• The African Aviation Tribune •

2013-10-06T10:13:00.000+03:00

Dear Everyone,

It is with a very heavy heart that i must suspend publishing The African Aviation Tribune (TAAT) for the foreseeable future owing to a recent family bereavement back home in Zimbabwe.

Rest assured however, once all that has to be done is done, I will be back, and so will TAAT for that matter.

Take care, and God bless.

Regards,

Ivan Nadalet

(Editor of The African Aviation Tribune)

■ SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE: Newly installed São Tomé Int'l runway lights sabotaged twice; treachery suspected.

2013-10-04T11:00:00.000+03:00

Following their installation at the airport in July, the São Toméan airport management company (Empresa Nacional de Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea - ENASA) has reported that the runway lighting system in place along São Tomé International Airport's runway 11/29 has been vandalized twice in the last two weeks, leading to allegations of sabotage.

Portuguese newswire PNN quotes ENASA managing director, Raúl Cravid, who led an investigative team, as saying the manner in which the cable was cut suggested an act of sabotage.

"The cable was simply cut and we think it was sabotage by someone who knew what he was doing . The person pulled the cord and cut it, " he said.

Pedestrians at São Tomé's runway threshold
(carlosoliveiraeis)

Mr Cravid said that in the space of two weeks, two incidents had occurred; the first involving the removal of several runway edge lights ("torn away") which were subsequently replaced, the second involving the failure of a complete row of approach lights on the morning of September 30, just prior to the touchdown of an inbound TAAG Angolan Airlines (DT) B737.

He said that in order to improve the security of the airfield's vital equipment, more frequent perimeter patrols would be made, with particular emphasis placed on sensitive electrical infrastructure.

The installation of a runway lighting system was part of a raft of aviation-related projects the São Toméan government has highlighted for attention under its 2013 Budget.

■ GHANA: Antrak Air boss threatens Accra with legal action if plans for national carrier progress.

2013-10-04T10:00:00.000+03:00

The founder and Chairman of domestic Ghanaian operator, Antrak Air (4O), Alhaji Asuma Banda, has threaten legal action against the government should plans to establish a new national carrier proceed. Earlier this year, Minster of Transport, Dzifa Attivor, had set forth a proposal involving the creation of a new national carrier, albeit under a a Public/Private Partnership.

According to Ghana's Business & Financial Times, Mr Banda claims that a state-run airline would be a "conduit to waste public funds".

“If the government goes ahead to establish a new airline, I will challenge them in court. We have no money to throw away. It won’t work,” he said.

He added that the reason Accra's previous attempts at a national airline had failed, among them Ghana Airways (GH), was "due to the mismanagement of their operations."

Mr Banda has long been a vocal critic of the government's proposal. In an August speech, he once more denounced the plans underscoring instead, the need for privatization and the employment of entrepreneurial skills in the airline industry.

Along with Starbow Airlines (S9), he recently threatened to withdraw his airline from the Ghanaian market citing market saturation, high operating costs and poor-quality infrastructure. Accra subsequently acquiesced to Mr Banda's threats, placing a moratorium on the issuance of AOCs to new domestic carriers.

■ SENEGAL: South Africa pledges to develop Dakar as a regional hub; to help set up new MRO facility.

2013-10-04T09:00:00.000+03:00

With the recent conclusion of President Jacob Zuma's state visit to the West African country, South Africa has pledged to help Senegal develop Dakar as a West African hub, with particular emphasis on exploiting the city's new airport, Blaise Diagne International, set to be completed in late 2014.

Rendering for Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal

According to Mr Zuma, South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) will assist Senegal in the building of the facility though in what capacity, is unclear.

In addition, Senegal and South Africa will pursue the establishment of an MRO facility at the airport, capable of meeting West Africa's demands.

Owing to its strategic positioning, Dakar has been used, and will be used again, by South African Airways (SA) as a transitory stopover on flights to and from the US and hence it is therefore conceivable that SAA Technics would be chosen as the strategic partner for the establishment of the proposed maintenance facility.

South African lessors too have a strong presence in the country with both ACMI specialists Solenta Aviation and CEM Air having been involved at one time or another with Senegalese national carrier, Senegal Airlines (DN).

The establishment of an MRO facility in the region has long been on the cards at both public and private levels. In May this year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of which Senegal is a part, said it was carrying out feasibility studies for the possible construction of an aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to serve the region, so as to help offset the costs to local carriers of sending their aircraft abroad to Europe and the US. Arik Air (W3) has also outlined plans for the development of its own dedicated MRO hangar at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport with Lufthansa (LH) as a partner.

► NIGERIA: Associated Aviation EMB 120 crashes on take off from Lagos MMA; 13 confirmed dead.

2013-10-04T08:00:00.000+03:00

An Associated Aviation (SCD) Embraer EMB-120, (MCN 120174 | 5N-BJY) operating as a charter flight from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Akure (Nigeria), crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 18L yesterday at 09h32L. The turboprop was carrying 13 passengers and 7 crew onboard of whom 13 have been confirmed dead with one unaccounted for. Survivors were taken to hospital in downtown Lagos.

According to Panapress, the manifest was listed as follows:

Crew members:

Capt. Yakubu
Engineer Soroh Elaiye
Technician Felix Tatoye
Flight Officer Oyinlola
Flight Dispatcher Ibrahim
Cabin Attendant Owolabi
Cabin Attendant Samson

Passengers:

Feyi Agagu
Femi Akinsanya
Akintunde Joseph
Akeem Akintunde
Tunji Okunsanya
Chijioke Duru
Kingsley Amaechi
Mrs E.O. Alabi
Daji Bernard
Deji Falae
Samson Hassan
Olatunji Okunsanya
Deji Afolabi

The aircraft had also been transporting the corpse of Governor of South-west Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, who died last month and was to be buried on Friday in the state.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Agency Nigeria (FAAN) said the aircraft lost height shortly after takeoff with its black boxes having now been recovered.

"The rescue operation commenced immediately with all the relevant agencies moving [together] to the crash site. Some of the survivors are already receiving treatment at the hospital while [the] rescue operation is still in progress."

Nigeria's Accident Investigation Board has opened an investigation.

Associated also has a further two (grounded) EMB-120s on its register along with an Embraer ERJ 145.

► EGYPT: Prospects for Air Memphis' continued Iran charters fade as Cairo suspends tourism ties with Tehran.

2013-10-03T13:00:00.000+03:00

As previously speculated, the change in power in Cairo has led the country to suspend tourism links with Iran for what Minister of Tourism, Hisham Zazou, stated were "reasons of national security". Mr Zazou's statement comes just 5 months after the then Islamist-backed government of Mohammed Morsi reached out to Tehran in a bid to restore relations, severed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Air Memphis DC-9-30 (Wolfcom)

The news effectively puts an end to any prospects Egyptian charter carrier Air Memphis (MHS) has of continuing its Tehran - Cairo/Aswan flights, launched in June amid much controversy.

Initial flights, originally scheduled to have launched in March, were delayed after protests by Egypt’s ultra-conservative Salafists, who claimed that Iran intended to use the trips to promote Shi'ia Islam in the predominately Sunni Muslim country.

Since Mr Morsi's overthrow in July, the new military-backed government of Adly Mansour has steered away from his predecessor's pro-Islamic tendencies in favour of more neutral policies.

The North African state has moved to undo some of Mr Morsi's policies, the latest involving a return of USD2billion that Qatar had deposited with Egypt's central bank last year in a bid to prop up Mr Morsi's then government. Additionally, Egyptian authorities have also refused a Qatari request to increase the number of flights between the two states.

● IATA: African airlines' August pax traffic up 5.4% on 2012 as freight continues downward trend.

2013-10-03T12:00:00.000+03:00

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for August showing a strengthening of the healthy demand trend of the last few months. Total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose 6.8% compared to August 2012. Capacity increases over the year-ago period lagged demand at 5.6%. This pushed the load factor to match the record high of 83.4% set in July 2011. In terms of its Passenger traffic results, African airlines’ traffic climbed 5.4% compared to August 2012. Meanwhile August international air freight demand was up 3.6% on the previous year. That is considerably better than year-to-date performance of a 0.7% expansion. However, African carriers' cargo experienced another decline in freight volumes, down 9.7%.

Passenger Trend

August & September 2013 Pax Figures © AFRAA
(Click to enlarge)

August 2013 Int Pax Market © IATA (Click to enlarge)

August 2013 Total Pax Market (Int + Dom) © IATA (Click to enlarge)

August international passenger demand was up 7.5% compared to the year-ago period. Capacity rose 5.6% versus August 2012 and load factor climbed 1.5 percentage points to 84.0%. All regions recorded year-over-year increases in demand

“August was a positive month for passenger travel. Strong demand and capacity discipline saw load factors match the previous record high of 83.4%. The solid performance was also supported by a stabilization of emerging market weakness and renewed confidence in Europe and North America. Trading conditions are still tough with high oil prices, stiff competition and regulatory hurdles. But demand growth remains a bright spot with most indications pointing towards an acceleration in the fourth quarter,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

African airlines’ traffic climbed 5.4% compared to August while capacity rose 6.5%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point dip in load factor to 70.9%. Africa was the only region to see a decline in the load factor. African airlines’ traffic climbed 5.4% compared to August last year while capacity rose 6.5%, resulting in a 0.7 percentage point dip in load factor to 70.9%. Africa was the only region to see a decline in the load factor.

Cargo & Freight Trends

August 2013 Cargo Figures © IATA (Click to enlarge)

Global demand for air freight began increasing slowly from April, in line with strengthening business confidence, as economic performance in Europe and the US showed signs of improvement. The Eurozone economy, for example, stabilized in the second quarter of 2013 and import volumes have improved. A strong upswing, however, would require a significant improvement in the cargo performance of airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. They are the largest players in global air cargo with a collective 38% market share. Their year-on-year performance for August was basically flat (-0.2%).

“There are some signs of improvement in demand, but the air freight business remains very tough. Freight volumes are only now reaching the levels of 2011 when the cargo business peaked with revenues of $67 billion. This year we expect $59 billion of revenues from air cargo globally. That takes the top line back to 2007 levels. But to earn that revenue, we will be moving nearly 17% more cargo and dealing with a 40% hike in jet fuel. The road ahead will be challenging,” said Tony Tyler.

African carriers experienced another decline in freight volumes, down 9.7%. After a positive start to 2013, African air freight growth has slowed and is now up by just 0.7% for the year to date. Despite healthy trade volumes and strong growth in many African countries, African airlines face intense competition on key trade routes.

The Bottom Line

The growth in demand for passenger travel highlights the important role that global connectivity plays in today’s world.

“Aviation is the lifeblood of the global economy. It’s important for jobs and development that aviation’s growth is sustainable. That’s equally critical for its financial and environmental performance,” said Tyler.

“Last week we announced a revised industry outlook. Profits are weak, but moving in the right direction. In 2012 airlines made an average 1.1% net profit margin. That is expected to double to 2.2% in 2014. Cost control, consolidation, joint ventures and product innovations are among the measures that are helping airlines achieve the efficiencies needed to secure their financial futures,” said Tyler.

“This week we have a golden opportunity to secure a major step forward on environmental sustainability at the 38th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It is critical that the Assembly agree a way forward on a single market-based measure (MBM) to support the shared commitment of industry and governments to carbon-neutral growth from 2020. Interim regional schemes will only serve to distract policymakers and the industry at a time when we should be focused on the big picture. Finding a way forward on a global mechanism will be an historic achievement that keeps aviation at the forefront of industries managing their climate change impact,” said Tyler.

At its 2013 Annual General Meeting, IATA members overwhelmingly supported a resolution calling for the implementation of a global mandatory carbon offsetting scheme from 2020.

Download the full August 2013 Global Passenger Traffic Report here.

Download the full August 2013 Global Cargo Traffic Report here.

■ BOTSWANA: CAAB dramatically improves its ICVM rating; taking active measures to resolve outstanding SSCs.

2013-10-03T11:00:00.000+03:00

Following the visit by an inspection by a International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) assessment team to Botswana in April, to conduct an ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM), the country has now been as having achieved 59.6% of Effective Implementation as compared to 27.8% in 2006. The purpose of the ICVM was to check the progress made by Botswana following the safety audit carried out in May 2006 which showed at the time that Botswana was at 27.8% of Effective Implementation.

ICAO safety audits are regular, mandatory, systematic and harmonised and are carried out for all safety-related areas of ICAO Contracting States. During the audit, a State’s compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and associated guidance material, as well as related Practices for Air Navigation Services (PANS) is reviewed. The outcome of the audit is also used to offer advice to Contracting States, as applicable, in regard to implementation of ICAO standards.

This Mission was a full-scale ICVM covering all the eight (8) Audit Areas which include:

Legislation (LEG),
Organisation (ORG),
Personnel Licensing (PEL),
Flight Operations (OPS),
Airworthiness (AIR),
Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG),
Air Navigation Services (ANS)
Aerodromes and Ground Aides (AGA).

During the closing brief held on April 9, 2013 at the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) head office, the ICVM Team Leader, Mr Dhiraj Ramdoyal of Mauritius, informed CAAB that commendable progress has been made by Botswana since the 2006 audit. He further noted that significant improvements have been made in almost all the safety-related areas. The ICVM Team noted however that, despite the good work, there were two potential Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs).

One was from the Flight Operations (OPS) area while the other was from the Airworthiness (AIR) area.

Following verification of these SSCs by ICAO Headquarters, ICAO wrote to CAAB on April 24, 2013 formally communicating the SSCs and requested Botswana, through CAAB, to submit a Correction Action Plan detailing how the SSCs would be resolved.

In its continued efforts to address the SSCs, CAAB submitted a detailed corrective action plan with an estimated completion date of this month. The Corrective Action Plan entails, inter alia, re-certifying all air operators in accordance with Civil Aviation (Air Operator Certification and Administration) Regulations, which were published on March 8, 2013.

In addition, CAAB has been conducting a comprehensive structured review of all major modifications and major repairs done to Botswana-registered aircraft to ensure their compliance with associated civil aviation regulations and ICAO provisions. In the recertification, review and approval of modifications and repairs, the CAAB has been holding close consultations with and providing guidance to all affected air operators and is pleased with their cooperation.

These consultations and cooperation are critical to the earliest resolution of the SSCs.

■ EGYPT: Qatar Airways awards Egyptair M&E Cairo line maintenance contract.

2013-10-03T10:00:00.000+03:00

EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering has been awarded a contract to provide line maintenance services for Qatar Airways (QR) at Cairo International Airport. The first flight arrived on Tuesday October 1 where senior staff were present to welcome the crew and flight attendants.

Engineer Abou Taleb Tawfik, EgyptAir M&E's Chairman & CEO, said that the flight is one of three per day included in the agreement signed with the Qatari carrier.

“We will provide technical services in Cairo for B777, A330 and A300-600F aircraft of the national carrier of Qatar in a step that deepens and strengthens the relations with the Qatari side as we seek continuous cooperation. The new contract reflects the trust of Qatar Airways in our technical capabilities and we look forward to meet their expectations,” added Abou Taleb.

Mr Tawfik's sentiments are in contrast to Cairo and Doha's worsening relations which recently deteriorated even further after Egypt returned USD2billion that Qatar had deposited with its central bank, after talks to convert the funds into three-year bonds broke down. Egyptian authorities had also refused a Qatari request to increase the number of flights between the two states, according to Egyptian airport sources.

■ ZIMBABWE: Edmund Makona appointed Air Zimbabwe interim CEO as forensic audit now fingers upper management.

2013-10-03T09:00:00.000+03:00

Air Zimbabwe (UM) has appointed its head of Quality, Safety & Security, Mr. Edmund Makona, as its acting Chief Executive Officer following the recent suspension of incumbent Mr Innocent Mavhunga and acting Managing Director, Ms Grace Pfumbidzayi. The two were suspended to allow for further investigations after a recent forensic audit of the airline's operations uncovered alleged financial discrepancies in its insurance premium payments for the period 2009 - present.

According to a report in Zimbabwe's Financial Gazette, Air Zimbabwe's chairman, Mr Ozias Bvute, confirmed the suspensions noting that his board is working "hard to cleanse the airline of mismanagement".

The report claims that during its audit, BCA Forensic Audit Services uncovered various instances in which the Zimbabwean national carrier's insurance brokers allegedly destroyed crucial data and doubled payments while failing to remit premiums. It further claims that for two months in 2009, Air Zimbabwe's aircraft flew without insurance cover after its then local insurance broker had defaulted on its payments to a UK-based global risk carrier following its placement on the European Union's targeted sanctions list. The broker did not inform Air Zimbabwe of the moratorium but still reportedly accepted payments. The appointment of a second local broker is then said to have been done "irregularly".

Peter Chikumba, who was Air Zimbabwe's CEO up until 2011, is also being investigated.

"Both Mavhunga and Chikumba, accused by investigators of approving a string of alleged irregular payments, declined to comment on the BCA findings.
...
AirZim (Private) Limited acting managing director, Grace Pfumbidzayi has also been suspended.

Auditors have questioned her role in what appears to be murky insurance deals, while she worked under both Mavhunga and Chikumba as company secretary."

In her defense, Ms Pfumbidzayi claims the irregular measures and payments made were necessary as part of sanctions-busting measures aimed at keeping the national carrier alive.

► NIGERIA: FirstNation Airways resumes operations with Lagos - Abuja flights.

2013-10-03T08:00:00.000+03:00

Nigerian domestic carrier, First Nation Airways (FRN), has resumed operations with its maiden flight between Lagos and Abuja on September 30. Flights are onboard the airline's fleet of two A319s, leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC).

First Nation Airways of Nigeria A319 in Dublin (n707pm)

FirstNation Airways (FRN): Lagos - Abuja

-Eff 30SEP

FRN0102 LOS 0830 - 0950 ABV 319 D
FRN0108 LOS 1545 - 1710 ABV 319 123457
FRN0103 ABV 1050 - 1210 LOS 319 D
FRN0109 ABV 1800 - 1910 LOS 319 123457

FirstNation was founded by the staff of Bellview Airlines (B3) in 2009 following that carrier's demise. However, liquidity problems forced FirstNation to suspend flights last year after its fleet of three A320s was repossessed by lessors, the Aviation Capital Group.

► GABON: Lufthansa to drop Frankfurt - Pointe Noire via Libreville from late December.

2013-10-02T14:00:00.000+03:00

German carrier, Lufthansa (LH), will from December 23, 2013 cancel its existing 5x weekly Frankfurt to Pointe Noire (Republic of Congo) via Libreville (Gabon). The flights operate on board a PrivatAir (PT) Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The service focuses primarily on the petroleum market.

According to AirlineRoute, its remaining Winter schedule until December 22 is as follows.

Lufthansa(LH): Frankfurt - Libreville - Pointe Noire

LH588 FRA1055 – 1815LBV1900 – 2015PNR 73H 13567
LH589 PNR2115 – 2235LBV2340 – 0705+1FRA 73H 13567

PrivatAir is also involved as a technical partner in Equatorial Congo Airlines (LC) for which it operates a two B737-300s and a B757-200 on regional and international flights.

■ ANGOLA: Government to spend EUR1.6billion on aviation infrastructure by 2016.

2013-10-02T13:00:00.000+03:00

The Angolan government, by 2016, will have invested EUR1.6billion into the construction and rehabilitation of thirty domestic airports, including sixteen new ones, Manuel Ferreira de Ceita, the CEO of Angola's airport and air traffic authority (Empresa Nacional de Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea - ENANA), has said.

In his remarks at the recently ended 4th China & Lusophone Countries Airport Conference in Macau, Mr Ceita said the investment in infrastructure was in line with ENANA's long term vision.

Since January 2009, ENANA has been working on the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of more than 30 airports and runways countrywide. New airports that have opened include those in Huambo, Cuito Cuanavale, Soyo (Zaire Province), Uige, Dundo (Lunda Norte Province), Saurimo (Lunda Sul Province) and Luena (Moxico Province).

Angola International Airport

Among the biggest of the projects though is the construction of Luanda's new Angola International Airport being undertaken by a consortium of Chinese companies and Brazilian company, Odebrecht. The facility will entail a terminal building 160,000m² in area with a throughput capacity of up to 13.152 million pax/annum, and a 6,200m² cargo terminal capable of handling 35,000 tonnes per year.

ANGOP reports Ceita as saying the development of the aviation sector in Angola has an important basis in cooperation with Portugal, notably with the Portugal's air navigation services provider (Navegação Aérea de Portugal – NAV) which "has accumulated experience and extensive knowledge to spread throughout the world."

■ ALGERIA: Austria, Algeria to renegotiate BASA in push to establish direct flights.

2013-10-02T12:00:00.000+03:00

Algeria and Austria are set to commence negotiations over a proposed revision of their Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed in 1991, Austria's Ambassador to Algeria, Ms AloisiaWorgetter, announced on Sunday September 29. According to her, the direct air link will facilitate both increased travel and business between the two countries through the estbalishment of direct flights. At present, there are none.

"In a few weeks, Austria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Algerian authorities will start negotiations for the revision of the agreement on civil aviation in order to establish a direct air link between the two countries," the ambassador said on the sidelines of a meeting between the Austrian trade mission and various Algerian businessmen and industry leaders.

According to the Algerian Press Service, the President of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI), Tahar Khellil, underlined the "significant improvement" in the relations between Algeria and Austria, noting that the economic cooperation between the two countries is progressing in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Algiers has also lodged a request with Canadian authorities to increase Air Algérie's (AH) frequencies to Montreal to daily up from the current six weekly flights offered during the summer, and three flights per week in the low season.

■ MOROCCO: Bombardier proceeds with construction of its first African manufacturing facility in Nouaceur.

2013-10-02T11:00:00.000+03:00

Canadian aircraft & train manufacturer, Bombardier Aerospace, has held a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony on the site of its future manufacturing facility situated in the now-open Midparc Casablanca Free Zone, in Nouaceur, Morocco. The occasion was attended by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, various Bombardier suits as well as Moroccan and Canadian dignitaries.

Bombardier’s 13'935sqm permanent facility is scheduled to be completed around mid-2014 with almost USD200million to be invested in equipment, buildings and start-up costs. By the end of 2020, employment at the Morocco facility is expected to reach 850 skilled and trained workers.

“Bombardier is honoured to celebrate this milestone in the presence of his Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, as we move another step closer to the establishment of our permanent facility here in Nouaceur” said Hugo Brouillard, General Manager, Bombardier Aerospace, Morocco.

In January 2013, Bombardier began operating out of a transitional facility located at the Mohammed V International Airport in Nouaceur in the Greater Casablanca region, where the company currently produces simple structures including flight controls for the CRJ Series of aircraft, and which will employ over 100 workers by the end of December 2013.

“This event is an important recognition of Bombardier’s investment in the Moroccan aerospace industry,” said Souad Elmallem, Chief Country Representative Africa, Bombardier Aerospace. “Since making the decision to establish our facility in Morocco in November 2011, we have been encouraged by the growth of the aerospace cluster, and the engagement of all stakeholders in the region. We are confident that there is a bright future for Bombardier, and the whole aerospace industry in Morocco.”

Located near Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, the Nouaceur MidParc EPZ offers investors a 5 year tax-free honeymoon period, after which the rate rises to 8.75% for the next 20 years.

■ NIGERIA: NCAA releases list of all 26 carriers licenced to operate in Nigeria in bid to curb illegal operators.

2013-10-02T10:00:00.000+03:00

As part of efforts to clamp down on illegal charter airline operations in the country, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has released a list of licensed scheduled commercial and charter airlines on its registry with only 26 operators having so far been cleared for operations.

Explaining the move, the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Fola Akinkuotu, said:

"It has come to the attention of the agency that several unlicensed operators had engaged in the extremely dangerous practice of providing air transportation without meeting the regulatory requirements and without appropriate insurance coverage.Some of these illegal operators do not have the requisite maintenance facilities, thus seriously endangering the lives of Nigerians. Worse still, these illegal operators employ mostly foreigners as crew, thereby denying Nigerians employment opportunities in the industry.

It is criminal to engage in commercial charter services without a valid Air Operators Certificate."

The operators (Pax & Cargo, Scheduled & Charter) are listed as follows:

Aero Contractors Nigeria (AJ)
Allied Air (4W),
Arik Air (W3)
Associated Aviation (SCD)
Atlantic Aviation
Bristow Helicopters (BHN)
Caverton Helicopters (YC)
Chanchangi Airlines (5B)
Dana Airlines (9J)
Dornier Aviation (DAV),
FirstNation Airways (FNA)
Hak Air
IRS Airlines (LVB)
Jed Air
Kabo Airlines (N9)
King Airlines
MaxAir (NR)
Med-View Airlines (VL)
Odengene Air Shuttle Service (OHS)
Overland Airways (OJ)
Pan African Airlines (PF)
Skybird Air (KYC)
Skyjet Aviation
Skypower Express Airways (EAN)
Topbrass Aviation
West Link Airways

► KENYA: Astral Aviation outlines B747-400F plans; to codeshare with Emirates SkyCargo on Joburg - Nairobi flights.

2013-10-02T09:00:00.000+03:00

Nairobi-based cargo operator, Astral Aviation (8V), and ANA Aviation Services have announced a new strategic partnership in Africa following the delivery of a B747-400F (MSN 29261 | N408MC), on wet-lease from ACMI specialists, Atlas Air (5Y), on September 27.

Under the partnership, the B747-400 Freighter will initially operate a twice weekly triangle route from Ostend, southbound to Lagos, Port Harcourt and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. From there, it will be ferried to Nairobi where it will uplift perishables to London Manston and Ostend.

ANA’s Chairman, Andy Leslie &
Astral’s CEO, Sanjeev Gadhia

According to Astral's CEO, Mr Sanjeev Gadhia, ANA Aviation Services, UK and its counterpart, Network Airline Services, have been his operation's GSA in Europe, USA, UAE, India and South Africa, for the past ten years due to their knowledge and experience in Africa.

The B747 venture enables Astral to market perishable exports from Kenya to Europe which, despite rapid growth, is dominated entirely by foreign carriers.

In addition, the B747F will provide inbound capacity for Astral’s shipments in Europe and the USA for onward connectivity to its expanding intra-African network comprising Juba (South Sudan), Pemba (Mozambique), Mogadishu (Somalia), Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Mtwara (Tanzania), Entebbe (Uganda) and Kigali (Rwanda)

Said ANA Aviation's Chairman Andy Leslie:

"We are very excited with this new venture with our long term partner and friend Astral Aviation. The Boeing 747 Factory Built Freighter with nose loading capability means we can offer payloads of up to 120,000 kilos as well as accepting long and oversize pieces giving a new dimension to our business to and from Africa as well as the availability of ad-hoc Charter capacity on a worldwide basis."

Despite the global slowdown in the air cargo sector and its consequent excess capacity which has resulted in low-growth for the industry, ANA and Astral remain bullish on the prospects of a future increase in both trade and air freight between Europe and Africa. The increase in demand for oil and gas equipment in West Africa combined with the growth in perishables traffic from East Africa to Europe will be the primary focus for the partners as they combine their experience and local knowledge to create a sustainable schedule on the Atlas B747-400F.

October also marks the launch of a code-share flight between Emirates SkyCargo and Astral Aviation on the Johannesburg – Nairobi sector of the former's weekly B777F service. This sector will be marketed by Astral’s newly appointed South African GSA, Network Airline Services, and aims to provide a reliable service for perishables, motor-vehicles, mining and project cargoes for onward connectivity to Astral’s network.

■ MALAWI: Ethiopian's CFO Kassim Geressu appointed boss of Malawi Airlines.

2013-10-02T08:00:00.000+03:00

Mr. Kassim Geressu, the Chief Financial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines (ET), has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the carrier's nascent Malawian venture, Malawi Airlines. Mr Geresu's appointment was confirmed by Tewolde Gebremariam in a press conference held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, yesterday afternoon.

Kassim Geressu

According to Mr Gebremariam, Mr Geressu has been seconded to Lilongwe to head Malawian Airlines as per the management agreement between Ethiopian and the Malawian government. Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49% stake in the startup while 31% is open to Malawian investors with Government holding the rest (20%).

“I am confident that he has the requisite academic background and experience in the airline industry to ensure the successful take-off of Malawian Airlines,” said GebreMariam.

Despite the announcement of Malawi Airlines' formation in July, the airline is currently undergoing a 3-month long certification process before actual operations can begin.

Modelled along the lines of Ethiopian's West African venture, ASKY Airlines (KP), Malawi will serve as Ethiopian's southern African hub with a network spanning Johannesburg, Harare, Lusaka, Dar-es-Salaam and Luanda while domestically it will connect Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu and Karonga.

A B737-800 and a Q400 are to be used.

The news is the latest in a series of developments that are set to have a major impact on the Southern African regional aviation scene. Zambia's Proflight (P0) has already outlined its own ambitious route expansion plans which will see it serving Dar es Salaam later this year. Tanzania's fastjet (FN) in its recent 1H 2013 Financial Results mentioned Zambia and Malawi as its next tentative destinations once flights to Johannesburg successfully launch. Lastly, South Africa's Interair (D6) has now been granted rights to serve Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar 3x weekly each though has yet to officially announce any plans to use them.

► CHINA: TAAG increases Luanda - Beijing frequencies to 2x weekly; a 3rd due in 2014.

2013-10-01T14:00:00.001+03:00

Angolan flag carrier TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola (DT) has at long last added a second weekly frequency to its Luanda - Beijing, China route. The added Friday flight became effective September 21 and will be followed by an additional third frequency next year.

TAAG's Beijing Offices (WhisperToMe)

Speaking in the Chinese capital to mark the event, António Inácio, the managing director for TAAG China said that from October, the crew would include Chinese staff.

"We are the only African airline that employs Chinese crew," noted the director of TAAG's Beijing Director, António Inácio, at a reception held over the weekend.

TAAG Angolan Airlines (DT): Luanda - Beijing

DT690 LAD 0415 - 0110+1 PEK 772 15
DT691 PEK 0310 - 1050 LAD 772 26

■ RWANDA: AviAssist Foundation holds annual Airport Rescue & Firefighting ARFF course in Kigali.

2013-10-01T13:00:00.000+03:00

The AviAssist Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization that provides safety support to African countries and companies and aims to inspire and promote professionalism in African aviation safety, has announced the successful conclusion of a week-long annual Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting ARFF training course in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.

Tom Kok, AviAssist's Director, said the exercise was held in partnership with the Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) and Groningen Airport Eelde from the Netherlands.

“Over the past week, Kigali International Airport’s fire fighters were trained in industry best practices,” reported Kok. “The International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO has highlighted that, while many airport authorities are allocating resources for the procurement of fire fighting trucks, many were not allocating the required resources for the adequate training of the personnel. The same applies sometimes for the procurement of rescue tools and protective materials (helmets, boots, suits etc). We agree with ICAO’s position that, in addition to causing the ARFF facility to be very inefficient or even plainly ineffective, the morale of personnel is negatively affected. That is not something you can afford as an airport operator in relation to that crucial safety service,” he explained.

Funding for the training was provided by the Rwanda CAA, Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. AviAssist partner, Kenya Airways (KQ), provided all tickets. The support by the Foundation’s airline partners also demonstrates that AviAssist addresses priorities identified by the local aviation industry.

“As part of our long term commitment to the region, we will continue our support to the professionals that attended the course through our social media channels which have an increasing membership among all levels of aviation organisations in Africa. We also do that with free subscriptions to our quarterly safety magazine SafetyFocus” Kok said.

Kok ended by saying that while his organization is already in discussions with a number of airport operators in the region about hosting the next training course editions, AviAssist is still open to invitations from others in the sub-region.

Contact AviAssist here.