Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has been forced to lease aircraft to sustain its expansion plans due to delays from Boeing Co. in delivering new planes. Over half of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet consists of Boeing models. CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele revealed that the airline has been awaiting deliveries of 737 Max jets and 777 freighters since April. Boeing has not provided a new timeline for these deliveries, impacting the airline’s
Category: Air Freight
Ethiopia to Build Africa’s Largest Airport Near Addis Ababa
Ethiopia has embarked on a significant initiative to enhance its aviation infrastructure by signing an agreement to design a new airport near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers from Addis Ababa. Spearheaded by Ethiopian Airlines, the project aims to establish the largest airport in Africa, with completion targeted for 2029. The new facility will feature four runways and is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually, making it the continent’s
Lufthansa Cargo Expands Fleet with 18th Boeing 777 Freighter
Lufthansa Cargo has taken delivery of its 18th Boeing 777 freighter, which arrived at Frankfurt Airport over the weekend. The long-haul aircraft was delivered directly from Boeing’s factory in Everett, USA, to the cargo airline’s largest hub in Frankfurt. “The B777F remains the most efficient and modern freighter in its class,” stated Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “This latest addition to our fleet represents a significant investment in our
IATA Urges South Africa’s New Govt to Prioritize Aviation for Economic Growth
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged South Africa’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) to prioritize the development of its aviation sector as a vital driver of economic growth and job creation. “South Africa’s aviation industry is poised for significant growth over the next 20 years, adding 345 million additional passenger journeys by 2043,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East. “With
Qatar Airways Expansion to Enhance Air Travel and Business Connectivity in Africa
Qatar Airways’ expansion plans are set to significantly boost air traffic and access to business markets in Africa. The airline recently announced its intention to invest in a Southern African airline, alongside plans to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir and a 60% stake in the new Kigali airport currently under construction. Bonnie Smith, general manager of FCM travel management company, noted that these developments bode well for the growth
Uganda Airlines Expands Routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare Amid Criticism
Uganda Airlines has announced the expansion of its routes to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, aiming to strengthen its market position and boost revenue. The airline revealed the decision on Wednesday, highlighting its goal to enhance fleet utilization. However, some critics have raised concerns about the new destinations being commercially risky grey markets. According to the East African, the Abuja service is set to launch on September 12, 2024, with Lusaka
Air Botswana Launches Direct Flights to Strengthen Regional Connectivity
Air Botswana is set to launch direct flights between Windhoek and Gaborone, enhancing both business and leisure travel between Namibia and Botswana. Mogolo Mokgosi, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Air Botswana, announced the new routes, which will also include flights from Kasane to Windhoek, Kasane to Cape Town, Maun to Cape Town, and Kasane to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Kasane, located in northeastern Botswana, serves as a hub
Proposals Submitted for Management of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport
Two proposals have been submitted for the public tender to explore, manage, and maintain the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN). The proposal opening took place on the 8th of this month in the Operator’s Room. According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the two contenders are the consortium Corporacion America Airports, SA (CAAP), Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção, SA, and BestFly, Lda, and a second consortium comprising
LAM Reschedules Flights for Boeing 737-700 Overhaul
On Saturday, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) announced the rescheduling of certain flights due to a “one-off overhaul” of its largest aircraft, a Boeing 737-700. The Mozambican national airline apologized for the inconvenience caused by these changes. LAM serves 12 domestic destinations and has regular regional flights to Johannesburg, Dar-Es-Salaam, Harare, Lusaka, and Cape Town. Lisbon is its only intercontinental destination. On Wednesday, LAM’s Board of Directors appointed Américo Muchanga
TAAG Unveils New Visual Identity for Airbus and Boeing Aircraft
TAAG Linhas Aéreas de Angola will enhance the visual identity of its newly ordered Airbus A220 and Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, aligning with its strategy to transform and reaffirm its brand image. According to a press release sent to JA Online, the aircraft will prominently feature Angolan heritage elements in their design. This includes the PALANCA emblem on the tail and wings, and a color scheme inspired by the traditional