Emirates and AIDA Cruises Extend Partnership, Elevating Dubai’s Maritime Tourism Status.

Solidifying Dubai’s place as a major maritime tourism hub, Emirates and AIDA Cruises have renewed their partnership for a further two seasons.

The renewed partnership was signed on the sidelines of the first day of ITB Berlin and is in line with Dubai’s efforts to significant grow its cruise capacity. Dubai continues to attract the biggest players in the industry through offering a seamlessly integrated maritime hub, with state-of-the-art handling facilities supported with unrivalled air connectivity.

Emirates will explore a number of opportunities with AIDA Cruises for joint marketing, operational alignment and strategic planning around flight schedules from across its network, in addition to enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal.

The partnership will continue to focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, providing dedicated support teams for cruise passengers, and facilitating a smooth check-in process at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The airline will also dedicate capacity for the next two seasons to ensure continued momentum to meet the demand for cruise packages to Dubai.

The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline; and Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.

Adnan Kazim commented on the renewed partnership: “We’re proud of AIDA Cruises’ long-standing commitment to Dubai, when they were one of the first cruise liners to home port in 2006.  We are readying the business for another robust cruise season in Dubai, and through the support of partners like AIDA Cruises anchoring in our home city and hub, we’ll continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as an attractive gateway for winter cruising.”

“The Arabian Gulf is one of our most popular winter destinations due to its moderate flight times, pleasant summer temperatures and many hours of sunshine. Combined with the new state-of-the-art terminals at Dubai Harbour within easy reach of the city’s attractions and excellent airport connectivity, our cooperation with Emirates will further enhance the attractiveness of this destination for our guests with tailor-made flight options,” said Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises.

AIDAprima has been operating to Dubai Harbour since 2021 and can accommodate up to 3,200 passengers. This season, passengers embarking and disembarking from Dubai can look forward to diverse itineraries that include destinations like Muscat, Doha, Sir Bani Yas and Abu Dhabi.

Dubai has been a first mover in joining up the entire travel and tourism ecosystem to facilitate hassle-free entry and visas for cruise passengers, seamless handling at ports which includes access to Emirates check-in desks at Dubai Harbour along with a host of other amenities dotted across the entire air and ground journey. Travellers have the added advantage of disembarking at one of the world’s most iconic tourism destinations, with landmarks and attractions that suit every taste, age and budget.

The 12 Emirates check-in counters in Dubai Harbour allow passengers who are disembarking from their cruise ships to fully check-in up to 4 hours before flight departure with the convenience of exploring Dubai without their luggage before heading directly to the airport and breezing past most formalities before their flight.

Last year, Emirates transported around 400,000 cruise passengers using Dubai cruise terminals. The city welcomed over 166 ships during the last cruise season, making it the region’s biggest port of embarkation and most popular call for cruise liners. The city expects an increase of 23% more cruise passengers for the upcoming season.

Source: Breaking  Travel News

Ethiopian Airlines to Expand Widebody Fleet with Up to 20 Boeing777X Jets.

With commitment for eight 777-9s and up to 12 more, Ethiopian Airlines is the first African customer for highly fuel-efficient 777X passenger jet.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 5, 2024 – Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest aviation group in Africa, and Boeing [NYSE: BA], a leading global aerospace company are pleased to announce the signing of

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the purchase of the latest Boeing 777-9 airplanes. The agreement includes the purchase of eight 777-9 passenger airplanes and the potential for up to 12 additional jets by Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian. Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of the 777X positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes in growing its modern fleet.

Regarding the signing of the MoU Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation for adopting cutting- edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”

Based on the 777 and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 features new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines that will enable the airplane to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than other fleet families.

The 777-9 will support the Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. As part of its Vision 2035, Ethiopian is planning to fly to more than 209 international destinations flying more than 271 modern and eco-friendly aircraft.

“Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”

Boeing airplanes make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, 27 Next-Generation 737s, 15 737 MAX and 3 767 jets. Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing continue to explore opportunities to further develop the country’s aerospace industry, including support for Ethiopian Airlines MRO capabilities, industrial development, training capabilities at the Ethiopian Aviation University and STEM education, as well as equipping the Ethiopian Museum of Science with aerospace exhibits.

Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Africa's overall air traffic growth at more than 7% through 2042 ─ the third highest growth rate among global regions and above the global average growth rate of approximately 6%. Providing growth opportunities for airlines and offering enhanced features for passengers, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles) the 777-9enabls flights from Addis Ababa to as far as Seattle in the U.S.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO andAerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907

About Boeing [NYSE:BA]

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

I FLY AIR.

The history of this great company is intricately linked to the hard work, persistence, and passion of dedicated employees.

Our success story begun in 2018 as a travel agent company and through collective efforts we have grown to become one of the leading airlines in Kenya. We take pride in our commitment to putting our customers first and providing them with a unique and exceptional experience from our services.

Our dedication in deploying safe, reliable, and quality services through teamwork has enabled us to successfully operate scheduled flights to Wajir, Mandera, Mogadishu and Juba among others with approximately 110,000 passengers flown to all our destinations over the past 2 years. I Fly Air’s main goal is to serve our clients. We will continue striving for excellence and we remain devoted in taking I Fly Air to the next level with the purpose of creating an enduring legacy in the industry.

Explore our routes from Wilson Airport to Wajir and Mandera daily and from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport weekly to Mogadishu and Juba.

Travel with us today by contacting our 24/7 call center on 0740 100 100 or book your ticket online www.ifly.co.ke Choose us and Fly with Class, Comfort and Convenience. We are the Wings of Africa!

Kenya’s Jambojet starts direct flights to Zanzibar.

The Government of Zanzibar through its Indian Ocean Island Minister of Infrastructure, Communication, and Transport, Khalid Salum Mohamed, has also announced Kenya-based budget carrier Jambojet will start direct flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa.

“Considering Zanzibar’s 2050 Vision of enhancing the blue economy and increasing the number of visitors to our island, the expansion of infrastructure is essential to help achieve our goal and is a current national priority,” Khalid Mohamed told press.

The maiden flights will start on July 1, 2024, with the Jambojet carrier flying four times a week between the two destinations tourist hubs. Initial fares are set at a starting at roughly $113 for a one-way ticket.

It is expected that the budget airline will increase the number of tourists and business travelers entering Zanzibar significantly.

As it gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary, Jambojet Managing Director and CEO Karanja Ndegwa said the decision to establish this new route is driven by the increase in demand as well as the ambition to unlock commercial opportunities in the region.

“Since inception, Jambojet has been focusing on connecting people in the underserved or unserved routes,” commented an official from the company.

In a similar move, Zanzibar is now in talks with the Saudi Arabian government with a plan of introducing direct flights to Zanzibar from Riyadh city.

“Direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Zanzibar will be a big opportunity to boost trade and strengthen relations. It will also help ease transport for pilgrims to and from Mecca,” commented Zanzibar State Minister, Office of the President, Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman.

With the increase in direct flights to and from the spice islands, Zanzibar is enhancing its global appeal as a top tourist destination of choice for holidaymakers.

Direct flights are aslo an impetus for economic development through increased trade and also serve to boost regional and international relations.

Source: The Exchange

Women Are a Driving Force for Travel & Tourism, says WTTC.

London, UK: To celebrate International Women’s Day, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) underscores the pivotal role of women in the global Travel & Tourism sector.

According to WTTC data, women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40% of the total employment.

This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24% surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the Travel & Tourism sector, with over half (52%) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasises the positive impact of women in the sector, stating: “Women in Travel & Tourism play a vital role. We are proud that our sector is one of the largest employers of women in the world.

“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make Travel & Tourism more resilient and inclusive. Putting women at the heart of Travel & Tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”

The global body’s data also reveals women in Travel & Tourism surpass the average workforce participation in other sectors globally. In regions such the Americas, women make up a larger share of employment in the sector compared to the economy-wide workforce.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this data underscores the significant contribution of women to the Travel & Tourism sector, portraying it as a catalyst for gender inclusivity and empowerment on a global scale.

WTTC remains committed to provide high-wage jobs, gender equality, and fostering entrepreneurship through SMEs, as well as generating more high-level opportunities for women within large corporations.

Source: WTTC

Kindiki Approves Passport Fee Hike: Cheapest Now Ksh7,500

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced a significant rise in fees for obtaining passports and other essential documents, just a few months after the High Court suspended the implementation of new charges in November last year.

As of March 1, individuals applying for an ordinary 34-page passport will now face a fee of Ksh7,500, a significant rise from the previous Ksh4,500. Meanwhile, the cost of a 50-page passport has increased to Ksh9,500 from the prior Ksh6,000.

A memorandum from the Ministry of Interior, dated February 29 and addressed to regional coordinators, outlined the updated charges. Notably, the fee for a 66-page passport has surged from Ksh7,500 to Ksh12,500.

Simultaneously, Kenya has revised visa fees, with the cost of a single-entry visa doubling to $100 from the previous $50. The fee for a multiple-entry visa has increased to $500 from $100, while transit visas now cost $50, up from $20.

Furthermore, parents applying for permanent residence for their children born outside Kenya will now be required to pay Ksh750,000, up from the previous Ksh500,000.

Similarly, spouses of Kenyan citizens seeking permanent residence will see an increase to Ksh150,000 from the prior Ksh50,000.

This move comes after Prof Kindiki, in November, revoked the gazette notice for the upward revision of charges, fees, and levies related to services provided by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.

The revocation aimed to allow more public participation, responding to legal challenges against the initial increment.

Prof Kindiki had directed the State Department for Immigration to conduct public participation on the matter by December 10, 2023 before the new changes are effected.

Source: Business Day Africa.

2 Dead as Aircrafts Collide On Take-Off From Wilson Airport.

NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 5 – A pilot and his student died in a mid-air collision with a passenger aircraft during take-off from Wilson Airport.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday morning, involved a Dash 8 Safari Link aircraft bound for Diani on the Kenyan coast and a Cessna aircraft belonging to Ninety-Nines Flying School.

Safari Link airline confirmed the incident and stated that all 44 passengers and crew on board their flight were unharmed.

“Safarilink Aviation wishes to report that this (Tuesday) morning at 9:45 Local Time our flight number 053 with 39 passengers and 5 crew on board headed to Diani experienced a loud bang soon after take-off,” it said, “The crew decided to immediately turn back to Nairobi-Wilson Airport for further inspection and assessment and landed safely. There were no casualties reported.”

While the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has initiated an investigation into the accident, police sources have confirmed that two individuals lost their lives in the collision.

“Two people died in the accident,” a senior police officer briefed about the accident said.

“Investigations have commenced through various agencies led by the Air Accident Investigation Department and the National Police Service to establish the cause of the accident,” stated KCAA in response to the incident.

Mid-air collisions are exceptionally rare in aviation due to the precision of pilots and the assistance of air traffic controllers.

Aviation officials have expressed shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the collision.

“It is scary. It should not happen at all,” remarked one aviation expert. “This accident must be thoroughly investigated to establish what exactly transpired.”

Source:  Capital Fm

Meetings Africa 2024 Ignites Collaboration and Sustainability

Meaningful connections were made at Meetings Africa 2024, solidifying its position as the continent’s go-to platform for the business events sector, with more than 380 exhibiting companies from 22 African nations participating.

Hundreds of industry professionals, including 371 international, regional and local buyers, converged in Sandton, Johannesburg, to strengthen Africa’s position as a premier business events destination within the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions)sector.

The three-day trade show concluded on Wednesday, 28 February, at the Sandton Convention Centre, marking a successful event with fruitful engagement and trade. Industry trends, including sustainable tourism, artificial intelligence (AI), and continuous sector professionalisation, were prominent themes at Meetings Africa 2024.

The trade show left a lasting impression on newcomers, who raved about the event’s professionalism and rich future prospects.

Paul Chibwe from Willch Travel and Tours (Zambia), attending the event for the first time, expressed his high praise for the organisation of the event. “This event has not only met but exceeded our expectations,” he remarked. “Everything was impeccably organised, fostering a conducive environment for networking and exchanging thoughts and ideas. It has truly met our expectations.” Another newcomer, Baityr Diaw, the Commercial Director for the Mangalis Group of hotels (Côte d’Ivoire), stated, “The experience has been really amazing. From as early as 9 am, we have been meeting people and building what I believe are very important relationships with future partners.”

Meetings Africa also provided a platform for returning participants like South African businesswoman Lihle Mahlangu to showcase their work. “Business has been good,” she said, “I have networked with some people from here and Europe. I see great prospects ahead.”

With positive feedback from newcomers and returning participants, Meetings Africa 2024 cemented its role as a valuable platform for networking, professional development, and showcasing the diverse offerings of the African tourism industry.

This positive sentiment was echoed by Minister Patricia de Lille in her opening address. Emphasising Africa’s readiness to host events of all sizes, she declared, “I have no doubt that even here at Meetings Africa, it will be clear for all to see that the African continent is the best place to bring all meetings, events, expos, and indeed incentive trips.”

At the show’s educational programme, South Africa’s Tourism Deputy Minister Mahlalela emphasised Meetings Africa’s vital role in knowledge exchange and innovation within tourism. He highlighted the event’s evolution as a premier platform, fostering crucial connections between buyers and exhibitors.

He underlined the essence of knowledge exchange as a driver for innovation, collaboration, and skills development. “The time has come for us to rewrite the narrative on Africa,” the Deputy Minister said, advocating for a vision that portrays the continent not as a land mired in wars and poverty but as a vibrant and dynamic player on the global stage.”

South African Tourism’s commitment to sustainability shone through South African Tourism CEO Nombulelo Guliwe, who announced a partnership with the Event Greening Forum (EGF) to assess the exhibition’s greening initiatives. This commitment extends beyond individual actions, as Meetings Africa features the Sustainability Village, showcasing locally produced goods fostering economic sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Meetings Africa in Numbers

2024 Meetings Africa saw a remarkable increase in attendees, reaching 3,480, compared to 2,987 in 2023, marking a significant uptick and the highest attendance since 2019. This growth underscores the event’s growing appeal and its critical role in bringing together industry professionals from across the globe.

The Business Opportunities Networking Day (BONDay) saw 1,535 attendees, offering a dedicated session for networking and collaboration ahead of the main event.

The number of exhibiting companies also rose to 382 in 2024 from 355 in 2023, indicating a healthy interest in the event as a platform for showcasing products and services.

Moreover, the event attracted 371 buyers, a notable increase from 273 in 2023, highlighting the event’s effectiveness in drawing key decision-makers and influencers within the industry.

The media presence remained strong, with 179 media representatives attending, mirroring the 2023 figure and demonstrating sustained interest in covering the event and its impact on the industry.

Source:  Tourism News Africa

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 invest in and build new infrastructure such as the Kabalega International Airport, to support traffic numbers resulting from liberalisation; 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 liberalised 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.

For now, 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 programme for countries in Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean regions,” Mr Olwenge said.

Industry experts cite the example of Morocco, which opened up its air space to Europe and was hit hard at first, but in the long run traffic into the North Africa nation improved, and it reaped the benefits.

An open skies scheme is crucial to easing intra-Africa’s connectivity, lower airfare and improve traffic and revenues.

The regime’s goal is to fully implement the 1999 Yamoussoukro Declaration, which allows participating countries to lift market access restrictions for airlines, remove restriction on ownership, grant each other extended air traffic rights and liberalize flight frequency and capacity limits.

It also seeks to harmonise safety and security regulations in aviation, based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.

Without an open-air space regime in place, African countries have been relying on bilateral air services agreements to operate, presenting challenges of concluding multiple negotiations between several countries.

Source:  The East African.

Businesses Reconsider Travel Amid Cost-Cutting and Environmental Concerns

Business travel has changed for thousands of workers, thanks to COVID, cost-cutting and environmental worries.

That’s according to a Sunday (Feb. 25) Financial Times (FT) report, which says some big companies in the U.S. and Europe have stopped allowing nonessential trips, while many business travelers are taking longer trips to reduce the need for repeat visits.

“You have to have a real story behind the trip to have it approved now,” one London-based banker told the FT. Another said that senior staff are traveling nearly as regularly as before the pandemic, while junior employees have seen trips cut back.

Elsewhere, companies are changing the way they travel, often with an environmentally conscious goal in mind, the report said.

For example, the American pharmaceutical company Parexel has a travel policy that encourages staff to go by train instead of by air when possible. In Germany, where the firm has more than 750 employees, 96% of domestic trips are now taken by train.

Still, the report notes that business travel isn’t dead, with global bookings coming to 70% of 2019 levels in October 2023, compared to 63% in April, according to survey data by the Global Business Travel Association.

Lawyers and bankers still hit the road to close deals, sales reps still value face-to-face meetings, and many industries cannot function without moving large numbers of workers.

Last month, United Airlines said that it was looking to the return of business travel to provide an industry-wide tailwind.

“Domestic demand remains strong with increases in business traffic volumes year over year,” said United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella, adding that the airline is “particularly bullish about what Asia looks like going forward.”

“We’ve all sat on calls and predicted the recovery of business traffic more times than I can count over the last few years,” he said. “And I will say Q4 was OK. It wasn’t spectacular in any way. But as we started January in the new budget season, for all of our big corporate clients, we did notice a significant step up.”

Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted a similar corporate travel recovery during that airline’s earnings call in January.

“We are seeing continued improvement in the corporate sector,” Bastian said. “We had a number of laggards, tech being the largest, and we’re finally starting to see tech companies traveling again as a result of return to office, the consultancies as well. We are seeing it across the board. The auto and entertainment sectors have rebounded nicely following the strikes in the fourth quarter.”

Source: PYMNTS