L News & Industry Affairs / AASA
L AASA Member News & Notices / 2023
L Africa signals post-pandemic shift away from widebodies
September 19, 2023. Victoria Moores for Air Transport World/Aviation Week Network,
While African airlines appear to be rapidly growing their regional jet and turboprop operations, with narrowbody flown hours on the increase, widebody utilization remains below pre-pandemic, potentially indicating increased intra-African flying and capacity right-sizing.
An interesting picture is emerging in Africa. The good news is that African airlines’ August 2023 traffic reached 98.4% of August 2019 levels, indicating substantial market recovery, according to the latest data from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA). Read more...
There is no one-size-fits all solution for Africa as the continent includes many different markets and geographies. Africa is a vast continent of 55 countries and five regional economic communities, each with its own peculiarities. The aviation industry in each region has developed to different degrees. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
L L AFRAA and IATA team on “Focus Africa”
August 24,2023. Air Insight Group News,
International airline lobby organization IATA and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) combine resources to drive the Focus Africa initiative. This program aims “to maximize aviation’s contribution to development across the African Continent by better-serving passengers and shippers.”
The AFRAA and IATA collaboration comes at an auspicious time. Especially the focus on “improve data sharing, prioritizing the accurate communication of aeronautical information.” This collaboration would benefit from the work undertaken at AASA in South Africa. AASA’s CEO Aaron Munetsi’s vision is to share data among its members to improve decision-making in a highly competitive market. Whereas competitive reaction is typically shy away from data sharing, data sharing helps the entire industry. Read more...
L Implementation of e-Visas: South African Advance Passenger Processing (APP) - A Guide for Airlines
August 24, 2023. SA Department of Home Affairs News.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of South Africa implements the Advance Passenger Processing (APP), enabling the Government to perform advance passenger screening for all passengers and crew travelling by air to, from and through South Africa.
The government is focused on reducing the number of inadmissible persons arriving at ports of entry and has mandated that all airlines comply with the directive of becoming APP compliant.
By working together with Airlines DHA will reduce the administrative overheads associated with intervening at the point of entry and having to impose fines on airlines for allowing inadmissible persons on board flights to South Africa.
AASA Airline Members are advised to familiarise themselves particularly with page 12 of the APP Guide for Airlines as follows:
BOARD WITH OWT (8519)
The passenger’s visa has been confirmed by APP to be valid. Airlines should verify that the passenger has an outward ticket (return / onward) before allowing the passenger to board. If the passenger does not have an outward ticket, he or she should not be permitted to board and the check-in agent is required to send a cancellation transaction to notify DHA that the passenger will not be traveling.
South Africa has commenced with the implementation of its electronic visa system (e-Visa) since 17 August 2021.
e-Visa is a virtual visa and can therefore not be visually inspected by airline personnel and their duly appointed handling agents. APP authenticates e-Visas by returning boarding directive 8519 (Board with OWT) to the airline. Successful applicants are also issued with a confirmation notice that could be authenticated by scanning the QR code. Confirmation notices should not be accepted at face value.
Disclaimer: The information provided is correct as at 24 August 2023. Before travel, please check with the nearest South African Embassy for the most up-to-date information.
L A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: Africa Standards and Certifications (ASC)
August 21, 2023. AASA News.
AASA is pleased to announce that Africa Standards and Certifications (ASC) has joined as an Associate Member as of 1 September. ASC’s team of experts ensures products are tested and certified against international and local standards in order to strengthen brand trust, have a competitive edge and gain access to multiple markets globally. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...
L African airlines urged to realize AfCFTA by implementing SAATM
June 21, 2023. ENA News.
Addis Ababa. Airlines in Africa should implement the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in order to facilitate the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, according to Ethiopian CEO Mesfin Tasew.
Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, is in agreement and says the most important elements of the African Union Agenda 2063 are their flagship projects: SAATM and AfCFTA. He believes that the two initiatives would enable Africans to start doing even more things in terms of providing airlift not only for passengers but for goods and services to be able to move around the African continent. Read more...
L IATA launches program to improve aviation safety in Africa
June 20, 2023. IATA News,
Addis Ababa. IATA is launching the Collaborative Aviation Safety Improvement Program (CASIP) to reduce the accident and serious incident rate across Africa as part of the Focus Africa initiative.
Launch partners in the program include: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). Read more...
L AirlinePros becomes Associate Member of AASA
June 16, 2023. PAX News.
Karl Müller, director of AirlinePros Canada, has announced the induction of AirlinePros as an Associate Member of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). Since 2014, AirlinePros Canada has marketed, introduced, disseminated and successfully made available in GDS and configured in to BSP/IATA more than 25 African airlines. Read more...
AASA welcomes AirlinePros as an associate member whose role towards enhancing the ability of our member airlines to have the best possible representation in various regions is a critical success factor in these competitive markets. We are confident that our member airlines will establish a mutually beneficial relationship with AirlinePros for the benefit of the industry. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
L AviaDev Africa 2023 Conference: Strategizing for Success
June 15, 2023. AASA News.
Naorobi, Kenya. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, attended AviaDev Africa as a Moderator for 15 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. The Session will address the question: How have the OEMs supported their customers to adapt their strategy to opened new routes and revenue streams during and since the pandemic? Read the full AviaDev Agenda...
Above: Aaron Munetsi (AASA CEO) moderating the panel discussion 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.
L TIFA: AASA CEO moderates Access, Connectivity and Mobility Opportunities panel
June 9, 2023. Business Day.
Upington, South Africa. The inaugural Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) Forging Global Partnerships for Inclusive Local Economic Development through Sustainable Investment was held in Upington from 7 - 9 June. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, moderated the panel 4 session: Access, Connectivity and Mobility Opportunities: Creating conditions for a successful African transport sector to drive intra-Africa trade and tourism through infrastructure investments. Read more...
Above (L to R): Caroline Ungersbock (Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme, SA, CEO), H.E. Major General Gaudence Salim Milanzi (High Commissioner, Republic of Tanzania); David King (Access Strategy Manager, Wesgro, South Africa); and Aaron Munetsi (AASA CEO).
L IATA lambasts ACSA and SA ATNS
June 7, 2023. Molly Jackson for SA Travel News.
Istanbul. Airports in South Africa have been singled out for harsh criticism by IATA DG, Willie Walsh at the IATA AGM in Istanbul this week. While Walsh applauded the fact that airlines were on their way to a profitable, safe, efficient, and sustainable future, he said many of those with whom airlines do business were adding to pressures on those same airlines.
AASA, on behalf of its members, which comprise most of the SADC carriers, is in an ongoing engagement with both ACSA and ATNS and their respective regulators, in a bid to contain any increases. As an industry that plays such a significant role in the region's economic mix, we recognise how crucial it is that air transport remains affordable and accessible. Any major shock increases, such as the ones proposed, will act as a handbrake on domestic, regional, and long-haul travel, tourism, and trade in an already fragile economy. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
Aviation players in South Africa have been quick to stress that they are not in agreement with ACSA and ATNS proposed fee hikes. Read more...
L IAFCAC, AASA Join Forces with IATA on Focus Africa
June 6, 2023. IATA News.
Strengthening aviation’s economic contribution on the Continent
Istanbul. The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) “Focus Africa” drive is gaining momentum, spurred on by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) as its newest partners.
Time is not on our side as AASA’s members and the communities they serve face rising costs, unprecedented unemployment, obsolete constraints on trade and market access, inadequate infrastructure and a looming skills shortage. These demand urgent action, so we do not get stranded on the runway. It is why we have no hesitation standing with IATA and other Focus Africa partners. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
Above (L to R): Aaron Munetsi (AASA CEO), Adefunke Adeyemi (AFCAC SG), Willie Walsh (IATA DG), Kamil Al-Awadi (IATA Regional VP AME)
Focus Africa will strengthen aviation’s contribution to Africa’s economic and social development and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers. It will see private and public stakeholders deliver measurable progress in six critical areas: safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainability and skills development. Read more...
L A warm AASA welcome to our new Associate Member: AirlinePros International
May 29, 2023. AASA News.
AASA is pleased to announce that AirlinePros International has joined as an Associate Member. ArilinePros is an award-winning distribution and representation firm for airlines and travel suppliers; contracted by both the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) to facilitate airlines access to new markets and support the sales and distribution in their respective markets. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...
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. That's why you end up with high fares.
Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
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.
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 Business Solutions by AASA :: 29 March 2023 :: Hotel Accommodation
March 27, 2023. AASA News.
To all the attendees at the Business Solutions by AASA training programme: please remember to book your hotel accommodation if you’re attending the Business Solutions by AASA this week. You can book your room with Kamogelo - contact details below. The rate for Bed and Breakfast is R1200. Please also send us your flight details in order to arrange transfers accordingly.
Kamogelo Moila
Events Booking Centre Executive (Groups) | Protea Hotel by Marriott® O.R. Tambo Airport
Phone +27(0) 11 977 2600 | Fax +27(0) 11 977 2601 | Email protea.ortambo@marriott.com
We look forward to meeting you on the 29th March 2023.
L AASA/IATA virtual Environment and Sustainability Training Programme: fully booked and registrations closed
February 15, 2023. AASA News.
What an amazing response to the AASA/IATA virtual Environment and Sustainability Training Programme! The enthusiasm and commitment of attendees is exemplary: 18 participants registered - 7 airlines participating - 5 countries represented - 9 senior airline participants.
With the overwhelming response to the programme, above responses, AASA and IATA are grateful to the participating airlines. We welcome the participants and wish them all success.
Keep an eye open for AASA's Training Programmes and Courses on offer this year…book sooner rather than later for these popular offerings!
L Business Solutions by AASA: One-Day Immersion Programme for Airline Executives
In partnership with Hahn Air, Hitit and AerCap
Date: 29 March | Venue: Protea Hotel OR Tambo, JHB
February 5, 2023. AASA News.
Airline leaders are inundated with advice, some of it unsolicited, to make sure that they develop their businesses in such a way that they generate multiple revenue streams in order to become profitable. Is it that simple?
In collaboration with aviation industry partners, Hahn Air, Hitit and AerCap, AASA has put together a one-day immersion experience for airline executives to engage with subject matter experts who will impart their experiences and knowledge for the benefit of participants. Read more...
L AASA & IATA launch virtual Sustainability Training Programme
Dates: 21 - 22 February & 7 - 8 March & 18 - 20 April 2023
January 28, 2023. AASA News. Registrations closed.
There comes a time when every one of us gets the chance to be the difference we aspire for ourselves, for our families, for our communities, for our country and for our planet. Now is that opportunity – let us do this together.
In partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), AASA has put together a not to be missed Skills Development Programme. Read more...
L A warm AASA welcome to a new Associate Member: Sabena Engineering
January 18, 2023. AASA News.
AASA is pleased to announce that Sabena Engineering has joined as an Associate Member.
Sabena Engineering is an international MRO provider offering maintenance and operational solutions for both civil and military aircraft. Part of the group Orizio, an international aerospace ecosystem, the company develops its MRO activities from its historic headquarters at Brussels Airport and its plant at Brussels South Airport.
The company has operational infrastructures in over 15 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and it's activities include Line & Base Maintenance, Aerostructure & Components repair, Engineering, Design & Manufacturing, Engine Services and 24/7 Operational support worldwide. Read more about the Benefits of AASA Membership...
L Protectionism of state carriers hinder SAATM progress - AASA CEO
January 16, 2023. CH Aviation News.
Tanzania will not join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in the next five years, according to the country's Permanent Transport Secretary, Gabriel Migire.
According to Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, it is clear that SAATM is still some way from becoming a reality as protectionism of state carriers continues. Read more...
Most regional governments have recognised the potential rewards and are committed to implementing SAATM. But what is said and done can be quite different. Some of these governments, at the instigation of their national carriers, act contrary both to the spirit of SAATM and their bilateral air service agreements by imposing prejudicial requirements on the reciprocal nation's designated airlines. These manifest in the denial of reciprocal fifth-freedom traffic rights, differential pricing for aircraft landing and airport charges, as well as ground handling service and Foreign Operator Permit (FOP) fees.
Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO
L Refuelling problem at OR Tambo resolved, with lessons learned, says ACSA
January 2, 2023. News24.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says it has resolved a technical issue with refueling of aircraft that hit 41 flights at OR Tambo International Airport on 28 December, and it is putting in place new measures to ensure the problem doesn't recur. Read more...