Can technology rejuvenate Africa’s tourism industry?

The tourism industry in Africa is slowly healing from the slump brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the global lockdown, 68.8 million people came to Africa as tourists in 2019. These tourists and their spending power contributed 6.8% of Africa’s GDP and 25.48 million jobs to the continent. 

However, by the time the pandemic hit, almost 6 million jobs and $86 billion had been wiped out in Africa. Last year, in what has been a steady recovery since travel restrictions were eased, 45 million tourists came to Africa, representing 65% of the pre-pandemic level.

This growth is only expected to continue. According to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, Africa’s tourism sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 6.8% between 2022 and 2032. The sector is also expected to create 14 million new jobs within this timeframe. 

To achieve these lofty expectations, a lot of players would need to pitch in. However, it seems that the African tourism industry has not experienced the same level of innovation as other African industries. Despite its potential and significance, tourism lags behind other industries like agriculture, finance, energy, health, and education, which have all seen several tech-enabled solutions to their problems. 

Ben Peterson, the co-founder and CEO of Purple Elephant, a tourism-focused venture studio, told TechCabal that his studio decided to focus on tourism because of this issue. “When you try to find the websites of some of the most famous safari lodges in Kenya, many of them don’t even have websites. Those that do have websites are super out of date. Most of the time, you can’t even book a safari experience directly on the website of the camp; you have to go through a phone number or email,” he said. 

This is where Travel Afrique comes into play. Founded in 2019 by Tracy Kuelo and Calvino Miguel, the company acts as a platform for travel agencies to offer their services online. Prospective tourists can connect with agencies and request tailored journeys to their desired destinations. “Our clients have the flexibility to request tailored journeys to their desired destinations, and our partner agencies will respond with a quote, free of charge. Our clients are then able to request modifications to the quote until they are entirely satisfied and subsequently proceed with the booking,” Miguel explained.

According to Miguel, the platform brought in over $250,000 in revenue last year from bookings made through its platform, with 80% of that amount going to local agencies. The platform only offers trips to Tanzania, Senegal, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Benin, and Namibia. He shared that demand, safety and security, the political stability of the country, and the quality of local tour operators dictate which country the platform operates in.

He also shared that Tanzania accounted for 20% of the 1,000 requests that the platform received last year, while Senegal accounted for 17%, and Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire accounted for 13% of all requests. Tanzania’s share of requests can be attributed to the country not requiring international tourists to present a negative COVID-19 vaccine certificate or a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. 

When asked how Travel Afrique curates the tourist experience, Miguel told TechCabal that the company relies on local agency partners to provide the required customised itineraries and information based on the specific needs and requests of its clients. He also added that to make sure that agencies meet standards, they must undergo a thorough and demanding evaluation of key factors.

“To confirm the agency’s legitimacy and reputation, we start by conducting a thorough background check on it. Then, we confirm that the company complies with all applicable national and international travel standards and laws. The agency’s infrastructure, including the standard of its lodging, transportation, and tour guides, is also taken into account,” he said.

“Furthermore, we evaluate the diversity of the travel activities offered, as it is of the utmost importance to us that our clients have an authentic experience. Finally, to understand how satisfied overall clients are with the agency, we take into account their comments and reviews.”

The African continent boasts one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. It offers an array of options – from savannas, rainforests, deserts, breathtaking waterfalls, and even snow-capped mountains for skiing, to unique wildlife such as penguins and species found nowhere else, like shoebills, okapi, and blackbucks. However, we are still far off from what we can achieve in the tourism sector. Miguel attributes this to the image that the world has of the continent. “To tap into Africa’s tourism potential, it is crucial to improve the continent’s image by sharing positive stories and showcasing its strengths,” he said. 

“Beyond sharing positive stories, there are also other tangible challenges that hinder the growth of African tourism. These include poor air and land transportation infrastructure, limited intra-African air connectivity, and restrictive visa policies,” he continued. In proposing a solution, he advised governments to partner with private organisations and provide increased funding to their tourism offices to invest in branding and marketing efforts. 

The model of startups like Travel Afrique and Elephant Bookings, a B2B software-as-a-service product that builds booking systems for safari lodges launched by Purple Elephant, could help digitise an industry that has mostly been offline. The ease that a digital platform offers could help bring not only international tourists to the continent but also give Africans an opportunity to tour the continent. 

Source: TechCabal

Rwandair Signs Codeshare Agreement With Turkish Airlines

RwandAir continues to expand its global reach and has spread its wings further by signing a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines. The new partnership, inked on April 11, will offer RwandAir customers more travel choices, convenience, and connectivity both from Kigali International (KGL) and Istanbul International Airport (IST). The codeshare comes at a time when the Kigali-based carrier is expanding its operations and establishing itself in the long-haul market.

Access to an extensive network

Turkish Airlines is one of the world’s leading carriers with the most extensive route network. The airline operates flights to over 300 destinations worldwide and over 50 in Africa, connecting them with the rest of the world. In April and May 2023, Turkey’s flag carrier will be operating seven flights a week to Kigali.

RwandAir customers traveling from Africa will have access to Turkish Airlines’ vast network across five continents. Similarly, passengers flying on Turkish Airlines will have access to RwandAir’s intra-Africa network to reach even more cities.

RwandAir is Africa’s fastest-growing airline, providing safe and reliable services in the air transportation industry. The new codeshare with Turkish Airlines is a significant opportunity for growth. RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said,

“We are incredibly excited to have signed this new codeshare agreement with one the world’s largest and leading carriers, Turkish Airlines. This landmark move will not only allow our customers to access the 124 countries served by Turkish Airlines, but will improve connections for inbound travelers to Africa via our extensive continental network.”

Turkish Airlines is recovering well from the effects of the pandemic, as the latest statistics show. In March, the airline carried about 6.1 million passengers, a 27.5% increase compared to March 2022. In the first quarter, the airline lifted about 17.1 million passengers, a significant increase from the same period last year.

Africa and the global market

Many international airlines continue to add destinations in Africa and increase frequencies on current routes. Africa is leading in the recovery from the pandemic, which airlines can leverage to increase their services to and from the continent.

Consolidation and partnerships like the codeshare between RwandAir and Turkish Airlines give global travelers better access to the African market. This will boost trade, tourism, and economic activity and help unlock the continent’s great potential.

Rwanda’s flag carrier also has strategic partnerships with Qatar and British Airways. It continues to explore commercial opportunities to strengthen its global presence and maintain its relationship with the African customer base. Yvonne Makolo added that,

“RwandAir is always exploring new commercial opportunities to expand its reach into markets which can deliver financial return and benefit our growing customer base.”

The airline aims to link Rwanda with the rest of the world while operating aircraft and other equipment maintained to the highest international standard. To expand its network and serve its new destinations, the airline recently took delivery of a third Airbus A330. The aircraft has been deployed on its international routes.

Source: Simple Flying

Accor to bring Mantis Collection’s eco-minded charm to Madagascar with new hotel & spa on Sainte Mar

Accor, a world-renowned hospitality group, has announced plans to open Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa on Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte-Marie) in Madagascar, marking the first international hospitality brand on the island. The Mantis Collection, part of Accor, is a renowned conservation-led hospitality company that prioritizes the preservation of local communities, wildlife, and the environment. The 48-room oceanfront hotel, which plans to reopen in May 2023, will fly the Mantis flag and offer guests an exceptional hospitality experience.

Accor has partnered with the hotel’s owner to bring Mantis hotels, eco-lodges, and waterways to Madagascar, joining ibis Hotel and Spa Antananarivo and Novotel Convention and Spa Antananarivo as the third Accor hotel under the same ownership group in Madagascar’s capital city, diversifying the group’s brand offering in the country.

Guests at Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa will be warmly welcomed in the breezy, open-plan reception area and invited to relax at the delightful bar and restaurant. The hotel features two serene swimming pools with incomparable views of the ocean, just a few meters away. The tranquil beaches and laid-back atmosphere of Nosy Boraha make it an ideal spot for a secluded getaway.

Located in the Southwest part of the island, Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa enjoys calm seas and shelter from prevailing weather conditions, with the Island of Nosy Boraha just a 45-minute flight from Antananarivo via Tsaradia airlines, the domestic division of Air Madagascar.

Each Mantis property celebrates its unique destination, offering creatively curated experiences that introduce guests to the essence of the surrounding community’s culture, history, and people. Mantis follows a philosophy of responsible and ecologically sensitive development and operations, supporting the local environment while conserving and maintaining all natural resources.

Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa will operate in accordance with Accor’s environmental and energy efficiency reporting tools, internal carbon price monitoring, eco-certification programs, and brand standard sustainability criteria.

Source: Zurulink Africa

Spanish City of Málaga Wants To Be Africa’s Sustainable Tourism Mentor

Creating tourism models for African countries hinged on sustainable cities sounds like a winning bid to host Expo 2027 — especially if it leads to the event being hosted in Africa eventually. It’s the only continent yet to host one.

African countries want to up their sustainability tourism game and are considering the example set by the City of Málaga in Spain.

This small European city, with a population of about 570,000 people and an airlift capacity of some 16 million passengers to its Málaga International Airport, believes it is best placed to school Africa on sustainable practices as part of its host bid for Expo 2027. But who benefits the most?

The Impact of the Urban Era

Málaga’s bid to create “sustainable cities” through skills-sharing pilots with several African countries would roll out between now and 2027, if its bid is successful. The project hinges on its 30-year effort to transform itself from one of the “ugliest, dirtiest, and worst cities in the world” to the cultural and heritage tourism hub it is today, according to Málaga’s head of tourism, Jonathan Gomez Punzon.

Home to some 650-plus global tech companies, Punzon said the city had demonstrated advanced sustainable tech initiatives, which he outlined as part of its proposed Expo 2027 bid project, and discussed during a ministerial roundtable at World Travel Market Africa held in Cape Town this week.

Fundamental Challenges Facing Humanity

Expo, held every five years, was established in 1931, and themes focus on “fundamental challenges that face humanity,” according to its parent body Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). It also selects host candidates from its 168 member countries.

Each member country pays a membership fee that varies but could be as much as $33,000. The U.S. was participating as an exhibitor until 2017, but not paying as an active member, excluding it from submitting any host bids. However, since rejoining, Minnesota has qualified as a possible host for the upcoming Expo. Minnesota’s Expo 2027 bid is “Healthy People, Healthy Planet – Wellness and Well Being for All.”

Malaga and Minnesota are two of five candidates for Expo 2027. The others include Phuket, Thailand; Belgrade, Serbia; and San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina — with the final host city announced in June 2023.

The event, held in two formats of either a World Expo or a Specialized Expo, could draw some 70 million visitors over its duration of up to six months. It has yet to be held on the African continent, although Expo Dubai 2020 was the first Expo held in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia region.

Expo Dubai was delayed to 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, but saw attendance in excess of 24 million visitors. The full investment cost and return for hosting an Expo, considering noting there are registration fees for hosts and exhibitors too, is unclear, with the BIE stating the “revenue of an Expo is not always expressed in a monetary value.” Cities often go to extended lengths to host, with some building new venues in order to accommodate the expected influx of visitors.

‘Europe’s Most Connected City’

Punzon said as “Europe’s most connected city,” Malaga has been able to use tech to improve its tourism offering by implementing changes based on emotional tracking and recognition sensors in place across the city. A simplified explanation is it tracks facial expressions and sentiment, where people smiled or where they appeared frustrated, as an example. If there is a place that shows continuous negative emotion, plans would be made to solve the issue.

Málaga has previously received United Nations recognition for its regeneration and protection of its coastline and improvements in sustainable urban mobility with its large pedestrian zones, and energy efficiency.

Punzon also said the city’s bid will connect potential investors to the pilot African countries, adding that Spain has “most of the top hotel investment funds in Europe.”

He added that potential pilot countries he engaged with included Zimbabwe, which had expressed interest in an urban tourism strategy beyond its wildlife. South Africa was also looking to build capacity on its urban tourism, while Eswatini was looking to differentiate and grow its tour packages.

“We have the experience, we’ve done it before. This is not about showcasing Malaga. We want to be useful for the world to meet and really put into practice how to work on sustainability for the future in cities and tourism. This is the only one candidacy tackling this.”

Developing a Sustainable Tourism Industry in Africa

Ibrahim Ayoub, CEO of the International Tourism and Investment Conference group, said the African Tourism Investment Summit had facilitated Málaga’s proposal during the ministerial roundtable focused on “developing a sustainable tourism industry in Africa”, as part of the African Tourism Investment Summit and World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town.

Ayoub said the tourism and investment conference would act in an advisory capacity to oversee the business strategy implementation, and the financial investments and forecasts of Malaga’s proposed pilots.

“Sustainability and an investment into a project like this must bring value to the people, SMMES (small, micro and medium-sized enterprises) and the tourism industry, enabling the other sectors of the country’s economy to grow.”

Ayoub did not have any specific data or values to share with Skift, in relation to the tourism investment opportunities related to the Expo proposal, as yet.

South Africa Considering Pilot

South Africa’s newly appointed tourism minister, Patricia de Lille, told Skift the country was interested in the Spanish city’s proposed skill-sharing program after a “successful introductory meeting” with Malaga’s tourism representatives during the summit.

De Lille said South Africa could “draw from and replicate some of Malaga’s advances in technology and sustainability to enhance its own tourism sector.”

South Africa and Spain have had longstanding bilateral relations, further strengthened with the creation of a Directorate-General for Africa post, she said, “The DG for Africa, Mr Raimundo Robredo Rubio, has strongly promoted the Agenda for Africa and a special focus on South Africa.”

Spain remains a key European source markets of tourism to South Africa. The year 2018 saw the highest number of tourist arrivals from Spain to South Africa, and 2022 figures indicate recovery as the figures are sitting at 23,304 arrivals from Spain to South Africa.

De Lille said another key focus is air connectivity as Iberia Airlines currently only operates flights to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and that she “will certainly work with partners to see how the Madrid-Cape Town flight can be reintroduced.”

Sierra Leone Wants to be a Digital Smart City

For Memunatu Pratt, minister of tourism and cultural affairs of Sierra Leone, it was more of a done deal. Pratt said she was excited about her country being a pilot partner.

“We are going to build the skills and capacity of Sierra Leone as a country and a tourist destination so that we can leverage on the digital marketing and technology, which has moved Malaga into a digital smart city.

“Malaga has got resilient people. They have committed people, they have focused people, and they have been able to organize their energies and resources to be able to get where it is today.”

With Sierra Leone’s Lumley Beach in Freetown as the finish line for the Budapest Rally, Pratt said events like this had opened up the country to tourism growth, specifically from Eastern Europe.

International tourism to Sierra Leone generated $63 million in revenue before Covid, however Pratt said current projections for 2023 “pointed to growth towards $120 million.”

With the influx of tourists, mainly from Europe, although the U.S. remains its strongest international market, Pratt said it was important to bring in the digital enhancement that Malaga has implemented.

“We want to learn how they’ve engaged their youth through digital connectivity, to learn from their strategies on how they’re managing their beaches and how they’re doing their heritage sites.”

Source: Skift

4-day Eid break in UAE: Top 6 holiday spots revealed

UAE residents will enjoy a long weekend to celebrate the Islamic festival after the holy month of Ramadan

With the Eid Al Fitr 4-day long weekend just around the corner, many UAE residents are utilising the opportunity to take a quick trip. According to travel experts, most residents prefer budget and visa-friendly destinations.

“That’s why CIS countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia are quite popular, while Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are gaining momentum alongside Singapore, Kenya, Thailand and Malaysia,” said Raheesh Babu, COO, Musafir.com.

“Since receiving visas to Schengen countries, [as getting visas for] the UK, USA and Canada is still challenging, people are more skewed towards countries where obtaining visas is hassle-free. Holiday packages within the range of Dh3000-4000 are fancied, and are in great demand.”

The official Eid Al Fitr holiday in the UAE is from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3 (Hijri Islamic calendar months) meaning UAE residents will get at least a 4-day break. As per Astronomical calculations, Eid will be most likely fall on Friday, April 21st. If so, the break will be from Thursday, April 20, to Sunday, April 23. If Eid falls on Saturday, April 22, residents will get an additional day of holiday on Monday, April 24.

Here are the top 6 destinations that residents prefer:

MAURITIUS

The island of Mauritius is lined with white-sand beaches and world-renowned luxury resorts on all sides. Its mountainous landscapes offer epic hiking paths, whilst its coral reefs and flourishing marine life offer world-class diving opportunities.

Known for being a tourist paradise, Mauritius has something to offer for every kind of traveler. While families can enjoy water activities or visit the island’s parks, couples can soak in the romantic vibes of the island with scenic strolls along the beach.

KENYA

Known for its natural beauty, open jungles and unique culture, Kenya is fast becoming popular among travellers from the UAE. The Masai Mara safari takes tourists through a reserve that is world-renowned for its exceptional populations of lions, African leopards, cheetahs, and elephants, and has the largest population of black rhinos in Africa.

It also has over 450 species of birds, with almost 60 species being raptors.

AZERBAIJAN

Whether you choose to explore the vibrant city of Baku, or head to Guba to learn about the timeless history of the country hidden in its villages; whether you decide to explore the forested slopes of Sheki, or sample the unique cuisine of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan is a country of many faces.

Extremely popular among UAE residents, the country offers visa on arrival to UAE residents.

KYRGYZSTAN

A landlocked country in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Known as the land of celestial mountains and untouched nature, visitors can learn about the true nomadic lifestyle during a visit to the country.

The Tien Shan mountain range, historic Silk Road and crystal-clear mountain lakes all make the country a true hidden gem to visit.

GEORGIA

From skiing down the mountains of Bakuriani, to rafting down the Aragvi River, or stargazing at 4,000 metres high, the country offers a range of exciting activities for visitors to choose from.

Georgia has become a top travel destination since it began offering visa on arrival to UAE citizens and residents. No visit to the country would be complete without tasting the local delicacy Khachapuri – a unique bread, shaped like a boat and filled with cheese, into which an egg is cracked, before being baked to perfection.

JORDAN

With a mix of modernity and tradition, Jordan is well known for its World Heritage sites and beautiful sandy landscapes. From the enchanting starkness of Wadi Rum to the restless city centre of urban Amman, the country is home to countless wonders.

The Dead Sea, a natural wonder, is located 427 metres below sea level, and is a major tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors every year.

Source: Zwaya

Passenger aircraft destroyed after attack at Khartoum Airport

Clashes between the Sudanese military and a local rebel group throughout the Sudanese capital city of Khartoum have led to the destruction of at least two commercial aircraft at the city‘s airport as well as the closure of Sudan’s airspace.

Videos filmed at the airport show one SkyUp Airlines Boeing 737-800 on fire, as well as a Saudia Airlines Airbus A330 (HZ-AQ30) which was about to depart back to Riyadh burning on the civilian apron of the airport. The SkyUp aircraft, registered as UR-SQH, was leased to local airline Sun Air but was empty at the time of the attack, unlike the Saudia A330 which was fully boarded when the attack occurred. Initial reports indicate that everyone was able to evacuate the aircraft. It is unclear at the moment if any other aircraft were damaged or destroyed.

As a result of the attack and subsequent takeover of the airport by the rebel group, the airport has been closed indefinitely and flights that had originally planned to fly through Sudanese airspace are rerouting via neighboring countries.

Source: International Flight Network

Artificial Intelligence can fly KQ into recovery

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to power Kenya Airways (KQ) to recovery. Widespread use of technology is beginning to influence how consumers are treated and make organisations understand their needs.

This is because AI-powered chatbots provide personalised and immediate assistance to every client. As a result, airlines become more productive.

AI evaluates travellers’ data and provides personalised travel experiences in the airline sector. Because of this new area that AI has brought into the business, KQ can be on track to recovery.

And as the economy is trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the aviation industry must learn how to manage consumer and employee-labour relationships.

A healthy work environment fosters a culture of creativity and excellence.

A look at the industry reports in 2022, the airline moved 65,000 tonnes of cargo, increasing tonnage by 3.5 percent.

In addition, by the end of 2022, 10.3 billion Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) were deployed, up 75 percent from the 5.9 billion reported over the same period in 2021.

Because of this, passenger load factors in 2022 were just 3.9 percentage points lower than those attained in 2019 before the pandemic.

In 2022, KQ’s revenue increased by 66 percent to Sh117 billion. In addition, passenger numbers were up 68 percent to 3.7 million compared to 2021. All these indicators show that KQ is on a recovery path.

Despite all these stellar performances given the challenges that affected the industry, there are clear signs that it has some work to do to lower operating costs that went up by 93 percent due to escalating fuel costs, forex losses, volatility of the shilling and the financial restructuring.

Further, a strategy to leverage technology for more remarkable productivity improvement is imperative. AI, for example, will assist in regaining consumer confidence, reducing costs, and improving operational efficiency.

It is also time to review its European strategy if the current partnerships restrict its expansion to directly compete with other African carriers.

A flexible partnership strategy with other airlines, travel companies, and airports is more desirable to expand its customer base, improve efficiency, and cut costs.

It is not clear why the airline’s Europe presence is limited to a few cities compared to its African rivals such as Ethiopian Airlines.

Like other airlines globally, KQ should invest in new technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and customer experience.

For example, biometric facial recognition and fingerprint scanning technologies streamline check-in and boarding processes.

Further, it will help reduce wait times and enhance security. In addition, intensify the use of self-service kiosks, mobile apps and a robust online booking platform.

Even though there are similar challenges facing the entire airline industry, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the sector expects a return to profitability next year as airlines continue to reduce losses stemming from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the airline’s challenges that are being looked into are the restructuring of its financial arrangements, which requires broader support from the government.

For instance, the government of the United States gave the aviation sector $50 billion in grants and loans in March 2020 through the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Similar policies have also been adopted by other nations, such as offering airlines grants or low-interest loans to aid them with operational costs and staff retention.

Governments have yet to take steps to boost the aviation sector more generally, such as lowering taxes and fees for airlines and investing in airport facilities to promote the resumption of air travel.

With the slow recovery of air travel demand, these actions are meant to assist airlines in recovering from the pandemic and resuming sustainable operations.

We learn from others. Emirates Airlines, for example, has played a significant role in promoting Dubai as a popular tourism destination.

In addition, the airline’s marketing initiatives have contributed to developing a favourable perception of the UAE as a modern, cosmopolitan nation.

The sight of KQ in foreign airports evokes nostalgia and a sense of pride in many Kenyans. In it lies an excellent opportunity to leverage its branding potential to revive our tourism sector.

The country stands to benefit from KQ’s success as it contributes to the branding of Kenya. It symbolises Kenya’s identity and culture, and we must ensure its recovery.

Investment in technology precipitates greater profitability in the days to come.

Source: Business Daily

Malawi Airlines Resumes Service To Kenya

Air Malawi has re-introduced flights between Lilongwe and Nairobi.

Malawi Airlines is now offering customers more options and more destinations with the re-introduction of flights between Malawi and Kenya.

The airline restarted its scheduled service between Lilongwe Kamuzu International (LLW) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). Malawi Airlines has also re-introduced Friday NBO flights between the two destinations.

The first flight ET51, which was operated on a Boeing 737-800, took off from NBO at 06:33 and arrived at LLW around 07:30. The flights from Malawi will be operated on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday. Meanwhile, the return flights will be operated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Connecting Southern Africa to Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is among the busiest airports in Africa, connecting many Africans to the rest of the world. Recently, Kenya and South Africa removed visa requirements for their citizens, which gives Kenyans easier access to Southern Africa. Furthermore, adding flights on the LLW-NBO route will provide a convenient connection for Malawians and other Southern Africans to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Malawi Airlines was formerly known as Air Malawi and then Malawi Airlines until 2016. It was established as a joint venture between the Malawian government and Ethiopian Airlines, so its flights use the code ET. It is the flag carrier of Malawi; however, Ethiopian Airlines operates it under a management contract and owns a 49% stake.

The airline continues spreading its wings and offers flights to popular destinations like Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam. Its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines allows frequent flyers to earn and spend rewards on Malawi Airlines flights.

The airline had been recording losses since 2014 but has been profitable since 2021. As it has recovered from the effects of the pandemic, it has maintained its reputation for providing quality services around Southern Africa. Malawi Airlines currently has a fleet of three aircraft; two B737s and one DHC-8-Q400.

Connecting Africa with International Markets

The resumption of flights between LLW and NBO will boost intra-Africa connectivity. It comes at a time when stakeholders are making efforts to boost flights within Africa by African airlines. Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation also operate flights on this route.

In addition to intra-Africa air travel, airlines continue enhancing their international networks. As the world has opened up, we are seeing numerous African airlines flying to new destinations beyond the continent and the re-introduction of previously popular routes.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is set to see more activity as another airline plans to connect it with international markets. Nairobi-based Astral Aviation seeks to spread its wings to Abu Dhabi, connecting Kenya with the Middle East. Following a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways Cargo, the carrier has now signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Cargo.

Ethiopian Airlines is no stranger to the international market, which it continues to explore. Earlier this week, the carrier relaunched flights between Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD) and Singapore Changi International airports (SIN).

After ceasing flights due to the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines returned to Singapore and received a warm welcome. The airline will operate four weekly flights between the two destinations. Singapore is one of the world’s financial hubs, so the resumption of these fights will boost trade and tourism between Africa and Asia.

Source: Simple Flying

Airlines warn blocked funds dispute could hamper Africa growth

(Reuters) – Global carriers warned on Monday that concerns over blocked airline funds in Africa and elsewhere could lead to interruptions in air services if there is no progress in talks to unfreeze money owed.

About $1.6 billion of funds are being withheld in various Africa countries due to currency shortages or other problems, the International Air Transport Association said in a briefing on the launch of an initiative to boost African aviation.

“The people who suffer as a result of these blocked funds are consumers in these markets, because you cannot expect airlines to continue to provide services if in effect they’re not being paid,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.

The issue of airline funds’ being blocked in some countries where carriers operate has been rising as demand for hard currency outpaces supply, with IATA stepping up efforts to whittle down a deficit that grew 25% in the last six months of 2022 alone.

According to the Geneva-based body, which represents most of the world’s major airlines, Nigeria tops the list of countries holding back funds, with Algeria and Ghana also involved.

A total of $2.4 billion is being blocked worldwide.

Nigeria faces severe shortages of foreign currency, meaning airlines cannot easily convert local currency to repatriate revenues earned from ticket sales by foreign airlines.

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has said he can only continue to urge the central bank to make dollars available to airlines.

A spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

About half the $1.6 billion frozen in Africa is tied up in Nigeria, RwandAir Chief Executive Yvonne Makolo told the IATA briefing.

Makolo, designated as the next chairperson and first female leader of the board of the influential IATA, also called for faster progress towards setting up a common aviation market in Africa.

Efforts to liberalise flying, echoing Europe’s single aviation market, have been under discussion since a landmark treaty known as the Yamoussoukro Declaration in 1988, which was updated 11 years later.

Supporters say liberalising frequencies, fares and capacity would lift barriers that in the past have increased costs.

But despite a fresh initiative by the African Union to create a single African air transport market (SAATM) in 2018, backed by more than 30 states, implementation has been slow.

Analysts say some carriers fear they would be exposed in a market already pinched by competition from the Gulf and Turkey.

Makolo said freeing up the movement of goods and people by air would support the flagship African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which the World Bank estimates could lift tens of millions out of poverty by 2035.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for the continent, which we really need to take advantage of as quickly as possible,” she said.

Africa’s aviation market is recovering faster from the pandemic than the overall industry but is expected to remain in loss, due in part to higher costs and weak infrastructure.

Traffic is expected to double by 2035, IATA said.

Source: Reuters

IATA announces initiative to support African development

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching an initiative designed to boost social development, improve connectivity, safety and reliability for both passenger travel and air cargo shipping companies in the African region.

Focus Africa

IATA will bring together key people and businesses in a bid to hone in on six critical areas of focus. All will be measured on their progress over the course of what is being called ‘Focus Africa’.

The focus areas are: Safety, Infrastructure, Connectivity, Finance and Distribution, Sustainability and Future Skills.

High costs, poor infrastructure, skills shortages and the slow adoption of global standards all contribute to Africa’s low contribution towards air transport activities.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said this of the associations plans to roll out the scheme: “Africa accounts for 18% of the global population, but just 2.1% of air transport activities (combined cargo and passenger).”

“Closing that gap, so that Africa can benefit from the connectivity, jobs and growth that aviation enables, is what Focus Africa is all about.”

The current state of Africa’s air travel industry makes for rather stark reading when you see that between 2020-2022 the continents carriers accumulatively lost 3.5 billion dollars, with further losses forecast for 2023 in the region of 213 million dollars.

Walsh: Potential for growth is clear

It is not all negative however, with the African continent’s recovery post-Covid well under way. Air cargo industry levels are 31.4% higher than in 2019, and air passenger travel is operating at 93%, with a full recovery expected by 2024. 

“The limiting factors on Africa’s aviation sector are fixable. The potential for growth is clear. And the economic boost that a more successful African aviation sector will deliver has been witnessed in many economies already.”

” With Focus Africa, stakeholders are uniting to deliver on six critical focus areas that will make a positive difference. We’ll measure success and will need to hold each other accountable for the results,” continued Walsh.

Generating opportunities through partnerships

The air transport industry can play a key role in bringing together people and businesses to create economic development opportunities, which in turn will help contribute towards the UN’s initiative of lifting 50 million Africans’ out of poverty by 2030.

The first female Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, and Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir, Yvonne Makolo believes that Africa has ‘stand out’ potential when it comes to the aviation industry, saying:

“Africa stands out as the region with the greatest potential and opportunity for aviation. The Focus Africa initiative renews IATA’s commitment to supporting aviation on the continent.”

“As the incoming Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, and the first from Africa since 1993, I look forward to ensuring that this initiative gets off to a great start and delivers benefits that are measurable.”

Synergies between businesses’ will prove vital to the success of Focus Africa. The ability to pool resources and expertise, along with time and funding can ensure that the six key areas have the best chance of success.

Focus Africa will officially launch on June 20th – 21st, along with further detail on the schemes partnerships.

Source: Aviation Source News