that are low in lifecycle carbon, cost-effective, safe, and high-performance.

Although the aviation sector only accounts for just over 2 percent of global energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,2 air transportation is growing fast as global populations become wealthier. It means under a business-as-usual scenario, air travel could consume up to 10 percent of the planet’s remaining 1.5°C carbon budget by 2050.3

This report is tailored for leaders and stakeholders in the aviation industry, seeking to offer actionable insights on alternative fuels and a detailed analysis of readiness and adoption potential in the aviation sector.

By using the insights and recommendations provided, aviation organizations can better navigate the complexities of this transition, mitigate associated risks, and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

alternate fuels readiness factors

Source:    KPMG analysis, “Fueling the energy transition,” 2024.

Paris Olympics: A Promising Future for Kenya’s Sports Tourism.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the official tourism marketing agency for Kenya, has set its sights on capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics to propel the nation’s sports tourism industry.

This strategic move leverages the global spotlight on Kenya‘s powerhouse athletes and coincides perfectly with Kenya’s peak tourist season, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s multifaceted offerings.

John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Tourism, underscored the significance of sports personalities in his statement released in Nairobi.

He highlighted their role as “national icons and global ambassadors” who can effectively project Kenya‘s potential as a premier sports tourism destination during the Olympics.

Aligning with Peak Season for Maximum Impact

The Paris Olympics conveniently overlap with Kenya’s peak tourist season, which stretches from June to October.

This period coincides with the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a natural spectacle dubbed one of the “Twin Migrations” alongside the humpback whale migration in Watamu.

KTB aims to leverage this perfect timing to entice Olympic visitors to extend their stay and experience these iconic Kenyan wonders.

Kenya boasts a rich tapestry of tourism experiences beyond wildlife safaris.

From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural encounters, the country offers something for every traveler.

KTB’s strategic plan leverages the Olympics to showcase this full spectrum of attractions to the global audience expected at the Games.

Kenya: A Powerhouse in African Sports Tourism

Kenya arrives at the Paris Olympics with an impressive pedigree, holding the distinction of being Africa’s most decorated Olympic nation with over 100 medals to its credit.

This stellar track record, coupled with the presence of renowned Kenyan athletes like Brigid Kosgei and Eliud Kipchoge, is certain to generate significant international interest in the country’s sporting scene.

The influx of athletes, officials, and fans for the Olympics presents a lucrative opportunity for Kenya’s tourism sector.

KTB’s proactive approach capitalizes on this potential by promoting sports tourism experiences that cater to this specific audience.

Envisioning Kenya’s Sports Tourism Landscape

While details of KTB’s specific plans haven’t been unveiled yet, potential strategies could involve:

Package deals: Curated itineraries combining Olympic events with wildlife safaris, cultural excursions, or beach getaways.

Training camps: Offering world-class training facilities at high altitude locations like Iten and Kaptagat, renowned for nurturing Kenyan champions, to international athletes.

Experiences with sporting legends: Organizing exclusive opportunities for tourists to interact with or train alongside Kenyan sporting heroes.

A Win-Win Situation: Boosting Tourism and National Image

KTB’s focus on sports tourism is a strategic move with the potential to deliver significant benefits for Kenya. Here’s a breakdown of the potential gains:

Increased tourist arrivals: By effectively leveraging the Olympics, KTB can attract a broader range of tourists interested in sports, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Diversification of the tourism sector: Sports tourism presents a valuable avenue for diversification, lessening dependence on traditional wildlife safaris and creating a more resilient tourism industry.

Enhanced national image: The global spotlight on Kenyan athletes during the Olympics serves as a powerful platform to showcase the country’s beauty, hospitality, and sporting prowess, boosting Kenya’s international image.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Kenyan Sports Tourism

The Kenya Tourism Board’s strategic focus on sports tourism holds immense promise for the nation’s tourism industry.

By capitalizing on the upcoming Paris Olympics and the country’s legacy of sporting excellence, KTB has the potential to attract a new wave of visitors eager to experience the magic of Kenya.

This strategic approach not only promises economic benefits but also contributes to strengthening Kenya’s position as a global sporting powerhouse and a world-class tourist destination.

Source: ATTA.   

Sabre Unveils Astonishing Travel Tech and Insights at Global Business Travel Association.

Sabre Corporation, a premier software and technology provider for the global travel industry, showcases its executives, products, and technologies at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) meeting in Atlanta from July 22-24.

Sabre’s key speakers include Kathy Morgan, Vice President of Product Management and Distribution Experiences at Sabre Travel Solutions; Andy Finkelstein, Senior Vice President of Global Agency Sales and Delivery for Sabre Travel Solutions; Todd Arthur, Senior Vice President of Sabre’s North America Agency Business and Corporate Solutions; and Chinmai Sharma, Global Head of Lodging, Ground & Sea for Sabre Travel Solutions.

Events include:

Monday, July 22, 4:30-6:30 pm EST: Sabre hosts a Welcome Reception at Booth 3121

Tuesday, July 23, 8:00-8:45 am EST: Kathy Morgan moderates the NDC in Action Panel

Tuesday, July 23, 2:00–3:00 pm EST: Sabre presents a Spotlight and Happy Hour at Booth 3121

Wednesday, July 24, 9:15 am EST: Kathy Morgan participates in the C-suite Conversation on NDC Takes Flight

Sabre focuses on the following topics:

Corporate Booking Tools: Sabre powers NDC content for leading corporate travel management tools such as GetThere, Atriis, SAP Concur, Spotnana, Serko, and Wooba. Sabre prioritizes NDC to enable personalized, real-time retailing based on offers and orders. As both an NDC aggregator and IT provider, Sabre brings a comprehensive perspective and expertise to NDC discussions, advocating for the entire travel industry.

End-to-End Workflows: Sabre supports end-to-end workflows, including mid and back-office integrations and corporate policy considerations, to make NDC appealing to travel sellers and ensure efficient operations.

Multi-Source Content Aggregation: Sabre deploys scalable NDC capabilities by integrating and normalizing NDC content, ATPCO/EDIFACT options, and low-cost carrier (LCC) XML itineraries, simplifying the process for travel agencies to shop, compare, and book the best options for travelers.

Partnership with Google: Sabre leverages its relationship with Google to utilize advanced AI and machine learning, enhancing existing solutions and developing new AI-powered products. This partnership boosts productivity and customer service, transforming product development speed and improving service quality for travelers.

Source:   Travel and Tour World.

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry.

The attractive investment prospects offered by Zambia’s burgeoning tourism industry have been brought to the fore at the 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Livingstone.

Taking place from July 22 to 24, the meeting saw the launch of a new set of investment guidelines for the southern African country. The “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Zambia” guidelines highlighted five key competitive advantages offered by the country, including rich natural resources and wildlife, cultural diversity and peace, a strategic location in the heart of Africa, a conducive business environment, and attractive business incentives.

“Investment in Zambia is an increasingly attractive prospect for individuals, businesses and governments seeking opportunities. With its abundant natural resources, favourable business environment and commitment to economic diversification, Zambia offers a range of investment possibilities across various sectors,” said Zambia’s Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba.

The guidelines were compiled through a collaboration between UN Tourism, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Zambia Development Agency.

Attractive business environment and incentives

In the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business report (now discontinued), Zambia was ranked the eighth-easiest African country to do business in and first for ease of obtaining credit. Investment attractiveness is further strengthened through the country’s 16 investment promotion and protection agreements, which particularly emphasise investments in the tourism sector.

“The country has developed a robust set of frameworks and initiatives, which include tax relaxation measures, incentives and favourable policy schemes, creating a conducive environment for investors.

These efforts have facilitated foreign direct investments (FDIs) and positioned Zambia as an interesting destination where tourism can flourish and thrive,” said Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa.

Between 2018 and 2023, greenfield FDI announcements in the tourism sector totalled US$239.4 million. The investment has poured into the development of new hotels and resorts in Lusaka and tourist hubs such as Livingstone; national parks such as Luangwa and Kafue; adventure tourism offerings such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping; and cultural attractions including museums, cultural centres and cuisine.

The country now features global hotel brands such as Radisson, Anantara, Intercontinental, Sarovar, Marriot, Hilton, Protea, Tsogo Sun and Holiday Inn, amongst others.

“This influx of reputable hotel chains underscores Zambia’s emergence as a premier destination on the international tourism map, offering visitors unparalleled luxury and comfort amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes,” said Sikumba.

The investment guidelines showcase 10 tourism investment opportunities, including lodges and hotels, a golf course, a convention centre and a football stadium. The opportunities are situated in Lusaka, Kasaba Bay, Livingstone, Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

Strategic positioning for cross-border trade and tourism

Sharing a border with nine countries, Zambia offers access to a range of regional markets including the Common Market for East and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. From a tourism perspective, the location serves as a central hub for multi-destination travel experiences.

In 2022 and 2023, the country improved its destination attractiveness by expanding its visa waiver list to over 100 countries. Advancements in the formalisation of a KAZA Univisa – which will allow single-visa access to the five countries sharing the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (the others being Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe) – are also bolstering the country’s tourism proposition.

Vision to be amongst top five destinations

Building upon the positive trajectory observed in recent years, the country’s economic outlook continues to show promise with projected growth rates of 4.7% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025, according to national government estimates.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stressed that government had placed tourism at the heart of economic policies, through strategic documents and programmes such as the 2018-2038 Tourism Master Plan, the eighth National Development Plan and the new investment guidelines.

“The vision for the tourism sector is to ensure that Zambia ranks among the most visited holiday destinations in Africa and is a regional conference hub with a high quality, diversified and sustainable tourism industry that is a major contributor to economic and social well-being,” said Hichilema, stating the aim is to be among the top five tourist destinations of choice in the sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

The country welcomed a record 1.39 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding the 2019 figure of 1.26m.

Infrastructure development is set to be further enhanced through the $100m set aside for the Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project in Zambia’s 2024 National Budget. The money has been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure at Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park and the source of the Zambezi River, and the improvement of air and road connectivity to the south-west tourism circuit of Liuwa, SiomaNgwezi, Livingstone and Kafue National Parks. An additional $30m has been earmarked for the development of other infrastructure, marketing, wildlife management and development of new tourism projects.

The investment guidelines highlight that in addition to the centrepiece Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the country boasts 21 national parks and 36 game management areas, playing host to the Big Five and over 1 800 other mammal species. In total, protected areas span 22.4m hectares, representing 30% of the country’s total land mass.

The country is culturally rich, featuring over 70 different tribes, which the investment guidelines state “offers significant potential to introduce innovative products and services that resonate with and benefit local communities while appealing to wider audiences”.

Source:Tourism Update.

Dubai Tourism unveils unique experiences.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced the launch of a new set of initiatives aimed at creating unforgettable local experiences for visitors and ensuring repeat visitations.

The end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ set of initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen Dubai’s tourism offerings and build upon the key pillars of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025.

The revised strategy has set a target of welcoming 25 million visitors annually by 2025, and make Dubai the most visited city in the world.

“While our world-class propositions and experiences showcase the diversity of the destination offerings and provide segment-based preferences for tourists, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to curate, create and deliver personalised end-to-end experiences,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai Tourism will develop the end-to-end ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences with the help of the emirate’s agile and responsive ecosystem, featuring collaborations with partners in creating specialised programmes, activations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.

Source: Khaleej Times.

IATA – Remaining Relevant to Travel Agents

Modern Airline Retailing is an active and important initiative for airlines around the world. But though control of the Offer and Order environment is an essential component in a fiercely competitive industry, IATA is aware that not all airlines have the same set of requirements and distribution strategies.

“This is why the Agency Program is still so important,” says Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s SVP for Financial Settlement and Distribution Services. “IATA accredited agents are trusted distribution partners, and our Agency Program allows airlines and agents to come together to solve challenges and ensure this vital channel remains strong.”

Moreover, the Agency Program fits perfectly with the overall objective of giving customers greater choice. The travel agent is still a vital part of the offer to the customer and has become a hub for consolidating the travel experience. Travel agents are also playing an important role in Modern Airline Retailing as IATA continues to see an increase in NDC transactions in the BSP. 

“Really, they are travel consultancies now,” says Albakri. “They provide an end-to-end service and are now much more than ticket providers.”

In 2023, the travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP and created 27 million new jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Airlines are critical to making that happen. And so are travel agents.

In fact, travel agents are still the industry’s strongest distribution channel. The aim, therefore, is to ensure these agents are robust, reliable partners and the process of engagement—whether it is payment or fulfilling passenger requests—is as seamless and cost-effective as possible.

Keeping the program relevant

The most important step was the development of New Generation IATA Settlement Systems (NewGen ISS) approximately five years ago. This introduced different levels of accreditation:

  • Go Global is for large multinational agents and simplifies BSP participation by having a single agreement and a consolidated financial security and Remittance Holding Capacity.
  • Go Standard agents are allowed to sell in cash and other forms of payment.
  • Go Lite agents benefit from not having to furnish financial securities to participate in BSP and are allowed to sell with IATA EasyPay and Credit Cards.

Airlines in turn gained from enhanced risk management and other tools that made the distribution of tickets through travel agents even safer.

“It is not one-size-fits-all anymore,” says Albakri. “Agents can join at an appropriate level of accreditation for their business but still gain from the trust and reach that being accredited brings.”

Supporting the recovery of the industry

After COVID, IATA focused on revamping the accreditation process and streamlining the requirements. The Go Standard agents do not have to go through a financial assessment for the first two years of operation, for example. All told, the changes have resulted in a 50% reduction in accreditation times and a customer satisfaction of 90%.

“We did all this without compromising the risk management criteria,” says Albakri. “In fact, we have enhanced it by adding different compliance reviews, such as PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), as a requirement for agencies selling in credit cards, and more robust real-time monitoring of agency sales. But we can improve further both on continuing to strengthen the risk environment and on improving IATA’s service to travel agents by reducing our processing times.”

The improvements in the accreditation process together with the resilience shown by the Agency Program during the pandemic has led to strong demand and growth in accreditation numbers.

“We have also been more present in events and different meetings where travel agents approached us to know more about the benefits of the program and the requirements to become IATA accredited,” says Albakri. “In addition, IATA has historically entered into promotional agreements with different parties to increase the number of Participants and we are fully committed to continuing with this best practice.”

As a result, the number of travel agent codes in the BSP has increased from 54,341 in 2022 to 58,923 codes in April 2024.

For Albakri, this proves that as long as there continues to be a commercial relationship between airlines and travel agents, the program will continue to be extremely valuable.

“Agents will be even more relevant in the future than they were in the past,” he believes. “The Agency program is at the heart of industry resilience because it is a strong, trusted system for distributing and selling tickets and collecting monies. There is also a very low cost of transaction and IATA will continue to improve the service we provide.”

Source:   IATA.

Stay Connected And Save Over 75% When You Travel With The KQ Safari Data Roaming Plan

Imagine landing in a new country and your normal data plan won’t work! You can’t call over the internet, you can’t text, you can’t go online and you can’t even use your phone apps to get a cab. This is the definition of stress for any traveler. Whether you are travelling for business or for leisure, staying connected is important and for this, you need a trusted data solution that can ensure you are able to communicate and you can connect to the internet. Safari Data from Kenya Airways offers just that! Peace of mind and connectivity when travelling.

Safari Data provides over 2200+ Data Roaming plans to travelers at a very low cost, is available in over 180+ countries and the plans are based on per Country as well as Regional plans and Global plans. This means, we have got you covered pretty much everywhere you are travelling. The data plan is only for mobile internet which means users can make calls or send messages through applications like Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, WeChat, etc.

The solution which has been developed in partnership with Roambuddy.world Ltd has been tested and tried over and over guaranteeing you a reliable data partner for all your travels. It is easy to install and is available on eSIM compatible devices allowing users to access the internet via a 3G, 4G, LTE or 5G networks.

With KQ Safari Data you do not need to worry about expensive roaming data charges from your local operator. The data plans are easy to purchase and activate. The data roaming plan currently offers plans starting from 7 day for 1GB plans and 30 day plans for plans with 3GB or more data with the option of getting Global Plans with longer durations up to 365 days with the highest speeds wherever possible (3G/4G/5G) on Kenya Airways supported networks around the world.

So, the next time you are traveling, don’t get stranded by lack of internet access, simply purchase your eSIM data plan on  https://www.kqsafaridata.com/ before you travel and stay connected!