Welcome to the
Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)


In Southern Africa, AASA leads and coordinates the airline industry position on airport, airspace and civil aviation issues.

AASA is the leading representative airline organisation within southern Africa, working together with leaders of the aviation industry and senior public and government officials on policy, regulatory, planning, operational, safety, security and financial matters affecting the overall profitability of the airlines and their continued sustainability. 

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) was establilshed in 1970 to represent the mutual interests of its Members. Membership is open to all airlines based in countries south of the equator, including the Indian Ocean Islands. 

There are currently 16 Airline Members. In addition, Associate Membership is open to airline partner organisations. There are currently 37 Associate Members, including infrastructure service providers, several oil companies, major aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, ground handling companies, service providers, other industry associations and partners. 

AASA also leads and coordinates the airline industry position on airport, airspace and civil aviation issues, as well as consumer legislation, environmental and tourism matters, and provides media response to important industry issues. 

AASA’s responsibility includes the representation of SADC-based airlines on the SADC Civil Aviation Committee as the Airline Consultative Member. 

AASA is also a regular participant and contributor to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) initiatives in the region. With AASA’s focus concentrated on any issue impacting the airline business, the regular liaison and good working relationship with its Members and partners is highly valued.

 L        AASA News

Spotlight / 2023

#SADC_AviationTrends

 L        Skills Development

 L            AASA Member News & Notices / 2023

 L   Aviation: Africa's passenger traffic 'expected to double over next 15 years'  
May 16, 2023. NewVision.

In a Monday press statement by IATA covering the Focus Africa Conference coming up in June, Willie Walsh, the DG of IATA stated: "Africa stands out as the region with the greatest potential and opportunity for aviation."
    The Conference in Addis Ababa provides industry leaders a platform to join forces and invest in the vision of the Focus Africa initiative. AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi, is scheduled as a speaker to address aviation's contribution to Africa's development. Read more...

 L   African open skies advancing   
May 15, 2023. Southern Africa's Travel News.

It’s been 35 years since the signing of the Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) in 1988. Yet, in 2023, the aviation industry is still hoping for Open Skies over Africa. Enter the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the aviation industry’s best bet and the most likely way out of the wasteful past which hindered the continent’s aviation development. 

SAATM is not just about African carriers getting fifth freedom rights – it’s also about the economic benefits for the member states through the establishment of intra-African networks. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

Speaking at the Annual African Aviation Summit (Air Finance Africa) held at the Sandton Conference Centre on May 11, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, pointed out that in 2019, of 51 national carriers in Africa, three were cash positive and one was profitable. So the opportunity to open up the skies, encourage competition, allow new co-operation models, and build a good intra-African network couldn’t come at a better time. That’s why it’s great news that SAATM is forging ahead, now has 36 states signed up (80% of its target) and a total of 42 airlines. Read more...

 L   [Aspen Institute UK Podcast of Webinar] The Future of Air Travel: flying green or staying grounded?   
May 13, 2023. Aspen Insitute UK Event News.

Listen to Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, and industry leaders discuss the future of air travel in the context of honouring international aviation climate goals of net-zero carbon by 2050.

 L   A warm AASA welcome to our new Airline Member: LIFT  
May 10, 2023. AASA News.

AASA is pleased to announce that LIFT has joined as an Airline Member. LIFT is a South African airline, currently operating domestic routes from O. R. Tambo International Airport using a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft, operated by Global Aviation. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...

 L   SACAA gazettes 6.40% increase to Passenger Safety Charge (EV) for 2023  
April 26, 2023. Government Gazette: Department of Tourism Publication.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has published the 27th amendment of the Civil Aviation Act of 2009 in the Government Gazette (GG) 48414 dated 13 April 2023. On Page 44 of the GG it states: the Passenger Safety Charge (EV) on the Airline Air ticket will be R29,33 per passenger departing from any South African Airport to either a domestic or international destination for flights effective 1 June 2023.

 L   [702 RADIO AASA CEO INTERVIEW] What are the reasons for the high cost of air travel in the SADC region  
April 2, 2023. Radio 702.

AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi, is interviewed by Crystal Orderson about the high cost of air travel in the region over the Easter weekend. Comparatively, airfare is much higher this year than last year due to soaring operational costs, such as aviation fuel. Read more...

Because aviation fuel is a derivative of brent crude oil, given the geopolitics currently, the price of brent crude oil has substantially increased. The price we pay for jet fuel as of March 2023 to March 2022, it's about 74% higher. As much as we try to cushion the costs to stimulate travel, unfortunately there comes a time this must be passed onto the consumer. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

 L   36 participants from AASA Member Airlines attend successful Business Solutions by AASA training  
March 31, 2023. AASA News. 

AASA in collaboration with aviation industry partners, Hahn Air, Hitit and AerCap, hosted a successful ‘Business Solutions by AASA’ Session on the 29 March 2023 in Johannesburg. 
    36 participants from AASA Member airlines including: Air Botswana, Air Zimbabwe Private Limited, Airlink, Fly Safair, Eswatini Air, Proflight Zambia, South African Airways, LAM Mozambique Airlines took a fresh look on the critical areas of Revenue Management, Fleet Planning, and Network Planning. 

 L   [SABC News :: WATCH] Calls for free travel across Africa to stimulate tourism and trade
March 29, 2023. @MorningLiveSABC. 

Key role players in the African tourism sector have called for a complete overhaul of visa requirements in order for a free flow of travel and trade to economic growth on the continent. That's according to the CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, Aaron Munetsi. He was speaking at the launch of this year's Africa Travel Indaba in Durban.  

         

 L   Africa's Travel Indaba 2023: towards Africa's tourism sector growth!
March 29, 2023. South African Tourism News.

DURBAN. A new look Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 is set to re-energise delegates from across the world when the show takes place in Durban from 8 to 11 May.
    New Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; tourism role players and members of the media gathered in Durban to officially launch Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023. 
    AASA's CEO, Aaron Munetsi, was an industry representative and panelist discussing the contribution of Africa's Travel Indaba to the tourism sector recovery. Read more...  

 L        AASA Skills Development & Training Programmes

 L        Skills Development / 2023 

 L AASA & IATA Training Programmes

     AASA Training Programmes

Time: 09: 00 – 17:00 
Date: Wednesday, 29th March 2023 – a full day of learning and doing. 
Venue: The Protea Hotel – OR Tambo 
Address: Corner of York &, Gladiator Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1619 
Phone: +27 011 977 2600

 L        Spotlight / 2023

 L        Latest Training News / 2023

 L   36 participants from AASA Member Airlines attend successful Business Solutions by AASA training session
March 31, 2023. AASA News. 

AASA in collaboration with aviation industry partners, Hahn Air, Hitit and AerCap, hosted a successful ‘Business Solutions by AASA’ Session on the 29 March 2023 in Johannesburg. 
    36 participants from AASA Member airlines including: Air Botswana, Air Zimbabwe Private Limited, Airlink, Fly Safair, Eswatini Air, Proflight Zambia, South African Airways, LAM Mozambique Airlines took a fresh look on the critical areas of Revenue Management, Fleet Planning, and Network Planning. 
    The objective of the day was simple, straightforward, and driven by the need to give AASA Airline members the opportunity to develop or enhance processes specific to their business.
    The sessions were facilitated by experienced aviation executives who gave participants the opportunity to evaluate some of the challenges they face in their different work environments. The participants also practiced what they had learnt through practical exercises that had been developed by the facilitators. Sean Mendis facilitated the Fleet Planning session; Jerome Simelane facilitated the Revenue Management session; Phillip Collings of Hahn Air facilitated the Distributions session; and Orhan Sivrikaya of Hitit facilitated the Network Planning Session. 
    Click on Downloads & Photographs for more information.

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     L   Everything you need to know about the SARS Travel Declaration System @ Airports



Download the latest February 2023 Project Update.

      L   SARS Traveller Declaration

      L   SARS News

      L   What's New?

     Webinar on South African Traveller Declaration
November 17, 2022.

If you missed the recent webinar on the online Traveller Declaration system, you can view it on the SARS TV channel. Or you can view the Traveller Declaration system presentation delivered during the webinar here. The webinar provided more information about the new traveller declaration system. SARS Customs intends running a pilot project at King Shaka International Airport starting 29 November 2022. The system will progressively be implemented at all South African ports of entry. Keep an eye on the Traveller Declaration webpage for more information.

     SARS implements Smart Borders 
October 20, 2022.

Travellers are required by law to make certain declarations of goods and cash on entering or leaving South Africa. The declaration process is in line with practices around the world and in compliance with the provision of the Customs and Excise Act No. 91 of 1964 which makes it mandatory for any person entering and leaving the Republic to declare any goods in their possession. Read more...

   L      Global News

Spotlight / 2023

Spotlight / 2022

News / 2023

  L  Worldwide, air passenger travel continues its strong recovery
May 5, 2023. Rebecca Campbell for Engineering News.

Global air passenger traffic continued, in March, to recover strongly from the C-19 pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported. Total air passenger traffic in that month jumped 52.4% in year-on-year (y-o-y) terms, and reached 88% of March 2019 (pre-C-19) levels. The recovery was led by the Asia-Pacific region, but all markets reported growth. Read more...

  L  WEF 2023 Insight Report - AfCFTA: A New Era for Global Business and Investment in Africa
January 30, 2023. WEF Publication.

The AfCFTA will provide important opportunities for Africa, increasing international exports and intra-African trade

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published their 2023 Insight Report AfCFTA: A New Era for Global Business and Investment in Africa that focuses on how logistics companies are responding to the free trade agreement. Officially launched in 2021, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates a single market projected to grow to 1.7 billion people and $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending by 2030.
    The preferential trade agreement will increase international exports and intra-African trade, unlocking opportunities for local and global businesses to enter into and expand in new markets in Africa. Download the report...

       L  Africa News

Spotlight / 2023 

Spotlight / 2022 

News / 2023  

  L  5 reasons why Africa is the new “It Travel Destination” for 2023 
April 16, 2023. Forbes.

The recent Colour your World: Africa Travel Week Trend Report [pdf] released during the World Travel Market Africa conference in Cape Town outlines the key reasons that Africa is ready to hit (and maybe even exceed) its pre-Covid stride. Read more...

  L  Africa's logistics sector set to deliver results as free trade agreement kicks in  
March 21, 2023. WEF News.

Intra-African trade has long struggled to cope with the continent's inadequate logistics and freight sector. But, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement kicks in, freight and logistics are expected to see an influx of investment to cater for a wider economic expansion on the continent. African logistics have struggled to cater to the continents growing population and dynamic private sector for far too long. New research suggests that is about to change. Read more...

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 L          Events / AASA in Attendance


Key Focus Areas

Addressing Africa's Challenges & Opportunities 

  • Improving Safety and Security
  • Smarter Regulations
  • Strengthening Connectivity
  • Airlines Modern Retailing
  • Infrastructure and Capacity-Building
  • Skilled Workforce for the Future
  • And much more...

Who will attend? 

Leaders, decision-makers and influencers representing airlines, airports, government agencies, air navigation service providers, international and regional associations, aviation suppliers, aircraft manufacturers and other stakeholders. 

Register for the IATA Focus Africa Conference.

#FocusAfrica 2023


Unleashing Aviation's Potential 

Africa has the greatest potential for growth in the aviation industry of all regions. While our commitment to support safe, secure and sustainable air transport across Africa remains unchanged, the need to accelerate the advancement of aviation across the continent is imperative. 

Focus Africa will bring together airline CEOs along with aviation leaders, decision makers and influencers from Africa, the Middle East and globally to collaboratively drive the advancement of aviation in Africa. 

Host Country: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 
Dates: 20 - 21 June 
Venue: Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa
Cost: Focus Africa Conference is a free of charge event

AviaDev Africa 2023

Host Country: Kenya 
Dates: 14 - 16 June 
Venue: Radisson Blue Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill

AviaDev Africa is a premier platform dedicated to growing connectivity to, from, and within the African continent. 

AviaDev has established itself as a trusted platform offering insight and bringing together key voices from the African aviation sector.

Bringing together airports, airlines, tourism authorities, governments and industry suppliers, AviaDev offers attendees the ability to pre-arrange meetings, learn from industry peers and make those important connections.

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, has been invited as a Moderator for Thursday the 15th June Plenary Session (10:45 - 11:45) discussing the topic Strategizing for Success: How Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have helped airlines adapt their strategies to deliver new routes and revenue streams during and after the pandemic. 

Building a connected future for Africa starts with #AviationRouteDevelopment. Join Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, at #AviaDev Africa 2023 as we explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry. 14-16 June, Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Let's work together to elevate Africa's aviation industry! #ConnectingAfrica.



>>  Listen to the podcast of the webinar  << 


The Future of Air Travel: flying green or staying grounded?

Date: 25 April 2023 @18:00 (ZOOM - Johannesburg timezone)

The need to address climate concerns and net zero targets will play a key role in the future of aviation. Is it possible for air travel emissions to reach net zero? What must be done to achieve this goal and make ‘flying green’ a reality? 

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was invited to participate on the panel to discuss the topic The Future of air Travel: flying green or staying grounded? with other industry experts. This event was recorded as part of a live broadcast on 25 April 2023. 

​​Aspen Institute UK ​​is an independent charity which supports and inspires leaders to transform themselves and their society. The organisation drives change through dialogue - via private convenings and public talks - and help leaders from all facets of society become more aware of their own values, more tolerant of a diversity of perspectives, and more inspired to contribute to positive change.  

      L  Southern Africa News

Spotlight / 2023 

News / 2023 

  L  Good news for airports and airlines in South Africa 

May 14, 2023. BusinessTech.

South Africa’s air capacity has risen following a bleak period for airports and airliners in the country

During her speech on the latest tourism data from the Department of Tourism, Minister Patricia De Lille said that capacity has risen since last year, with a 56% increase in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year: “In 2023, we reached 1.8 million seats, and South Africa welcomed around 23 new routes,” said the minister. Read more... 

  L       IATA News

Spotlight / 2023 

News / 2023  

  L  IATA Focus Africa Conference to strengthen aviation’s contribution to African development
May 15, 2023. ARGS Bews,

“Over the next 15 years, Africa’s passenger traffic is expected to double.” Willie Walsh, IATA’s DG

IATA has announced the Focus Africa Conference will cover six priorities under IATA’s Focus Africa to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development, and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers. The Conference is being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 20-21 June 2023. Read more...  

  L  March 2023 Air Passenger Market Analysis
Published May 4, 2023. IATA Economic Reports.

Solid growth in passenger numbers
African airlines' passenger traffic rose 71.7% in March

African airlines’ traffic rose 71.7% in March 2023 versus a year ago, the second highest among the regions. March capacity was up 56.2% and load factor climbed 6.5 percentage points to 72.2%, lowest among the regions. Read more...  

  L  March 2023 Air Freight Market Analysis 
Published May 4, 2023. IATA Economic Reports.

Air cargo demand decreases
Africa's air cargo volumes fall by 6.2% YoY  

African airlines registered a decline of 6.2% in March, which was an improvement over the 7.4% YoY fall recorded in February. IATA reports significant cargo demand growth on African-Asian routes in March. The global economy continued to decelerate, due to tightening global financial conditions, high levels of debt, and supply chain problems. Read more...  

  L       Environment News

Spotlight / 2023

Spotlight / 2022

News / 2023

  L AASA attends the EU-CORSIA Africa & Caribbean Regional Workshop: CORSIA Implementation after ICAO 41st General Assembly
May 10 - 12, 2023. EU-CORSIA Africa & Caribbean News.

Tatum Kok, AASA Aviation Analyst, attended the Europen Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) EU-CORSIA Africa-Caribbean Project Regional Workshop: CORSIA Implementation after ICAO 41st AGM in Johannesburg. The Workshop addressed the capacity building for CO2 mitigation from international aviation In Africa and the Caribbean regions. Read more...

  L Global Electric Aircraft Market Forecast 2023-2032 – Market size, drivers, trends, and competitors
April 6, 2023. Newswires (EIN) News.

The Business Research Company’s “Electric Aircraft Global Market Report 2023” is a comprehensive source of information that covers every facet of the electric aircraft market.    
    As per TBRC’s electric aircraft market forecast, the electric aircraft market size is expected to grow to $15.16 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 13.6%. A surge in global air passenger volume is expected to drive the electric aircraft market. Read more...

  L       ICAO News

Spotlight / 2023

Spotlight / 2022

News / 2023

  L   ICAO approves new standards for safer air transport   
March 27, 2023. ICAO News.

DFMC GNSS permits the combined leveraging of dual frequency signals from up to four GNSS constellations simultaneously

The ICAO Council achieved a major milestone this week in the global standardization and roll-out of new dual-frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) capabilities for international aviation’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): 
    “This is an important development toward improving the safety, efficiency and sustainability of international air transport through more precise airspace management and more efficient routes and procedures,” said Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. Read more...

  L   African govts, air cargo must seize opportunities offered by SAATM, AfCFTA   
February 28, 2023. The STRAT Trade Times.

Working in collaboration with multilateral institutions such as AU, ICAO, the World Bank Group and others, they can together ensure close alignment and maximize effective implementation of both.

Africa's share in global air cargo movement is insignificant to put it simply. There are many regulatory and infrastructural challenges that the continent faces while it intends to capture more air cargo volume and improve its economic landscape. However, there are rays of hope that businesses and the African air cargo community could see. Read more...