US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement Expected To ‘Open Skies’ Between the Two Nations

In a significant development for US-Nigeria air connectivity, the air transport agreement between the two countries, which was provisionally applied more than two decades ago, came into effect earlier this month.

While only two US airlines connect the US with Nigeria, this agreement is expected to liberalize the aviation sector further, easing the entry of more players, particularly from Nigeria.

Open skies agreement comes into force

On May 13, the US-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement came into force, establishing a modern civil aviation relationship with Nigeria consistent with US Open Skies international aviation policy.

The agreement was provisionally applied in 2000, and the current enforcement will allow unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open codesharing opportunities. The US Department of State commented, “This agreement with Nigeria is a step forward in liberalizing the international civil aviation sector in Africa and further expands our strong economic and commercial partnership, promotes people-to-people ties, and creates new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. With this agreement, air carriers can provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, which in turn promotes tourism and commerce.”

Indeed, the US is home to more than 500,000 Nigerian-born US citizens and legal residents and 17,000 Nigerian students. This move seems to be in the right direction, strengthening these ties even further and creating new economic opportunities.

Only US carriers currently fly between the two countries

For anyone looking to fly non-stop between Nigeria and the US, there are currently only two options. United Airlines flies thrice weekly between Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), while Delta flies daily to Lagos from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

In the absence of any Nigerian carriers flying between the two nations, some are skeptical if Nigeria can actually extract the benefit from this agreement. Olumide Ohunayo, industry analyst and Director of research, Zenith Travels told BusinessDay, “In that agreement, we were given 10 years head start advantage that Nigerian airlines can go to the USA for 10 years before the American airlines start coming. That was blown away because we didn’t even have an airline that was ready to go to the U.S. “By the time Virgin Nigeria was ready, their ownership structure and the problem they were having with the U.S. and British Bilateral Air Service Agreement stalled Virgin Nigeria from operating and till today we are still stuck with no Nigerian airlines going to the U.S. Arik tried at a time but stopped.”

Air Piece gets approval

Things could change soon with Air Peace, the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, receiving approval to fly to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK) in February this year. The carrier had written to the aviation ministry in January seeking permission to start US operations and received the following reply: “Conveyance of approval to Messrs Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flight operations into and out of New York.”

Source: Simple Flying.

Welcome to Addis Ababa!

Discovering the Vibrant Charms of Addis Ababa!

Ethiopian Holidays, the tourism wing, of Ethiopian Airlines Group would like to extend its warmest welcome to Addis Ababa!

Addis Ababa, is a city that sits like a crown atop the Ethiopian mountains, beckoning you to uncover its layers of history, culture, and natural splendor. Ethiopian Holidays guides you to embark on a journey through the heart of Africa’s political and cultural epicenter.

Perched high in the Ethiopian mountains, Addis Ababa’s mild climate has acted as a magnetic force for centuries, drawing people to its embrace. Today, it stands as the headquarters of major international organizations, including the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, solidifying its position as a diplomatic and political hub.

As dawn breaks, imagine waking up in the luxurious Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, your room offering panoramic views that unfold like a masterpiece. The sunrise paints the city with hues of gold, and you find yourself captivated by the unfolding day below, where the airport’s plane wings catch the morning glow.

Venture onto the bustling streets, where coffee shops on every corner entice locals and visitors alike with the warm, aromatic brew that Ethiopia is renowned for. White-robed women gracefully weave through the crowds, their vibrant attire adding a burst of color to the waking city. This is Addis Ababa, a city that truly lives up to its name as the new flower of Africa.

A trip to the historic heart of Addis Ababa is a must, and Entoto and Unity Parks await you with open arms. Constructed over a century ago, Unity Park’s sprawling oasis spans 40,000 square meters, holding within its walls the political nerve center from which the imperial family once ruled. Wander among ancient Orthodox churches and let the Imperial Banquet Hall and Royal House transport you to eras long past. Discover the recently opened Friendship Park, where tradition and modernization seamlessly coexist. An open-air arena hosts cultural performances, children play in new playgrounds, and a small zoo presents native wildlife. It’s a testament to Addis Ababa’s ability to embrace both its rich traditions and the pulse of contemporary life.

As you leave the palace grounds, you lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Merkato market. The dizzying array of spices, fabrics, and housewares creates a kaleidoscopic wonderland, and at the open-air Shola Gebeya, the sounds and scents transport you to another world. Street artists in Churchill capture landmark scenes of the city, offering treasured souvenirs of your visit.

Addis Ababa is a city that captures your senses at every turn. Marvel at great monuments at Arat Killo and Sidist Kilo, standing guard and honoring Ethiopia’s illustrious past. Seek respite in lush parks, where museums and artisans alike showcase the vibrancy of Ethiopian culture. Food vendors tantalize your taste buds with the traditional Injera bread paired with aromatic stews and spices.

As the sun sinks low, Addis Ababa truly comes alive. Restaurants serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine compete with cultural shows for your evening entertainment. Whether you seek activity or relaxation, Addis Ababa offers it all after dark. From serene memorial parks to lively outdoor bazaars, the city never ceases to surprise and enchant.

Ethiopian Holidays (ET-Holidays) ensures that the magic of Addis Ababa will stay with you long after your journey through this beautiful nation. The warmth, wonders, and welcoming people of Addis Ababa are sure to leave you enchanted, craving to immerse yourself even deeper on your next visit. This city awaits you, ready to ignite your senses and inspire your adventures. We wholeheartedly invite you to experience it for yourselves. Come, let Addis Ababa weave its spell on you. We hope to welcome you soon!

Zambia Airways Adds Exciting New Destinations to its Network

Zambia Airways, the national carrier of the Republic of Zambia, is thrilled to unveil its latest expansion with the introduction of new passenger services to East Africa. Starting on June 27, 2024, the airline will begin operating flights three times a week to two major cities: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. This new route reflects Zambia Airways’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering trade and tourism between Zambia and East Africa.

The new service, designated as flight ZN 504, will operate from Lusaka (LUN), the capital of Zambia, to Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Nairobi (NBO). The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule is strategically designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing them with convenient options for planning their trips to these vibrant cities.

Flight ZN 504 will depart Lusaka at 08:00 AM and arrive in Dar es Salaam at 10:30 AM. After a short layover, the flight will continue to Nairobi, landing at 01:00 PM. This timing allows passengers ample time during the day to commence their activities in either city, whether it’s business meetings or sightseeing. The return flight will follow a similar schedule, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers.

This expansion is a significant milestone for Zambia Airways as it not only broadens its network but also plays a crucial role in strengthening regional ties. The addition of these routes is expected to boost the airline’s growth and contribute positively to the economic development of Zambia and its East African counterparts. Passengers can look forward to experiencing Zambia Airways’ renowned hospitality and reliable service on these new flights.

DayFlight NumberDepart LUNArrive DARDepart DARArrive NBODepart NBOArrive LUN
Tue, ThuZN 50407:0010:3011:1512:3513:2015:20
SatZN 50407:0011:4513:0513:5015:20

“The network expansion is reflective of our mission of enhancing regional connectivity and making air transport services affordable for a wide range of customers,” says Thomas Woldesenbet, CEO of Zambia Airways. “The launch of services to Dar es Salaam and Nairobi will further strengthen the ties between Zambia and the two East African sister countries and foster trade and tourism.”

Source:   Travel and Tour World.  

Chinese market a pillar of KQs’ global business.

A top Kenya Airways executive has described Chinese market as a pillar of the airline’s global business given its competitive nature and a promising future.

“We see a good fiscal year ahead since China’s aviation performance is robust, which has given us confidence in the Chinese market,” Julius Thairu, chief commercial and customer officer with the airline, said during an interview with Xinhua.

After entering the Chinese market in 2005, the Kenyan carrier flies weekly routes from Nairobi to South China’s Guangzhou city. Thairu said that next year, the 20th anniversary of the company’s entering the Chinese market, a new direct flight from Nairobi to Beijing will be launched.

“From capital to capital, and from Kenya to other African countries, easier transportation will bring us closer,” he said, adding that China remains Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

Kenya is China’s largest trading partner in East Africa, while China is Kenya’s largest trading partner and source of imports.

Tourism resources

With its rich tourism resources and eased visa policy for foreign visitors, Kenya has become a popular destination for Chinese tourists. Thairu said KQ is partnering with several Chinese airlines on interline agreements, ground operations, and code sharing. It has been recruiting Chinese-speaking cabin crews to better serve the expanding market.

After visiting Beijing to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2006, Thairu has been to cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Changsha, and was amazed at how modern those cities are.      

Source:  PD.  

KQ resumes flights to Kinshasa after detained staffer released.

Kenya Airways Monday announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa after an employee who had been detained there was released.

KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka reiterated their staff are innocent in the saga that led to the suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

“With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” he said.

The suspension of the flights to DRC had badly affected many operations in the country.

The Kenya Airways employee who had been detained by the Democratic Republic of Congo Military Intelligence Unit was finally freed on Monday after a two-week detention.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement Monday evening after negotiations.

According to the PS, Lydia Mbotela, a KQ manager working in the DRC, was released after negotiations facilitated by Kenya’s Military Attaché and Charge d’affaires.

“Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa,” Sing’oei wrote on social platform X on Monday.

“I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”

Kilavuka said the two were apprehended by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa for “missing customs documentation on valuable cargo.”

Kilavuka, on the other hand, faulted Kinshasa authorities for arresting the duo, claiming that they were being held in violation of a court order and that the cargo in question had not been uplifted or accepted by KQ.

As the situation deteriorated, KQ suspended its flights to Kinshasha, stating in a statement that it was unable to provide its services effectively without its employees.

The KQ boss thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the release.

It has emerged the borne of contention was about USD8 million that was to be flown to Kenya from DRC, according to investigators.

The money belonged to a bank.

But the money allegedly went missing from the airport before it could be admitted into the airline as cargo and before the military officials arrived.

This prompted the move to detain the two workers.

Kinshasa gave in to the demands to release the workers before the flights were resumed even as the investigations into the claims went on.

The security officials there suspected the money was being used to fund resurgence there.

Source:  The Star.   

Welcome to Ethiopian Airlines Corporate Travel Program

The Ethiopian Airlines Corporate Travel program is designed to let your company enjoy substantial savings through upfront discount and other benefits for your business travel.  Ethiopian Airlines is proud to provide seamless connection from five continents to more places in Africa than any other airline.  It has acquired one of the youngest fleet and state of the art aircraft including B787, B777, B737-800 new generation which enable the airline serve its clients with more comfort and reliability. It is for these and other reasons that most of our corporate clients choose Ethiopian as their preferred carrier. For further information about Ethiopian route network please click  here

About Ethiopian Airlines Corporate Travel Program

Ethiopian Corporate Travel Program provides benefits depending on the yearly travel spend on Ethiopian services . Companies with a yearly travel budget of USD 50,000 and above for its employees and affiliates can enroll in to our corporate program.  Customers can buy their tickets online, at their designated travel agent or at Ethiopian ticket offices.  The corporate program will be effective when both parties agree and sign the contract.  It is renewable at the end of the agreement period (usually a year from the effective date), based on the fulfillment of the promised travel expenditure on Eth

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Kenya Airways suspends DR Congo flights in protest over detained crew.

Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways has suspended its flights to Kinshasa, citing the continued detention of its crew by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s military over a controversial consignment of banknotes. In an update on Monday, the airline said the suspension will take effect from Tuesday, pointing out difficulties in supervision and support of its operations in Kinshasa.

“Due to the continued detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, Kenya Airways is unable to support our flights without personnel effectively. As a result, we reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa effective April 30, 2024, until we can effectively support these flights,” said the carrier’s managing director, Allan Kilavuka, in the notice.

“The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations.”

The move by KQ is set to benefit other airlines servicing the Nairobi-Kinshasa route, including Ethiopian Airlines, Precision Air, ASKY Airlines, and South African Airways.

Last week, Mr Kilavuka said two of the airline’s staff were arrested and detained on April 19, 2024, over alleged missing customs documentation on valuable cargo which was to be shipped on a KQ flight on April 12, 2024.

The cargo in question, however, was not uplifted by the carrier or accepted by them due to incomplete documentation.

Mr Kilavuka said military officers in Kinshasa took the two employees to the military side of the air wing to record statements, but they were held incommunicado until April 23 when the embassy officials and a KQ team were allowed to visit them.

Though DRC officials are yet to comment on the matter, sources told The EastAfrican newspaper that the case is about transportation of $8 million that was seized before being loaded on the KQ plane.

A local newspaper reported that a commercial bank attempted to export the money “clandestinely without the knowledge of the security services”.

The bank cited by Congolese media, TMB Bank, dismissed the allegations, saying “an operation to export banknotes in foreign currencies, which moreover, is a common practice of commercial banks and therefore does not constitute an offence as insinuated by certain journalists who, unfortunately, and for reasons of their own, refrained from investigating the various departments involved in such as operation”.

“Our bank has complied with all the formalities required for this operation, which is not the first of its kind and is inherent to the operation of banks, particularly for notes unfit for circulation, either because of their condition or because of their series,” TMB Bank further said.

Diplomatic tiffs

The recent developments have turned the spotlight on intermittent diplomatic tiffs between the two countries. In December last year, DRC recalled its ambassador to Nairobi after summoning the Kenyan envoy in Kinshasa in protest against the creation of a new coalition of Congolese rebels in Nairobi.

At the heart of the conflict was the creation of a new coalition of rebel leaders that was announced in Nairobi by the former president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Ceni), Corneille Nangaa.

Kinshasa reacted swiftly by recalling its envoy, John Nyakeru, from Nairobi and ordering Kenya to explain the incident.

Source:   The East African

Uganda ready to sign Africa open skies plan.

Uganda is keen to sign the Single Africa Air Transport Market protocol, ending years of fence-sitting.

Authorities in Kampala indicated this week that the Uganda will join the open skies regime in the next financial year. “We are left with approval by Cabinet. Once that is done, we will be good to go,” said Fred Bamwesigye, director-general of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCCA) at a meeting in Kampala.

Mr Bamwesigye, who represented Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, said Uganda’s reluctance to join the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM) since its launch in 2018 was due to a need to shield its national carrier from competition.

Other considerations were invested in and build new infrastructure such as the Kabalega International Airport, to support traffic numbers resulting from liberalization; improve Entebbe International Airport to requisite standards as well as reorient the regulatory regime, which was inward-looking. “The idea to join has always been positive, but we had to first streamline our internal processes so that we go there when we are ready,” he said.” Now, we have an airline, and we must enable it to get more frequencies through SAATM. Uganda Airlines is flying to Nigeria, Mumbai, South Africa, the UAE… So, why not?” Danny Barongo, director for safety, security, and economic regulation at UCCA, said internal processes included three consultative meetings with stakeholders and with continental industry regulator to draft an agreement.

Accession to the “solemn commitment” would see Uganda ease past Tanzania, whose government has indicated that it will not join the liberalized air space plan for another five years, but it will still lag behind Kenya, Rwanda and 13 other African countries which, last year, agreed to launch and pilot SAATM flights.

Aviation expert Adikiny Olwenge, who is also the team leader for air transport at the Comesa, says there are benefits for airline operators as it opens up routes through 5th Freedom, which increases air transport connectivity.

Due to the limited number of operators, this benefit is not trickling down to the passengers because of the dominant nature of such airlines, but only liberalisation that can assure new entrants that they will realise healthy competition since SAATM has the necessary instruments to control competition.

even among the 37 countries that have signed up to the single air space regime, the same deep-seated fears and protectionism abound. “Most of the countries that have acceded to SAATM have the notion that it SAATM will kill their national airlines. That’s why we are having the awareness program for countries in Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, and Indian Ocean regions,” Mr Olwenge said.

Source: MSN.

British Airways Partners with Amadeus for Aviation Retailing Transformation.

Amadeus’ next-generation technology will deliver simplicity, agility and an improved customer experience.

The agreement is a milestone for the aviation industry on its path to modern retailing and the use of dynamic Offers and Orders

The agreement enables British Airways to deliver on its ambition to be at the forefront of retailing transformation.

British Airways has selected Amadeus as its technology partner and Amadeus Nevio, a new portfolio of modular solutions built on open and AI technology, to deliver the airline’s Offer and Order strategic goals.

The partnership will see British Airways and Amadeus collaborate on the design of Nevio’s Offer and Order capabilities, designed to meet the needs of modern airline retailers. Nevio’s Offer suite will facilitate more dynamic products and bundles, whilst Dynamic Offer Pricing is being rolled out to enable real-time contextual pricing options based on marketplace dynamics. A suite of Digital Experience tools will underpin a user-friendly booking experience and streamline servicing, including disruption, on any device or channel.

Working together these will produce highly relevant, personalized customer offers, and deliver a best-in-class retailing and servicing experience for customers.

Built around IATA Offer and Order principles, this totally new, open, modular platform benefits from the latest advances in AI and will help the carrier build demand, differentiate itself in the market and drive value across its entire business at speed.

Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus, said: “We see Amadeus’ partnership with British Airways as truly transformative. We’ve been working closely with British Airways for more than 20 years and we’re delighted that the airline has once again agreed to be a driver customer to shape the future of the aviation industry. The milestone partnership unveiled today is a significant step in our journey to making modern retailing a reality, with the deployment of rich, dynamic, personalized offers and next-generation order management.”

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “At British Airways we are on a journey to become a world leader in airline retailing and transform our digital customer experience, all underpinned by our £7bn investment to transform our airline. Alongside our partners at Amadeus, British Airways will be able to collaborate on the design of the latest technology to enhance our business processes with greater agility, and help us anticipate the needs of modern, digital travelers, providing them with exceptional experiences across their journey.”

Amadeus’ partnership with British Airways showcases a commitment to support an ambition on the part of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to create a wholly Offer and Order based retailing environment by 2030. The open platform technology being developed by Amadeus enables the airline to be innovative in its approach to retailing and revenue opportunities and is designed to grow with the airline’s business ambitions.

Source:   Breaking Travel News

Qatar Airways Announces the Launch of Flights to Democratic Republic of Congo

Qatar Airways announces the latest expansion of its network to include Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), enabling greater frequencies and increased capacity to Luanda, Angola.

This latest network expansion  provides passengers with greater travel choices within a key region of Africa,  opening up a new entry point for international travel from Africa to China, Europe and the India Subcontinent using Doha, Qatar, as a gateway. The addition of Kinshasa increases the number of destinations in Africa served by the award-winning airline to twenty-nine.

Starting from the first of June 2024, Luanda will see a frequency increase from one weekly flight to four weekly flights with a combined service to Kinshasa which Qatar Airways will serve for the first time. For a world-class experience, the new route will be served by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, equipped with 22 Business Class seats and 232 Economy Class seats.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: “We have seen significant milestones in our 2024 network expansion and this latest addition is particularly special, as it continues our strategic goal of increasing our footprint in Africa.”

“The inclusion of Kinshasa in our network is the latest manifestation of our efforts to improve connectivity to Africa. Qatar Airways has showcased its commitment to the region by providing passengers in Africa with greater choice to explore different corners of the world through our network and our hub in Doha, Hamad International Airport.”

Source: Airspace-Africa.