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
Category: Air Freight
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
Mbuji-Mayi Airport Modernization to Enable Accommodation of Large Aircraft by September 2025
Mbuji-Mayi Airport is set to accommodate large aircraft following the completion of ongoing modernization work. This announcement was made on Monday, February 25, 2025, after a working session between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Communication Channels, and Disenclavement, Jean-Pierre Bemba, and a delegation from the Chinese firm CHINA JIANGXI Corporation, responsible for the airport’s renovation and modernization. Michael Cheng, the representative of CHINA JIANGXI Corporation in the Democratic
TAAG Angola Airlines Receives First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Advancing Fleet Modernization
TAAG Angola Airlines has welcomed its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a key milestone in its ongoing fleet renewal strategy. Leased from AerCap, this aircraft is the first of four Dreamliners ordered by TAAG, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to expanding its long-haul operations and enhancing passenger experience. The new Dreamliner arrived in Luanda just ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, featuring TAAG’s updated livery and symbolizing nearly 50
Maureva and AFRAA Partner to Advance Africa’s Aviation Industry
Maureva, a leading provider of airline software and service solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the continent’s leading trade association for airlines. This collaboration aims to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and support the growth of Africa’s aviation sector. Under the agreement, Maureva will bring its expertise in airline financial, commercial, operational, passenger processing, and business intelligence solutions closer to African airlines. According to an
EFIS Maroc Partners with China Eastern Airlines to Strengthen African Cargo Logistics
EFIS Maroc, a subsidiary of ECS Group, has announced a strategic partnership with China Eastern Airlines, further cementing its leadership in African cargo logistics. Effective January 19, 2025, this collaboration introduces three weekly flights between Casablanca and Shanghai, with a stopover in Marseille. The flights, scheduled for Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, will use Boeing 787-900 aircraft with an 18-tonne cargo capacity, according to an official ECS Group statement. The new
IATA Launches Device Assessment Programme to Enhance Air Cargo Safety
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced the Air Cargo Device Assessment Programme, a new initiative designed to validate tracking devices, data loggers, and sensors for compliance with stringent industry safety standards. This program aims to ensure the safe and secure transport of air cargo while fostering global consistency in device approvals. The initiative responds to increasing demand for reliable and secure air cargo services, particularly in sectors such
African Airlines Report Cargo Demand Decline, Slowest Growth Among Regions
African airlines experienced a 0.7% year-on-year decline in cargo demand in November 2024, marking the weakest performance among global regions, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Despite this dip, capacity for African carriers increased slightly by 0.4% year-on-year. Globally, total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 8.2% in November compared to November 2023, with international operations contributing a 9.5% increase. This marked