AASA News 

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  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: AEG Fuels
23 October. AASA News.

AASA welcomes AEG Fuels who have completed their registration as an airline member. Since 1988 AEG Fuels has established single-supplier convenience through a network of strategic relationships with national and multinational oil companies, local fuel providers, and airport handling agents. Beyond fuel services, AEG also provides a suite of ancillary solutions such as fuel management, international trip planning, tax recovery services, carnet card benefits, and more.  Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Dentons South Africa Inc.
23 October. AASA News.

AASA welcomes Dentons South Africa Inc. who have completed their registration as an airline member. Dentons is a global law firm driven to provide you with the competitive edge in an increasingly complex and interconnected marketplace. Dentons have been present in Africa for 55+ years and pride themselves on their ability to respond to client needs through their offices in South Africa. The Dentons legacy in Africa through their combination in Kenya dates back to over a 120+ years. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Nucore Software Solutions
23 October. AASA News.

AASA welcomes Nucore Software Solutions who have completed their registration as an airline member. Providing state-of-the-art software solutions to the Travel Industry for 18 years. Nucore Software Solutions is a leading technology company headquartered in India. Nucore specializes in travel agency and airline ERP systems development. Every day Nucore processes 70 million transactions generating $7.5 billion in sales from more than 800+ agents in 43 countries serving more than 12,000 users in 3,000 locations. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: SAHCO
9 October. AASA News.

AASA welcomes Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc. (SAHCO) who have completed their registration as an Associate Member. SAHCO provides aviation ground handling services in Nigeria. Its services include aircraft/ramp handling, cargo handling, passenger handling, premium lounge, aviation security, and baggage reconciliation, as well as ground and flight dispatch services. The company also operates SAHCO Training Academy that offers aviation training courses; and provides equipment rental and maintenance services. The company was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on 23 April 2019. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Sasol
9 October. AASA News.

AASA welcomes Sasol who have completed their registration as an Associate Member. Sasol Limited is an integrated energy and chemical company based in Sandton, South Africa. The company was formed in 1950 in Sasolburg, South Africa. Today, Sasol develops and commercializes technologies, including synthetic fuel technologies, and produces different liquid fuels, chemicals, coal tar, and electricity. Sasol is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: SOL) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: SSL). We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   [EVENTS / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] AASA NEWS
How sustainable is Africa’s aviation growth?
27 September. 

Aviation experts discussed the challenge of funding airlines in Africa and questioned the sustainability of African airlines’ growth at the Aviation Africa 2024 event held recently in Johannesburg. Data from IATA showed that African airlines were making an average of US$0.90c per passenger. This is an improvement on results two years ago, when African airlines were losing US$1 for each passenger. But it’s still behind the global profit average of US$6.14. The improvement in profit was by Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, credited the improvement to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Read more...

Not everyone understands what SAATM is meant to do. It is not a tick-box exercise, it is a work in progress. Going from losing a dollar to making a dollar: this is progress, and shows that SAATM is working. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

  L   [GOVERNMENT MEETING / ARTICLE: Southern & East African Tourism Update] AASA NEWS
Creecy tackles ongoing ATNS-related delays 

16 September. 

Flight delays continue at South African airports due to the suspension of instrument approach procedures, while Air Traffic and Navigation Services’ (ATNS) plan to complete its maintenance backlog awaits industry comment, and finally, implementation.
    Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, held a meeting late last week with aviation industry representatives for ATNS to share its turnaro
und plan to address its backlog in instrument flight procedure maintenance and the ongoing flight delays at airports across the country. 
   Industry representatives, including Barsa, AASA, SACAA and ACSA, were taken through the plan and received updates on approvals and pending approvals for various airports' flight procedures.  Read more...

  L   [EVENTS / ARTICLE: Times Aerospace] AASA NEWS
Air Transport leaders descend on Aviation AFRICA 2024 

13 August. 

Top executives and officials from across the airline and air transport world will assemble at the 8th Aviation AFRICA Summit and Exhibition.
    A 2-day summit and exhibition covering the full aerospace spectrum across the African continent, the event is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, South Africa on 16 and 17th September 2024. The event is officially hosted by the Government of South Africa, the Ministry of Transport and led by SACAA. 
    Under the theme Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth, the summit will look ways to improve connectivity across the continent. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, is a Panelist in the session: 'Putting it all together: where does Africa go from here.'  Read more...

  L   [ARTICLE: BIZCommunity] AASA NEWS
Aviation disruptions threaten SA’s economic recovery 

1 August. 

A recent power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused significant delays and diversions for local and international airlines, impacting operations and finances. This issue and the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s (ATNS) indefinite suspension of flight approaches at nine airports have exacerbated the situation. Read more...

On behalf of its members, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa urges the Minister of Transport to ensure these avoidable failures are resolved before irreparable economic harm is done, and jobs are sacrificed. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

  L   AASA MEDIA STATEMENT
 Disruptions to critical air transport infrastructure threatens South Africa’s economic recovery and jobs
31 July. AASA Press Release.

Sunday evening’s power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused numerous local and foreign airlines’ flights to and from the airport to be delayed and diverted, inconveniencing travellers and burdening carriers with additional costs and strained operations.
    The breakdown at this economically strategic facility follows the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s (ATNS) indefinite suspension of flight approaches to nine of the country’s airports after it missed a deadline to complete mandatory reviews and to re-desi
gn any approaches that it found to be unfit for purpose. Download the media statement...

Flight schedule disruptions are financial hammer blows to airlines. Their customers lose confidence resulting in lost sales, ticket cancellations and refunds. They are saddled with additional costs including fuel, ground handling for diverted flights, re-accommodating passengers, and landing and parking charges at the diversion airports. They then pay ATNS extra en-route navigation and air traffic control charges associated with diversions. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

  L   [WATCH: eNCA News] AASA CEO INTERVIEW
Flight delays and disruptions expected at several SA airports
20 July.

Johannesburg. South Africa's Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) is grappling with an indefinite suspension of instrument-navigation procedures at the George, Kimberley, Mthatha, and Polokwane airports.     
    ATNS is suspending instrument-navigation flight approaches at several key airports to review and update procedures based on the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, shared his insights on this critical issue. Watch on eNCA...

  L   NEW AASA MEMBER
A warm AASA welcome to our new Airline Member: Air Mauritius
17 July. AASA News.

AASA welcomes Air Mauritius who have completed their registration as an airline member. Air Mauritius has contributed to the growth of aviation in the SADC region, and on the African continent, through their expansive route network which continues to grow as they add new routes. Their network covers routes on the African continent, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. We look forward to their contribution to the AASA projects as we collectively focus on growing a profitable and sustainable aviation industry. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

  L   [ARTICLE: BusinessLive] AASA CEO INTERVIEW
 Sustainable aviation fuel still only 0.5% of annual needs
10 June.

SADC governments have been urged to incentivise local production of SAF

Dubai. At the IATA AGM, Aaron Munetsi, CEO of AASA, spoke to Business Day and noted population growth, urbanisation and the pressure to promote economic activity were driving demand for air transport to, from, and within Sub-Saharan Africa, and was set to double over the next decade. Read more...

Besides cutting aviation emissions, locally produced SAF will reduce Southern African airlines' dependence on imported fuel. Currently, almost all our jet fuel is imported, adding layers of cost for shipping, logistics, distribution, storage and statutory duties and taxes. If we can shrink the cost and curb carbon output, we will keep air travel affordable, and destinations competitive. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO 

  L   [WATCH: NEPAD Business Foundation] AASA CEO INTERVIEW
Southern African Industrialisation Forum 2024: Interview with Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
25 March. SADC Business Council News. 

Johannesburg. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was interviewed at the SADC Business Council's Southern African Industrialisation ForumThe prestigious event convened top government and business leaders to shape industrial priorities and investment opportunities focused on Angola with the theme focus, Human and Financial Capital: The Key Drivers for Sustainable Industrialisation in the SADC RegionWatch on YouTube...


  L   AUGUST PASSENGER REPORT
New record high for Passenger load factor 
3 October. IATA News.

African airlines saw a 10.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 7.3% YoY. The load factor rose to 77.8% (+2.0ppt compared to August 2023).

Asia routes in August saw double-digit growths with Africa-Asia retaining the highest YoY growth in August with 28.7%. 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. Read more...

  L   AUGUST AIR FREIGHT REPORT
 Double-digit demand growth for Cargo continues 
3 October. IATA News.

African airlines saw 7.5% YoY demand growth for air cargo in August.

Demand on the Africa–Asia market increased by 21.1% compared to August 2023, maintaining a streak of double-digit annual growth originating in the second half of 2023. August capacity increased by 11.4% YoY. Regarding African carriers, the World Health Organization’s declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency did not visibly affect their overall traffic volumes. Read more...

        SYMPOSIUM ON NON-CO AVIATION EMISSIONS
Landmark ICAO Symposium highlights the importance of enhanced cooperation on aviation non-CO₂ emissions 
23 September. ICAO News.

Montréal. ICAO has initiated the next step in the international community's efforts to reduce air transport's impact on the climate: addressing the non-CO2 emissions from international aviation. While carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have long been the focus of international agreements and industry efforts, the sector's non-CO₂ climate impacts have remained uncertain.
    ICAO's landmark Symposium on Non-CO₂ Aviation Emissions, held from 16-18 September 2024, drew some 800 attendees both in-person and virtually and focused on topics such as contrail formation, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, striving to understand and enhance the climate science, potential mitigation measures and policy options. Read more...

        AIR NAVIGATION CONFERENCE
ICAO high-level air navigation conference charts path for immediate and strategic enhancements for aviation sustainability  
10 September. ICAO News.

Montréal. Representatives of the world’s governments have endorsed a suite of urgent actions to accelerate the aviation sector's transition to sustainability, while enhancing air safety and boosting operational efficiency.
    The commitments emerged from ICAO's 14th Air Navigation Conference after nine days of intensive discussions in Montréal involving nearly 900 delegates from 110 ICAO Member States and 28 international organizations. Their decisions are set to reshape the future of international air travel and transport.       
    Delegates strongly emphasized embracing technological advancements, with agreement on the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks to manage emerging technologies, including electric and hybrid propulsion. Read more...

 Industry Reports & News 

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       AFRICA: AIR TRAVEL & NEW ROUTES ANALYSIS 
Airbus releases its latest study identifying key unserved routes to boost air travel in Africa
20 June. Airbus Press Release.

Airbus has released an analysis Exploring the horizons: A study of unserved air routes to, from and within Africa detailing several key unserved African routes which could provide greater connectivity for travellers, drive economic growth in local economies, and provide a significant boost in revenue for airlines. The company also highlighted data on Africa from its latest Global Market Forecast (GMF).

“Despite significant traffic between certain city-pairs, some identified routes still lack regularly scheduled non-stop flights. Factors such as restrictive bilateral air service agreements, economic variables, and challenges with capacity, frequency and operating cost efficiency contribute to these routes remaining unserved. With our capacity to make analyses about route and network development potential in-house, Airbus remains committed to partnering with airlines across Africa to identify optimised fleet solutions inline with network development requirements that further stimulate the continent’s air transport industry growth and improve connectivity for travellers.” Geert Lemaire, Airbus Market Intelligence and Consulting Director. Download the report.


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       AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS
Air Botswana, Airlink and FlySafair: ACSA welcomes new routes and additional flights to SA 
 
2 October. BizCommunity News.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is excited to welcome new flight routes and additional flights to several of its airports, seamlessly connecting passengers to their next destinations. ACSA is actively developing new flight route opportunities to enhance connectivity between countries on the African continent and around the world; accelerate recovery to pre-Covid-19 levels; enhance integration in the region; and provide greater convenience and flexibility for travelers. Read more...

Qantas gives Superjumbo boost to its Sydney-Johannesburg route and expands African connections with Airlink Codeshare  
30 September. Engineering News.

Australian national flag carrier Qantas announced it is nearly doubling passenger capacity on its Sydney-Johannesburg route, by introducing the Airbus A380 Superjumbo on to the route, as well as stablishing a codeshare partnership with South African regional and domestic carrier Airlink. The codeshare agreement means the QF code was added to Airlink’s domestic SA network, allowing travellers from Australia to connect with Airlink flights to SA destinations. Read more...

Airlink eyes domestic trunk route growth, with boost from Qatar 
23 September. Aviation Week Network.

South Africa-based regional airline Airlink plans a greater focus on trunk routes, seeing opportunity for improvement. Fresh equity is enabling new agility at the carrier. Qatar Airways in August announced it is acquiring a 25% stake. Read more...

New Air Mauritius Flights makes island stopovers a reality for Western Australians  
23 September. Travel Weekly News.

Perth travellers heading to Europe have a new option to when planning their next long-haul rip thanks to Air Mauritius, the island’s national airline. Read more...

Air Austral announces new weekly flight enhancing Réunion-Bangkok link  
22 September. Travel & Tour World.

Air Austral, a prominent French airline headquartered at Roland Garros Airport in Réunion, is expanding its global footprint with the introduction of a third weekly flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, starting December 10. This service extension, running through January 28, 2025, signifies a strategic enhancement to the airline’s operations, reflecting its commitment to fostering connectivity between Réunion and Asia.
    Air Austral serves as a vital link between Réunion and numerous destinations across metropolitan France, South Africa, Thailand, and various locations within the Indian Ocean. Read more...

SAA ups capacity between Perth and Johannesburg amid sustained demand  
20 September. The South African News.

South African Airways (SAA) has responded to increasing demand by boosting the frequency of its nonstop flights between Perth and Johannesburg.

From 8 December 2024, SAA will increase the frequency of its nonstop service from Perth to Johannesburg to four flights per week, with a further increase to five flights per week beginning 7 January 2025. The increase will provide even more opportunities for Australian travellers to experience SAA service en-route to Africa. Read more...


        AIR FREIGHT / IMPORTS & EXPORTS
Air cargo market heads for double-digit growth in 2024 
10 June. Xeneta.

The global air cargo market is on a pathway to double-digit growth in volumes in 2024 after a +12% YoY jump in demand in May, according to the latest data analysis by Xeneta. 
    Despite conservative, low single-digit industry growth forecasts at the end of last year, expectations have been boosted by six consecutive months of ‘extraordinary’ regional demand for cargo capacity, according to the Xeneta research. The global air cargo spot rate in May registered its second consecutive monthly growth. Read more...

        INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 2024 REVIEW
International Airport Review | Airport Leaders’ Forum Report 2024                                         
20 May. International Airport Review

The International Airport Review advisory board is made up of senior airport leaders from airports across the globe. The airport leaders’ forum meets yearly with the International Airport Review content team to discuss their challenges, pain points, passenger trends and opportunities in an anonymous forum. 
    The report, with sections such as airport development, biometrics, innovation, AI, cyber-security, sustainable aviation fuel, energy transition in airports, and workforce. Read more...


        AVIATION NET ZERO CO2 REVIEW
IATA and Partners Release Aviation Net Zero Roadmaps Comparative Review
17 April. IATA News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), together with the Air Transportation Systems Laboratory at University College London (UCL), the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), released the Aviation Net Zero CO2 Transition Pathways Comparative Review.
This is the first publication to compare 14 leading net zero CO2 transition aviation roadmaps. Read more...

        IATA CO2 CONNECT
IATA and Smart Freight Centre Join Forces on CO2 Emission Calculations
13 March. IATA News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Smart Freight Centre (SFC) announced a partnership to provide consistent and transparent CO2 emissions calculations for air cargo shipments. This is an important step for the global air transport sector to advance its decarbonization efforts. 
    IATA and SFC will focus on developing the cargo component of IATA’s CO2 Connect offering, which launched its passenger version in 2022. Read more...

        UNITED FOR WILDLIFE

The Buckingham Palace Declaration and Southern African Transport Taskforce

In November 2016 AASA signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD) with the aim of joining a worldwide campaign to combat international wildlife trafficking. The signatories of the United for Wildlife (UFW) Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration on the transportation of illegal wildlife products agreed to commit to combat the trade of illegal wildlife.    
    AASA has committed to help to bring an end to the illegal trade in wildlife by signing this Declaration, creating an awareness amongst its members, and supporting implementation of the commitments. 
    On 6 February 2020, AASA offered to serve as a convening vehicle to support the establishment of the Southern African Transport Taskforce, emphasising the potential impact the Taskforce can have on all types of trafficking. 
    As a BPD signatory, AASA is ready to take their effort to the next level. Ian Cruickshank was appointed by United for Wildlife as Transport Taskforce Manager based in Southern Africa and will work with all stakeholders to set up the Southern African Task Force, with opportunities to become involved further afield.
    AASA also has other environmental priority issues that impact the airlines in the Southern African region. These include Carbon Taxes for South African domestic aviation, and CORSIA, which deals with the climate change program for international aviation, as well as other climate change programs. 
    Due to the significance of the work that lies ahead, UFW have agreed that Ian, as their Transport Task Force Manager, works with AASA and the aviation sector as an Environmental and Wildlife Specialist to provide valuable expertise, and assistance to the sector, to achieve the respective goals and mandate of ensuring airlines in the Southern African region are aware of illegal wildlife trafficking practices and implement necessary preventative actions, and also ensure environmental compliance with the appropriate statutory requirements.

        REDUCING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNLAWAFUL TRANSPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES (ROUTES)

Combating the illegal trade of wildlife 

Transportation is the backbone of global trade, and traffic kers of wild animals and wildlife products rely heavily on the efficiency of air travel and cargo carriers to smuggle illicit goods. Companies from the transportation and logistics sector can play a critical role in identifying and strengthening key risk points in the supply chains, thereby helping to prevent wildlife trafficking.

Although the duty for capturing and prosecuting these criminals rests with national enforcement authorities, aviation staff can provide an important source of additional intelligence. Associations like International Air Transport Association (IATA)Airports Council International (ACI), and AASA, together with organizations like United for Wildlife (UfW), are working with many other aviation stakeholders to support the work of enforcement agencies in combating the illegal trade in wildlife. ​​​​
    The USAID Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership, which was operational in 2015-2021 and included ACI and IATA, has also developed a suite of resources to support wildlife trafficking prevention efforts in the air transport sector. 
    The resources developed under ROUTES have been designed to enable companies to respond safely and effectively to instances of wildlife trafficking. Those resources can be accessed through the following links:

  • Up-to-date wildlife trafficking data is available on the ROUTES Dashboard, including common trafficking routes and smuggling methods. After December 2021 this data will be included on the TRAFFIC Wildlife Trade Portal. The ROUTES Dashboard will remain but will not be updated. 
  • Training, awareness, and guidance materials are available on the ROUTES website, and starting in 2022, these resources will be hosted on the USAID Biodiversity Links website.  
    • General awareness training presentations: The following training resources provide an overview of wildlife trafficking for all staff. They include information on potential risks and impacts from wildlife trafficking, where and how it might occur, red flags to help staff identify trafficking and how to safely handle and report your suspicions. Each comes with detailed notes and talking points to guide training staff in delivering these materials. 
    • Role-specific training - Targeted training resources for staff who are more likely to encounter wildlife trafficking due to the nature or location of their work: cabin crew; cargo acceptance; cargo and baggage screener; check-in staff; ground handler; passenger screener. Three formats are available for each role with limited translations available: 
      • E-learning course: Digital course focusing on how staff can help identify wildlife trafficking and what to do if wildlife is discovered. Available in Chinese, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish (Duration: ~30 minutes). 
      • Presentation: a PowerPoint presentation focusing on how staff can help identify wildlife trafficking and what to do if wildlife is discovered. Complete with detailed notes and talking points to guide training staff in delivering these materials. Available in English, Chinese, Spanish and French (Duration: ~1 hour).
      • Toolbox talks: short 2-page briefs of the subject to support discussion in briefing meetings or other informal group discussions. Available in English, Chinese, Spanish and French (Duration: a few minutes).