IATA Calls for Lower Costs, Better Regulation to Boost Africa’s Aviation Growth The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on African governments to treat aviation as a strategic pillar of long-term economic growth, warning that high costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and policy gaps continue to limit the sector’s potential. Speaking at the IATA Focus Africa Conference 2026 in Addis Ababa, Kamil Alawadhi emphasized aviation’s broader economic role. “Aviation is economic
Category: Air Freight
Nigerian Airlines Warn of Flight Disruptions as Aviation Fuel Prices Surge
Nigeria’s Airlines Face Operational Crisis After 270% Spike in Aviation Fuel Costs Threatens Flight Services Airline operators in Nigeria have raised serious concerns over a sharp and unprecedented surge in aviation fuel prices, reporting an increase of approximately 270%. Industry leaders say the spike far exceeds global trends and is placing severe financial strain on carriers, threatening the sustainability of airline operations across the country. The Airline Operators of Nigeria
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Long-Haul Fleet with Six Additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Ethiopian Airlines Converts Six Boeing 787-9 Options into Firm Orders to Support Global Network Expansion Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed the conversion of six purchase options for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft into firm orders, strengthening the carrier’s long-haul expansion strategy and ongoing fleet modernisation programme. The announcement, made jointly with Boeing on 21 April 2026, represents a significant step in the airline’s long-term growth plan and builds on its major wide-body
DRC to Upgrade Kolwezi Airport to International Status to Boost Mining and Economic Connectivity
Democratic Republic of the Congo Advances Kolwezi Airport Upgrade for International Flights and Economic Growth The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving forward with plans to upgrade Kolwezi Airport to full international status, a development expected to enhance air connectivity and economic opportunities in the country’s mining-rich southern region. Once completed, Kolwezi Airport would become the fourth recognized international gateway in the DRC, joining airports
Ethiopian Cargo Joins Freightos Digital Platform to Streamline Global Bookings
Ethiopian Cargo Integrates with Freightos for Digital Rates, eBooking, and Payments Across Global Network Ethiopian Cargo will join the digital booking platform operated by Freightos by the end of March, enabling freight forwarders to access rates, quotes, booking, and payment functions across the airline’s global cargo network. Freightos announced that the integration will provide digital rates, quoting, and eBooking capabilities, along with WebCargo Pay for secure digital payments and interlining
IATA Launches AI Initiatives to Transform Air Cargo Operations and Industry Collaboration
IATA Introduces AI Tools and Global Excellence Hub to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency, Safety, and Digital Integration IATA Introduces AI Tools and Global Excellence Hub to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency, Safety, and Digital Integration Rewritten Article:The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is rolling out three new artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives designed to make air cargo operations faster, safer, and more efficient. The programs focus on improving access to operational information,
Ethiopian Airlines to Resume Direct Flights Between Addis Ababa and Atlanta
Ethiopian Airlines Restores Direct Addis Ababa–Atlanta Flights, Boosting Africa–U.S. Connectivity Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has announced the resumption of direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport starting May 21, 2026, restoring a vital transatlantic route that was temporarily suspended earlier this year. The route, initially paused in February, is reopening to meet growing demand and enhance connectivity between Africa and the United
Angola Appoints New Secretary of State to Drive Aviation and Port Sector Growth
Angola Strengthens Transport Strategy as Adilson Catala Takes Office Over Aviation and Ports Adilson Gabriel Alves Catala has officially taken office as Secretary of State for the Civil, Maritime and Port Aviation sectors under the Ministry of Transport Angola, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening critical transport infrastructure. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Luanda and was presided over by João Lourenço, with attendance from senior
Ethiopian Airlines Posts $4.4 Billion Revenue in First Half of FY2025/26
Ethiopian Airlines Reports $4.4 Billion Half-Year Revenue, Passenger and Cargo Growth in FY2025/26 Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, reported $4.4 billion in revenue for the first six months of its 2025/26 financial year, representing a 14% year-on-year increase and exceeding internal forecasts. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew Bekele said the airline’s half-year revenue was 2% above target and reflected sustained demand across
Harith General Partners Moves to Acquire FlySafair in Strategic Aviation Expansion
Harith General Partners in Advanced Talks to Acquire FlySafair, South Africa’s Largest Domestic Airline Harith General Partners is in advanced negotiations to acquire budget airline FlySafair, as the $3 billion asset manager expands its transport and infrastructure portfolio across Africa. Harith Chairman Tshepo Mahloele confirmed that discussions are at an advanced stage but remain subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from competition authorities and two aviation licensing bodies. The transaction