In a refreshing break from boardroom meetings and formal forums, travel agents gathered at The Village Market for the Kenya Travel Agents Bowling League, a lively event organised by Sabre in partnership with the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and supported by leading industry players.
The event, brought together travel consultants, airline partners, and travel service providers for a dynamic morning of fun, friendly competition, and meaningful networking. Participants competed in bowling matches, tackled exciting spot challenges, and walked away with fantastic prizes, including hotel vouchers, economy and business class tickets, and other giveaways.
KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula commended Sabre for spearheading the initiative. “We’re proud to have partnered on this exciting activity. It’s a fantastic way for our members to engage outside the usual professional settings and build relationships in a relaxed environment,” he said.
Sabre’s Saby Morenas reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing industry connections. “This isn’t a one-time event. We intend for the Bowling League to be a regular fixture,a space where travel professionals can meet, unwind, and grow together,” he noted.
Beyond the pins and prizes, the event succeeded in its main mission: creating a vibrant space for networking among travel professionals. With industry support from Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air France, KLM, TAAG, ASKY, Panari Hotels, Novotel, Charge24, and more, the event highlighted a united commitment to revitalizing Kenya’s travel trade community.
Travelport, a worldwide leader in travel technology, announced new developments in the way its business is organised. This enhancement is intended to make booking easier for travel agents and their customers, improving speed to market, lowering response time, and delivering a speedier and more engaging user experience.
For travel professionals, as they say, time is money, and the need to speed through the booking process is immeasurable. So, whether you are a leisure, corporate, or multi-destination agency, fast is speedier and translates into a better service, a happier customer, and a more profitable sale. Travelport’s decision to focus on enhancing how fast air can be searched illustrates a more profound connection with these needs from the industry.
Why Faster Search Speeds Matter for the Travel Industry
The efficiency of search processes in the travel industry has long been a crucial determinant of customer satisfaction. When booking a flight, both travel agents and customers value speed — a quick, seamless search process ensures that travelers can find the best options with minimal effort and time. In an era of heightened competition and increasing customer expectations, speed can be the differentiating factor that sets one platform apart from another.
For travel agents, time spent waiting for search results directly impacts their ability to handle multiple clients and manage large volumes of inquiries. In turn, this affects their overall productivity and customer satisfaction. The faster they can provide results and recommend options, the more satisfied their clients will be, and the more efficiently the agents can work.
Increased search speed also translates into more competitive pricing, improved operational efficiency, and higher profitability for travel agents, airlines, and other partners using the platform.
How Travelport Can Achieve Faster Air Search Speeds
The improvements to Travelport+’s air search speeds were made possible through a combination of technological innovations and cloud infrastructure optimizations. The company integrated state-of-the-art algorithms with cloud-based solutions to enhance processing power and speed, ensuring that the platform delivers results at an accelerated pace without compromising the accuracy or reliability of the search results.
Key to these improvements was the enhancement of Travelport’s search indexing and data processing methods. By refining the backend technology, Travelport has reduced latency and optimized the overall responsiveness of the platform. These upgrades are made possible by Travelport’s ongoing investment in cloud computing technologies, including their adoption of Smartpoint Cloud, which enhances the platform’s ability to scale quickly and efficiently.
As a result of these technological innovations, users are now experiencing faster load times for search results, which allows them to find flight options within seconds instead of minutes.
Benefits of Faster Search Speeds for Travel Agents and Customers
The benefits of faster search speeds extend well beyond just faster results. For travel agents, the ability to quickly access and present flight options empowers them to serve their clients more effectively. Whether booking one ticket or handling a complex itinerary, agents can now provide customers with faster responses, greater accuracy, and more flight choices, all while reducing their workload.
Faster searches also improve the customer experience for travelers. Customers have become accustomed to rapid results in all aspects of their lives, from browsing retail websites to using ride-sharing apps. As a result, long wait times during flight searches are now seen as a negative experience. With Travelport+’s speed enhancements, travelers are able to receive the information they need to make informed decisions in less time, improving satisfaction and building loyalty.
Another advantage of faster search speeds is the ability to display more options to customers in a shorter amount of time. Travel agents can present multiple flight choices, fare classes, and different carriers, all at a faster rate, giving their clients more flexibility and allowing for better comparisons.
Future of Travelport: Continuous Innovation and Platform Upgrades
While the improvements in air search speeds are significant, Travelport is committed to continuing its innovation to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving travel industry. The company is constantly working on introducing new features and tools to improve not just search speed but also the overall functionality of the Travelport+ platform.
In the future, Travelport plans to expand the capabilities of its platform to include more personalized search results, enhanced customer support features, and integrations with new technologies, all aimed at creating an even more seamless experience for both travel agents and their customers.
By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, Travelport intends to deliver predictive search capabilities, helping users find not only the best flights but also the most cost-effective travel solutions based on their preferences and past behaviors. This forward-thinking approach shows the company’s commitment to not just responding to industry demands, but to anticipating and innovating for the future of travel.
How Travelport Can Set the Stage for the Future of Travel Booking
The enhancements to the Travelport platform air search speeds demonstrate the company’s dedication to improving the overall user experience for travel agents and customers alike. With these upgrades, Travelport is positioning itself as a leader in the travel technology sector, providing its users with the tools needed to stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.
By investing in technology and optimizing its platform, Travelport is ensuring that its customers have the most efficient, reliable, and seamless booking experience possible. The faster search speeds are just the beginning, and we can expect to see further innovations in the coming years that will continue to shape the future of travel bookings.
Conclusion: Making Travel Better for the Customer
The enhancements to air search speeds on the Travelport platform demonstrate Travelport’s continued drive for efficiency and innovation in travel. These shifts are positive for travel agents as they will make them more productive, and are also positive for customers because they reduce the time spent on putting together a flight itinerary. Now, in the age of accelerated and efficient air travel booking, Travelport is at the forefront of those pressing demands.
In the increasingly competitive universe of travel booking, where time is money, Travelport’s latest improvements deliver something truly valuable: accelerated search responses that help foster a more efficient, productive, and satisfying booking process.
Global travel technology provider Travelport has announced a major shift in how users access its platforms, introducing the MyTravelport login as the new standard for all users of Smartpoint Desktop and related services.
In a move aimed at strengthening data security and streamlining user access, Travelport confirmed that all users will soon need a MyTravelport account to sign in to future versions of Smartpoint. The change will primarily affect users operating on Smartpoint version 10.1 and above, who will begin seeing a self-registration pop-up prompting them to set up their accounts.
“We’re changing how you sign in to better protect your data and improve your overall experience,” the company says.
What Users Can Expect
Smartpoint Desktop users without MyTravelport credentials will be guided through a self-registration process via a pop-up on their platform. Users will receive three key emails as part of the setup:
A confirmation email once the account is approved.
A password setup email.
A reminder that inactive accounts may require reactivation after 90 days.
Additionally, Travelport noted that users must ensure the email address used in their host sign-on matches the one used for MyTravelport. Mismatched emails will require manual input during registration.
Benefits of MyTravelport
Once registered, users gain access to a host of benefits through the MyTravelport portal, including:
Easier access to Travelport products and updates.
Support issue resolution without the need to contact the help desk.
Self-paced and instructor-led training resources.
A smoother, more secure user experience overall.
Next Steps for Users
To prepare for the transition, users are advised to:
Use a unique, company-associated email address.
Follow the on-screen instructions when the registration prompt appears.
Driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness, staycations are increasingly seen as a practical and affordable alternative to international travel.
The UAE hospitality sector is experiencing a sharp rise in demand for staycations, as more residents opt to spend their holidays within the country instead of traveling abroad, according to the KPMG Dubai Hospitality Report released in April 2025.
Driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness, staycations are increasingly seen as a practical and affordable alternative to international travel. By avoiding long-haul flights, high-priced overseas accommodations, and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, UAE residents are choosing to explore the attractions in their backyard, from pristine beaches and majestic mountains to bustling cities and cultural landmarks.
This trend is not only redefining local travel preferences but also providing a boost to the domestic economy. Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues across the country are benefitting from increased local spending, particularly during weekends and off-peak seasons.
“Staycationers aren’t just booking rooms, they’re engaging in the full hospitality experience,” the KPMG report noted. “From utilising hotel amenities to dining at in-house restaurants and participating in curated experiences, residents are helping to diversify and stabilise revenue streams for the hospitality sector.”
With the “living local” movement gaining momentum, UAE hospitality businesses are responding with creative packages and promotions.
These include family-friendly deals, upgraded leisure facilities, and tailored experiences that highlight the country’s rich and varied attractions. New developments are also underway to meet rising demand.
During the nine-day Eid Al Fitr holiday in 2024, the UAE recorded a notable spike in staycation bookings from both residents and travellers from neighboring GCC countries, compared to the same period the previous year.
Dubai hospitality poised for continued growth
Looking ahead, Dubai’s hospitality industry is set for sustained expansion through 2025, supported by strong economic fundamentals, proactive government policies, and a thriving real estate market spanning both luxury and affordable segments.
The city’s Vision 2025 strategy, focused on tourism, infrastructure, and economic diversification, is paving the way for Dubai to solidify its position as a global tourism hub. Industry projections indicate:
11,300 new hotel rooms are expected to open in Dubai by 2027.
Under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate aims to rank among the top three global tourism destinations.
However, to maintain competitiveness, hospitality players will need to prioritise innovation, sustainability, and the delivery of unique, localised guest experiences.
Central Hotels & Resorts capitalises on the domestic travel boom
As Dubai grows into a year-round destination for both international and local travelers, Central Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest-growing homegrown hospitality groups, is reaping the benefits of a transformed tourism landscape defined by leisure, locality, and lifestyle.
In recent months, the group has recorded a 25 per cent increase in bookings from UAE residents. The surge is fuelled by families, couples, and millennial groups opting for short, curated getaways that offer luxury without the hassle of international travel.
“This is not just a seasonal shift—it reflects a deeper change in how residents view leisure,” said Abdulla Ahmad Ali Al Abdulla Al Ansari, COO and group general manager of Central Hotels & Resorts. “Domestic guests, particularly Emirati families and long-time expats, are rediscovering Dubai’s appeal. Family travel now contributes nearly 30 per cent of our domestic revenue, and demand for interconnecting rooms and suites has risen by over 40 per cent this summer compared to last year.”
Tailored experiences redefine the staycation model
To meet growing domestic demand, Central Hotels & Resorts has revamped its offerings to focus on convenience, comfort, and curated experiences. Flagship properties like Royal Central Hotel The Palm, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay, and C Central Resort The Palm cater to diverse tastes, from families lounging poolside to couples enjoying panoramic views and regional dining.
“We’ve introduced value-added offers such as ‘Kids Go Free’ promotions, enhanced family packages, flexible check-in/out, and upgraded leisure amenities,” Al Ansari explained. “These thoughtful touches are turning short stays into meaningful escapes.”
Strategic locations have also played a key role. By operating in some of Dubai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Central offers guests both the connectivity of a city hotel and the tranquility of a resort. Whether it’s a spontaneous summer weekend or a planned long weekend, the group is becoming the preferred choice for domestic travelers who seek comfort without compromise.
Sustaining growth through domestic demand
The domestic travel surge is helping hotels flatten seasonal dips in occupancy, particularly during the traditionally slower summer months.
“Domestic leisure travel is expected to account for 35 per cent of our total occupancy this summer, up from 28 per cent last year,” said Al Ansari. “That’s a significant shift, and it’s enabling us to maintain strong performance even during what was once considered the off-season.”
The wider market data supports this trend. According to Visa’s 2025 UAE Travel Pulse, domestic travel spending rose by 68 per cent year-on-year, with Dubai accounting for 70 per cent of in-country travel bookings. Meanwhile, STR’s 2024 report revealed Dubai welcomed 18.7 million overnight visitors, boasting an average occupancy rate of 78.2 per cent and a RevPAR of Dhs421, figures that position Dubai as a regional and global leisure powerhouse.
Looking ahead: A new era of local tourism
As Dubai continues to invest in innovative tourism strategies and new attractions, companies like Central Hotels & Resorts are doubling down on their commitment to provide personalised, value-driven hospitality. The growing appetite for local experiences signals a shift in traveler expectations—one where quality, culture, and convenience converge.
“For many residents, there’s no longer a need to board a plane to feel like they’re on holiday,” Al Ansari concluded. “Dubai itself is the destination.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Kenya Airways is the first airline to have used IATA’s new Aviation Safety Culture Survey (I-ASC) Light.
I-ASC Light is a support tool for airlines to improve safety performance by strengthening safety culture. The new module of I-ASC is an automated survey that evaluates nine key safety culture drivers*, provides detailed quantitative and qualitative results by function and organizational level, as well as expert analysis to guide improvements.
Safety culture is the key focus of the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, to which Kenya Airways and 150 other airlines have made a formal commitment. A positive safety culture leads to better safety performance by supporting open reporting and learning, facilitating the effective management of safety risks and creating employee engagement based on trust.
“Safety is our priority. It is ingrained in everything we do and is fostered through a culture of continuous improvement. This is where I-ASC Light is such a valuable tool. We were able to pinpoint key areas for improvement in a clear and structured way. During World Safety Day in April, we shared the results of the I-ASC survey across the airline, with each member of the senior management team signing their own safety charters committing to safety initiatives in the IATA Safety Leadership Charter, which we signed in 2024,” said Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO Kenya Airways.
“The accessibility of I-ASC Light helps airline management teams quickly identify where they should focus in fostering a robust safety culture. As the global pioneer in using the new version of I-ASC, Kenya Airways is enabling concrete actions to meet their commitment to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter and to build a stronger safety culture across the airline,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President Africa and Middle East.
In recent years, Nigeria has emerged as both a key source market and a growing destination in the global tourism industry. According to a new research report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the country stands to benefit significantly from the projected $15 trillion global leisure travel boom by 2040. The report underscores how Nigerian travelers, along with the country’s tourism assets, align well with emerging global trends, including the integration of business and leisure travel and a rising focus on safety-conscious travel options.
Nigeria’s Emerging Role in the Global Tourism Market
The BCG report, titled “Unpacking the $15 Trillion Opportunity in Leisure Travel,” sheds light on the increasing importance of Nigerian travelers in the global tourism market. The study surveyed around 450 Nigerian travelers and more than 5,000 travelers from across 11 countries. Findings revealed that 73% of Nigerian respondents plan to combine business and leisure travel, significantly outpacing travelers from traditional tourism markets like the United States (15%), the United Kingdom (22%), and Germany (30%).
This trend highlights Nigeria’s growing influence on both outbound and inbound tourism. As the country continues to modernize and enhance its infrastructure, it has the potential to become a leading player in the global tourism sector. With the rise in both domestic and international tourism, Nigeria’s rich cultural experiences, spiritual destinations, and safety-conscious travel options make it increasingly attractive to both Nigerian travelers and international visitors.
A New Era of Tourism: The Rise of Business-Leisure Integration
The shift toward combining business and leisure travel has become one of the most significant trends in the global tourism landscape. In the past, business travel and leisure travel were often seen as separate categories, but today, many travelers are looking to blend the two. For Nigerian travelers, this trend is particularly pronounced, with 73% of respondents planning to integrate both aspects into their travel experiences. This approach, often referred to as “bleisure” travel, has been gaining traction worldwide, as it allows business professionals to make the most of their travel time by incorporating relaxation and exploration into their schedules.
This trend is particularly beneficial for Nigeria, which has a rapidly growing economy and is home to a thriving business hub. Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs are increasingly looking for opportunities to combine work with leisure, making destinations that offer both business amenities and cultural experiences highly attractive. Nigeria’s investment in infrastructure, such as modern conference and exhibition facilities, could further enhance the country’s appeal to business travelers seeking integrated experiences.
The Growing Demand for Safe and Sustainable Travel
As the world becomes more interconnected, there has been a growing demand for travel experiences that prioritize safety, health, and social responsibility. The report identifies a new “safety traveler” archetype, a group of individuals who prioritize secure, health-conscious, and socially responsible travel options. This segment, which is gaining popularity worldwide, is particularly focused on destinations that offer peace of mind in terms of security, health measures, and sustainable tourism practices.
Nigeria’s investments in health facilities and security infrastructure could play a critical role in attracting this segment of travelers. By positioning itself as a safe destination with a strong focus on health and sustainability, Nigeria could meet the needs of a growing number of tourists who are prioritizing these factors in their travel decisions. The country’s efforts to improve its healthcare infrastructure and safety protocols could help foster a sense of security for international visitors, making it an increasingly attractive destination for global tourists.
Cultural and Spiritual Tourism: Nigeria’s Unique Offering
Nigeria’s rich cultural and religious heritage is one of its most valuable assets in the tourism sector. The BCG report highlights the growing global demand for spiritual and cultural tourism, placing Nigeria alongside countries like India and Saudi Arabia as key destinations for travelers seeking religious and heritage-driven experiences. Nigeria’s diverse population, which includes a mix of ethnicities, languages, and religions, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring different cultures and traditions.
The country’s religious sites, including historic mosques, churches, and temples, as well as its vibrant cultural festivals, offer tourists unique experiences that blend history, spirituality, and local traditions. With its wealth of cultural landmarks, museums, and festivals, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading destination for cultural and spiritual tourism in Africa. This focus on cultural tourism aligns with global trends that emphasize authentic, meaningful travel experiences that allow tourists to connect with the local culture and community.
Capitalizing on Business Travel Infrastructure
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria already attracts a substantial volume of business travel. However, the BCG report suggests that the country could further capitalize on this by investing in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure. The development of state-of-the-art facilities for international conferences, trade shows, and corporate events could serve as a foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
Nigeria’s MICE sector holds significant potential, as business travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer both professional services and leisure opportunities. By enhancing its MICE infrastructure, Nigeria could position itself as a regional leader in business tourism, attracting international events and conferences. This would not only contribute to the growth of the tourism industry but also generate economic benefits through increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and regional development.
The Role of Digital Tools in Shaping Future Tourism
In the modern era, digital tools have become a crucial aspect of the tourism experience, particularly when it comes to planning and booking trips. The BCG report notes the growing importance of AI-powered travel discovery tools and social media engagement for future tourism marketing. Digital platforms that provide personalized recommendations, streamlined booking processes, and real-time updates on travel conditions have become integral to the travel experience, especially for younger, tech-savvy travelers.
For Nigeria, embracing digital technology in its tourism marketing strategy could help attract a broader, more diverse range of international visitors. By leveraging social media, AI-powered tools, and online platforms, Nigeria could enhance its visibility and appeal to global tourists. These tools also enable more effective targeting of specific traveler segments, such as eco-tourists, adventure seekers, or cultural enthusiasts, helping the country tailor its tourism offerings to meet the preferences of different audiences.
Economic Impact: Tourism as a Key Driver of Growth
The BCG report emphasizes the potential economic benefits of a growing tourism sector, noting that tourism-linked growth extends far beyond direct visitor spending. The tourism industry can generate jobs in hospitality, services, transportation, and retail, creating a positive ripple effect across the broader economy. Additionally, increased foreign exchange earnings and investments in infrastructure development will contribute to the overall economic growth of Nigeria.
Tourism also has the potential to promote regional development, particularly in areas that are currently underdeveloped or reliant on agriculture. By diversifying the economy through tourism, Nigeria can ensure a more sustainable economic future, where both urban and rural areas benefit from the growth of the tourism industry.
Nigeria’s Path to Becoming a Global Tourism Destination
As Nigeria continues to develop its tourism sector, it is essential for the country to focus on both the demand and supply sides of tourism development. The government and private sector must work together to create an ecosystem that promotes sustainable tourism, offers high-quality services, and meets the needs of today’s travelers. This includes investing in infrastructure, improving safety standards, and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
By capitalizing on emerging trends such as business-leisure integration, safety-conscious travel, and cultural tourism, Nigeria can position itself as a global tourism destination. The potential for growth in the tourism sector is immense, and with the right strategies in place, Nigeria could become a leading player in the global tourism market.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Tourism Sector
Nigeria’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth, with a combination of cultural heritage, business opportunities, and modern infrastructure attracting both domestic and international travelers. As the country continues to leverage global tourism trends and invest in key areas such as MICE infrastructure, digital marketing, and safety measures, Nigeria will be well-positioned to capitalize on the projected global tourism boom by 2040. The future of Nigeria’s tourism industry looks promising, with vast opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global recognition.
In a landmark development for African aviation, Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated a major expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) complex at Bole International Airport, positioning itself as the continent’s leading aircraft maintenance hub.
The $150 million investment, executed in partnership with Chinese infrastructure giant China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), includes several state-of-the-art facilities: a widebody aircraft hangar, a high-tech component maintenance center, and a fully automated aircraft parts warehouse.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the new infrastructure significantly boosts the airline’s capabilities. “With these new facilities, our airframe maintenance capacity increases by 50%. We are now not only able to support our growing fleet but also serve the needs of other African and Middle Eastern carriers,” he noted during the launch ceremony.
Certified to Global Standards
The expanded complex is certified by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), reinforcing its status as a world-class facility. Ethiopian Airlines now operates Africa’s most comprehensive MRO center, capable of servicing multiple aircraft types from across the region.
Strategic Vision for the Continent
“This MRO facility is the largest in Africa because we operate the biggest fleet on the continent,” Tasew added. “This milestone is the result of consistent investment in infrastructure and talent.”
Ethiopian Airlines has long been a regional leader in aircraft maintenance services, already serving clients across Africa. The new facilities are expected to boost capacity further and generate substantial revenue through expanded third-party services.
Pioneering Technology and Engineering Excellence
The engineering challenge behind the construction was considerable. CCCC used cutting-edge techniques and introduced advanced technologies, including 5G-controlled remote lifting systems, for the first time in Ethiopia to assemble the massive steel structures.
“For the two-bay hangar, the steel structure span is approximately 90 meters, and the mass head about 31 meters,” said a CCCC engineer. “We employed first-of-its-kind nuclear and 5G tech to lift and assemble it in one go, an engineering first for the country.”
A Symbol of African Self-Reliance
The expansion of Ethiopia’s MRO complex is more than a national accomplishment. It represents a bold step toward African aviation self-reliance, reducing dependency on overseas maintenance and underscoring Ethiopia’s growing influence in global aviation.
With enhanced infrastructure, skilled local labor, and an ambitious continental outlook, Ethiopian Airlines is not just flying higher; it is helping Africa maintain and control its skies with renewed confidence.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has called for public input for the upcoming future development plan of the Wilson Airport and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
In a notice on Sunday, July 20, the authority said that it will conduct a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), which will assess the environmental and social impacts that the development, which it did not specify, of the two airports might attract.
According to the authority, the assessment, which will be spearheaded by two consultancy firms: Dar Al Handasah Consultants and Geodev (K) Ltd, will be done in line with the guidelines of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999.
According to KAA, the future development of the two critical transport infrastructures will be essential in boosting the economy and enhancing service delivery.
“The SESA process requires broad stakeholder engagement, involving neighboring communities, organizations, and individuals who may be affected by, or have an interest in, the planning and future operations of the two airports,” KAA stated.
“The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is developing the Integrated Master Plans for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport (WAP) to guide future developments and enhance service delivery,” it added.
For Wilson Airport, according to the authority, public participation in the upcoming plans will be conducted from Monday, 21, 23, and 28 July, in Nairobi West, South C, and Langata Mugumoini.
On the other hand, for the JKIA, the exercise will be conducted on 22, 24, and 25 July, in Syokimau, Embakasi, and Utawala. During the exercises, residents of these areas will be informed about the master plans to expand the two facilities and also share their input, views, and concerns.
“Your participation will help shape the future of these airports and ensure that community issues are well understood and taken into account. Your participation and engagement will be highly appreciated,” KAA stated.
The announcement comes days after the authority revealed that it is in the process of improving JKIA’s infrastructure, including runways, airside access roads, and the baggage handling system.
According to KAA Board Chairman Caleb Kositany, during a meeting with senior officials from ground handling agents (GHAs) on Wednesday, July 9, the rehabilitation and improvement of the airport will be critical in elevating operations at the airport.
The Key reforms are designed to transform the airport into a modern facility that is competitive on the global stage.
TAAG Angola Airlines has announced the launch of a new Luanda–Nairobi route, with commercial passenger services set to begin on September 1. The airline will operate three weekly flights using its modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, further enhancing connectivity between Southern and Eastern Africa.
In a statement cited by Portuguese news outlet Publituris, TAAG described Nairobi as “a vibrant African capital where wild nature meets modern culture.” The Kenyan capital is widely regarded as a key regional hub and a critical transit point linking Africa to Asia and Europe. Kenya itself is one of the continent’s most dynamic economies, making this new route a strategic addition to TAAG’s growing network.
The airline emphasized that this expansion will boost mobility options for travelers, support bilateral trade, and strengthen diplomatic ties between Angola and East Africa.
This development follows the successful launch of TAAG’s weekly cargo service between Luanda and Nairobi, which began on April 30, 2025. Operated every Wednesday, the freighter route primarily handles flowers and perishables, capitalizing on Kenya’s position as one of the world’s largest flower exporters. With a cargo capacity of up to 18,000 kilograms per flight, the route is expected to transport as much as two million kilograms annually.
Beyond Nairobi, TAAG is also expanding its regional footprint with plans to introduce passenger flights to Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo and Libreville, Gabon. This follows a successful technical audit by Gabon’s civil aviation authority (ANAC Gabon), conducted in Luanda from June 9 to 13, 2025. As part of the audit, a TAAG Boeing 737 (registration D2-TBW) underwent a comprehensive review to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
TAAG has identified Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as another potential destination, although a formal launch date has not yet been announced.
A220 Fleet Expansion
Meanwhile, TAAG’s fleet modernization strategy continues to gain momentum. In June 2025, the airline welcomed its third Airbus A220-300, registered D2-TAI. The aircraft arrived in Luanda from Montreal, with a technical stop in Faro, Portugal. This delivery is part of TAAG’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which aims to enhance regional connectivity and improve operational efficiency.
Earlier aircraft deliveries include D2-TAF (MSN 55334) received in March 2025, and D2-TAA delivered in September 2024. All aircraft are configured with 137 seats—12 in business class and 125 in economy—and are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines. These engines deliver a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per seat compared to older models.
TAAG’s A220s are being sourced through leasing agreements with four major lessors: Air Lease Corporation (6 aircraft), Aviation Capital Group (4), Azorra (3), and Nordic Aviation Capital (2). While initial deliveries were scheduled for early 2024, the timeline was adjusted, with ongoing deliveries continuing through 2027.
Like other regions, North African aviation is undergoing a transformative phase driven by strategic innovation in fleet expansion, world-class pilot training, and technological self-reliance. Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt are leveraging aviation infrastructure investments to enhance regional connectivity and establish themselves as continental aviation powerhouses, capitalising on robust growth in air traffic demand.
Algerian fleet expansion
Air Algierie is expanding its fleet to meet rising local travel demand. The nation’s flag carrier plans to launch a domestic airline which is wholly owned by the state, supporting the initiative with the acquisition of 16 aircraft and the leasing of eight others, comprised of Boeing and Airbus models. This fleet expansion is funded by the National Investment Fund who hope the initiative will accomplish the projected 50% increase in air traffic. This reinforces Algeria’s position in North African aviation, enhancing connectivity (particularly in southern regions), and supporting ambitious aviation goals set out by the nation.
World-class pilot training in Morocco
Morocco’s aviation sector is partaking in a strategic partnership between Airways Aviation and Morocco Aviation Private Academy (MAPA) , with hopes to deliver world-class pilot training. This collaboration offers a modular, EASA-certified program that combines initial training at Ben Slimane Airport with the opportunity for advanced specialisations in Europe. The modern facilities they are equipped with position MAPA to adequately meet the country’s growing demand for well-qualified and well-trained pilots. This partnership, aligned with the expansion of Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc, is in line with Morocco’s emerging station as a local hub, bolstered further by significant state investment in aviation.
Technological self-reliance in Egypt
Egypt is advancing its aviation capabilities through a cooperation protocol signed between the Egyptian Aviation Academy and the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation. This agreement focuses on developing advanced flight simulators and intelligent training systems that meet international standards. By prioritising technological self-reliance, Egypt aims to reduce reliance on imported equipment and position itself as a premier hub for aviation training in the Middle East and Africa. The Egyptian Aviation Academy, complemented by EgyptAir Training Academy’s recent EASA Level D certification for its A330/A340 simulator, strengthens Egypt’s ability to advance pilot training and safety standards.
These developments reflect a concerted effort across North Africa to drive aviation growth and ride the wave of skyrocketing air travel demand experienced in the region. By investing in aviation infrastructure and training, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt are solidifying their role as regional players, poised now to better meet their growing air travel needs and compete on a global stage.
