What Do Africa’s Airline Connections With The US Look Like Compared To 5 Years Ago?

It’s been almost five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aviation industry has mostly recovered . So, what are the United States’ direct flight connections with the continent of Africa for November 2024 compared to November 2019 before the pandemic? Africa is collectively home to around 1.4 billion people – far more than North and South America combined. According to data from Cirium, flights between the US and Africa have significantly more than recovered from the pandemic.

Airlines flying between the US and Africa

Comparing data for the months of November 2019 and November 2024 for direct flights from Africa to the United States, there has been a notable 33% increase in flights.

Delta Air Lines A330-200 shutterstock_2486927139

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

In 2019, seven airlines flew from Africa to the United States – two US airlines and four airlines based in countries in Africa. Two United States-based airlines fly to Africa – Delta Air Lines and United Airlines . American Airlines is notable for not flying to Africa (there are reasons why American Airlines doesn’t fly to Africa ), while Southwest doesn’t even fly to Canada as its system is not set up to receive Canadian dollars .

Airlines flying between the United States and Africa in November 2024

  • Royal Air Marco
  • EgyptAir
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Kenya Airways
  • Ethiopian Airlines

Two of the six African airlines in 2019 were from North Africa (Royal Air Maroc in Marocco) and EgyptAir. Three airlines from sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways). One airline from the African island nation of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde Airlines) doesn’t fit neatly into the North/Sub-Saharan African divide.

Delta Airbus A330

Related

Delta Once Planned A Massive African Expansion – What Happened?

Change in US-based flights to Africa

Notably, US-based Delta and United have driven the increase in flights between the continents. Overall, the number of monthly flights has increased from 640 to 852, a 33% increase.

United Airlines Boeing 787 departing LHR shutterstock_2400014209

Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock

Delta’s flights increased from 160 in November 2019 to 232 in November 2024. That represents a 45% increase in flights and a total of 59,506 seat capacity for November 2024. Delta is the airline with the most flights and seats between the US and Africa. It flies to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana (in West Africa), and Morocco.

Airline:Flights November 2019Flights November 2024Change
Royal Air Maroc:134112-16%
Delta Air Lines:160232+45%
Ethiopian Airlines:91150+65%
Kenya Airways:4460+36%
EgyptAir:8674-14%
South African Airways:1120-100%
United Airlines:0224+100%
Cabo Verde Airlines:130-100%
Total:640852+33%

While United lacked any flights to Africa in November 2019, it has 224 scheduled for 225, placing it second after Delta. United’s African destinations are similar to Delta’s: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Morocco. All of these routes (except for flights from Newark to Marrakesh, Morocco) are served with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners. Most are three times a week, although the flights to South Africa’s Johannesburg are daily.

United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER landing

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Marrakech is United Airlines’ fifth destination in Africa.

8

Change in Africa-based flights to US

Two African-based airlines ( Cabo Verde Airlines and South African Airways ) are no longer scheduled to fly to the US in November 2024. Whereas Ethiopian Airlines may have been a sub-Saharan success story, the same cannot be said for South African Airways. Once the leading airline in sub-Saharan Africa, it collapsed in 2019 but resumed operations in 2021 and is being rebuilt .

Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777

Photo: Croatorum | Shutterstock

Despite a large civil war (and a series of other confusing civil wars) ravaging parts of Ethiopia (particularly between 2020 and 2022), the number of Ethiopian Airlines flights to the United States has increased by 65% from 91 flights to 150. That is the largest percentage increase of any airline over that time (from a non-zero starting point).

Ethiopian Airlines has grown to become one of the leading stars of airlines in sub-Saharan Africa and offers some of the best connections for the continent (there are comparatively few inter-African connections). Ethiopian Airlines has made its hub at Addis Ababa a major hub for sub-Saharan Africa in general. Unfortunately, in Western countries Ethiopian Airlines is perhaps better known for Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 , whose Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed in March 2019 (which heralded Boeing’s MAX crisis that continues to buffet the company today).

AirlineSeats November 2019Seats November 2024Change
Royal Air Maroc:38,50832,368-16%
Delta Air Lines40,04459,506+49%
Ethiopian Airlines:25,15543,136+71%
Kenya Airways:10,29614,040+36%
EgyptAir:26,57424,790-7%
South African Airways:30,7800-100%
United Airlines:054,024+100%
Cabo Verde Airlines:2,3790-100%
Total:173,736227,864+31%
Kenya Airways Boeing 787 Come Live The Magic livery

Photo: Abdul N Quraishi – Abs | Shutterstock

Kenya Airways has also been able to increase its flights to the US by 36%. EgyptAir and Royal Air Maroc have both decreased a little, with 14% fewer flights and 7% fewer seats, and 16% fewer flights and 16% fewer seats, respectively. There are no scheduled Cabo Verde Airlines flights scheduled for November 2024.

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent and has so much to see and do. It is one of the least explored regions of the world and very often gets in the news for all the wrong reasons. Sub-Saharan Africa is best known for its safaris to see the animals, but there is so much more on offer. The comparative dearth of flights to only seven of Africa’s 56 or so countries shows there is much more potential.

Source: Simple Flying

Ethiopian Airlines Commences Passenger Service to Port Sudan.

Addis Ababa, 15 October 2024: Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, is pleased to announce the commencement of its new passenger service to Port Sudan, a significant Red Sea port city, in the Republic of the Sudan. The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport today following a colorful ceremony graced by delegates from the Republic of Sudan to Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Airlines’ executives. The commencement of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service to Port Sudan further strengthens the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent and beyond, fostering regional socio-economic growth and facilitating trade and tourism. “We keep growing our network in Africa to provide seamless air connectivity while fostering commerce and tourism within the continent and beyond.” Said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “With the launch of this flight today, we are opening a new chapter of connectivity in East Africa and the entire continent. We are bringing the world closer to The Sudan and creating a stronger economic link to businesses.”


Port Sudan is Ethiopian Airlines second destination in The Sudan following Khartoum. Ethiopian offers daily passenger services to Port Sudan. The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travelers. The flights will offer daily connectivity between Port Sudan and Ethiopian Airlines’ more than 139 destinations globally.

Port Sudan lies on the Red Sea and is home to the Sudan’s main seaport. Port Sudan is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellence for scuba diving. Travelers can now book their flights to Port Sudan on Ethiopian Airlines’ digital channels or through their preferred travel agent.


About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus
A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.
Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among
others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more
than threefold growth in the past 10 years.


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

Press release-Ethiopian Airlines Commences Passenger Service to Port Sudan (1)Download

Kenya Airways Set to Elevate In-Flight Dining Experience.

[Nairobi, Kenya, October 1, 2024] – Kenya Airways in collaboration with its customers is set to elevate
its in-flight dining experience following an exclusive Product Selection event held today at KQ’s Pride
Centre.
This unique gathering brought together select customers and culinary experts to sample a diverse array
of meals and drinks, all aimed at reshaping the airline’s onboard dining experience.
Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, commented on the event, emphasizing that food is one of the
most memorable aspects of travel. He stated, “Kenya Airways is committed to transforming in-flight
dining from a routine necessity into an enjoyable experience that passengers can genuinely look forward
to.”

Kilavuka further emphasized the new upcoming menu, stating, “The new menu will showcase a
harmonious mix of global culinary influences and local flavors, guaranteeing that every guest discovers
something delightful to enjoy. Our goal is for our meals to be as thrilling as the destinations you’re
visiting.”
Sustainability is also a key focus of this initiative, with Kenya Airways planning to source ingredients
responsibly and support local producers. Kilavuka noted that this approach marries the culinary
experience with a commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing the meal while contributing to
the well-being of the planet.
Attendees at the event were encouraged to provide feedback, which will help shape the future of Kenya
Airways’ in-flight offerings. This interactive experience underscores the airline’s dedication to passenger
engagement, making customers feel heard and valued in the decision-making process.
“Through this event, Kenya Airways is not only elevating its in-flight dining but also redefining what
travelers can expect from their journeys,” Kilavuka stated.
He added, “We aim to ensure that every aspect of your flight is enjoyable, from takeoff to landing,
leaving you with delicious memories long after the plane has landed.”
As Kenya Airways continues to innovate and refine its services, travelers can look forward to a dining
experience that captures the essence of hospitality and flavor, making every journey not just a means to
an end but a delightful part of the adventure.


Ends…


About Kenya Airways:
Kenya Airways (KQ), The Pride of Africa, is Kenya’s national carrier and a leading African airline on a mission to
propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets. We fly to 45 destinations worldwide, 37
of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 Tons of cargo annually through the
Hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, we open up a world of possibilities for our customers,
connecting them to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries. We take pride in offering a delightful flying
experience with a caring African touch. Our exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned us global
recognition including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards where we were honoured with the Best Airline
Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.
For more information, visit www.kenya-airways.com or call our 24-hour Customer Services Desk at +254 20 327

  1. We are also available on X: @ KenyaAirways & @ KQSupport , Facebook: @ OfficialKenyaAirways, Instagram:
    @ OfficialKenyaAirways Tiktok: @officialkenyaairways
    For all media enquiries, please reach out to Kenya Airways Corporate Communications at
    Corporate.communications@kenya-airways.com.

See Full press release here:

Exclusive Product Selection for Elevated In-flight Dining Experience – Press Release (1)Download

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Network International Partner.

Strategic partnership is aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to increase economic productivity by 50% through innovation and digital adoption. Signed at GITEX Global, the agreement will further facilitate access to finance and payment solutions for SMEs and fintech companies.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic agreement with Network International, a leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa, to enhance Dubai’s digital economy and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and fintech companies in the emirate.

Signed at GITEX Global 2024, the partnership will boost the digital payment infrastructure in Dubai and facilitate business access to finance and payment solutions, and is aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and to increase economic productivity by 50% through innovation and digital adoption. The agreement will also support the key D33 objectives to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, and to make Dubai the fastest growing and most attractive global business hub for multinational corporations (MNCs), SMEs and Emirati entrepreneurs.

In the presence of H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, and Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network International, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, and Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Network International.

Collaboration to Empower SMEs

With SMEs and fintech firms widely recognised as driving forces behind Dubai’s continued economic growth, both DET and Network International will pool their expertise and resources to launch initiatives designed to boost SME access to capital and cutting-edge financial technologies. This will include tailored loan programmes or grants, designed in collaboration with financial institutions, to support business expansion and innovation. They will also collaborate to provide digital payment solutions and offerings for micro- and start-up businesses at preferential rates. Advanced digital payment systems and e-commerce platforms will also be developed to empower Dubai-based SMEs to expand their market reach, both domestically and internationally, and increase their competitiveness and potential for growth. These programmed will be further supported by preferential payment solutions designed to ease the financial burden on emerging businesses.

DET and Network International will also collaborate to create a fintech start-up ecosystem, providing the necessary support, including market and customer access, mentorship and the facilitation of seed and growth capital through a public-private partnership model. Additionally, DET and Network International will explore the development of a fintech solution for micro-lending that leverages data from POS transactions and banking information, aiming to streamline customer onboarding and enhance credit risk assessment for SMEs.

Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), remarked: “This partnership with Network International exemplifies our dedication to equipping SMEs with essential resources for growth, thereby contributing significantly to the ambitious objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. By facilitating access to finance and payment solutions, we are not only empowering SMEs but also ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Under the visionary guidance of our city’s leadership, this collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering a business environment rooted in innovation, sustainability, and global scalability. In an increasingly digitalized global marketplace, SMEs can trust that Dubai provides the comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions necessary for success.”

Jamal Al Nassai, Group Managing Director for Merchant Services – Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Network International, said, “SMEs are the backbone of the UAE economy, driving innovation and growth across all sectors. Through our strategic partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, we are proud to support the government’s vision of empowering SMEs by providing our cutting-edge payment solutions and value-added services including swift access to capital at competitive rates, enabling them to thrive in today’s dynamic market. By leveraging our expertise in digital payments innovation, we aim to create an ecosystem that not only facilitates easier access to financial resources but also enhances the overall business environment for SMEs. This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting the D33 Agenda and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.”

To stimulate innovation and attract talent to emerging industry sectors, DET and Network International will work in conjunction with government bodies to simplify the regulatory procedures for   SMEs. This will encompass providing support and counsel for adherence to both local and global trade regulations, thereby ensuring that SMEs can operate with efficiency and effectiveness. The partnership will also involve integrating backend systems, including the Dubai Unified License platform, to create a comprehensive data repository. This will facilitate the analysis of sales patterns and spending trends, providing invaluable insights for SMEs.

The MoU is a pivotal step in accelerating the digitalization of Dubai’s economy, bringing enhanced efficiencies and opportunities to the vital SME sector. Through this partnership, DET and Network International aim to further empower SMEs by providing access to advanced digital tools and payment solutions that streamline operations, reduce costs, and create new pathways for growth. By enabling more efficient, data-driven business practices, this collaboration will ensure that Dubai’s SMEs continue to thrive as a key contributor to the city’s economic progress and global competitiveness.

Source: Zawya

Africa’s Best Tourism Destinations and Leaders Shine at the 2024 World Travel Awards in Diani Beach, Kenya.

The spotlight was on Africa’s tourism elite as the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2024 unfolded at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Diani Beach, Kenya. The event brought together leaders and innovators from across the continent to celebrate the travel and hospitality organizations setting new standards for excellence and innovation in the industry.

Tanzania emerged as a standout winner, taking home multiple prestigious titles. The nation was crowned ‘Africa’s Leading Destination,’ with the Tanzania Tourist Board receiving the honor of ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Board.’ Among Tanzania’s natural treasures, Serengeti National Park was named ‘Africa’s Leading National Park,’ and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro was awarded ‘Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction,’ cementing Tanzania’s reputation as a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

In the highly anticipated newcomer categories, Angama Amboseli, an opulent tented lodge nestled in Kenya’s Kimana Sanctuary, was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading New Hotel.’ Meanwhile, Morocco’s St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, located in the idyllic Tamuda Bay, earned the title of ‘Africa’s Leading New Resort.’

Kenya also had a reason to celebrate as Diani Beach was once again recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Destination,’ further solidifying its appeal to both international and local travelers. The capital city, Nairobi, was awarded ‘Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination,’ while the luxurious Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club secured the accolade of ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel.’ Additionally, Somerset Westview in Nairobi was honored as ‘Africa’s Leading Serviced Apartments.’

The coastal city of Durban continued its ascent as a top business destination, earning the title of ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination.’ Meanwhile, the Port of Cape Town was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Cruise Port,’ a testament to its growing significance in the maritime and tourism sectors.

Andrew Cook, General Manager of Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event, stating that it was a monumental occasion for both the resort and Kenya’s burgeoning hospitality industry.

In the aviation sector, Kenya Airways soared high, clinching awards for ‘Africa’s Leading Airline’ and ‘Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class.’ Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport further added to Kenya’s aviation accolades by being voted ‘Africa’s Leading Airport.’

Travel agencies also took center stage, with Satguru Travel securing multiple wins, including the title of ‘Africa’s Leading Leisure Travel Agency,’ underscoring its commitment to delivering top-tier travel experiences across the continent.

The World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2024 was a dazzling celebration of Africa’s tourism excellence, with winners from across the region showcasing the best that the continent has to offer. As these leaders continue to push the boundaries of hospitality and travel, Africa’s global standing as a premier tourism destination is set to reach even greater heights.

 Source:   Travel and Tour World

Regional airlines need innovative technology.

THE Tanzania Association of Travel Agents (TASOTA) has underscored the need to embrace innovative technologies to shield the sector from disruptions like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Agnes Rwegasira, the TASOTA chairperson, made this appeal at a travel convention and annual general meeting (AGM) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, an event that brought together key stakeholders from the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

The meeting was intended for crucial deliberations, networking and collaboration with the expectation of shaping the future of the local travel industry.

“We are gathered here with various stakeholders from the airlines and the tourism sector in general. Our goal is to collaborate with the government and private agencies to promote domestic and international tourism in line with the country’s policies,” she stated.

The meeting featured panel discussions on how East African countries can work together to enhance tourism, address policy and infrastructure challenges and foster the industry’s sustainable development.

The new distribution capability protocol adopted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) came up for discussion, which stakeholders say is revolutionizing airline services by enabling personalized offers and improving financial systems.

Discussions centred on how to capitalise on Tanzania’s leisure tourism potential with luxury offerings, innovative experiences and international partnerships, without offsetting sustainable tourism practices.

“Conversations highlighted the need to expand domestic air connectivity, address challenges in remote areas, making air travel more accessible and sustainable across the country, ” she explained.

David Kihenzile, the Transport deputy minister, remarked that the growth of the travel and tourism sector has to be aligned with sustainability, stressing that environmental considerations should be integral to business strategies, not an afterthought.

“As key stakeholders in the industry, you have the power to lead by example by adopting sustainable practices, such as initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and investing in eco-friendly infrastructure and responsible tourism,” he stated.

The TASOTA leadership, government representatives, industry experts from IATA and regional travel executives offered valuable insights into the future of local air travel and in the Southern Africa region.

Source: IPP Media

Incentive travel is poised for significant growth through 2026.

Incentive travel is poised for significant growth, with a new report predicting increased spending and an elevated strategic role for the sector.

Incentive travel buyers have shared that activity and per-person spending will surpass 2024 levels in the next two years. This comes as senior leadership views on incentive travel evolve, presenting a demand for incentive travel to play more of a distinct role in motivation and culture-building while also managing programmes for financial ROI.

These takeaways were derived from a survey conducted by the newly released 2024 Incentive Travel Index (ITI), a joint initiative of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics.

In addition to increased spending, workplace trends are also enhancing the strategic importance of incentive travel. A greater focus on retaining talented employees and maintaining a competitive hiring advantage were cited as key factors shaping incentive travel’s future.

The report also identified emerging new generations of leaders and qualifiers and a more dispersed workforce as trends that will amplify the need for incentive travel. However, with sustainability on the rise, carbon footprint concerns will likely become a central focus for businesses planning such programmes.

Disruptions ahead for incentive travel

Change is coming for the incentive travel sector – most respondents of the survey agree that younger generations of qualifiers will cause a powerful “retool” of incentive travel. Most believe that AI will be used effectively within incentive travel in the future to prepare programme materials and plan, forecast, and budget.

However, the human touch will still be imperative for incentive travel, some planners say, citing its high touch and personalised nature that may render AI ineffective.

Buyers are also looking for destinations they haven’t been to before, with regular and all-inclusive resorts also experiencing an upward trend in popularity.

Source: Meetings-Conventions-Asia

KATA Hails MKTE Tourism Expo as a Catalyst for Boosting Kenya’s 2.5 million Visitor Target.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has praised the recently concluded Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2024 as a significant driver in helping Kenya achieve its goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists by the end of the year.

Speaking at the event, KATA Chairperson Dr. Joseph Kithitu highlighted MKTE 2024 as a pivotal platform for marketing Africa as a top travel destination. He encouraged industry stakeholders to continue participating in future expos to tap into emerging markets and keep Kenya at the forefront of global tourism.

“Kenya is the launchpad for Africa, and MKTE is the ideal platform for marketing the continent. With 1.8 million tourists already visiting Kenya by August, we are well on track to meet our target. Ongoing marketing efforts through expos like MKTE will showcase Kenya’s unique attractions to a global audience. The prospects are promising, and we anticipate an even bigger and better market presence at MKTE 2025,” said Dr. Kithitu.

Boosting Global Exposure

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, the event host, underscored the importance of the expo in elevating Kenya’s position as a preferred destination. The expo attracted over 180 international buyers from 35 countries, along with 4,000 delegates and 417 exhibitors.

“This exceptional turnout has greatly boosted our tourism industry. International buyers experienced Kenya’s diverse offerings firsthand and established valuable partnerships with local stakeholders, positioning Kenya to attract more visitors,” said Chepkemei. She reaffirmed KTB’s commitment to providing platforms that enable Kenya’s travel trade to access global markets cost-effectively.

Collaborations and Talent Development

In addition to engaging international buyers, MKTE 2024 fostered collaboration between tourism boards across Africa, discussing strategies for repositioning the continent’s travel fairs to match globally established exhibitions.

The expo also focused on growing the industry’s talent pipeline, with representatives from 17 universities present to discuss ways to nurture young talent. Chepkemei emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for creating jobs and opportunities for youth in the sector.

New Direct Flights from Asia to Nairobi

KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula commended the strategic move by AirAsia X (AAX) to introduce direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa, driving tourism growth in both regions.

“The Asia-Pacific market is becoming increasingly important for Kenya, with over 320,000 tourists visiting in 2023. This new direct connection will stimulate economic growth, create opportunities for local businesses, and further position Kenya as a key destination for global travellers, particularly from Asia,” said Sabula. The flights, set to begin on November 15, 2024, will operate four times weekly.

Expanding Kenya’s Tourism Segments

A key highlight of the expo was the launch of the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) by President William Ruto. These initiatives aim to attract digital nomads and long-haul travellers, offering them the chance to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions seamlessly.

With these innovations and ongoing efforts, Kenya’s tourism sector is poised to continue its upward trajectory, positioning the country as a global tourism powerhouse.

Air France to launch free ultra-high-speed Starlink connectivity onboard all aircraft.

Air France is revolutionising its onboard WiFi service. From 2025 onwards, the airline will progressively roll-out an ultra-high-speed connectivity service for a ‘ground-like’ experience. This new service, completely free-of-charge in all travel cabins, will be accessible to customers by logging into their Flying Blue account. Over time, this WiFi service will be made available onboard all the airline’s aircraft, replacing the current offer.

Air France has chosen Starlink for high-speed, low-latency connectivity. During their flight, customers will be able to stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and stream TV, films, and series. The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Customers will be able to access the service by logging into their Flying Blue account, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free-of-charge onboard and in just a few clicks.

As of the summer 2025 season, Air France will gradually equip all its aircraft with this cutting-edge technology, including its regional fleet. During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service onboard aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free ‘Message Pass’ for Flying Blue members and a paid offer that covers other needs.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, will talk exclusively at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – taking place in Los Angeles on 28-30 October 2024. He will share insights on the airline’s future plans and strategies for continued growth.

Source:    Future Travel Experience

IATA Warns of Capacity Crunch as Air Travel Picks up.

Airports could be fast approaching infrastructure capacity crunch that would restrict connectivity and choice for passengers and businesses, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned.

IATA latest data indicates a growing demand in air travel business putting pressure on the existing aviation infrastructure.

International passenger traffic in August grew by 10.6 per cent, adding 0.6 per centage points to July’s.

During the month under review, the volume of passengers carried in the African region grew to 10.1 per cent from 8.1 per cent in July.

“Despite the current global political uncertainty, the strong demand for international travel in August points to a promising outlook,” notes International Air Transport Association in August 2024 data.

“As of August 2024, international air travel demand’s monthly volumes have marked historic highs, or inched closer to them, for all regions including for the whole industry, expect for Asia Pacific, which is 8 percentage points from full recovery.

According to IATA, all regions’ international markets achieved rates above 4.3 per cent, with North America and the Middle East slightly decelerating compared to July, in line with their typical seasonal patterns. Airlines from the Asia Pacific region continued to lead, achieving the highest growth at 19.9 per cent YoY, followed by Latin America and Africa, at 13.6 per cent and 10.1 per cent, respectively.

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in August 2024 compared to August 2023. Ticket sales in May-July for travel in August-September showed a 6.6 per cent year-on-year increase, which bodes well for further strong growth this year.

“The market for air travel is hot and airlines are doing a great job at meeting the growing demand for travel. Efficiency gains have driven load factors to record highs while the 6.5 per cent capacity increase demonstrates resilience in the face of persistent supply chain issues and infrastructure deficiencies,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Looking ahead, the continued strong demand growth signals that we could be fast approaching an infrastructure capacity crunch that would restrict connectivity and choice for passengers and businesses. If governments want to maximize the benefits of aviation, they must take bold decisions to ensure sufficient infrastructure capacity. And, in the interim, both airports and air navigation service providers need to do more with the resources they currently have. In particular, the variance in declared capacity of airports with broadly the same infrastructure needs to be resolved, with airports emulating the best performers. The industry cannot afford to under-utilize the airport infrastructure that we have,” said Walsh.

Source: Kenyan Wallstreet