Angola’s national airline, TAAG, is exploring a long-term plan to reinstate direct flights between Luanda and Houston, USA, a source told Energy Capital & Power. This initiative aligns with the airline’s global expansion strategy and aims to strengthen trade and commerce between Angola and the United States. TAAG has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation and is awaiting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category 1 Certification before launching
Category: Air Freight
OR Tambo Airfreight Volumes Surge 13% Amid Aviation Challenges
Airfreight volumes at South Africa’s busiest international airport, OR Tambo International, have risen 13% year-on-year, according to the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU). Compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa), the CMU reports steady growth in both inbound and outbound shipments as of March 16. Imports totaled 628,476 kg, a 14% increase, while exports reached 386,267 kg, reflecting a 5% rise. OR
Airlink to Expand Nairobi and Lusaka Services Amid Growing Demand for Regional Connectivity
Airlink has announced plans to enhance its Nairobi and Lusaka services in response to increased demand for more connections between South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya’s economic hubs. Starting 30 March, the airline will add extra flights to these routes. The expanded services include three weekly night-time return flights between Johannesburg and Nairobi, complementing the airline’s daily service launched in 2023, which made Airlink the first private-sector carrier to operate on
SAA Cargo Expands Regional Network with Johannesburg–Dar es Salaam Route
South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo) has reinforced its strategic expansion with the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to strengthening regional trade and logistics by offering efficient and reliable freight solutions across East Africa. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s economic and logistical hub, plays a crucial role in regional commerce. With ongoing infrastructure development, the city provides an ideal
Kenya Airways Achieves Remarkable Financial Turnaround with 124% Profit Surge
Kenya Airways (KQ) PLC has reported a remarkable financial recovery, posting a 124% increase in profit after tax, reaching Ksh 5.4 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024. This marks a significant rebound from the Ksh 22.6 billion loss recorded in 2023, representing an impressive Ksh 28 billion improvement. This marks the first time in over a decade that Kenya Airways has posted a profit, highlighting the success of
Air Cargo Traffic Declines in Africa and DRC as Global Growth Continues IATA Report Shows
African airlines experienced a 3.4% decline in air cargo traffic in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This decline occurred despite a 5.4% increase in capacity, revealing a significant underutilization of available infrastructure. Africa, along with the Middle East (-8.4%), is one of the few regions globally to report a decrease in air freight volumes.
Ethiopian Airlines and AfDB Partner on $7.8 Billion Bishoftu Airport Project
Ethiopian Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to collaborate on the Bishoftu International Airport Development Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting Ethiopia’s aviation capacity. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Strategy, Nnenna Nwabufo, in the presence of AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. With a projected cost of
Transatlantic Air Cargo Rates Rise 7% in February Amid Global Volatility
Air cargo spot rates between Europe and the US have increased by 7% month-on-month in February 2025, reaching $2.46 per kilogram. This rise contrasts with other corridors, such as Northeast Asia to the US, which saw a 14% decline, and highlights significant shifts in the airfreight market, according to Xeneta’s latest data. While the transatlantic corridor experienced growth, it was not driven by a sudden surge in demand. Instead, the
Air Cargo Demand Grows 3.2% in January 2025
Air cargo demand saw a 3.2% increase in January 2025, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), released on Thursday. The growth, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), marked an increase compared to January 2024 levels, with international operations seeing a slightly higher rise of 3.6%. Capacity grew by 6.8% overall, with a 7.3% increase for international operations. IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, highlighted that January
Malawi Joins SAATM, Strengthening Africa’s Air Transport Integration
Malawi has officially become the 38th African country to join the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), marking a major milestone in the African Union’s efforts to unify the continent’s airspace and boost regional integration. The signing ceremony took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 38th African Union Summit. Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Nancy Tembo, signed the Solemn Commitment in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, the AU