Aviadev Insight

Welcome to the twelfth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE  Key topics discussed: ✈️ India-Africa Connectivity discussion  ✈️ Airlink launching Kinshasa, DRC from Johannesburg 3 x week from March 2025 ✈️ Uganda Airlines to London. A rumor or confirmed? ✈️ United Airlines opening Washington-Dakar 3 x week from May 2025 ✈️ Ethiopian Airlines increasing Nosy Be service to daily.  ✈️ Ethiopian's A350-1000. What is the configuration and how will the aircraft be deployed? ✈️ Are challenges for airlines flying to China providing opportunities for additional frequencies to Sub-Saharan Africa? ✈️ Emirates to Lagos has now launched. How is it going? ✈️ Qantas and Airlink codeshare. Will Qantas add Perth-Johannesburg to its netwo

This episode was recorded on 18th October 2024 on location in Paarl, Western Cape during the AASA AGA.  Together, Miguel Carneiro, TAAG CCO and I unpack the following: Miguel's background and experience  How the Airbus A220-300 will be utilised and why it was selected How the 4 new Boeing 787s will be configured, when they will be delivered and how they will be deployed The New Luanda Airport. When will TAAG be relocating and what is the opening process What long haul destinations can we expect to be opened over the coming years TAAG and Angola's view of SAATM and how implementation will support the airline's ambitions. If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with someone in your network who will benefit from listening and please subscribe/ leave us a review so more people can find us.  Find out more about AviaDev, www.aviadev.com 

This episode was recorded on 19th October 2024 on location in Paarl, Western Cape during the AASA AGA.  Together, Elmar Conradie, FlySafair CEO and I unpack the following: The ever-changing dynamics of South African domestic market The launch of the Cape Town -Windhoek route on 22nd October  Safair's approach to route development and the passenger mix flying with the airline The success of the Cape Town- Kruger route and increased frequencies Additional frequencies being added to Mauritius and Zanzibar and whether new destinations are on the horizon Fleet plans for the next 12 months If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with someone in your network who will benefit from listening and please subscribe/ leave us a review so more people can find us.  Find out more about AviaDev, www.aviadev.com 

In this episode, we speak to the 2024 Aviadev Ambassadors, uno and Tuli, 3 months on from their AviaDev experience.  Together, we discuss the competitive selection process for becoming ambassadors, their roles in supporting the event, and the invaluable networking opportunities they encountered. Both ambassadors share their aspirations to advance the African aviation sector sustainably and their personal career goals in aviation. They also offer advice to future ambassadors and aspiring aviators.  CONNECT WITH UNO CONNECT WITH TULI WATCH THE 2024 SESSION

In the landmark 300th episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, we are joined by Geert Lemaire, Marketing Director of Market Intelligence and Analysis at Airbus, to discuss the collaborative report with AviaDev on unserved air routes to, from, and within Africa. The report was released at AviaDev Africa 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia.  Together we discuss: The motivations behind the report The response from the industry and media Why are aircraft manufacturers involved in network planning and route analysis? Why are certain routes unserved? General trends/ overall conclusions A deeper dive into the top 5 unserved routes to and from Africa.  Follow/ Connect with Geert Lemaire here Download the report here

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell is joined by Air Botswana's CEO, Lulu Rasebotsa. Together, they discuss: Lulu's background and career journey Air Botswana's recent fleet expansions- why choose Embraer? Network expansion featuring a selection of reinstated and brand new routes The selection criteria for these routes and type of passenger they cater for How the airline combats seasonality How Botswana is performing in terms of visa access in the region and further afield Reflections on Lulu's first AviaDev experience  Connect/ Follow Lulu here

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, recorded live in Johannesburg, South Africa, we explore the digital transformation in African airports. We discuss the investment in African airport digitalization post-covid and the importance of stakeholder collaboration. Connect with Adonis on LinkedIn Listen to episode 240 here Visit SITA's website Chapters: 00:15 Introducing Adonis Succar and Digitalization 01:40 Momentum of Digitalization in African Airports 04:27 Investment and Challenges in African Airports 07:18 Visa Digitalization and Passenger Experience 12:29 Future of Seamless Intermodal Travel 15:14 Planning for Technological Advancements 17:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the eleventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Lorne Philpot, Aviation Journalist CONNECT WITH LORNE Key topics discussed: ✈️ South African Airways to launch Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam from November ✈️ Fastjet increasing Bulawayo frequencies ✈️ RwandAir ceasing their Cape Town connection ✈️ Ethiopian Airlines to open Monrovia, Liberia, and Port Sudan ✈️ Qantas to up gauge the Sydney-Johannesburg route to an A380 ✈️ Brussels Airlines' fleet expansion and plans for Sub-Saharan Africa ✈️ Virgin Atlantic to launch daily Accra flights from May 2025 If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 

Welcome to the tenth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Key topics discussed: ✈️ Qatar's 25% investment into Airlink ✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Lusaka, Abuja and Harare and London rumours ✈️ Air Botswana's regional expansion and fleet expansion to Namibia and South Africa ✈️ Air Senegal's network reduction and management changes ✈️ Kenya Airways reporting a net profit for the first time in over 10 years.  ✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes ✈️ South African Airways increasing Mauritius to double-daily and starting Lubumbashi ✈️ TAAG increasing flights to South Africa and more managerial changes ✈️ Air France suspending Accra ✈️ Etihad re-advertising Nairobi ✈️ Air Tanzania launching Dubai-Zanzibar ✈️ F

In this episode, we focus on a carrier that has recently announced it will be launching services to mainland Africa for the first time.  Air Asia will launch Kuala Lumpur - Nairobi on 15th November with a 4 weekly service and deploy an Airbus A330-300 comprising 12 business class and 365 economy seats.  I am joined by Paul Carroll, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Air Asia Group and together we cover An introduction to the Air Asia offering and business model Why Nairobi was chosen as the first entry point in Continental Africa and why now? How strong are the commercials on the route? What has the reaction been in the short time since the route was announced and put up for sale? How important is the Chinese market in the route's success? How will Air Asia stimulate the market to support the growth it will need to ensure the route is viable and successful? Why start with 4 frequencies per week? Are there plans for partnerships/ interlines with African carriers? What is the distribution strategy in Africa?

Welcome to the ninth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant.  Key topics discussed: ✈️ Air Asia Kuala Lumpur- Nairobi ✈️ JamboJet launch of Mombasa- Zanzibar ✈️ Air France announce Kilimanjaro from November ✈️ FlyNamibia launch of Windhoek-Maun ✈️ The impact of visa policies on route development ✈️ Emirates extending the Seychelles flight to Madagascar ✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes ✈️ Air Cote d'Ivoire's expansion from October Rumour mill: ✈️ Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi ✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Gatwick ✈️ Uganda Airlines rumoured aircraft order ✈️ Singapore Airlines applies for Durban ✈️ Air Canada's potential in West Africa ✈️ Emirates announce a date to restart Lagos Chapters 02:42 AirAsia's New Route to Africa  15:26 JamboJe

In this episode, Jon and Denis discuss the importance of insurance in the African aviation industry. Insurance is a substantial operating cost and many African airlines may be overpaying or have the wrong solution for their needs.  AI12, is a specialist insurance and reinsurance broker and part of the Avia Solutions Group. Together, they highlight the need for African airlines to present themselves properly to the international market and the role of insurance brokers in advocating for their clients. They also discuss the challenges African airlines face in obtaining insurance and how AI12 helps them navigate the market. Key takeaways include the importance of strategic thinking, transparency, trust in insurance negotiations, and the value of partnerships and collaboration in the industry. Find out more about AI12 here Email Denis here

In this episode, Jon and Achma discuss the evolving landscape of airline distribution and the strategies African airlines can use to extend their global reach. Achma shares her inspiring journey in the aviation industry, insights into revenue management, and the importance of a robust distribution strategy. The conversation also touches on the significance of technology, the role of tourism boards, and Achma's future visions for the industry.  Connect with Achma here  Find out more about Airlinepros here 00:00 Introduction to Aviadev Insight Africa  00:54 Meet Achma Azokan: A Journey in Aviation 07:56 The Evolution of Airline Distribution 11:02 Challenges and Strategies in Airline Revenue Management 17:40 Success Stories and Case Studies 22:09 Future Developments and Innovations in Aviation 29:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Jon and Richard explore the impact and opportunities harnessing technology and AI can have on African aviation, focusing on distribution, interlining, and the role of artificial intelligence.  They discuss the adaptation African airlines require to optimize their distribution channels and the potential of using AI to enhance customer service and reduce operational costs. The Kiu team will attend AviaDev Africa 2024, 19-21 June in Windhoek, Namibia.  Find out more about Kiu here Connect with Rodger Whittle on LinkedIn Connect with Richard Ortega on LinkedIn  

In this podcast, I am joined by Marcel Langeslag, Director Aviation Africa and Nelly Alandou, airport planning consultant at Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to preview the upcoming AviaDev Real Estate event on 19th June 2024 in Windhoek.  Building a resilient business model through diversifying revenues has never been more important. However, this requires careful planning and appreciation of the local investment environment.  In the episode, we discuss the current investment environment for airport real estate in Africa, what airports can do to get started and preview the sessions planned for Windhoek, which will provide a platform for airports to share their experiences and learnings with their peers and hear directly from airport investors.  Connect with Marcel here Connect with Nelly here View the AviaDev Real Estate agenda

Welcome to the eighth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Dr. James Pearson, Analyst at Simple Flying.  Together, we discuss: Norse Atlantic Airways, a new carrier for Africa, is launching a three times a week operation from Gatwick in London to Cape Town International. Jon recently interviewed Norse, so if you want to hear more listen here EasyJet's expansion into Cape Verde. Could this move be the start of a trend of major European low-cost carriers expanding into sub-Saharan markets? Ethiopian Airlines' launch of the Warsaw route using the Boeing 737 MAX indicates their expansion into secondary markets in Europe. This strategy allows them to tap into niche markets and connect with their hub in Addis Ababa. ASKY Airlines has made schedule changes to improve the utility of their aircraft and enhan

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, Nomusa joins Jon to discuss Tourvest's involvement in revolutionizing the African travel landscape and their support for airlines and airports in developing their retail and catering solutions. Specifically, we explore how Tourvest has been working with FlySafair to deliver an improved onboard experience, driving ancillary airline revenues whilst rewarding crew for performance.  We finish by looking to the future and how a shift towards radical personalisation, focusing on flexibility, sustainability, and enhancing the passenger experience will change the passenger experience- all driven by harnessing the power of data.  You can meet Nomusa and the team at AviaDev Africa, June 19-21 in Windhoek, Namibia www.aviadev.com  Find out more about Tourvest here Connect with Nomusa  

In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Blackbeard, the founder of Africa's Eden. Together, we discuss the mission of Africa's Eden, the importance of airlift to the organization's success, and practical steps to develop air access in the region. Africa's Eden was launched in response to a call from the private sector to address challenges in the tourism industry. The organization focuses on creating a collaborative ecosystem and works with various stakeholders, including tourism product owners, tour operators, and travel trade networks.  Find out more: https://africaseden.travel/  Connect with Jillian  

In this episode, I am joined by Natalia Rosa to elaborate on the partnership between AviaDev and SADC Business Council and preview the Air Route Development Masterclass which will be held during AviaDev Africa 2024. Together, we discuss: Natalia's background, role, and mandate Air Access as a policy focus of SADC Are policy-makers listening to the industry? The format and purpose of the workshop and partnership To find out more and register visit www.aviadev.com 

On the 18th April 2024, Norse Atlantic announced the launch of a 3 weekly service from London Gatwick to Cape Town International starting at the end of October.  In this podcast, I am joined by Philip Allport, Senior Vice President of Communications and together we discuss: ✈️ Norse's business model, fleet and network ✈️ Why Cape Town is the first African destination and the role the Cape Town Air Access team played in attracting the route ✈️ Norse's approach to other popular destinations in Africa- will we see them served in the future? ✈️ Why their low-cost, long-haul model can succeed where others have failed ✈️ Their approach to interlining and partnerships ✈️ Their distribution and sales strategy