Rolls-Royce wins $350 million order from Egyptair

Rolls-Royce announced today that it has won an order worth $350m from Egyptair for extended TotalCare® long-term services for 12 Airbus A330 aircraft.

Egyptair currently operates eight A330s and four are due to be delivered in 2010 and 2011.

The announcement - which comes amid remaining investors' concerns raised since one of Rolls-Royce's engines broke apart on a Qantas flight last Thursday - helped stem some of the 3.4% losses seen in today's early trading of Rolls-Royce shares.

Metin Oktay, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Vice President – Africa, said: “We are delighted that Egyptair has once again demonstrated their confidence in Rolls-Royce. The combination of the Trent 700 and the TotalCare® support package delivers significant reliability and performance benefits to enhance their operation.”

Abdel Aziz Fadel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Egyptair Maintenance and Engineering, said: “The Trent 700 has proven itself in service as an effective solution for our A330 fleet in terms of both economics and the environment, proving itself particularly resilient when operating in hot or high altitude locations.”

Alaa Ashour, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EgyptAir Airlines, said: “Our extension of TotalCare® is a reflection of the value we place on the service, which allows us to predict and fully manage costs.”

The Trent 700 is the only engine specifically designed for the Airbus A330 and over 1,000 are now in service or on firm order. The engine has captured more than 75% of orders in the last three years. More than 90% of Trent engines in service have TotalCare® support.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the first Rolls-Royce jet engine going into service in Egypt, an Avon.

http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=maintenance&article=rolls-royce-wins-350-million-order-from-egyptair

Egypt Air Inflight Services signs a whale of a deal

The in-flight services division of Egypt Air Holdings has signed a catering contract with Moby Dick Solutions.

Speaking at AVEX - the Egyptian Air Show - this morning, chairman of the subsidiary Mostafa El Gammal said the contract was worth US$5 million annually.

Moby Dick is the largest of the private airline contractors operating in Egypt and under the new agreement will now supply catering services to Egypt Air In Flight Services customers at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh airports. The contract covers services to charter airlines as well as VIP aircraft using these key Egyptian tourist hot spots.

http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=flight-services-support&article=egypt-air-inflight-services-signs-a-whale-of-a-deal

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to launch new service to three African destinations beginning December 1, 2010. The airline will start flying to Maputo, Mozambique; Bangui, Central African Republic and Malakal in Sudan. It will serve Maputo three times a week and Bangui and Malakal each four times a week.

The new service will increase Ethiopia's international destinations to sixty with forty in Africa alone. Ethiopian Airlines has the largest network in Africa and it is one of the fastest growing airline in the continent.

In other news, the airline is preparing to receive Africa's first Boeing 777-200LR later this month. Ethiopian Airlines has five orders for Boeing 777-200LR which it plans to use on its long range flights like Addis-Washington and Addis-Beijing.

Ethiopian Airlines will launch a daily non-stop Washington-Addis Ababa service aboard Boeing 777-200LR beginning December 16 of this year. The new non-stop service between Washington and Addis Ababa will cut the travel time to just 12 hours and 25 minutes.
:)

EgyptAir adds Zambia to its African expansion plans

EgyptAir has announced a new four-times-a-week service to Lusaka in Zambia.

Africa has become a pioneer developing market because of the current investments, economic development and the great commercial uprising in Africa, said the airline’s Chairman and CEO, Capt Alaa Ashour

EgyptAir will start operation to Lusaka from January 16th , 2011 on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“Our ambitious plan focuses on network development and expansion, and we will add new routes in Africa and increase the number of our daily service especially after operating from Terminal 3 in Cairo Airport, which is the main hub of North Africa” Ashour, said.

“With the new service to Lusaka, EgyptAir’s African network now reaches 18 destinations with a total of 102 weekly flights.”

Ashour said the airline aims to cover 46 African destinations through its code share agreements and its Star Alliance links with Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlines.

http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/article.php?section=route-planning-and-tourism&article=egyptair-adds-zambia-to-its-african-expansion-plans


EGYPTAIR Operates 18 weekly flights to London Heathrow

Within its strategy to enhance the network, EGYPTAIR increased its flights to London Heathrow to reach 18 weekly direct flights.

EGYPTAIR currently operates 11 weekly flights after the addition of the two afternoon services starting December 4th. In addition to 7 weekly code-share flights onboard the Star Alliance Member, BMI. Now EGYPTAIR has 4 afternoon services on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Noteworthy that EGYPTAIR operates daily morning flight operated with the newest A330-300 which is equipped with the WI-FI internet and Mobile connectivity onboard. Also, this aircraft has Lay Flat Bed seats in Business and personal screens in all classes which enable the customers selecting from hundreds of entertainment options.

In this regard, Capt. Alaa Ashour, EGYPTAIR AIRLINES CHAIRMAN and CEO said "Our current strategy focuses on increasing the frequencies on the main routes. Our statistics show that the demand is increasing on this route which links the customers with other British cities such as, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburg, Aberdeen and Belfast, thus, the company decided to add more frequencies on this route."

Noteworthy, the flights are now available for booking through EGYPTAIR offices, contact center, EGYPTAIR agents or through www.egyptair.com.

http://www.ftnnews.com/content/view/10801/27/

I m happy for EgytpAir, i hope the next african destination will be Kigali.:)

Rwanda New Times : 100 pax on 102 seats available, for the first flight to Dubai.

Operating one of its acquired Boeing 737-500, the country’s national carrier, RwandAir, on Wednesday, launched its first flight to Dubai via Mombasa, making it the carrier’s 6th destination.

The new Boeing, leased from the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), was configured with 12-business class and 90 economy class seats. It will be operating three weekly flights to Dubai and five to Kenya .

Speaking at the launching ceremony, RwandAir’s Chairman and CEO, John Mirenge, said that the company is excited about the national carrier’s prospect of connecting Rwanda to the busiest port of Mombasa and a major business hub in the Middle East.

He said that RwandAir is looking forward to tapping into the potential presented by connecting Kigali to these two key business and holiday destinations.

“These are two important destinations to the business community in Rwanda and the region, so its important for the carrier to be connecting these routes as we continue to grow,” Mirenge said.

With the launch, RwandAir is offering a promotion fare on both business and economy class.

A fee of $737 (Rwf427,460) would be charged for the Business class, $500 (Rwf 290,000) economy class, to Dubai, $499 (Rwf289,420) business class and $299 (Rwf173,420) for the economy class to Mombasa, all taxes inclusive.

Recently, the national carrier acquired flying rights to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. If launched, it will be the carrier’s 7th destination.

The carrier is also slated to open other destinations to Ethiopia and DR Congo as well as the West African markets, Mirenge explained.

Mirenge also said that the proposal to privatise RwandAir is still on the table but they want to first grow as a company which has seen them acquire their own fleet, then they will privatise it when it’s a strong company.

Last week, Cabinet appointed Mirenge as CEO of the national carrier, replacing Rene Janata, who had served for five months after replacing Gerald Zirimwabagabo in May.

Currently, the national carrier is operating a fleet of two Boeing 737-500, two Bombardier CRJ crafts and a Dash 8 aircraft. Another two Boeing 737-800 aircrafts are expected in 2011.

The carrier is aggressively growing its fleet to cater for its network expansion plans that will see it fly to more regional and intercontinental destinations.

There are quite a few Egyptians in Zambia so I was always surprised Egyptair didn't fly there. They usually took Ethiopian Airlines to get to Egypt.

:)


So does this mean the Rome stopover is removed? :banana:

Wow, that's kinda nice.

Yup, they have a special price (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7osfVeJMskw&feature=player_embedded) for the new Boeing ($777) if you want to travel in February.

That's a great offer!

Africa seen as a growing market for Boeing jets

EVERETT, WA. -- Outside of Boeing's gigantic factory, the company reached a milestone Wednesday. Boeing delivered its 900th 777 airliner.

The buyer of the 900th 777 (and four other 777-200LR's) is Ethiopian Airlines. The east African country is the link that connects Africa to the rest of the world.

The LR in 777-200LR stands for "long range," and the planes Ethiopian Airlines bought should do the job, for example, connecting Washington, D.C. direct to Addis Ababa, the airline's hub.

Ethiopian Airlines already has a sizable Boeing fleet, with 737's, 757's, and 767's. It has standing orders for 787 Dreamliners and more 737's, in addition to the big continent-connecting 777's. Their fleet is one of the world's youngest.

Most passengers carried by Ethiopian Airlines are not going to or coming from Ethiopia. Most are going through, as the country has made itself a center for air travel.

"Basically, we serve the whole continent and we are connecting the continent to other continents," said Girma Wake, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, in town to pick up his newest jet. Wake said while the airline is the state-owned flag carrier, it is operated as a business and has been profitable for a decade.

Ethiopian Airlines has been a positive exception for much of Africa. By reputation, Africa's airline fleets have been characterized as old, inefficient and unsafe. That, however, is changing.

Both Boeing and Airbus make forecasts as to how many planes the world and its various regions and countries will buy. Much of the focus has been on the wild growth in Asia, specifically China.

But Africa has its own story to tell. Boeing's forecast calls for the delivery of more than 700 new jets worth some $80 billion dollars over the next 20 years. Economic forces such as oil development and tourism are considered big drivers behind that growth.http://www.nwcn.com/news/business/Africa-is-a-growth-market-for-Boeing-jets-108805999.html

Check out the video news report in the link!

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/489/et777200lr.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines today received its first Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, first of five orders it placed in 2009. With today's delivery, Ethiopian Airlines becomes the first airline in Africa to operate the ultra-modern long range Boeing 777-200LR, seen above. Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake said "With the delivery of its first 777-200LR, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to operate the world's most technologically advanced and longest-range airplane," and "This further reaffirms our commitment to be the leader of aviation in Africa."

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2155/vlcsnap2010112211h36m53.png

the video about the new Ethiopian 777-200 LR

http://www.diretube.com/ethiopian-news/boeing-delivers-its-900th-777-airplane-to-ethiopian-airlines-video_bde18f5f7.html

“…Out of five AFRAA member airlines, which transported a total of 44,225 tons of freight in 2009, Ethiopian Airlines accounted for 87 percent of this transporting 38,384 tons, “the report stated.

“Ethiopian Airlines is one of the airlines that realize the huge profitable opportunities in cargo services and the airline has invested heavily in modern facilities at its headquarters at Bole International Airport to capitalize this.”

Report of the Secretary General to the 42nd Annual General Assembly of AFRAA is presented today (November 22, 2010) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Conference Center in Addis Ababa to members of the association.

The 22 airlines that provided data reported over 560,000 tons of freight in 2009, a slight increase of about 3 percent from 2008. The report further noted that more than 74 percent of the total amount is carried by just four airlines namely EgyptAir (MS), Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Kenya Airways (KQ) and South African Airways (SA).

“These airlines have well developed cargo departments dedicated to optimizing revenue from this often neglected area of airline operations. It is also significant that these airlines with marked cargo volumes are also profitable in part due to cargo’s significant contribution to the bottom-line,” the report stressed.

Last week, Ethiopian Airlines has taken delivery of the first of the five 777-200LR that the airline ordered in 2009 from the Boeing Company. The 777-200LR is the World's largest twin engine and long-range airliner with a capacity of connecting virtually any two cities nonstop. The 777-200LR is the first entirely computer-designed commercial aircraft to be owned by an African airline.

In terms of passenger charter operations, AFRAA's report also noted that 1,877,042 people were transported by AFRAA member airlines charter services, of these two airlines namely Tunisair and EgyptAir accounted for 88 percent of charter operations.

AFRAA currently has listed 32 African airlines as its members on its official website and has 14 partner members such as Boeing, which recently joined the group. CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Girma Wake is the current President of AFRAA.

AFRAA was established in April, 1968 in Accra, Ghana as a Trade Organization open to membership of airlines of African States with major objective of promoting the common interests of the airlines.

EgyptAir receives its 15th B737-800

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/3/85953-Untitled.gif

Today, Egyptair's 15th B737-800 landed on Cairo for the first time after a 14 hours flight from Boeing factory in Seattle.

"With this new aircraft, Egyptair fleet currently comprises 70 aircrafts with the latest technology and services," announced Eng Hussein Massoud, Egyptair Holding Chairman and CEO.

He added, "We aim at providing our customers with the best products and services that can meet their demand."

In reception of Egyptair's newest B737-800 in Cairo Airport, Capt Alaa Ashour, Egyptair Airlines Chairman and CEO, said, "The new plane, as a medium range aircraft, will operate on Egyptair's African and European destinations. This plane accommodates 24 business class seats in order to meet the demand on business travel."

Further, the seat pitch in this type was increased to hit 48' which exceeds the international norm on medium range aircrafts. Further, the aircraft is equipped system with Video-On-Demand (VOD) entertainment features and laptop power outlets. Moreover, Egyptair is planning to receive 5 further aircrafts from the same type till the end of 2012.

http://www.ameinfo.com/249503.html

And that brings our fleet to 70 aircraft.

The B737-800 is a key part of the EgyptAir fleet, and is a great aircraft, one of my favourite :cheers:

About the Video-On-Demand, do you think they're talking about Economy as well as Business Class?

I know for a fact that the EgyptAir B737-800s Business Class have Video-On-Demand, but the article doesn't mention if its referring to economy class too or just Business class. It would be great if it was both!

EgyptAir B737-800s:


http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/9/3/1742393.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/6/5/1713565.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/1/1/1721114.jpg

Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation A320

http://i52.tinypic.com/15iaf6v.jpg

airliners.net
One of DRC Airlines.

Air Algerie 7T-VJY A330-202

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/9/9/4/32469_1286638499.jpg

Air Algerie 7T-VJH B767-3D6

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/3/0/4/95511_1285794403.jpg

Air Algerie 7T-VKF 737-800

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/5188843920_e4ecb5b411_b.jpg

Air Algerie 7T-VKE 737-800

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/5/3/0/80879_1288969035.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/5115918199_903f6b80c1_b.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8985/7tvke.jpg

Air Algerie 7T-VJY A330-202

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/9/9/4/32469_1286638499.jpg

edit

Air Algérie 7T-VKE 737-800

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/5158643645_db13f575fa_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1206/5116326030_0da4b2c48e_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/5122516436_c904ee6761_b.jpg

EGYPTAIR Initial Summer 2011 International operation changes

As per 02DEC10 GDS timetable display, initial EGYPTAIR planned Summer 2011 International service changes as follows.
Please note further changes are likely.

Cairo – Abu Dhabi MS914/915 29MAR11 – 31AUG11 777-200 replace A330-200

Cairo – Accra / Abidjan

Existing 4 weekly Accra service extends to Abidjan. The Star Alliance member previously served Abidjan but suspended
2 of 4 weekly flights to Accra re-scheduled to night-hours
MS881 CAI0015 – 0330ACC0430 – 0610ABJ 738 23
MS881 CAI0915 – 1230ACC1330 – 1510ABJ 738 46
MS882 ABJ1100 – 1240ACC1340 – 2210CAI 738 23
MS882 ABJ2005 – 2145ACC2245 – 0715+1CAI 738 46

Cairo – Amman MS739/740 increase from 5 weekly to Daily. Overall service increase from 19 to 21 weekly

Cairo – Amsterdam eff 04JUL11 Increase from 6 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Asmara Service remains at 3 weekly, reduction since the launch of 2010 Winter schedule, compared to 5 weekly in S10

Cairo – Athens Reduce from 12 to 10 weekly. Service overall still an increase compared to Daily in S10

Cairo – Bahrain eff 21JUN11 Increase from 5 to 6 weekly

Cairo – Bangkok Daily terminator service with 777-200ER introduced since 15DEC10 is maintained

Cairo – Barcelona Increase from 5 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Beirut Increase from 16 to 21 weekly
MS713 CAI0015 – 0140BEY 738 D
MS709 CAI1000 – 1125BEY 320 D
MS711 CAI1750 – 1915BEY 320 D
MS714 BEY0600 – 0730CAI 738 D
MS710 BEY1225 – 1355CAI 320 D
MS712 BEY2015 – 2145CAI 320 D
MS713/714 currently operates 4 weekly (3 weekly in S10), MS709/710 currently operates 5 weekly (4 weekly in S10)

Cairo – Benghazi Service increase to Daily introduced in W10 maintained in S11
Cairo – Brussels Increase from 6 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Budapest Service increase to Daily introduced in W10 maintained in S11
Cairo – Casablanca Increase from 6 weekly to Daily (5 weekly in S10)

Cairo – Catania Flight number changes MS555/556 and MS557/558 replaces MS445/446 and MS447/448 respectively

Cairo – Copenhagen Introduction of 4th weekly, service operates on Mondays
MS759 CAI1100 – 1445CPH 738 x246
MS760 CPH1545 – 2120CAI 738 x246

Cairo – Damascus MS727/728 Increase from 4 weekly to Daily. Overall service increase from 11 to 14 weekly

Cairo – Doha 5 of 7 weekly Airbus A340-300 replace A320 for entire Summer season (S10 saw A340 operating on selected periods)

Cairo – Dubai Operation in W10 maintained in S11
MS912/913 Daily A330-300
MS910/911 6 weekly A330-300 and 1 weekly 737-800

Cairo – Dusseldorf 4th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Frankfurt eff 01AUG11 Airbus A330-300 enters service, replacing -200 (S10 Daily 737)

Cairo – Guangzhou Nonstop service introduced from 15DEC10 maintained in S11, 4 times a week with 777-200ER

Cairo – Kuwait eff 14JUN11 Introduction of 3rd Daily service, operated by various aircraft type in its fleet
MS614 CAI0015 – 0305KWI EQV D
MS615 KWI0405 – 0650CAI EQV D

Cairo – Larnaca Introduction of 5th weekly service, operates on Sundays

Cairo – Lisbon eff 02JUL11 Seasonal increase from 2 to 4 weekly, compared to from 2 to 3 in S10

Cairo – London Heathrow
MS777/778 Continuation of Daily 777-300ER operation
MS779/780 eff 01SEP11 Airbus A330-300 replace -200

Cairo – Malta Flight number change, MS553/554 replaces MS443/444

Cairo – Milan Malpensa 9th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Mumbai 5th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Munich 2 of 7 weekly operated by A330-200, replacing 737-800

Cairo – Paris CDG
MS803/804 eff 07JUN11 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, new flight operates on Tuesdays (overall service to Paris increase from 10 to 11 weekly, compared to 9 in S10)
MS799/800 eff 01AUG11 Airbus A330-300 replace -200

Cairo – Rome Gradual service increase from 9 to 12 weekly, increase on MS793/794 flight:
27MAR11 – 31MAY11 Day 17
01JUN11 – 30JUN11 Day 137
01JUL11 - Day x56

Cairo – Tokyo Narita Continuation of Daily 777-300ER, introduced from 01MAR11

Cairo – Toronto eff 01JUN11 New 3 weekly service on board Boeing 777-300ER (posted on the blog on 01DEC10)

Cairo – Tripoli Increase to 14 weekly in W10 maintained in S11

Hurghada – Geneva Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Luxor – Kuwait Service Reduced to 2 weekly in W10 maintained in S11

Luxor – Paris CDG Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Sharm el Sheikh – Catania Seasonal 1 weekly service resumes with flight number change, MS559/560 replaces MS441/442

Sharm el Sheikh – Jeddah Seasonal 4 weekly service operates 15JUN11 – 31JUL11 only with flight number change, MS573/574 replaces MS449/450

Sharm el Sheikh – Rome Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Sohag – Kuwait Increase from 2 to 4 weekly (same aircraft operation on Cairo – Sohag domestic sector also increases to 4 weekly), operating on Day x237

Further changes are expected for routes mentioned above, as well as other potential new routes to be loaded into the system during the course of next few weeks.

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/02/egyptair-initial-summer-2011-international-operation-changes/

EGYPTAIR/South African Airways to expand codeshare service from Dec 2010

Star Alliance members EGYPTAIR and South African Airways from 05DEC10 begins expanding their codeshare operation, which becomes bilateral codeshare instead of unilateral. EGYPTAIR’s “MS” code is appearing on SAA selected domestic service, as well as to Harare, Lusaka and Mauritius.
In return, SAA is displaying “SA” code on selected EGYPTAIR’s domestic service, as well as to Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Codeshare routes and flight numbers below:
Route MS Codeshare SA Operating
Johannesburg – Cape Town MS9442 SA327
Cape Town – Johannesburg MS9443 SA352
Johannesburg – Durban MS9444 SA543
Durban – Johannesburg MS9445 SA570
Johannesburg – Harare MS9446 SA022
Harare – Johannesburg MS9447 SA023
Johannesburg – Lusaka MS9448 SA062
Lusaka – Johannesburg MS9449 SA063
Johannesburg – Mauritius MS9450 SA190
Mauritius – Johannesburg MS9451 SA191

SA Codeshare MS Operating
Cairo – Luxor SA7181 MS351
Luxor – Cairo SA7180 MS356
Cairo – Sharm el Sheikh SA7183 MS301
Sharm el Sheikh – Cairo SA7182 MS306
Cairo – Abu Dhabi SA7185 MS914
Abu Dhabi – Cairo SA7184 MS915
Cairo – Doha SA7187 MS935
Doha – Cairo SA7186 MS936

EgyptAir, Operated by SAA:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sAqCif-2N9U/TPVtfvYOTiI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SLozqsqQrY8/s800/101201%20mssa.jpg

SAA, Operated by EgyptAir:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sAqCif-2N9U/TPVuIWE0vFI/AAAAAAAAAlc/N_Rd_dUXoEc/s800/101201%20sams.jpg

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/01/sams-codeshare/

EGYPTAIR launch Toronto service from June 2011

As per 01DEC10 GDS timetable display, EGYPTAIR starting 01JUN11 is to launch 3 weekly Cairo – Toronto NONSTOP service on board Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Schedules of the new flight as follows:

MS995 CAI2355 – 0540+1YYZ 77W 357
MS996 YYZ1130 – 0600+1CAI 77W 146

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/01/ms-yyz-s11/

:banana:

ANA plans EGYPTAIR codeshare service

Subject to Government Approval, ANA plans to codeshare on EGYPTAIR’s service between Japan and Cairo, which is already listed on ANA’s January 2011 timetable, but is not available for reservation at present time.
Codeshare flight numbers below:

Route NH Codeshare MS Operating
Osaka – Cairo NH6381 MS963
Cairo – Osaka NH6380 MS962
Osaka – Luxor – Cairo NH6381 MS963
Tokyo Narita – Cairo NH6383 MS965
Cairo – Tokyo Narita NH6382 MS964

http://airlineroute.net/2010/11/30/nhms-codeshare/

EGYPTAIR Initial Summer 2011 International operation changes

As per 02DEC10 GDS timetable display, initial EGYPTAIR planned Summer 2011 International service changes as follows.
Please note further changes are likely.

Cairo – Abu Dhabi MS914/915 29MAR11 – 31AUG11 777-200 replace A330-200

Cairo – Accra / Abidjan

Existing 4 weekly Accra service extends to Abidjan. The Star Alliance member previously served Abidjan but suspended
2 of 4 weekly flights to Accra re-scheduled to night-hours
MS881 CAI0015 – 0330ACC0430 – 0610ABJ 738 23
MS881 CAI0915 – 1230ACC1330 – 1510ABJ 738 46
MS882 ABJ1100 – 1240ACC1340 – 2210CAI 738 23
MS882 ABJ2005 – 2145ACC2245 – 0715+1CAI 738 46

Cairo – Amman MS739/740 increase from 5 weekly to Daily. Overall service increase from 19 to 21 weekly

Cairo – Amsterdam eff 04JUL11 Increase from 6 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Asmara Service remains at 3 weekly, reduction since the launch of 2010 Winter schedule, compared to 5 weekly in S10

Cairo – Athens Reduce from 12 to 10 weekly. Service overall still an increase compared to Daily in S10

Cairo – Bahrain eff 21JUN11 Increase from 5 to 6 weekly

Cairo – Bangkok Daily terminator service with 777-200ER introduced since 15DEC10 is maintained

Cairo – Barcelona Increase from 5 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Beirut Increase from 16 to 21 weekly
MS713 CAI0015 – 0140BEY 738 D
MS709 CAI1000 – 1125BEY 320 D
MS711 CAI1750 – 1915BEY 320 D
MS714 BEY0600 – 0730CAI 738 D
MS710 BEY1225 – 1355CAI 320 D
MS712 BEY2015 – 2145CAI 320 D
MS713/714 currently operates 4 weekly (3 weekly in S10), MS709/710 currently operates 5 weekly (4 weekly in S10)

Cairo – Benghazi Service increase to Daily introduced in W10 maintained in S11
Cairo – Brussels Increase from 6 weekly to Daily

Cairo – Budapest Service increase to Daily introduced in W10 maintained in S11
Cairo – Casablanca Increase from 6 weekly to Daily (5 weekly in S10)

Cairo – Catania Flight number changes MS555/556 and MS557/558 replaces MS445/446 and MS447/448 respectively

Cairo – Copenhagen Introduction of 4th weekly, service operates on Mondays
MS759 CAI1100 – 1445CPH 738 x246
MS760 CPH1545 – 2120CAI 738 x246

Cairo – Damascus MS727/728 Increase from 4 weekly to Daily. Overall service increase from 11 to 14 weekly

Cairo – Doha 5 of 7 weekly Airbus A340-300 replace A320 for entire Summer season (S10 saw A340 operating on selected periods)

Cairo – Dubai Operation in W10 maintained in S11
MS912/913 Daily A330-300
MS910/911 6 weekly A330-300 and 1 weekly 737-800

Cairo – Dusseldorf 4th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Frankfurt eff 01AUG11 Airbus A330-300 enters service, replacing -200 (S10 Daily 737)

Cairo – Guangzhou Nonstop service introduced from 15DEC10 maintained in S11, 4 times a week with 777-200ER

Cairo – Kuwait eff 14JUN11 Introduction of 3rd Daily service, operated by various aircraft type in its fleet
MS614 CAI0015 – 0305KWI EQV D
MS615 KWI0405 – 0650CAI EQV D

Cairo – Larnaca Introduction of 5th weekly service, operates on Sundays

Cairo – Lisbon eff 02JUL11 Seasonal increase from 2 to 4 weekly, compared to from 2 to 3 in S10

Cairo – London Heathrow
MS777/778 Continuation of Daily 777-300ER operation
MS779/780 eff 01SEP11 Airbus A330-300 replace -200

Cairo – Malta Flight number change, MS553/554 replaces MS443/444

Cairo – Milan Malpensa 9th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Mumbai 5th weekly service introduced in W10 maintained in S11

Cairo – Munich 2 of 7 weekly operated by A330-200, replacing 737-800

Cairo – Paris CDG
MS803/804 eff 07JUN11 Increase from 3 to 4 weekly, new flight operates on Tuesdays (overall service to Paris increase from 10 to 11 weekly, compared to 9 in S10)
MS799/800 eff 01AUG11 Airbus A330-300 replace -200

Cairo – Rome Gradual service increase from 9 to 12 weekly, increase on MS793/794 flight:
27MAR11 – 31MAY11 Day 17
01JUN11 – 30JUN11 Day 137
01JUL11 - Day x56

Cairo – Tokyo Narita Continuation of Daily 777-300ER, introduced from 01MAR11

Cairo – Toronto eff 01JUN11 New 3 weekly service on board Boeing 777-300ER (posted on the blog on 01DEC10)

Cairo – Tripoli Increase to 14 weekly in W10 maintained in S11

Hurghada – Geneva Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Luxor – Kuwait Service Reduced to 2 weekly in W10 maintained in S11

Luxor – Paris CDG Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Sharm el Sheikh – Catania Seasonal 1 weekly service resumes with flight number change, MS559/560 replaces MS441/442

Sharm el Sheikh – Jeddah Seasonal 4 weekly service operates 15JUN11 – 31JUL11 only with flight number change, MS573/574 replaces MS449/450

Sharm el Sheikh – Rome Seasonal 1 weekly service appears to be not operating in S11

Sohag – Kuwait Increase from 2 to 4 weekly (same aircraft operation on Cairo – Sohag domestic sector also increases to 4 weekly), operating on Day x237

Further changes are expected for routes mentioned above, as well as other potential new routes to be loaded into the system during the course of next few weeks.

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/02/egyptair-initial-summer-2011-international-operation-changes/

EGYPTAIR/South African Airways to expand codeshare service from Dec 2010

Star Alliance members EGYPTAIR and South African Airways from 05DEC10 begins expanding their codeshare operation, which becomes bilateral codeshare instead of unilateral. EGYPTAIR’s “MS” code is appearing on SAA selected domestic service, as well as to Harare, Lusaka and Mauritius.
In return, SAA is displaying “SA” code on selected EGYPTAIR’s domestic service, as well as to Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Codeshare routes and flight numbers below:
Route MS Codeshare SA Operating
Johannesburg – Cape Town MS9442 SA327
Cape Town – Johannesburg MS9443 SA352
Johannesburg – Durban MS9444 SA543
Durban – Johannesburg MS9445 SA570
Johannesburg – Harare MS9446 SA022
Harare – Johannesburg MS9447 SA023
Johannesburg – Lusaka MS9448 SA062
Lusaka – Johannesburg MS9449 SA063
Johannesburg – Mauritius MS9450 SA190
Mauritius – Johannesburg MS9451 SA191

SA Codeshare MS Operating
Cairo – Luxor SA7181 MS351
Luxor – Cairo SA7180 MS356
Cairo – Sharm el Sheikh SA7183 MS301
Sharm el Sheikh – Cairo SA7182 MS306
Cairo – Abu Dhabi SA7185 MS914
Abu Dhabi – Cairo SA7184 MS915
Cairo – Doha SA7187 MS935
Doha – Cairo SA7186 MS936

EgyptAir, Operated by SAA:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sAqCif-2N9U/TPVtfvYOTiI/AAAAAAAAAlY/SLozqsqQrY8/s800/101201%20mssa.jpg

SAA, Operated by EgyptAir:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sAqCif-2N9U/TPVuIWE0vFI/AAAAAAAAAlc/N_Rd_dUXoEc/s800/101201%20sams.jpg

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/01/sams-codeshare/

EGYPTAIR launch Toronto service from June 2011

As per 01DEC10 GDS timetable display, EGYPTAIR starting 01JUN11 is to launch 3 weekly Cairo – Toronto NONSTOP service on board Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Schedules of the new flight as follows:

MS995 CAI2355 – 0540+1YYZ 77W 357
MS996 YYZ1130 – 0600+1CAI 77W 146

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/01/ms-yyz-s11/

:banana:

ANA plans EGYPTAIR codeshare service

Subject to Government Approval, ANA plans to codeshare on EGYPTAIR’s service between Japan and Cairo, which is already listed on ANA’s January 2011 timetable, but is not available for reservation at present time.
Codeshare flight numbers below:

Route NH Codeshare MS Operating
Osaka – Cairo NH6381 MS963
Cairo – Osaka NH6380 MS962
Osaka – Luxor – Cairo NH6381 MS963
Tokyo Narita – Cairo NH6383 MS965
Cairo – Tokyo Narita NH6382 MS964

http://airlineroute.net/2010/11/30/nhms-codeshare/

^^

So EgyptAir is starting Abidjan again, after 6 years of absence :cheers:

It's a summary of the recent African Airlines Association meeting in Addis Ababa.

The current (weak) state of African Aviation is worrying. Foreign companies are flocking to the African markets and the competition will be extremely hard for domestic airlines once they settle.

It's a long read but an interesting one.

By Kirubel Tadesse

‘United we stand, divided we fall’: Girma Wake

Africa’s growing aviation sector is facing fierce competition from foreign carriers that have continued to flock into the continent, a new report by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has indicated.

African industry elites such as Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake, say the solution is cooperation among African carriers.

Gathered in Addis Ababa for its 42nd meeting, AFRAA – the association of 32 African airlines – says its members are not taking the right share from the traffic growth rate being registered across Africa.

The traffic growth rate in Africa is projected by various studies to be higher than the world average. IATA forecasts that over the next three years passenger traffic to and from the continent will have an annual growth rate of 6.5 percent, making it among the fastest in the world.

Boeing and Airbus – the competing aircraft manufacturers – also put forward a glimmer picture for what the future holds for Africa’s aviation market.

Boeing forecasts Africa will need 710 aircraft in the twenty years period to 2029 worth about eighty billion dollars while Airbus has forecast 1,270 new aircraft deliveries between 2009 and 2028. A large part of this fortune could be going to carriers coming from outside.

“There is even talk of a scramble for Africa by carriers from outside the continent and yet already non-African carriers transport over 70 percent of international traffic to and from the continent,” the AFRAA report reveals.
The Lufthansa Group for example has about 220 flights a week to 33 African destinations. Several Middle Eastern and Asian carriers like Emirates, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Air India and Cathay Pacific fly into the continent.
China Southern and China Eastern have operations into Africa which are expected to expand in the future. Delta Airlines which began its presence in 2006 has continued to increase its operations.

Ethiopian CEO Girma Wake, who leads the carrier that ranks number one on the continent in profits it pocketed last year, says the remedy for the African carriers is to unite: “unless we are able to forge and implement a vision of real unity, our industry will simply wither away in the coming years,” Girma warns.
Girma says while some foreign carriers have eight out of ten of their most profitable routes within Africa, there aren’t even that many profitable African airlines.

Offering each other expensive trainings and maintenance against a reasonable price are among the cooperative solutions Girma suggests. They could help African carriers reducing their ever increasing costs.

“With a view to reduce our costs, we could, for example, devise ways of buying handling and catering services from one another within Africa, and jointly outside Africa at reasonable rates. We could also jointly purchase fuel, oil, insurance and other products in order to gain advantage of economies of scale,” Girma laid out his vision to fellow leaders of African carriers.

According to the CEO, African carriers need to forge a new partnership to formulate specific code sharing arrangements among African carriers in a way that benefits both small and large carriers.

Girma also calls for the Yamoussoukro Decision to be realized: “the African sky was declared free for Africans by African leaders in 1999. This was over a decade ago. So far implementation has been relatively slow. This has only served the interests of non-African carriers. It is time to change this predicament.”

Girma says Africa is only asking a right share, not all of it. “The question is whether we, African airlines, will benefit from this market or whether foreign carrier will be left alone to profit from it. The answer can be summed up in one sentence: as the saying goes united we stand, divided we fall.” The 32 African airlines at the conclusion of their two-day meeting have vowed to cooperate.

On a positive note, recently an executive agency, AFCAC, has been put in place to aid the Yamoussoukro Decision implementations. However, AFRAA admits that the challenge to ensure its total implementation as to completely open up the African market to African carriers sill persists.

Global Advertising strategies selected as agency of record for EgyptAir in N.America

EGYPTAIR, the national carrier of Egypt, has chosen New York-based Global Advertising Strategies ("Global") as agency of record for the airline's new rebranding campaign in North America. In partnership with Global, EGYPTAIR will engage in an extensive marketing outreach designed to position EGYPTAIR as the premier carrier to the Middle East and Africa, as well as to highlight its newly upgraded fleet and sophisticated in-flight experience.
A Star Alliance member, EGYPTAIR recently expanded its fleet to include Boeing 777-300ER widebody jets. The airline has also bolstered its upscale in-flight services, and now offers amenities including a large entertainment selection, comfortable flat bed seating and enhanced fine dining options. Global's award-winning airline branding and positioning strategies will highlight the level of service as well as the world-class amenities of the carrier. The agency, recognized for its effective and innovative cross-cultural outreach, will also reposition the airline among the expat community in the United States, emphasizing the cultural competence of EGYPTAIR's services.

"We have set out to position EGYPTAIR as the premier carrier to the Middle East and Africa for the North American market," said Anna Abelson, Global's travel marketing expert. "The launch has called upon our deep knowledge of travel branding and we are thrilled to unveil the airline's new offerings."

Global's dynamic media mix includes traditional as well as innovative vehicles to ensure a vast audience reach. Placement in the leading consumer and trade print outlets will coincide with placements in ethnic print and online news outlets to precisely target the expat community. Out-of-home messaging will be displayed in appropriate ethnic neighborhoods, reaching travelers frequently flying to Cairo and beyond. The campaign features branded double-decker buses in New York City as well as prominent video displays on the Reuters and NASDAQ screens in Times Square.

"The strategy is focused on leveraging the media synergy of various channels to amplify the messaging and maximize the brand's impact," said Marcos Sanchez, VP of Client Services at Global.

Securing the video display in Times Square plays a vital role in increasing the public's brand knowledge and recognition. Set to launch in December, the video display will run for 30 consecutive days, reaching millions of New Yorkers and visitors, as well as television viewers of the New Year's Eve countdown broadcast.

"We are excited to launch our marketing efforts in partnership with Global Advertising Strategies, an award winning international travel marketing agency," said Sameh A. Aziz Helmi, EGYPTAIR's Regional Manager, North America. "Global's travel marketing expertise, their knowledge of the markets and target audience as well as understanding of cross-cultural marketing has assured us of a successful campaign outcome."

http://pr-canada.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=307163&Itemid=59

Times Square? I want to see this ad :cheers:

http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/graphics/body/corporate/etlogo.jpg http://www.ethiopianairlines.com/en/graphics/body/corporate/airChaina.jpg

Ethiopian Signs Code Share Deal with Air China

Ethiopian Airlines is pleased to announce that it has entered into a code share agreement with Air China. The code share agreement strengthens Ethiopian’s partnership with one of the global airlines in China, allowing passengers of both carriers to have wider choices of services between Asia and Africa. Currently, Air China operates 925 daily departures to 156 scheduled destinations throughout the world.

Under this agreement, the two carriers jointly provide fourteen weekly flights on the Addis Ababa Guangzhou and Addis Ababa Beijing routes. The new code share will also strengthen Ethiopian’s flight network between Addis Ababa and Asian countries. Likewise, the agreement will provide Asian customers seamless connection via Addis Ababa to vast Ethiopian network in Africa.

Air China, the member of Star Alliance, is the world’s largest carrier by market capitalization with a capacity of flights each week worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Africa, continues to enhance its network by means of code share agreements with several regional and international carriers in Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Qatar Airways increased flights to East Africa

Qatar Airways on Thursday announced an expansion of its East African network with 12 additional flights across two capital cities – Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.The daily Nairobi – Doha flights have increased to 12-flights-a-week. From January 3, an additional two flights will take capacity up to double daily. The expansion comes after five successful years of operations to Kenya’s capital city.The Tanzanian capital, Dar Es Salaam, currently served daily, will receive an additional four flights a week from January 2. An additional flight from February 14 will take frequency up to 12 weekly services.

Both routes are operated with an A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.

The African subcontinent is one of Qatar Airways’ largest markets by the number of destinations served – and the region alone makes up over 10 percent of the airline’s international network.

Qatar Airways, the award-winning Doha-based airline currently flies to 14 cities across Africa, including Alexandria, Algiers, Cairo, Luxor, Casablanca, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Lagos, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Seychelles, Tripoli and Tunis.

From each of these cities, the airline offers convenient connections via its Doha hub to many points on the airline’s network covering Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and North and South America.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “We are pleased to introduce additional capacity to Africa and offer the travelling public greater options for air travel to and from the region.

“As part of our growth strategy, we continue to step up frequency on existing routes, which is a strong lever to facilitate growth in the business and tourism sectors.

“We have been serving Nairobi since November 2005 and this has proved one of our biggest success stories in Africa, so we are extremely pleased to be offering our passengers even more choice with additional frequency going up to double daily,” he added.

“Similarly, the Dar Es Salaam route has performed exceptionally well, almost four years old, having launched in January 2007.”

FSX = the best thing ever. Agreed Fsx is my favorite i will spend at the most 4 hours a day :D im still waiting for someone to make a Eritrean 763ER or an Ethiopian 763ER/772LR

Rwanda and Egypt are in talks to forge an aviation deal that could see either RwandAir or Egyptair operate direct flights between Kigali and Cairo, Egyptian Envoy to Rwanda said yesterday.

Ambassador Khaled Abdel Rahman told Business Times that discussions are ongoing as both countries look to bolster ties.

“There will be soon, a direct airline between Kigali and Egypt – this will help to encourage businessmen and companies to come to Egypt,” he said shortly after paying a courtesy call on Defense Minister, Gen. James Kabarebe.

“We also talked about the importance of enhancing the bilateral relations in the economic domain.”

The Minister of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, explained that: “We have made a request and there is willingness on both sides – we are still reviewing the contents of the old bilateral agreement.”

“We are talking of Rwandair on the Rwandan side and Egyptair on the Egyptian side,” Karega said.

In July 2009, during celebrations to mark the Egyptian National day, in Kigali, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rosemary Museminali, announced the two countries were set to sign a protocol that would set up the Rwanda - Egypt Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).

The JPC was to, among other things, put in place a framework under which economic cooperation between the two countries would be undertaken, especially in areas including trade, agriculture and water management.

Ends

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/print.php?issue=14484&print&article=36863

Congo Express.

Lubumbashi-Johannesburg, Kinshasa-Johannesburg , Kinshasa-MbujiMayi-Lubumbashi

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/6/4/6/62534_1281292646.jpg

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab359/SAA738/058.jpg

Ethiopian sees 10 bln USD annual income as of 2025

Addis Ababa, January 2, 2011 (Addis Ababa) - The Ethiopian Airlines disclosed plan to raise its annual revenue to 10 billion USD in 15 years.

Ethiopian in its 15-year strategic plan envisages increasing its annual income to 10 billon USD by 2025.

The newly appointed chief executive officer and management board of Ethiopian took up their duties on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of the new management board, Addisu Legesse said introduction of the 15-year strategic plan of Ethiopian is essential for the advancement of the carrier. It is also crucial for the realization of five-year national Growth and Transformation Plan.

The new chief CEO of Ethiopian, Tewelde Gebremariam for his part said over the coming years, the carrier would be restructured into seven independent departments.

Having transformed itself into an aviation team the will be working harder to boost its income, Tewolde added.

According to the strategic plan, Ethiopian will fly 13 million international customers to 92 destinations annually using 70 jet planes.

It also will carry 5 million domestic customers to 26 destinations using 27 turbo planes.

Jumbo cargo planes will be deployed to boost its annual cargo capacity to 700,000 ton according to a report filed by Ethiopian Radio and Televison Agency.


source (http://ena.gov.et/EnglishNews/2011/Jan/02Jan11/130224.htm)

The network and timetable are reveal:

http://airlineroute.net/2011/01/05/dn-w10/

web site :
http://www.senegalairlines.aero/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/thumb/b/b4/SNG_A320_6V-AIH.JPG/800px-SNG_A320_6V-AIH.JPG
http://www.xibar.net/photo/art/default/2567458-3621309.jpg?v=1293059445
http://www.xibar.net/photo/art/default/2567458-3621310.jpg?v=1293059494

http://video.senego.com/senegal-airlines/voila-son-premier-avion-airbus-320-video_fc5774331.html

Hope that is the biginning of a long success storie !!!

http://www.pagewebcongo.com/mailing/caa/images_kinshasa_entebbe/kinshasa_entebbe2.jpg

Congo Express.

Lubumbashi-Johannesburg, Kinshasa-Johannesburg , Kinshasa-MbujiMayi-Lubumbashi

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/6/4/6/62534_1281292646.jpg

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab359/SAA738/058.jpg

Butembo...I like the color scheme...so nice...why don't they start Lubumbashi-Dar-Lubumbashi? Precisionair was supposed to start Dar-Lubumbashi-Luanda-Lubumbashi-Dar...I think they have not got landing rights in Luanda.

wanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) says it has recorded an increase of 25 percent in its revenue on account of increased air traffic and airport users over the last three years at Kigali International Airport.

Statistics from the body which oversees and regulates the aviation industry in Rwanda show that it grew by 20 percent with approximately 300,000 passengers registered by the end of last year while the number flights increased from 60 in 2009 to 100 flights last year.

In an exclusive interview with Business Times yesterday, Richard Masozera the Director General of RCAA attributed the growth in revenue to the automation of car park which has improved the efficiency in financial collection.

The system offers a diverse range of information to meet security needs and reduce the likelihood of small funds being mismanaged.

"In 2010 the aviation industry recorded significant achievements in daily operations, in infrastructure development, flight safety, air navigation and human resource development," he said.

Rwanda is benefiting from increased inflow of air traffic particularly from USA, the UK, Japan, Germany and the East Africa Community.

"We are benefiting from an improved national economy and also a recovery from the Global Financial Crisis," Masozera said.

Masozera observed that the industry is experiencing a growth in traffic volumes, a trend that is likely to continue throughout this year following the entry of KLM and Air Uganda in to the market last year.
Relevant Links

* Central Africa
* Rwanda
* Transport
* Business

"With more entrants in the market and with the opening of new routes by the National carrier, Kigali will be a transit point in the region," he emphasized.

Increase in scheduled flights this year is expected to trim cargo flight costs and significantly increase horticulture exports.

"With daily flights to the Middle East and Europe, the opportunities of fresh produce to hit the European market have increased, but cargo airline needs the organization of farmers ... to sustain the volumes which can ration an airline," he said recently in a parallel interview.

It's projected that 2011 will see more air-traffic increase with the amended and fresh Bilateral Air service Agreements (BASAs).

Interested countries include; Belgium, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Egypt and The Netherlands.

All africa

The first B737-800 is planning to join the fleet in the 3rd quarter 2011. RwandAir will be the first african airline to have the new Boeing Sky Interior.

RwandAir, the national carrier said, last week, that it recorded a steady growth in passenger traffic of around 18 to 20 percent in 2010 after it expanded its operations amid growing completion in EAC’s aviation industry.

“We have realised a steady growth in passenger numbers since the new equipment has enabled the opening of new destination,” the airline’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Michael Otieno told Business Times.

The airline uplifted a minimum of 10,000 passengers monthly in the course of 2010, mainly boosted by more capacity on routes like Johannesburg and the launch of new routes like Mombasa and Dubai in the last quarter of 2010, he said.

The company is poised to maintain the trend on account of this year’s anticipated increase in travel demand.
“Passenger revenues definitely grew with the fleet and network expansion. Worthy to note however is that the cost of operation has also increased significantly due to the acquisition of new aircraft and new routes,” Otieno said.

He added that as their operations stabilise they forecast growth on the passenger revenues in 2011, however, they are also keen to diversify and grow other revenue streams as an airline.

Rwandair is currently facing competition from different carriers from the region but, Otieno said that each airline operating out of Kigali has unique products for passengers, hence more travel options.

“Where we have mutually realized we are duplicating efforts we have pursued agreements like code shares and on other fronts we have entered agreements that can have benefits for our clients beyond our network,” he said.

Ends

Rwanda New times

EgyptAir Maintenance Services first European Aircraft in Egypt.

^^

Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Ahmed Shafiq talks during an event at the Egypt Air Maintenance and Engineering facilities in Cairo January 20, 2011. Italy signed an agreement on Thursday with Egypt Air to carry out maintenance work for its Alitalia aircraft.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0f97daR49ZaJH/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05e591M2dq5yy/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dPJ2Qj82k3iw/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01sGh1A92tdk8/x610.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bE6bUC3z55el/x610.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01D18bMf6s7o4/610x.jpg

Butembo...I like the color scheme...so nice...why don't they start Lubumbashi-Dar-Lubumbashi? Precisionair was supposed to start Dar-Lubumbashi-Luanda-Lubumbashi-Dar...I think they have not got landing rights in Luanda.

The Market is focused on J'burg-Lubumbashi-Kinshasa, Kinshasa-Lubumbashi-J'burg.

Its owned 50-50% by Kongolese and South Africans. due to growing trade between the 2 countries, thats how they came up with that. Its just for express flights.

UAE investor helps launch Djibouti national carrier

Dubai: A UAE private investor and the Djibouti government will launch its new national carrier, Djibouti Air, by end of February, Gulf News has learned.

Operations will start with one aircraft and the first flight will be Djibouti to Dubai on February 22, company chief executive Shabab Attarzadeh told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.

Ebrahim Saeed Lootah, chairman of real estate and construction Lootah Group, is the board member and majority shareholder in the airline.

Initial service to Dubai will see six-weekly flights as the airline builds its network.

Within the first six months, the carrier also plans to launch flights to Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Kenya.

Subsequently, it will expand into Europe and East Asia, while increasing frequencies to Middle Eastern countries.

Djibouti Air's launch strategy will be to undercut the market fares.

Two-class flights

"The airline will start with a Boeing 737-200, which will be followed with the second in 20 days," Attarzadeh said.

Launch aircraft will have a two-class configuration of Business and Economy, with eight and 112 seats respectively.

The second aircraft is a 737-300 with a total capacity of 145 seats, including eight in business class.

"The recipe is a hub-and-spoke model whereby we bring passengers to destinations within our network, from where they can travel to anywhere in the world," Attarzadeh said when asked about the driving force behind the expected success of the airline.

"By focusing on key markets like Kenya, Yemen and Somalia, the airline has a great chance of being highly successful — particularly in the absence of rivals between these countries," said Saj Ahmad in London, an airline analyst at FBE Aerospace.

Under served

Ahmad said by offering dual class seating, Djibouti Air could tap into a premium market that is widely viewed as under served.

"Not only does this allow them to better price their economy seats, but they'll be able to derive and drive revenue higher much more quickly in contrast to some low cost airlines that operate with a single class of cabin," Ahmad said.

Tapping into the highly populated neighbouring country of Ethiopia and capturing transiting passengers from Dubai, Attar-zadeh said the airline in the first month of operations expects to be able to service 1,500 passengers.

While Djibouti's local population is under a million, it provides a significant opportunity for European flights as it hosts France's largest foreign military base.

Investment

Lootah's investment is not the first by the UAE in Djibouti as Dubai's conglomerate Dubai World has vested interest and assets there under its subsidiary DP World. The global ports operator manages Djibouti Ambouli International Airport which is also the military base for French and US forces.

"The airline is planned in such a way that we will be connecting the horn of Africa to the world," Attarzadeh said.

Ahmad said: "The biggest challenge, however, will remain getting favourable airport slot timings as well as access to newer generation aircraft ... Djibouti would do well to lease newer airplanes."

* 1,500 passengers to be served in airline's first month
* 145 seats on airline's second aircraft, a 737-300
* 120 seats on airline's first aircraft, in two classes

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-investor-helps-launch-djibouti-national-carrier-1.754560


I thought Djibouti already had a national carrier :?

Congo Express.

Lubumbashi-Johannesburg, Kinshasa-Johannesburg , Kinshasa-MbujiMayi-Lubumbashi

http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/2/6/4/6/62534_1281292646.jpg

http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab359/SAA738/058.jpg

I just checked the internet site of this company and I was surprised by the expensive prices for a domestic fly. About 645 USD!! That more our less what is it cost for a intercontinental flight between America and Europe in the cheapest carriers. :nuts::nuts:

First picture of Korongo Airlines BAe-146-200:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Korongo-Airlines/British-Aerospace-BAe-146-200/1860099/L/

OneJetOne Kenya,I wonder if they are serious enough to start flights
http://www.onejetone.com/images/main.jpg

OneJetOne is Kenya’s first domestic, regional and international low cost/budget airline set to launch in 2011.The fleet will consist of Airbus A319/A320 and A330, flying to and from our Nairobi hub, to all major cities in Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Hi Jamaax

The airline planned to start flight in 2009, but there were some conflicts with Kenya Airways, cause OnejetOne planned to use the former Nairobi terminal in JKIA. But KQ said that, "we also need this terminal to expand our activity, the actual terminal is too little".

OJO started to hire staff in 2009 and 2010, but no news about the first flight.

http://www.pagewebcongo.com/mailing/caa/images_kinshasa_entebbe/kinshasa_entebbe2.jpg

It's strange cause it seems that HBA also started flights to Entebbe.

SAA's Charlotte Maxeke

Source of Pictures Malcolm Reid 2011, Avcom.co.za


http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13479:saa-gets-ready-to-receive-first-a330&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

South African Airways (SAA) is taking delivery of the first of six new A330-200s from France tonight. The aircraft is being leased as part of SAA’s drive to modernise its fleet.

An SAA delegation is in France to accept the first aircraft at Airbus’s headquarters in Toulouse, and will be joined by Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba, who arrives there today.

President Jacob Zuma will receive the aircraft when it arrives in Cape Town tomorrow.

SAA is leasing the six A330-200 from aircraft leasing company AirCastle, but although they are being leased, the aircraft were built to SAA’s specifications and feature a refreshed cabin interior and enhanced in-flight entertainment system.

The twin-engine wide-body aircraft will replace SAA’s six ageing A340-200s, which are leased from Airbus. However, the carrier will keep its six A340-300s and nine A340-600s.

The new aircraft forms part of the national carrier’s fleet renewal project with new, more efficient aircraft replacing old ones. The A330 is one of the most widely used long haul aircraft in service today and is significantly more fuel efficient than the four-engine A340.

SAA will also receive 20 new Airbus A320s, worth $1 billion, between 2013 and 2015.

In 2009 SAA posted a R398 million net profit, up from a R1.085 billion loss in 2008 and losses the previous six years. Its 2010 it recorded a pre-tax profit of R595 million for the year to March.

Meanwhile, some SAA ground staff went on strike last Thursday. Employees affiliated with the South African Transport and Allied Worker’s Union (Satawu) had been negotiating with SAA when talks broke down, leading to a strike action notice. However, SAA received an interdict preventing ground staff from going on strike. As only around 50 employees went ahead with the strike, there was little impact on the airline’s operations

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/MalcolmR/Waterkloof%2012%20Feb%2011/ZS-SXZ-IMG_8634-800.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/MalcolmR/Waterkloof%2012%20Feb%2011/ZS-SXZ-IMG_8644-800.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/MalcolmR/Waterkloof%2012%20Feb%2011/ZS-SXZ-IMG_8651-800.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt76/MalcolmR/Waterkloof%2012%20Feb%2011/ZS-SXZ-IMG_8657-800.jpg

Hi Jamaax

The airline planned to start flight in 2009, but there were some conflicts with Kenya Airways, cause OnejetOne planned to use the former Nairobi terminal in JKIA. But KQ said that, "we also need this terminal to expand our activity, the actual terminal is too little".

OJO started to hire staff in 2009 and 2010, but no news about the first flight.
Yes,I understand!They will start this year if things go well.KQ will start having a lot of international Kenyan competitors even the European routes:lol:

Construction of the remaining two Ethiopian Airlines B777. Posted in the Ethiopian forum by skyliner123, pic taken by jahnyjet.

http://www.johnnyjet.com/photos/Seattle-Washington-Boeing-Plant-Tour-777-787-2010-32.jpg

http://www.johnnyjet.com/photos/Seattle-Washington-Boeing-Plant-Tour-777-787-2010-26.jpg

http://www.johnnyjet.com/photos/Seattle-Washington-Boeing-Plant-Tour-777-787-2010-36.jpg

http://www.johnnyjet.com/photos/Seattle-Washington-Boeing-Plant-Tour-777-787-2010-14.jpg

Air Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines codeshare partnership boosts travel options

LAGOS—The codeshare partnership between Air Nigeria and Ethiopian Airlines on November 10, 2010, took effect today, with a pledge by the Nigerian carrier to boost travel options for travellers.

The activation of this codeshare started today February 22, 2011.

The partnership, according to Air Nigeria, will bring seamless onward connections to Addis Ababa and beyond for Air Nigeria customers and easy connections for Ethiopian Airlines’ customers to West and Central African destinations on Air Nigeria.

“From today 22nd February, customers would be able to purchase their Lagos – Addis Ababa and Addis Ababa–Lagos sectors with Air Nigeria using flight numbers VK1501 and VK1500 respectively.

“The codeshare which is now fully operational makes it possible for passengers to access the benefit of the route network of both carriers, giving them access to 15 destinations on the Air Nigeria network and more than 50 destinations on the Ethiopian Airline network.

“Air Nigeria understands the impact that convenient air service has on business development and the activation of the codeshare with Ethiopian Airlines will further help to boost trade ties within the African continent,” the airline stated.

The codeshare is coming on the heels of an existing Technical Agreement between both partners, which provides Air Nigeria with technical support and training.

According to the airline, the partnership demonstrates what the future holds for the African aviation industry, when well established African carriers leverage their strengths in mutually beneficial partnerships.

Air Nigeria added: “It is worthy of note that Air Nigeria also has an existing and functional codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways to Nairobi, and is in advanced discussions with Delta Airlines regarding a codeshare partnership between Nigeria and the USA.”http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/02/air-nigeria-ethiopian-airlines-codeshare-partnership-boosts-travel-options/

Nasair and Eritrean Merge
Despite of so many challenges, the civil aviation services was able to function on regular basis. In this third phase, NassAir and Eritrean Airlines have been merged together and this would help bring about better outcome.
Not that anyone cares but here it is

Has the Eritrean air service been somewhat profitable?

The Nigeria-Ethiopia flight service merger is good for travelers and African Airlines..I think it will be a while before most African companies can criss cross the continent, talk less of the world...but some are in better positions for flight coverage on parts of the continent, so sharing it can prevent crazy layovers some companies do now :dunno:

Has the Eritrean air service been somewhat profitable?

The Nigeria-Ethiopia flight service merger is good for travelers and African Airlines..I think it will be a while before most African companies can criss cross the continent, talk less of the world...but some are in better positions for flight coverage on parts of the continent, so sharing it can prevent crazy layovers some companies do now :dunno:

Well i think it has been profitable otherwise Lufthansa wouldve left ages ago and Eritrean airlines is a dormant airline and they dont even use their aircraft which is just sitting there on the Asmara tarmac. But i got the news from the gov website so there must be a little bit of truth in it. Africa has potential its just the Gov. are controlling the airlines, they need to privatize it and Eritrean airlines is a gov. owned airline while Nasair is privately owned so i dont even know how it will work it, heard they are profitable though. :horse:

This is good to hear, hopefully Eritrean Airlines will start flying again.

Firm to begin assembly of aircraft in Nigeria Written by Shola Adekola, Lagos
Monday, March 7, 2011


Nigeria may soon gain another international recognition through the aviation sector as plans are underway for the assemblage of aircraft to begin in Nigeria.

The promoter of the venture, 3i Nigeria Aviation, is already reviewing and evaluating five states of Oyo, Benue, Niger and Enugu as likely assembly sites.


The commencement of the project will greatly reduce the cost of owning and operating airplanes in the country.


According to the Chief executive of 3i Aviation, Alex Nwuba, the firm's assembly plant would help to revive dying airports that before now had suffered limited flight service, while the idea would support agriculture, advertising and economic development.


To address the peculiar Nigerian market challenges with limited aviation gas, Nwuba noted that the aircraft engines would operate on automotive fuel and should see about four years of use on average before an overhaul.


He reiterated that business people could now learn to operate and own a private aircraft and could get more done and most importantly the project would revive Nigeria's dead general aviation sector.


Nwuba, who was a former managing director of Associated Airlines, disclosed that his firm had also concluded arrangement to establish one assembly site, two flight training centres with the capacity to create as many as 500 high paying technology jobs.

http://odili.net/news/source/2011/mar/7/611.html

"The 787 Dreamliner fits perfectly into our fleet strategy and offers Kenya Airways the opportunity to reach out across the globe.

In welcoming people to experience the wide open spaces and friendly charm found here in Africa," said Titus Naikuni, CEO of Kenya Airways.

More info on that Eritrean-Nasair Merger:
Eritrean Airlines and Nasair have merged

According to Mr. Woldemichael Abraha, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Eritrean airlines and Eritrea's privately owned Nasair have recently been merged together [1].

Nasair first started operations in 2006 from its headquarters in Massawa and conducts four times a week domestic flights to and from Massawa and Asmara, as well as making twice a week international flights to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan and Kenya [2].

Currently, Nasair staffs 75 Eritrean nationals, including its manager Mr. Berhane Mehari, and provides their services through 3 kinds of Boeing made 737-200 planes[3]. Prior to the recent merger with Eritrean airlines, Nasair was in talks to purchase a larger Boeing made 737-400 plane to provide flights to Europe and other distant locations [4].

Mr. Abraha further indicated that Massawa's recently constructed international airport will commence operation this year and added Nasair had opened a new ticket office in downtown Asmara.
Nasair must really be doing well. Last year they only had 2 planes and now they are already going on their 4th. Maybe the 767 Eritrean has in storage can come back into service?

And some more.

Eritrea’s dictator Isaias Afwerki is personally supervising the negotiations to bring in Pakistani Airways to manage Eritrean Airlines. The agreement envisions a Pakistani management, which includes a General Manager, a Chief Operating Officer and a Financial manager, to take over the administration of Eritrean Airlines.

If the negotiations succeed, this will be the fourth launch for Eritrean Airlines.
If the deal goes through and the Pakistani management team’s condition is observed, it would mean that Eritrean Airlines would run as an independent private company whose management reports to a Board of Directors. The ticket office will not receive stamped order papers to issue tickets to the employees of the regime and their families. The Eritrean regime would have to buy its tickets like any other customer. But the ruling regime is not used to paying for services from providers which it owns, and it is not familiar at all with the rigors of audited financial statements or parliamentary oversight over its operations, so skepticism has been the natural reaction.

The Pakistani management team is also recommending that Eritrean Airlines cease long haul routes and instead to concentrate on routes to and from the Middle Eastern and African countries that are close to Eritrea and within a four hour flight range. This will mean replacing its fleet of Boeing 767 and a McDonnell-Douglas (MD-83) with smaller aircrafts—four small planes are expected to be purchased or leased soon. Pakistan and Qatar will provide the consultancy and financing and the Eritrean regime will campaign the Diaspora Eritreans to buy shares of the new Eritrean Airlines. The Diaspora Eritreans who consider the ruling regime an investment of sorts have been reliable when it comes to throwing good money after bad.

Meanwhile, negotiations are also underway to have Emirate Airlines and Qatar to provide connection flight to and from Asmara for travelers from the rest of the world.

* Queen Bee with its symbolism of drones and worker bees devoted to death to the protection of their queen is favorite metaphor of the ruling regime.

This is good news.

Nouvelles couleurs pour la Camair Co

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=camair+co&view=detail&id=A412E270F582E6EA17727ABF25DE830D1E43C291&first=1&FORM=IDFRIR

NASAIR Changes Name To NASAIR ERITREA
Asmara, 25 March 2011 - NASAIR disclosed that it has changed its name to NASAIR ERITREA because there exists another company with the same name, and not because it merged with Eritrean Airlines.

The privately-owned airlines told ERINA that Eritrean Airlines is its work partnership, and that as of April 2 it would begin international flights to Dubai, Jeddah, Khartoum and Nairobi bearing the new name. Besides, it would launch domestic flights to Massawa and Assab.

Moreover, NASAIR ERITREA has organized charter flights to and fro Europe on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations.

Meanwhile, the Eritrean Airlines has authorized a foreign company to handle administrative matters, and that it would soon re-launch its operations.
I got bored so I made a new logo. Haha. http://i.imgur.com/SIFf1.png
But heres their current:http://www.shabait.com/images/stories/Pictures/--------------------------------------------nasair.jpg

Yours looks better. :D

Lol Thanks!

ASKY Airlines is Expanding in West Africa


ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian's partner in West Africa, is expanding with more flights and more destinations.

ASKY has new flights to Yaoundé and Bangui, and, starting 27 March, ASKY will introduce service to Malabo.

Passengers from Cotonou, Conakry, and Niamey can connect to Ethiopian's worldwide network via its daily flight between Lomé and Addis Ababa, while passengers from Monrovia, Freetown and Banjul can connect via Ethiopian's daily flight between Accra and Addis Ababa. Getting from West Africa to Asia has never been easier.

http://www.flyasky.com/asky/box-7-New-destination.html

http://www.flyasky.com/asky/public/images/promotion/asky-30122010155247-asky_nos_destinations.jpg

from eTNW:

ZJ connects Cape Town with Livingstone and Vic Falls
13 Wed, Apr 2011

STARTING June 30, Zambezi Airlines will introduce new flights connecting Cape Town directly with Livingstone and on to Lusaka.

Flights from Cape Town are scheduled to operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will depart at 08h00, arriving in Livingstone at 11h10. Flights will then depart Livingstone at 11h55, arriving in Lusaka at 12h55.

The return service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departing Lusaka at 12h15, arriving in Livingstone at 13h15. From Livingstone flights will depart at 14h00, arriving in Cape Town at 17h10.

Connecting passengers between Lusaka and Cape Town, in both directions, will not be required to disembark in Livingstone and baggage will be tagged through to the final destination. Zambian entry and exit customs and immigration will be cleared in Lusaka.

The airline is also in the process of finalising plans to offer a bus transfer service between Livingstone and Victoria Falls that will be published as a ZJ number on GDS systems. The will allow BSP through-ticketing between Cape Town and Victoria Falls and between Lusaka and Victoria Falls.

Flights will be operated by a B737-500, configured in 99 economy seats and 12 business-class seats.

For more details refer to TNW April 20.

RAM B787. Picture posted by Gadiri. Source : Facebook of the Moroccan minister of industry and new technologies.

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/1636/67764555.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...&type=1&ref=nf

See the photos of Airbus A340-300 and 200 in Sao Paulo Airport - Guarulhos (GRU/SBGR).

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/3/4/1/1887143.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/4/4/1881445.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/1/2/4/1820421.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/4/0/2/1671204.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/0/0/4/1543400.jpg

Busiest Airports in Africa 2010

Unfortunately several of the main airports in Africa still haven't released their 2010 statistics but here's the top 30 based on what's been released so far. The figures in italics are for 2009.

1 Johannesburg 18.38 million passengers 5.4%
2 Cairo 16.15 12.2%
3 Sharm el Sheikh 8.69 17.0%
4 Cape Town 8.11 5.0%
5 Hurghada 8.06 19.8%
6 Casablanca 7.24 13.3%
7 Lagos 5.65
8 Nairobi 5.49 8.0%
9 Durban 4.75 10.4%
10 Algiers 4.55
11 Monastir 4.26
12 Tunis 4.26
13 Addis Ababa 3.78 8.1%
14 Marrakech 3.44 15.0%
15 Abuja 3.20
16 Tripoli 3.07
17 Djerba 2.63
18 Mauritius 2.59 8.7%
19 Luxor 1.97 5.3%
20 St Denis 1.97 12.6%
21 Oran 1.73
22 Dakar 1.70 10.0%
23 Agadir 1.62 11.8%
24 Dar es Salaam 1.42
25 Port Elizabeth 1.41 4.9%
26 Accra 1.41
27 Luanda 1.31
28 Mombasa 1.29
29 Marsa Alam 1.18 25.9%
30 Lanseria (Johannesburg) 1.10

Morocco and China perform well in 2010

The majority of the ten ‘emerging’ country markets being tracked performed well in 2010, but two Central European countries (Bulgaria and Poland) reported an overall fall in traffic of 2.7% and 0.7% respectively, although the Polish market would probably have grown had it not been for volcano ash and snow. Morocco reported the highest growth with demand in summer up between 60% and 70%. The non-stop market to China has been growing by more than 10% for most of 2010, 30% in January 2011, 16% in February, and 9% in March.

http://www.anna.aero/2011/05/11/germany-and-morocco-outperform-rivals-from-the-uk-in-2010/

"Yamoussoukro Decision is Being Violated"

BY NEW BUSINESS ETHIOPIA REPORTER

Ethiopian Airlines said some African countries are violating the Yamoussoukro Decision of African air transport liberalization, which gave green light for any African airline to freely fly across African sky.

Ethiopian Airlines attempt to fly on the skies of the cities of some African countries such as Senegal and Nigeria is facing challenges, according to Ethiopian Airlines representatives who briefed their companies nine months performance to Standing Committee for Transport at the parliament.

“The current trend of implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision is not good. The situation is getting worse from time to time instead of improving,” said Henok Teffera, who presented the report at the Parliament with his collogue Anteneh Birhanu.

According to Henok in some cases Ethiopian Airlines is forced to pay royalty fee for some African countries to fly on their sky, while others forbid the airline to fly on their sky acting against the Yamoussoukro Decision.

Henok, who requested members of the standing committee not to reveal the profit of the airline to media not realizing that about half a dozen media representatives have been listening his briefing, indicated that media reports about Ethiopian Airlines profit is making the business of the airline more challenging.

The increment of airlines which work focusing only on widening their market coverage especially, some airlines of the Middle East Countries is also mentioned by Henok as another challenge of Ethiopian Airlines, which is currently operating towards meeting its target of making seven billion dollars annual revenue after 2020.
Source (http://www.newbusinessethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=492:yamoussoukro-decision-is-being-violated-ethiopian-airlines-&catid=32:industry&Itemid=8)

Violate agreements in order to milk successful airlines, only in Africa. :ohno:

Here's a more complete and updated list of the busiest airports in Africa for 2010. The airports in italics haven't released 2010 figures so the most current stats available are used. Figures are in millions.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2n65do0.jpg

Kenya Airways to launch flights to Chad

Kenya Airways (KQ) will start flying to Chad’s capital N’djamena from the 19th of next month, as the carrier seeks to consolidate its position in the African market.

The new route will be operating with a Boeing 737–800 via Cotonou, Benin, twice a week every Sunday and Wednesday from Nairobi

The route will enable KQ strengthen its presence in Central Africa, a landlocked geographical territory that depends largely on imports, according to a press release by the carrier.

Managing director Titus Naikuni pointed out the region as an important trade corridor to the lucrative West African market where Kenya Airways already has a strong presence.

"Most countries in Central Africa including Chad are landlocked and thus have limited export opportunities. However, they represent an important trade corridor to the lucrative West African market where Kenya Airways has a strong presence,” he said

Every African capital

He said KQ is seeking to fly from every African capital by 2013, noting that “our objective this year is to open 8 new destinations including N’djamena”

“We are opening up Africa to a world of opportunity. Other markets around the world are already saturated and more airlines are increasing their presence in Africa as its the new business frontier.”

Mr Naikuni said aviation experts had singled out the African market as ripe for growth citing the need for fast, reliable and safe transport in the context of infrastructure challenges facing many of them.

Source: Business Daily Africa (http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/-/539550/1169076/-/rok6m1/-/index.html)

What are the other 8 new destinations? i know they were interested in Asmara ;)

Commercial agreement between Senegal Airlines and Brussels Airlines
25 May 2011

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/Oumar9/110224dn.jpg
Services already in effect as of mid-february:

Senegal Airlines and Brussels Airlines today announed they signed a commercial agreement to cooperate on the traffic between Europe and West-Africa. They will work together on the BRU-DKR route and on flights out of BRU (by SN) and out of DKR (by Senegal Airlines) connecting with the BRU-DKR-BRU route. The cooperation is for passengers and for freight operations, it will be an interline agreement.
A source at Senegal Airlines also said that their own flights to Europe wich they will start in the future will be based on the cooperation with Brussels Airlines. So I assume they do not intend to fly to BRU themself and compete head on with SN on the DKR-BRU route.

It is an IATA interlining agreement, allowing passengers to travel on both airlines' routes with a single ticket.

Source: airlineroute.net


http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=78527964&postcount=2

What are the other 8 new destinations? i know they were interested in Asmara

Yep :

Announced on Sina Weibo by KQ’s Guangzhou office, planned new service includes:

Abuja (planned for july 2011)
Asmara
Beirut
Jeddah (withdrew in 2002)
Kilimanjaro (served by precision air of Tanzania)
N’Djamena
Ouagadougou (postponed, planned for 2010)
Sao Paulo (planned since 2008)
Tripoli ???

http://airlineroute.net/2011/03/02/kq-s11update/
Tunis ??

Yep :

Announced on Sina Weibo by KQ’s Guangzhou office, planned new service includes:

Abuja (planned for july 2011)
Asmara
Beirut
Jeddah (withdrew in 2002)
Kilimanjaro (served by precision air of Tanzania)
N’Djamena
Ouagadougou (postponed, planned for 2010)
Sao Paulo (planned since 2008)
Tripoli ???

http://airlineroute.net/2011/03/02/kq-s11update/
Tunis ??

Sweet! Another Option i might give a try as long as the prices stay low :D. Does anyone recommend them?

Senegal Airlines to operate flights to Ivorian capital
May 10th, 2011



http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/Oumar9/SENEGAL/head221210c.jpg



APA Dakar (Senegal) Senegal Airlines will operate new international flights to Cote d’Ivoire's economic capital, Abidjan, as from 16 May to meet the increasing needs of the regional market, APA reports on Monday.


According to the Dakar-based airline management, this new destination also illustrates the implementation of an air agreement signed between Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal’.


Senegal Airline authorities explain that an Airbus A320 will provide for the servicing by two types of classes.
There will be 16 seats in business class and 120 seats in economic class on the basis of six weekly flights (except Sundays).


Since January 2011, Senegal Airlines operates seven flights to West African capitals- Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Niamey, Nouakchott and Ouagadougou. The airline company plans to extend its activities to Central Africa as from summer 2011.

http://atwonline.com/sites/atwonline.com/files/images/DN_Ethiopian_Airlines_737-800_Courtesy_Boeing.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines said that Lome-based ASKY Airlines, in which it now holds a 40% stake (ATW Daily News, Jan. 11, 2010), is preparing to start long-haul operations.

"This is the next step, routes to Europe and to Johannesburg," Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told ATW on the sidelines of the IATA AGM in Singapore last week. "Maybe [ASKY] will get a 767 for these new operations … We are very close to" formally announcing the launch of long-haul ASKY services. ASKY operates three 737-700s and one Bombardier Q400.

Though ASKY is looking to spread its reach, Gebremariam noted that competition on routes between Africa and other world regions is fierce. International routes to/from Africa "have become overcrowded with many foreign airlines like Emirates or SkyTeam member carriers" attempting to gain market share. "Inner-African routes are still better business," he added.

ET and future Star Alliance partners Egyptair and South African Airways (ATW Daily News, Sept. 29, 2010) are evaluating whether to establish a carrier in Central Africa, Gebremariam said. There are six potential countries where the carrier would be based, he explained. "With our membership in Star, the alliance will become the dominant player in Africa before SkyTeam and Emirates," he predicted.

Regarding ET's network, the carrier will launch its second North American destination when it starts Addis Ababa-Toronto Pearson flights in December. Currently it serves Washington Dulles daily from Addis Ababa using a Boeing 777-200LR. The launch of ADD–Damascus service has been postponed until further notice owing to the unrest in Syria.

ET is expecting the delivery of two new 777 freighters on lease from GECAS by the end of 2012. Gebremariam noted that "15% of our business comes from cargo." He added that the carrier's passenger fleet modernization is proceeding smoothly. "Two of 10 new 737NGs [on order] just arrived and we have 12 A350s and 10 787s on order. The first 787 should be delivered in January [2012 and ET expects] to bring a total of four 787s into service next year."

ET currently operates 11 767-300s, with eight of the type slated for retirement by 2016. It also operates four777-200LRs, eight 757-200ERs, five 737-700s, five 737-800s and eight Bombardier Q400s.

Senegal Airlines announces new services to Central Africa
01/06/2011


http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/Oumar9/3034511-4323749.jpg


Dakar, Senegal - The new Senegalese airlines company, Senegal Airlines, on Tuesday announced the opening of new services to Cotonou (Benin), Libreville (Gabon) and Douala (Cameroon) from Dakar, with a technical stopover in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. A communiqué issued by Senegal Airlines said the opening of new stopovers is made possible by the arrival of a third Airbus A320, which will go into operation early July. According to the communiqué, the new flight schedule of the company is characterized by the reinforcement of the Dakar-Abidjan service, adding that the airline will propose 14 weekly non-stop flights between both capitals, with schedules adapted to the needs of the business clientele (daily departures from Dakar).

The opening of new direct services to depart Abidjan to Bamako and Cotonou: three times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday); to Libreville: two times per week (Wednesday, Sunday); to Douala: two times per week (Monday, Friday), is also announced.

Non-stop flights between Dakar and Ouagadougou: two times per week on Thursdays and Saturdays was also announced, in replacement of the flights operated hitherto via Bamako and non-stop flights between Dakar and Praia (Cape Verde): two times per week, on Fridays and Sundays.

Senegal Airlines will serve all these destinations with the assistance of its strategic partner, Emirates, for the transportation of the passengers to Dubai and beyond towards the Asian continent.

source: Pana

Deal frees air traffic between SA and Cameroon
Cameroon and SA sign agreement to fully liberalise air traffic between the two countries.
NICKY SMITH
Published: 2011/06/15 06:59:52 AM
CAMEROON and SA have signed an agreement to fully liberalise air traffic between the two countries.

The bilateral agreement, signed by Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele and Cameroon Transport Minister Bello Bouba Maigari in Cape Town yesterday, could provide a vital stepping stone in South African Airways’ (SAA’s) regional expansion and allow it to set up a mini-hub in west Africa.

The agreement is on fifth freedom rights, allowing airlines operating between the two countries to land, drop off passengers, pick up passengers in Cameroon and take them to destinations in third or fourth countries.

It builds on the Yamoussoukro Decision signed by African heads of state in 2000.

The vision was to create an open- skies policy to allow African countries unrestricted traffic rights on the continent to increase airlift, tourism and trade in the interest of integrating their economies.

In a written speech prepared for Mr Ndebele, he said it was SA’s strategy to create capacity ahead of demand to allow for greater market access to support growth and competition in the air transport sector.

Chris Zweigenthal, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, said the industry would support any agreement that ensured there were reciprocal benefits for airline s in the respective countries.

"In principle this is a good development. It allows for greater point- to-point traffic within the region," Mr Zweigenthal said. There could be a lot of advantages for airlines to use these fifth freedom rights in developing greater regional airlift.

However, for carriers such as SAA to exploit this agreement fully, SA would need to have agreements in place with the third-party countries, Mr Zweigenthal said.

If a flight was travelling from Johannesburg to Douala and then on to Abidjan, the carrier would also need permission from Côte d’Ivoire to be able to do this.

Mr Maigari said Cameroon wanted to fully exploit the agreement.

SAA was not available for comment yesterday.

smithn@bdfm.co.za

Airbus maps future travel
2011-06-22 14:06
Duncan Alfreds

Cape Town - Future aircraft will hopefully be safer, kinder to the environment and more luxurious thanks to research being done in SA.

South African researchers are involved in a research partnership with Airbus that should pay dividends in air travel in the future.

Some of the plans include a transparent aeroplane fuselage and automated control systems that should improve passenger comfort and safety.

"We don't have a monopoly of ideas at Airbus - not even in Europe. This will extend our research programme beyond European boundaries. South Africa has an opportunity for training and there may opportunities as well for commercial prospects," Dale King Airbus senior manager for research and technology partnerships told News24.

In SA, Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town are engaged in research projects that may eventually become standard equipment of future aircraft.

Research partnership

According to Professor Thomas Jones of Stellenbosch University, not all the work done will result make it on to planes, but it should result in safer air travel.

He is part of the research partnership developed by Airbus with several South African institutions and universities.

In the medium term, Airbus has announced a plan to use biofuel in aircraft.

"The European Commission, Airbus, leading European airlines and European biofuel producers, have launched an exciting new industry wide initiative to try and speed up the commercialisation of aviation biofuels in Europe," the company said.

Labelled the "Biofuel Flightpath", the plan has a target of two million tons of aviation fuel derived from biofuel by 2020.

"This is a unique opportunity to create the first industrial venture ever introducing sustainable biofuels for commercially competitive operations. The Commission therefore fully supports all efforts in this direction and will actively contribute to their success," said Mr Günter H Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy.

Dutch airline KLM has announced plans to use recycled cooking oil as biofuel to power flights to and from France from September.

"The suitability of biofuels for aviation has been proven, opening an outstanding opportunity to drastically reduce air transport’s carbon footprint. Deployment of sustainable biofuels will only be possible through a shared vision and common objectives from producers, end users and policy makers," said Pierre Henri Gourgeon , CEO Air France-KLM.

Source: News24 (http://www.news24.com/SciTech/News/Airbus-maps-future-travel-20110622)

You can find there some pics of Senegal airlines cabin they start in July : 2 daily to Abidjan and Cotonou, Libreville, Douala and Praia with a 3rd Airbus 320 WITH ONLY 136 SEATS:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGfx1c-P0sY

http://www.facebook.com/SenegalAirlines1

They ll receive normally 330-200 end of the year to start Europe and New York progressively

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/files/library/senegala320.jpg

Here's a more complete and updated list of the busiest airports in Africa for 2010. The airports in italics haven't released 2010 figures so the most current stats available are used. Figures are in millions.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2n65do0.jpg

This doesn't show the correct number of Luanda. It should be in the top20 by now.

Over 2 million passengers processed at Luanda airport, Angola, in first half

Luanda, Angola, 30 Nov – The 4 de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda, Angola, dealt with over 2 million passengers ion the first half of 2010, the airport’s managing director, Joaquim Cunha said Saturday in Luanda.

According to Cunha the figures can be compared to those seen before the airport’s terminal was refurbished and extended, when it processed around 1.8 million passengers per year.

The work to modernise and extend the international airport, which required investment of around US$74 million, included extending departures and arrivals areas, with the departure area increasing the number of check-in desks from 12 to 26 and the arrivals area receiving three new luggage conveyors.

Support services such as customs, tax police and the Foreigners and Migration Service also gained modern equipment, equipped rooms and improved working conditions.

The airport has three new car parks with capacity for 856 cars, including specific areas for disabled drivers and an automatic system to control and manage the car parks.

Angola’s airport management company, Empresa Nacional de Aeroportos e Navegação Aérea (Enana) has been carrying out a programme of refurbishment, modernisation and equipment of around 30 large, medium-sized and small airports across the country, as part of a project estimated to cost around US$400 million, under the terms of the Public Investment Programme (PIP). (macauhub)

http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2010/11/30/over-2-million-passengers-processed-at-luanda-airport-angola-in-first-half/

As I mentioned the figures in italics aren't updated as not all airports release stats. If that article is correct it means Luanda had over 4m pax last year which is huge growth. Not sure how they managed to cope with that number with only 26 check in desks though.

Kenya Airways to grow network across Africa
Kenya Airways (KQ) has today affirmed that plans to grow its network across Africa were on course, after it officially announced its intent to fly to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso starting July 15.

The new route, the 55th of the airline’s global destinations, will operate via Cotonou, the capital of Benin.

The airline will operate the route with a Boeing 737–800, twice weekly every Friday and Monday out of Nairobi.

Highlighting the airlines ambition to be the carrier of choice for Africa, Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni noted, “Our plans to fly to every capital in Africa by 2013 and consolidate our route network on the continent are well on course. Ougadougou is the 2nd of the routes that we have opened this year after Ndjamena in Chad, with plans at various stages for a further 6 destinations in the course of this financial year.”

Ougadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso and the administrative, communications, cultural, and economic center of the nation. The country is landlocked with its primary economic activities being food processing and textile manufacture.

Dr. Naikuni noted that Africa is now acknowledged as the frontier for growth with the continent recording increasing economic activity and trade. He added that Kenya Airways was seeking to diversify its route network throughout Africa in order to tap into the unique opportunities on this very diverse continent.
[continues in link]
eTurboNews (http://www.eturbonews.com/23776/kenya-airways-grow-network-across-africa)

from the link here is KQ's Africa routes:
Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Antananarivo, Bamako, Bangui, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Cairo, Cotonou, Dakar, Dar-es-Salaam, Djibouti, Douala, Dzaoudzi, Entebbe, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Johannesburg, Khartoum, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lubumbashi, Lusaka, Luanda, Mahe, Malabo, Monrovia, Moroni, Ndola, N'djamena, Ouagadougou, Yaounde, Zanzibar.

AFRAA Joint Fuel Committee Hold Talks On High Cost of Fuel
04 july 2011


African Airlines Association (AFRAA), has initiated measures to tackle the high cost of Aviation Fuel(Jet A1),which is a major operational cost item in the industry.

The association's secretariat has therefore undertaken to assist airlines to meet with fuel marketers to reduce fuel costs in conformity with stipulations in the AFRAA 2011 – 2013 Business Plan.
In this regard, a meeting of the AFRAA Joint Fuel Committee was held fortnight ago at AFRAA Headquarters.

According to AFRAA, Fuel costs constitute on average 30% of operational costs worldwide.
In Africa, the cost is up to 40% for some airlines.
The meeting discussed the importance and modalities for a functional Joint Fuel Project which should be operational by 01 January 2012.
The participants all agreed to re-double efforts to ensure success of the project to avoid having more airlines going under as a result of escalating costs.

AFRAA member airlines are urged to participate in this laudable project which in the long run will ensure that they remain viable and competitive considering the numerous challenges confronting the industry.


source: AFRAA

Asmara, July 15 2011 - Eritrean Airlines disclosed that direct international flights to six countries including Sudan, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Italy and the United Arab Emirates will commence tomorrow July 16.

An Airbus 320 of the Airlines landed at Asmara International Airport on July 13 and was accorded warm welcome by ministers, high government officials and invited guests.

Following the official inauguration the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr. Woldemichael Abraha, headed the guests during a tour of the Airbus 320.

At a press conference during the event, the CEO of Eritrean Airlines, Mr. Shakil Aftab, said that the Airlines is ready to launch a new start after thoroughly revising the previous structure, passengers’ fair, commercial policy and hiring new personnel.

Noting that Eritrea possesses unique quality for its geographical positioning, Mr. Shakil pointed out that the Airlines is doing its level best to make Eritrea an aviation doorway to Africa and the heart of regional flights, Asmara.



New Livery:http://www.shabait.com/images/stories/pics/airlines.jpg

As I mentioned the figures in italics aren't updated as not all airports release stats. If that article is correct it means Luanda had over 4m pax last year which is huge growth. Not sure how they managed to cope with that number with only 26 check in desks though.

26 desk only for international flight. Then some more (+10) on the domestic terminal. And nowadays many people are doing chek-ink online or at those machine they have in the airport, so things are going much faster..

South Sudan honors Ethiopian airlines as "Official Carrier of Independence Celebration"



July 14, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Republic of South Sudan has named Ethiopian Airlines as the "Official Carrier of Southern Sudan’s Independence Celebration" for the flight services it provided during the historic independence day.

Africa’s newest state was born in Juba on July 9, 2011 after decades of North-South Sudan civil war that has claimed millions of lives.

As thousands of exiled South Sudanese flock to Juba to witness long dreamed birth of a new nation, the Ethiopian Airlines has transported over 1,000 higher government officials and prominent figures to and from the capital, Juba.

"We are pleased to announce that the Ethiopian has successfully completed the task of serving as an official carrier for the celebration of the Southern Sudan independence" the airliner said in a statement.

The Ethiopian flag carrier has also operated many extra flights as well as charter flights to Juba in addition to the regular daily flights.

The title was given by South Sudan’s transport minister in recognition to the carriers commitment of providing services to South Sudan.

"Ethiopian has been committed to connect the Republic of Southern Sudan to the rest of the world offering convenient connection to and from the rest of Africa, Europe, US, the Middle East and Asia allowing passengers to have a wider range of choices", Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said.

The Ethiopian carrier has also cooperated with the government of Southern Sudan on ground services to enable the Juba airport accommodate the heavy traffic during the celebration.

In May 2006, the Ethiopian airlines for the first time began providing four flights a week to South Sudan’s capital Juba, with stop over in Kenya and in Entebbe, Uganda upon the outward and return legs.

Last month, Ethiopian Airlines announced starting additional flights to South Sudan’s Malakal town in the Upper Nile region.

Landlocked South Sudan relies heavily on air travel due it poor infrastructure, which will be one of the new nations’ main post-independence challenges.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the most successful and leading airlines in Africa, earlier this week said that despite fuel price hikes, its annual revenue has grew by 40 percent in 2010/2011 fiscal year.

(ST)


source (http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-honors-Ethiopian,39535)

Boeing asks permission to conduct B747-8 test flights in Addis Ababa

Private airlines demand air liberalisation

The American aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, has asked the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for landing rights for its new Boeing 747-8 jetliner.



A senior official with CAA said that executives of Boeing want to conduct a high-altitude test at the Addis Ababa airport. Accordingly, the executives recently came to Addis Ababa and requested permission to do so. However, the authority did not accept the request. The authority told executives of Boeing that the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise is undertaking a massive airport expansion project at the Bole International Airport, adding that there was a congestion due to the ongoing construction work. “There is already a congestion and if we allow this huge aircraft to conduct the flight test here it would create a havoc,” a senior official at CAA said. “And if something goes wrong, it would tarnish our image,” he added.

The Ethiopian Airport Enterprise last year launched the Addis Ababa airport expansion program. A Chinese construction firm is building the ramps at a cost of two billion birr. According to the enterprise, the expansion project would be finalised after five months.

Officials of the CAA told executives of Boeing that they could do the flight test after the expansion project is finalised. Airframers prefer Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for its high altitude. Engine performance is usually tested at high altitude. In October 2006 Airbus conducted a flight test for its A380 in Addis Ababa. The biggest commercial aircraft, A380, was again here in Addis Ababa in 2009 upon its return from the Dubai Airshow.

Boeing’s latest airliner to fly, the 747-8 Intercontinental, last April began its flight test programme with take-off on its maiden flight from Paine Field in Everett, Washington State. The new 747-8 Intercontinental, painted in a vivid orange-and-white livery with grey and gold striping, made its debut at the Paris Airshow held from June 20-26.

With planned 380 seats, the B747-8 has a least price of 317 million dollars. Lufthansa is the launch customer of the new jetliner with 20 firm orders. The flight test programme will have 600 hours planned to be finalised at the end of this year.

In a related news, the local private airlines on Thursday asked the government to lift the aviation regulation that prohibits private airlines not to operate aircraft with more than a 20-seat capacity. In a consultative meeting CAA organised with stakeholders on Thursday, CEOs of companies involved in the general aviation business fiercely criticised the government’s failure not to remove the ban imposed on the type of aircraft private airlines can operate.

Capt. Solomon Gizaw, owner and managing director of Abyssinia Flight Services, wondered how long this protectionist law would be in place. “Do you know why the governments put the 20-seat limit? It is to protect Ethiopian Airlines. We all like the national flag carrier. But how long will it be protected?” Capt. Solomon asked.

For many years operating private airline was not allowed. Fourteen years ago, the Ministry of Transport and Communication, led by the late Minister Ayenew Bitewlegn, introduced the law that prohibits private airlines not use an aircraft with more than 20 seats. Ethiopian had a 20-seater aircraft, DH6 that it used on domestic aircraft. So far Ethiopian is the only airline that provides scheduled domestic fligths.

Capt. Abera Lemi, owner and CEO of National Airways, said that it has been years since it was reported that the law would be revised. “We can not provide scheduled domestic flight services with an aircraft which has 20 seats. The flight fare collected from 20 passengers cannot cover the fuel cost. We can not be profitable with 20 seaters. Why is it taking so long to revoke the law?” According to Capt. Abera, Ethiopian used to fly to 54 destinations in the country but this has dropped to 16. “We can fill this service gap if we are allowed to operate the type of aircraft that we want," he said.

Another private airline CEO said that he should be allowed to use a 200 seater if there is the market. “The government has built several new airports but they are not being utilised because the private airlines are not encouraged to grow,” the CEO said.

In an interview with The Reporter Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian CEO, and Girma Wake, former CEO, said that they do not object if the domestic flight service is liberalised.

Col. Wossenyeleh Hunegnaw, director general of CAA, said that with the view to encouraging private operators the authority conducted a study (draft aviation law) and submitted it to the Ministry of Transport and other concerned authorities two month ago. Col. Wossenyeleh hopes that the draft law would address the private operators’ concern. The government plans to push the seat limit to 50 but private operators claim that the limit should be removed.

The private airline owners voiced their disappointment with the way they are treated at the airports. Capt. Solomon said that he had asked for permission to build a maintenance hangar 12 years ago and written 25 official letters to Ethiopian Civil Aviation and the Ethiopian Airport Enterprise in the past 12 years but all in vain. “I have been asking the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise to give me a plot of land where we can build a maintenance hangar but our pleas have been falling on deaf ears,” Solomon said. “We are forced to work under scorching sun and heavy rain. We are dying please save us,” he lamented.

According to Solomon, he annually spends up to 300,000 dollars to get his fleet maintained in neighbouring Kenya. “We are also treated like flies at the airport. They tell us to move our aircraft and equipment from place to place now and then.”

Shiferaw Alemu, general manager of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise, was unable to attend the meeting due to a management meeting. Nigussie Mulugeta, operation facilitation and service head with the enterprise, said that when the airport expansion project is finalised plots would be allocated for companies involved in the general aviation companies. “When the construction is finalised each private operator would have a space for maintenance hangar and office,” Nigussie said.

The private operators have also demanded that private companies should be allowed to provide ground handling services to carriers. Recently the Ethiopian Airport Enterprise banned private companies that provide ground handling services at the Bole International Airport. The private operators appreciated the authority for the improvements it made in service delivery. They also acknowledged the authority for organising bi-annual stakeholders' meeting.

There are 21 registered private airlines in Ethiopia but only six of them are operational.

http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/boeing-asks-permission-to-conduct-b747-8-test-flights.html

Top 10 African Airlines by Number of Passengers Carried
Airline Passengers

Egypt Air 9,178,742
South African Airways 6,636,344
Royal Air Maroc 5,726,004
Air Algerie 3,436,888 (estimate)
Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise 3,344,336
Kenya Airways Ltd. 3,071,815
Tunisair Technics SA 2,445,046
Air Mauritius Ltd. 1,263,998
Libyan Arab Airlines 1,081,326 (estimate)
Linhas Aereas de Angola 1,010,194

Bloomberg (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-20/top-10-african-airlines-by-number-of-passengers-carried-table-.html)

Arik Air is Africa's fastest growing airline...

18/07/2011
Eritrean Airlines launched four-a-week services between Asmara-Dubai-Lahore yesterday.

The service, running on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, is operated by an A320 with 10 'club class' seats (51-inch pitch) and 126 economy seats (37-inch pitch).

Under new management, the African carrier has also resumed 11 flights a week from Asmara to Jeddah, Cairo, Khartoum and Rome, three years after it was forced to discontinue scheduled services with ageing aircraft.

Country manager Arif Uddin Qadri said business travellers can experience fully reclined seats and a full service on board, with hot meals and bar service.

He said the Government-funded airline aims to acquire a second A320 in October, and is eyeing services to Karachi, Algiers and Johannesburg. The airline also operates a B767-300ER.

"The new route will help grow commercial and tourism business and Eritrea's wider economy," he said.

The airline's website is being upgraded and UAE-based passengers are advised to book through the appointed GSA, Sharaf Travel.
http://www.businesstravellerme.com/middle-east/news/eritrean-resuming-dubai-services

Route Network:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVX-VJaQmC0/TiK17HbodbI/AAAAAAAAEQU/HhOV6IpRzBg/s800/110718%252520b8.jpg


About 1 minute into the video they talk about Eritrean Airlines. Shows the new A320 landing in Asmara along with the interior and flight attendants ;)

http://eastafro.com/Post/2011/07/15/video-new-eritrean-airlines-plane-airbus-320-arrives-in-asmara/?ref=nf

http://www.gifsoup.com/view6/2848497/eri-o.gif

Another Eritrean?:cool:

http://www.gifsoup.com/view6/2848497/eri-o.gif

Another Eritrean?:cool:

You already know ;)

:banana:

Turkish Airlines starts flights to Rwanda :

http://rwandan-flyer.blog4ever.com/blog/lire-article-417104-1891188-brussels_airlines___turkish_airlines_rwanda.html

Luanda| Air link with Morocco may begin year-end

The air link between the Angolan capital, Luanda and Moroccan city, Rabat, will start at the end of the year or early next year, said on Thursday the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the country.

Mustafa Bouf was speaking to press during a meeting granted to him by the speaker of National Assembly, António Paulo Kassoma during which he presented farewell greetings at the end of his three-year mission in Angola.

He said that the agreements have already been signed and it is being done some arrangements so that the Moroccan company “Royal Air Maroc” begins to operate between Rabat and Luanda.

The source added that the meeting served also to analyse bilateral cooperation that he considers as good in trade, economy and training of Angolans.

He underlined that the two countries had established relations since 1961, when his country hosted the summit of leaders of liberation movements in former Portuguese colonies in which Angola was represented by Mario Pinto de Andrade, one of the founding members of the ruling MPLA party.

|angop

1st delivery ceremony of 787 to all nippon airways live

http://www.newairplane.com/787/firstDelivery/#/en/787DeliveryCelebration

Kenya Airways and Eritrean Airlines are set for a major turf war as both national carriers finalise plans to launch new routes between Asmara and Nairobi.

Asmara-based Eritrean Airlines is expected to resume flights to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by November, ending a six-year absence since it stopped flying to Kenya.

The airline’s commercial manager, Mr Berhane Mehari, told the Business Daily that it would target both passenger and cargo business in Nairobi, which would serve as a link to current and future destinations in Southern Africa, Europe and Middle East.

“We shall use three aeroplanes to launch the flights to Kenya,” Mr Mehari said. “We are targeting cargo, leisure, and business travellers from Europe to Africa.”

The two carriers are set for stiff competition, especially in the Kenyan market, which is attracting airlines seeking growth opportunities on the rising profile of the country as a major transport hub.

“Asmara is one of the destinations we will be flying to in 2012,” said Kenya Airway communications manager, Chris Karanja.
“Relations between the two countries have improved and we don’t foresee a major regulatory barrier.”



Currently, three airlines ply the Nairobi-Asmara route, namely Egypt Air, Lufthansa Airlines and Sudan Air.

Eritrean Airlines is seeking a station manager to look after its business in Nairobi where its cargo and passenger operations will be represented by a general sales agent.

The airline’s fleet consists of an Airbus A320-200, a Boeing 767-200ER, with plans to acquire another Airbus plane next month.

The Eritrean carrier has been bogged down by under-investment and the country’s poor international image due to allegations that it sponsors of terrorism, which has denied it licences to expand its operations in some countries.

The US — home to the biggest aircraft manufacturers — has reportedly barred its companies from leasing aircraft to Eritrean Airlines in line with its sanctions on the country.

Eritrean Airlines has, however, started an aggressive expansion plan this year, with an eye on reclaiming routes that were cancelled in the past few years.

Lower Prices for me :D

Arik Air flights take off at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Arik Air announced today the launch of Arik Air flights, Nigeria's largest international carrier, to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new airline will start operations on Tuesday 29th November this year with 3 non-stop weekly flights connecting the UAE capital to the city of Lagos.

The new route will be departing from Abu Dhabi every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 am, local time (LT), to arrive in Lagos at 12:15 pm, using an Airbus A340-500 with a capacity of 237 seats.

The premium cabin is equipped with full flat bed seats and an advanced inflight entertainment system with 17 inch monitors.

The new service, which will offer passengers Lagos, a new destination from Abu Dhabi International Airport, along with a variety of new travel options and connections via Lagos including Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire and Ghana.

James E. Bennett, Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports Company, commented: "Abu Dhabi Airports Company is delighted to welcome Arik Air as the first West African carrier to operate to Abu Dhabi International. The capital's airport operator is working closely with various airlines to support their development initiatives that will ultimately benefit Abu Dhabi International Airport passengers with more choices. We look to more growth on the route between West Africa and Abu Dhabi travellers and business."

Arik Air's Group Chief Executive, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, stated: "Arik Air is pleased to provide its customers with a faster connection between Abu Dhabi and the West African region, as Abu Dhabi continues to become an increasingly important hub for business and tourism. We look forward to working with Abu Dhabi Airports Company on further developing our services to travellers from Abu Dhabi International Airport."

Arik Air currently offers flights to 25 destinations in Nigeria, around Africa and across the rest of the world.

From Lagos it serves 19 cities with 229 weekly departures and from Abuja it flies 133 weekly services to 15 airports.

http://www.ameinfo.com/276719.html

:cheers:

Arik Air becomes third airline in the world to order Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/files/2011/10/arik-747-8-intercontinental.jpg

A depiction of a future Arik Air Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. (Boeing)

Nigeria’s Arik Air has ordered two Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental airliners, Boeing announced Thursday. The order makes Arik the first 747-8 customer in Africa and third worldwide for the passenger version, after Lufthansa and Korean air.

Boeing previously attributed the order to an unidentified customer on its orders website. It is worth $635 million at list prices, although customers get substantial discounts.
747-8

“Air travel within the region continues to grow at a rapid pace and we must prepare our fleet to accommodate that growth,” Arik owner and Chairman JIA Arumemi-Johnson said in a news release. “Boeing’s new 747-8 fits perfectly into our long-term planning. It brings the best operating economics for its size, which is important with the increase in fuel prices.”

The order was announced during a signing ceremony at the Corporate Council for Africa’s 8th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first 747-8 Freighter to launch Customer Cargolux later this month, pending approval of a deal between Cargolux and engine-maker GE over shortcomings with the engine, the first 747-8 Intercontinental to a private customer later this year and the first airline 747-8 Intercontinental to Lufthansa early next year.

Boeing now had orders for 111 747-8s, including 36 Intercontinentals.

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/2011/10/06/arik-air-becomes-third-airline-to-order-boeing-747-8-intercontinental/

Nice! Congrats.

Ethiopian Airlines orders four Boeing 777 Freighters

EVERETT, Wash., Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced an order for four Boeing 777 Freighters, making Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the twin-engine freighter. The order is valued at approximately $1.1 billion at list prices and was previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing's website.

"As the largest African cargo carrier operating in some of the fastest growing trade lanes of the world - between Africa and Europe, Middle East and Asia - the new 777 Freighter fleet will significantly enhance our tonnage and range capabilities," said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "The proven operational and economical efficiency of these airplanes will reposition Ethiopian Cargo in a stronger place to continue winning in this hypercompetitive market."

"Over the past few years we've seen Ethiopian Airlines become a leader in African aviation and they are well on their way to becoming a global aviation leader," said Marlin Dailey, president of Boeing Germany, EU, Northern Europe, and Africa. "Ethiopian Airlines continues to set the standard in aviation throughout the continent – from being the first African airline to order Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, the first to fly the 777-200LR and now the first to purchase the 777 Freighter."

The 777 Freighter, the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter, is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane and can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). With high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability, the 777 Freighter provides a cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

"Ethiopian Airlines has used Boeing's best products to enhance its fleet for more than 65 years," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America, & the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This order signifies that growing relationship and we thank Ethiopian Airlines for choosing the 777 Freighter to enhance and grow its cargo capabilities."

Boeing offers the most complete family of freighters, providing superior efficiency and operating economics in support of airline profitability.

Ethiopian Airlines was the first to operate the 777-200LR (now with five in their fleet) and the first to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations.
http://nazret.com/blog/index.php/2011/10/05/ethiopian-airlines-orders-four-boeing-777-freighters

TAAG Angola Increases Cuba Service in Dec 2011/Jan 2012
by JL
As per 07OCT11 GDS timetable and inventory display, TAAG Angola Airlines from 01DEC11 to 31JAN12 is increasing Luanda – Havana service from bi-weekly to weekly.

Boeing 777-200ER operates the nonstop flight. Note this may be substituted with -300ER.

Schedule:

DT702 LAD1430 – 2315HAV 777 3
DT703 HAV0001 – 1845LAD 777 5

^^good news

1st delivery ceremony of 787 to all nippon airways live

http://www.newairplane.com/787/firstDelivery/#/en/787DeliveryCelebration

:cheers:

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/3833/airlinesafrica.jpg

Arik Air becomes third airline in the world to order Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/files/2011/10/arik-747-8-intercontinental.jpg

A depiction of a future Arik Air Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. (Boeing)



http://blog.seattlepi.com/aerospace/2011/10/06/arik-air-becomes-third-airline-to-order-boeing-747-8-intercontinental/


This airline is going places:banana:

African airlines starting to compete in long-range traffic, Boeing ups market forecast

12th October 2011

- African airlines are acquiring new widebody airliners at a greater rate than the global airline average. Last year, 32% of African airline demand was for widebodies, as against 23% for the global industry.

“This is mainly because of the markets that the [African] airlines are going after – long-range, non-stop, point-to-point international routes,” explained Boeing VP sales: Latin American, Africa and Caribbean Van-Rex Gallard in Johannesburg on Thursday.

In turn, African airlines are able to do this because of the development of very long range airliners, such as Boeing’s 777-200LR. With these new aircraft, routes that previously needed a refuelling stop can now be flown non-stop.

As a consequence, new route development is happening fast. For example, in 2006, there were only 32 weekly flights involving just eight city pairs between the whole of Africa and the US. By last year, these figures had jumped to 67 weekly flights between 14 city pairs. And a lot of these flights were by African airlines.

In sharp contrast, African airlines have only a 35% share of air travel between their own continent and Europe. African airlines need new widebodies to increase their share in this traffic and to significantly entrench themselves in the rapidly growing Africa-Middle East, Africa-China, Africa-India and Africa-South East Asia markets.

Gallard was in Johannesburg to present the latest update of Boeing’s 20 year forecast for the African airliner market. The aerospace group expects the African air traffic market to grow by an annual average of 5.1% between now and 2030. This is a little greater than the continent’s forecast annual gross domestic product growth rate of 4.4%.

Of course, this growth in traffic will vary from market segment to market segment. Thus, Africa-South Asia (effectively, India) air traffic is predicted to rise by 9.7%, Africa-China traffic by 9.5%, Africa-South East Asia by 7.5%, Africa-Middle East and Africa-North America both by 6.4%, Africa-South America by 6%, Africa-Oceania (mainly Australia) by 5.3% and Africa-Europe by 4.6%. Intra-African air traffic is expected to increase by 5.1%.

With this strong growth in demand and with 45% of Africa’s airliners more than 15 years old, Boeing says that African airlines will require 800 new aeroplanes by 2030. This is an increase of 12% over last year’s forecast of 710 new aircraft.

Of these 800 new aircraft 6% would be regional airliners, 64% would be single-aisle airliners, 29% widebodies and 1% large aircraft, while 270 (or 34%) would be needed to replace existing aircraft and 530, or 56%, would represent growth in the market. Add in 410 aeroplanes already in service and this would give a total African fleet of 1 210 airliners in 2030.

Currently, there are 475 Boeing airliners in operation in Africa, representing 68% of the continent’s total jet airliner fleet, with another 88 on order. No fewer than 42 African airlines operate Boeing aircraft.

Eritrean Airlines W11 Operation Update: New Service to Karachi and Nonstop to Rome
by JL
Eritrean Airlines from 27NOV11 plans to introduce 4 weekly Asmara – Dubai – Karachi service on board Airbus A320 aircraft.

However its operational schedule overlaps with existing 4 weekly Asmara – Dubai – Lahore service. Meanwhile, the airline starting 30OCT11 is adjusting a number of its existing operation for Winter 2011 season.

Details:

Asmara – Dubai – Karachi eff 27NOV11
B8356 ASM0950 – 1410DXB1510 – 1810KHI 320 47
B8356 ASM1020 – 1440DXB1540 – 1840KHI 320 15

B8357 KHI1920 – 2020DXB2120 – 2350ASM 320 47
B8357 KHI1930 – 2030DXB2130 – 0001+1ASM 320 15

Asmara – Cairo Service increases from 2 weekly to 3 weekly, however this will operate via Khartoum
B8360 ASM1130 – 1245KRT1345 – 1515CAI 320 147
B8361 CAI1615 – 1945KRT2045 – 2200ASM 320 147

Service on Asmara – Khartoum sector will raise from 3 to 6 weekly as a result

Asmara – Jeddah Increases from 3 weekly to 4 weekly
Asmara – Rome Service to operate once a week under nonstop basis, replacing existing 2-weekly via Cairo
B8370 ASM1200 – 1610FCO 320 5
B8371 FCO1710 – 2325ASM 320 5

Ethiopian airlines will soon start flying direct from khartoum to bahir dar and mekele

Ethiopia launches direct flights from regions to Sudan’s capital
Oct 15, 2011



(ST)

African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines on Thursday began direct flights from the country’s two northern regions to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

Ethiopian Airlines announced that the new service to Khartoum from Bahir-Dar the capital of the Amhara region and Tigray’s Mekele to Khartoum began on October 13.

“The new direct flights will enhance tourism and business travel between Northern Ethiopia and Sudan” said a press statement. It added: “It will also strengthen the existing cooperation between the two governments”.

This will be the first time for the flag carrier to operate international routes from regional airports outside its hub, Addis Ababa Bole Airport, although it regularly flies to neighboring Djibouti from Dire Dawa town.

The airliner said the new flight services will be run four days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and Sundays using Bombardier Q-400 Aircraft.

“Ethiopian has long been flying from Addis Ababa to Khartoum and the new flight will enhance the ever increasing socio-economic and political ties of the two nations” said Ethiopian CEO, Tewolde Gebremariam.

It is hoped that the new direct flight services will attract Sudanese tourists to the horn of country, which has nine world heritage sites, including the Rock hewn churches of Lalibela dating back to 13th-century, the ancient monolithic obelisks of Axsum.

Ethiopian Airlines has one of the continents largest network of routes within Africa and serves more than 50 destinations worldwide.

Belgium, Senegal reach air traffic deal
Mon Oct 17, 2011

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/Oumar9/senegal_airlines-1.jpg


DAKAR- Senegal signed an air traffic deal with Belgium on Monday that could help end a bilateral dispute that led Belgium to recall its ambassador to the West African nation in January.

The agreement initialed by Senegalese Transport Minister Karim Wade and Belgian counterpart Etienne Schouppe provides for eight flights per week between the countries -- four for each of their national carriers.

Belgium's Brussels Airlines, which is to be taken over by Germany's Lufthansa this year, also signed a deal with Senegal Airlines allowing the Belgian carrier to operate more than the agreed four flights against a payment of royalties.

Belgium brought its envoy home after Senegal withdrew the right of Brussels Airlines to operate flights via Dakar to other African points following the launch of Senegal's flag carrier.

The new agreement fell short of allowing Brussels Airlines to operate connecting flights via Dakar.

But Schouppe said: "We are hopeful that this agreement will lead to a political will that will enable more air links and promote social and economic development between Dakar and Brussels," Schouppe told a news conference.

Wade said Senegal Airlines and Brussels Airlines will discuss at a latter stage the possibility for Brussels Airlines to run more West African routes through Dakar. The Belgian carrier flies to 16 destinations in Africa.


source: Reuters
...

^^
Great news hadrami btw does the new airport opened yet or what?

Gulf Air W11 Operation Changes: Update 4 as of 19OCT11
by JL
2nd Update at 0750GMT 19OCT11

As per 18OCT11 GDS timetable and inventory display, latest changes to Gulf Air’s Winter 2011/12 Operation Changes as follows.

Further changes remain possible:

Bahrain – Bangkok
30OCT11 – 31JAN12 Reduces from 9 to 8 weekly
01FEB12 – 24MAR12 Reduces from 8 to 7 weekly

Bahrain – Kathmandu Increases from 12 to 14 weekly. Selected service operates with Airbus A330/340 instead of A320
Bahrain – Kuala Lumpur
30OCT11 – 31JAN12 Reduces from 9 to 5 weekly
01FEB12 – 24MAR12 Reduces from 5 to 4 weekly

Bahrain – Manila
30OCT11 – 31JAN12 Reduces from 12 to 11 weekly
01FEB12 – 24MAR12 Reduces from 11 to 9 weekly

Bahrain – Muscat Planned service increase from 4 to 5 Daily, is CANCELLED.

Bahrain – Sana’a – Aden – Bahrain 3 weekly A319 service splits to

Bahrain – Aden 2 weekly Embraer E170 (Unchanged)
Bahrain – Sana’a 3 weekly A320 (Previously planned 4 weekly)
GF191 BAH1050 – 1335ADE E70 26
GF192 ADE1415 – 1700BAH E70 26

GF197 BAH1015 – 1255SAH 320 247
GF198 SAH1340 – 1605BAH 320 247

Service to Iran (Tehran, Shiraz, Mashad, Isfahan) and Iraq (Baghdad, Basra, Erbil, Najaf) Remains Cancelled.

Previously mentioned changes:
Bahrain – Abu Dhabi Increase from 4 to 5 Daily, Embraer E170 operating
GF548 BAH0715 – 0920AUH E70 D
GF549 AUH1000 – 1010BAH E70 D

Bahrain – Addis Ababa Increase from 6 weekly to Daily with capacity adjustment. Airbus A319 to operate 4 times a week, replace A320
GF705 BAH0030 – 0425ADD 319 124
GF705 BAH0030 – 0425ADD 320 3
GF707 BAH1615 – 2010ADD 319 6
GF707 BAH1615 – 2010ADD 320 57

GF706 ADD0510 – 0845BAH 320 3
GF706 ADD0510 – 0845BAH 319 124
GF708 ADD2055 – 0030+1BAH 319 6
GF708 ADD2055 – 0030+1BAH 320 57

Bahrain – Beirut Service returns to 10 weekly level. GF915/916 is to operate during red-eye hours instead of afternoon prior to suspension
GF915 BAH0115 – 0320BEY 32S 147
GF916 BEY0405 – 0745BAH 32S 147

Bahrain – Cairo GF079/080 3 weekly service shifts from afternoon to red-eye service
GF079 BAH0040 – 0320CAI 320 247
GF080 CAI0405 – 0805BAH 320 247

Bahrain – Chennai Increase from Daily to 9 weekly
GF052 BAH1325 – 2030MAA 320 37
GF068 BAH2010 – 0315+1MAA 320 D

GF069 MAA0415 – 0655BAH 320 D
GF053 MAA2115 – 2355BAH 320 37

Bahrain – Colombo Increase from 8 to 9 weekly
GF062 BAH1015 – 1740CMB 320 x145
GF066 BAH2015 – 0350+1CMB 320 x25

GF067 CMB0450 – 0750BAH 320 x36
GF063 CMB2045 – 2345BAH 320 x145

Bahrain – Damascus Capacity Reduction with Daily Embraer E170 service (W10 was 9 weekly A320)
Bahrain – Delhi Schedule Change in effect
GF134 BAH1430 – 2030DEL 320 D
GF130 BAH2240 – 0440+1DEL 320 D

GF131 DEL0530 – 0735BAH 320 D
GF135 DEL2130 – 2335BAH 320 D

Service until 29OCT11 sees GF134/136 operates in morning and noon hours from BAH, GF135/137 from DEL operates in afternoon and evening hours

Bahrain – Dhaka Service in Winter operates 11 weekly, reduced from 12 in W10
Bahrain – Dubai Increase from 7 to 9 Daily
GF514 BAH1705 – 1920DXB EQV D
GF516 BAH1900 – 2115DXB 320 D

GF515 DXB2020 – 2035BAH EQV D
GF517 DXB2215 – 2230BAH 320 D

Bahrain – Entebbe 4 weekly service eff 05DEC11
GF719 BAH1020 – 1545EBB 319 16
GF717 BAH2055 – 0220+1EBB 319 24

GF718 EBB0320 – 0820BAH 319 35
GF720 EBB1645 – 2145BAH 319 16

Bahrain – Istanbul Increase from 5 to 7 weekly. Airbus A319 operating
GF043 BAH1005 – 1335IST 319 x246
GF045 BAH2055 – 0025+1IST 32S 245

GF046 IST0110 – 0610BAH 32S 356
GF044 IST1425 – 1925BAH 319 x246

Bahrain – Jeddah Service remains with 10 weekly, Airbus A330 operating
Bahrain – Juba eff 07FEB12 NEW 3 weekly service
GF721 BAH1120 – 1630JUB E90 257
GF722 JUB1715 – 2155BAH E90 257

Bahrain – Khartoum Increase from 6 weekly to Daily. Mix of Airbus A319/320 operating
GF703 BAH0035 – 0425KRT 32S x125
GF701 BAH1605 – 1955KRT 320 125

GF704 KRT0510 – 0820BAH 32S x125
GF702 KRT2040 – 2350BAH 320 125

Bahrain – Kuwait Increase from 4 to 5 Daily
GF219 BAH1230 – 1335KWI 320 D
GF220 KWI1420 – 1525BAH 320 D

Bahrain – London Heathrow 30OCT11 – 28JAN12 GF007/002 Day x46 A340-300 replaces A330-200
Bahrain – Madinah
30OCT11 – 14DEC11 Increase from 4 weekly to Daily (previously planned increase to 6 weekly)
eff 15DEC11 4 weekly (previously planned 6 weekly)

Bahrain – Milan Malpensa Reduces from 6 to 5 weekly
Bahrain – Mumbai GF056/057 Airbus A330 aircraft operates once a week, remaining 6 weekly continues A320 flight
Bahrain – Nairobi Increases from 4 to 5 weekly
Bahrain – Rome 4 weekly eff 30NOV11
GF029 BAH0200 – 0600FCO 320 x256
GF028 FCO1110 – 1815BAH 320 x256

^^
Great news hadrami btw does the new airport opened yet or what?

^^
2012 Inch’Allah

^^
2012 Inch’Allah

Inshallah:)

Lady Gaga tbh I think they wont make it.
I think opening will be 2014.

Lady Gaga tbh I think they wont make it.
I think opening will be 2014.

lol :lol: why? thats too far man

lol :lol: why? thats too far man

Because TIA :bash:

Because TIA :bash:

What does TIA Means?:wtf:

What does TIA Means?:wtf:

This is Africa :lol:

This is Africa :lol:

lol:lol:

Mauritania Airlines to launch flights to Dakar on Sunday
19/10/2011

http://i939.photobucket.com/albums/ad238/Oumar9/_45838_mauritania-airlines.jpg


Nouakchott- The national carrier Mauritania Airlines International (MAI) will launch its Dakar, Senegal, flights on Sunday, a statement made available to PANA here on Tuesday said. The launch of the Nouakchott-Dakar flight by MAI follows the agreement signed between the Senegalese and Mauritanian governments in Dakar on 4 October.

MAI will operate two flights a week to the Senegalese capital (on Sundays and Thursdays) with a Boeing 737-700 type aircraft configured with 108 seats.

From 30 October, MAI plans continuation flights on the Nouakchott-Dakar-Conakry-Abidjan route.

Senegal Airlines has also resumed flights along the route, after a three-year hiatus caused by a disagreement on route quota.


source: Pana
...

Lady Gaga tbh I think they wont make it.
I think opening will be 2014.


I read some days ago that they have secured funds for the new airport.

Windhoek — The national airline, Air Namibia, has signed papers to buy two brand-new aircraft, a purchase recently approved by Cabinet.

The billion-dollar deal is part of yet another turnaround business plan that saw Treasury increase the injection into the airline to total N$1,191 billion under the three-year rolling budget until 2012/14.

"We have signed the letter of intent with Air Namibia for the purchase of two aircraft," Hadi Akoum, Airbus vice president for sales in Africa and Indian Sub-Ocean said, adding that negotiations between the parties were ongoing.

The two Airbus 319-100 planes will cost around N$620 million (US$90 million).

The national airline is implementing a new business plan that seeks to see Air Namibia turning a profit in five years time, and forecast figures made available this week by aircraft manufacturers seem to support the prospective growth stated in the ambitious turn-around plan.

Airbus' director for strategic marketing and analysis, Andrew Gordon, says it is the emerging economies that are driving the growth in the aviation industry, with more travellers in these countries compared to the developed countries.

In Namibia the average travel pattern continues to increase and is not far off the average trip travel for the entire world. "As of September this year Namibia's overall traffic is up 27 percent compared to year 2000," said Gordon.

Forecast figures from the world's revered Official Airline Guide (OAG), says Namibia's domestic traffic is up more than 80 percent, while traffic to or from Europe to Namibia is up 13 percent. Traffic with the rest of Africa is up nearly 50 percent since year 2000.

OAG provides flight information and data solutions for the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics and business travel markets.

To boost efficiency and reduce operational costs, Air Namibia's business plan suggested new routes, better scheduling and acquisition of new aircraft, which even though leased or bought at a slightly higher price, are reliable and to slash operational costs.

Air Namibia has already started leasing new aircraft - the latest of which arrived two weeks ago - and has now signed the papers to buy new ones with delivery in about two to three years.

Analysts reckon that going forward to 2030, there shall be more increases in traffic, citing the projections of increases in the country's affluent population and tourism sector which are set to fuel air travel within and from Namibia.

Gordon says the actual increases in numbers could be bigger, especially if players within tourism sector implement new innovation ideas to attract more tourists to the country.

All these augur well with Air Namibia's business plan, drawn up by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) consulting services, with focus on turning Air Namibia into "a full service carrier with a geographically focused network that services the traffic flows to and from and within Southern Africa."

Air Namibia has started executing the plan with new direct flights from Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport to Lusaka, Zambia and Accra, Ghana.

The new routes were identified along with better scheduling and purchase of new aircrafts as the core elements for boosting profitability at the airline.

Air Namibia was advised to use the strength of the Hosea Kutako International Airport to its advantage. The country's international airport is neither congested, nor does it require transit visas for passengers to other destinations.

The prospects of the national airline turning in profits are so convincing that Cabinet moved the airline to the works and transport ministry.

"We have extensively discussed this [issues around the turn around plan] that is why government decided to bite the bullet and finance the acquisitions [of new aircraft]," the government said when announcing the new business plan.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201110191073.html

Turkish Airlines Plans 737-900ER Service to West Africa from late-Dec 2011
by JL
Update at 0920GMT 20OCT11

As per 20OCT11 GDS timetable display, Turkish Airlines continues to adjust planned Boeing 737-900ER operation. Also, the Star Alliance member has posted seat map for the 737-900ER, dubbed 79B, on its system. Seating configuration is C16Y135.

Planned 737-900ER service is now scheduled from 23DEC11, as the seat map is being updated along with the inventory display. However, further changes remain possible.

Istanbul – Dakar – Lagos eff 23DEC11 4 weekly, replaces A330
TK623 IST1415 – 2015LOS2135 – 2135ACC 73J x247
TK624 ACC2245 – 0045+1LOS0205 – 0915IST 73J x247

http://airlineroute.net/2011/10/20/tk-73j-w11update3/

I read some days ago that they have secured funds for the new airport.

Yeah it is secured since months ago.
But they really started building 2 years ago.
Thats why I said I think the airport will be ready in 2014.

SAA have finally released the flights for the new Johannesburg-Kigali-Bujumbura route, to start now 17 Jan 2012.
Will operate 3x weekly with A319 aircraft, departing Tue, Fri and Sun (alternate days departing from JNB than what Rwandair departs).
Departing JNB at 13:00pm going to Kigali and then Bujumbura, overnight in BJM, returning next morning again via KGL.

This news is for hadrami :cheers:

Emirates W11 Operation Changes as of 25OCT11
Dubai – Dakar Service increase from 4 to 6 weekly (Previously planned increase to 5 weekly)

Really great news for Senegal the airport of Dakar seems to be expanding a lot with emirates increasing it frequencies to Dakar and Turkish Airlines changing aircraft on Istanbul-Dakar-Lagos

Royal Jordanian to Launch Amman – Nairobi Service from mid-Dec 2011
by JL
Update at 0620GMT 02NOV11

oneWorld Member Royal Jordanian Airlines starting 16DEC11 is launching 4 weekly Amman – Nairobi service, on board Airbus A319 aircraft.

Reservation for the new flight is now available. Schedule:

RJ515 AMM2030 – 0255+1NBO 319 x146
RJ516 NBO0350 – 0800AMM 319 x257


I think edduix would be happy now

This news is for hadrami :cheers:

Emirates W11 Operation Changes as of 25OCT11
Dubai – Dakar Service increase from 4 to 6 weekly (Previously planned increase to 5 weekly)

Really great news for Senegal the airport of Dakar seems to be expanding a lot with emirates increasing it frequencies to Dakar and Turkish Airlines changing aircraft on Istanbul-Dakar-Lagos

thanks for the news bro

thanks for the news bro

No Problem My brother:)

Hi everybody

Qatar Airways announced its 2012 route expansion programme focusing on Australia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East with a raft of new destinations set to join the airline's rapidly-growing global network. Highlights include Perth in Western Australia, the Finnish capital Helsinki, Croatia's capital city of Zagreb, Gassim in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and three East African cities - Zanzibar, Kigali and Mombasa, in Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya, respectively.

http://www.ameinfo.com/281304.html

After the demise of Zambezi Airlines end of November (the only one operating international routes). Good news are back in Zambian Capital Airport, thus will welcome soon Emirates (February) and KLM (In may)

EK (1st of February)

EK713 DXB0925 – 1450LUN 332 12357
LUN1620 – 1720HRE 332 12357

EK714 HRE1920 – 2020LUN 332 12357
LUN2150 – 0710+1DXB 332 12357

KLM (15th of May)

KL561 AMS1230 – 2210LUN 332 246
KL562 LUN2355 – 0955+1AMS 332 246

EGYPTAIR Increasing Juba, South Sudan Service from Dec 2011
by JL
Update at 0900GMT 23NOV11

From 05DEC11, EGYPTAIR is adding 3rd weekly service on Cairo – Juba, serving the capital of South Sudan.

Boeing 737-500 aircraft operates this service, with new flight operating on Mondays.

Schedule:

MS859 CAI0830 – 1345JUB 735 135
MS860 JUB1445 – 1800CAI 735 135

Gulf Air Temporary Service Reductions to Ethiopia late-Nov 2011
by JL
Update at 0820GMT 23NOV11

Gulf Air effective immediately until 07DEC11 is temporary reducing Bahrain – Addis Ababa service from 5 to 3 weekly.

The airline made following statement regarding frequency reductions.

The reduction in flight schedule has been made following the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority’s unexpected rejection of Gulf Air’s application to increase its flights to Addis Ababa, from five to seven per week due to high passenger demand.

The application was made under the terms of the existing bilateral agreement, which allows the national carriers of both the Kingdom of Bahrain and Ethiopia to operate an unrestricted number of frequencies per week.

Schedule:

GF705 BAH0030 – 0425ADD 320 123
GF706 ADD0510 – 0845BAH 320 123

Service also operates with A330-200 and A340-300

Arik Air recommences Abuja – London, Heathrow service
30/11/2011
Nigeria & West Africa’s largest commercial carrier, Arik Air, is set to recommence operations between Abuja and London, Heathrow on 12th December (2011). Nigeria & West Africa’s largest commercial carrier, Arik Air, is set to recommence operations between Abuja and London, Heathrow on 12th December (2011).
The airline will operate a daily flight between the two capitals, complementing its daily Lagos – London, Heathrow service bringing Arik’s total frequency of flights between Nigeria and the UK to 14 per week. Arik will fly in to Terminal 4 operating a New Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a two class configuration with 16 Business Class cradle style seats with 8.6’’ TV monitors and 126 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats with a seat pitch of 34’’.
Business and Economy Class passengers alike will enjoy Arik’s signature colloquial Nigerian in-flight offering including foods such as hot-pepper soup and jollof rice as well as a selection of the very best of Nollywood movies.
It will depart Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 11:35am (local time) and arrive in London at 5:05pm (local time). The inbound flight will conveniently depart Heathrow at 9:45pm, arriving in to Abuja for 5:10am affording passengers time to connect on to any one of the 16 domestic destinations served by Arik from its secondary hub including Port Harcourt, Calabar and Kano.
Arik first started the Abuja – London route in November 2009 before discontinuing the service at the end of summer schedule due to a number of extraneous factors including operational considerations to support the regional programme ahead of the airline’s launch to new destinations in Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali on 6th December (2011).
The increased frequency on the route (up from five pre-winter schedule) gives Nigeria a total of 14 of its 21 agreed frequencies with both the UK and Nigeria governments having entered in to negotiations to find a solution to accommodate the requested increase.
Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, Group CEO/ President of Arik Air, commented on the re-launched service:

“We are delighted to offer an alternative service on the Abuja – London, Heathrow route again and I am sure many of our customers in the UK will be happy to hear that we now service London non-stop from Abuja and Lagos daily, offering them a greater amount of choice and convenience with the slightly revised schedule.
“We fully intended on flying the route again and we are glad that we have been able to fulfill this intention before the end of the year and we thank the respective governments for coming to agreeable terms which increases the capacity now and in to and out of Nigeria. The increased capacity on the route is desperately needed, especially for non-stop services, and we felt that recommencing ahead of the holiday rush would allow friends and families abroad a greater opportunity to travel home and spend Christmas with loved ones.”

That is how you play ball, we refused to be bullied by Britain ^^

:cheers:

Ethiopian Airlines Joins Star Alliance


http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/4120/ethiopianairlinesjoinst.jpg

At a ceremony held at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) welcomed Ethiopian Airlines as the Alliance’s third carrier based on the African continent.

“Today we have taken a large step forward in completing our Africa strategy,” said Jaan Albrecht, CEO Star Alliance.” With Ethiopian Airlines now part of the Star Alliance network, we offer our customers the widest choice of flights connecting to, from and within Africa. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines will bring the Star Alliance customer benefits to more markets across Africa, a region of the world in which air travel is enjoying steady growth rates.”

With the addition of Ethiopian Airlines, the Star Alliance network in Africa grows to cover major commercial and political cities of the continent particularly in East, Central and West Africa. In total, the 16 Star Alliance member carriers serving Africa offer more than 750 daily flights to over 110 destinations in 48 countries on the continent, with Addis Ababa, Cairo and Johannesburg serving as the main hubs.

“It is another historical milestone for Ethiopian to join this most prestigious and longest serving Alliance in the world,” said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO Ethiopian Airlines. “This day will remain colourfully marked in our history book. It is in line with our efforts to lay a strong foundation for the airline to achieve its vision 2025 objectives.”


Boeing 787 Dreamliner Touches Down in Africa for First Time

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Dec. 11, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing's (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner touched down in Ethiopia's capital today to kick off the Africa portion of Boeing's 787 Dream Tour – a six-month worldwide tour featuring the Dreamliner. This is the first time the Dreamliner has visited the African continent.

The Dream Tour airplane will be in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and home to Ethiopian Airlines, Dec. 11-14 before it travels to Nairobi, Kenya. During the four-day stop, Ethiopian Airlines executives and employees, government officials and other guests will have a chance to view the airplane, including the interior.

"Aviation throughout Africa continues to grow at a pace faster than the world average and it is airplanes like the game-changing 787, and airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, that will help spur that growth," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 is the perfect airplane to carry Africa into the future of aviation due to its low operating costs, size and range. Boeing is very pleased to showcase this airplane to the customers who put their faith in Boeing and the cutting-edge technology of this airplane."

The airplane, ZA003, was originally used for flight testing but has been elegantly refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and features of the 787 including an interior that highlights the many passenger-preferred features of the airplane.

"Ethiopian Airlines will be the first airline in Africa to operate this great new flying machine," said Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "Ethiopian Airlines is very pleased to welcome the Dreamliner to Addis Ababa. Being able to see firsthand the many benefits the airplane promises to bring like the biggest windows in the industry, spacious cabin, LED-lighting, and other interior features was a great experience when the airplane arrived. Our valued passengers will also soon be able to see and experience the many benefits of this technological marvel."

CNr1PodAD5A

http://www.aviationnews.eu/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/a330_turkish.jpg


On 20 December 2011, Turkish airlines announced the launching of flights to Somalia. According to the Turkish Airlines's CEO Turkish Airlines will fly two times a day to the Somalian's capital, from January 2012.

http://rwandan-flyer.blog4ever.com/blog/lire-article-417104-3664214-turkish_airlines_announces_flights_to_somalia.html

Here's the top 60 airports in Africa from the ACI monthly reports. Figures are for the 12 months up to Sep 2011. In a few cases the most up to date figures are 12 months to July 2011.
* indicates year end to Dec 2010.


1 Johannesburg, S.Africa 19.03 million 4.2%
2 Cairo, Egypt 13.22 -14.7%
3 Cape Town, S.Africa 8.30 3.3%
4 Casablanca, Morocco 7.35 3.4%
5 Hurghada, Egypt 6.38 -17.4%
6 Lagos, Nigeria* 6.22 8.6%
7 Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 6.18 -26.6%
8 Nairobi, Kenya* 5.49 8.0%
9 Durban, South Africa 5.00 8.1%
10 Algiers, Algeria 4.56 3.1%
11 Abuja, Nigeria 4.15 17.6%
12 Tunis, Tunisia 4.02 -10.5%
13 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia* 3.78 6.4%
14 Marrakech, Morocco 3.50 6.2%
15 Mauritius 2.65 4.9%
16 Luanda, Angola* 2.43 9.4%
17 Khartoum, Sudan* 2.18 -8.0%
18 St Denis, Reunion 2.12 11.1%
19 Djerba, Tunisia 1.93 -21.2%
20 Accra, Ghana 1.82 19.0%
21 Dakar, Senegal 1.82 14.4%
22 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 1.77 16.7%
23 Oran, Algeria* 1.73 na
24 Agadir, Morocco 1.56 -0.6%
25 Monastir, Tunisia 1.45 na
26 Port Elizabeth, S.Africa 1.37 -1.6%
27 Mombasa, Kenya* 1.26 14.2%
28 Luxor, Egypt 1.23 -34.7%
29 Port Harcourt, Nigeria* 1.22 16.6%
30 Marsa Alam, Egypt* 1.18 25.9%
31 Entebbe, Uganda 1.15 8.6%
32 Lanseria, South Africa* 1.10 na
33 Enfidha, Tunisia 1.10 na
34 Borg Al-Arab, Egypt 0.92 29.9%
35 Tangier, Morocco 0.84 13.9%
36 Fez, Morocco 0.83 22.7%
37 Antanarivo, Madagascar 0.79 8.5%
38 Lusaka, Zambia 0.78 12.1%
39 Maputo, Mozambique 0.78 9.7%
40 Libreville, Gabon 0.76 2.4%
41 Harare, Zimbabwe* 0.75 22.0%
42 Alexandria, Egypt 0.73 -22.1%
43 Brazzaville, Congo* 0.73 na
44 Windhoek, Namibia 0.71 3.6%
45 East London, S.Africa 0.68 2.7%
46 Douala, Cameroon* 0.67 -4.2%
47 Kinshasa, DRC* 0.67 na
48 Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde 0.65 9.8%
49 Bamako, Mali* 0.63 na
50 Abidjan, Ivory Coast 0.63 -35.5%
51 Zanzibar, Tanzania* 0.62 6.3%
52 Kilamanjaro, Tanzania 0.60 32.1%
53 Nador, Morocco 0.56 40.5%
54 George, S.Africa 0.56 6.3%
55 Aswan, Egypt 0.54 -41.2%
56 Lome, Togo 0.54 72.2%
57 Praia, Cape Verde 0.53 9.5%
58 Oujda, Morocco 0.52 16.3%
59 Abu Simbel, Egypt* 0.49 9.1%
60 Bloemfontein, S.Africa 0.43 8.6%

http://www.aviationnews.eu/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/a330_turkish.jpg


http://rwandan-flyer.blog4ever.com/blog/lire-article-417104-3664214-turkish_airlines_announces_flights_to_somalia.html

umm......:)

^^ WOW, look at all the Egyptian airports, recording Negative growth.!!
I am guessing most passengers to Egyptian airports, are either tourists, or people on transit, to the Middle East and Asia.

It will probably bounce back when the country becomes stable again.

Cairo is the only airport that I believe is a significant transit point. The rest is obviously tourists staying away.

40 Libreville, Gabon 0.76 2.4%? pff

Well it costs $70 to travel from Borg el Arab to Cairo two ways trip. We have a not bad domestic industry. Egyptair announced plans to setup a new airlines for domestic flights at significantly low price we're waiting for that.

New Routes for Eritrean Airlines!

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406381_290739724310681_211530362231618_911804_1392340401_n.jpg

Now Serving:

Egypt
Cairo Cairo International Airport

Eritrea
Asmara Asmara International Airport Hub

Germany
Frankfurt Frankfurt International Airport

Italy
Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport

Kenya
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Pakistan
Karachi Jinnah International Airport
Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport

Nigeria
Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Saudi Arabia
Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport

South Africa
Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport

Sudan
Khartoum Khartoum International Airport

United Arab Emirates
Dubai Dubai International Airport

^ ^ only for Africa Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, et SA?

Et Kenya.

Are some of these routes still planned, because Johannesburg isn't served at the moment, but it would be great if they do. Any idea when these are to start and schedules?

I think Lagos and Frankfurt are planned for this year, their facebook page isnt very clear. But if they arent serving J'burg now im sure they will quite soon

Turkish Airlines S12 Long-Haul Operation Changes as of 09JAN12

Update at 0740GMT 09JAN12

As per 09JAN12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Turkish Airlines’ Summer 2012 Long-Haul operational changes as follows.

Note additional changes remain possible:

Istanbul – Dar es Salaam Airbus A330-300 continues operation 4 times a week, based on seat map display Istanbul – Delhi Airbus A330-300 replaces -200, Daily Istanbul – Guangzhou Increases from 3 to 4 weekly, Airbus A340-300 replaces Boeing 777-300ER Istanbul – Johannesburg – Cape Town Airbus A330-300 Operates Daily, replaces mix of A330/340 Istanbul – Lagos Increases from 6 weekly to Daily, 737-900ER operating Istanbul – Mosul Increases from 3 to 4 weekly, Boeing 737-800 operating Istanbul – Nairobi Boeing 737-900ER replaces -800, Daily service Istanbul – New York JFK 2 Daily Boeing 777-300ER operation. However, TK011/012 from 27AUG12 to 16SEP12 is to be operated by Airbus A330-300 Istanbul – Sulaymaniyah Airbus A321 replaces Boeing 737-800, service maintains 4 times a week Istanbul – Ufa Increases from 4 to 5 weekly, Airbus A319 operating

Previously Reported Changes: Istanbul – Chicago Airbus A330-200 replaces A340-300 in S11, Daily service Istanbul – Los Angeles Increases from 5 weekly to Daily, Boeing 777-300ER operating Istanbul – Osaka Kansai Increases from 5 weekly to Daily, Airbus A330-200 operating Istanbul – Riyadh Increases from 11 to 14 weekly Istanbul – Sana’a Service operates 2 weekly NONSTOP with Boeing 737-800, replacing 4 weekly, 1-stop via Riyadh Istanbul – Tokyo Narita Increases from 6 weekly to Daily, Boeing 777-300ER operating Istanbul – Washington Dulles Increases from 6 weekly to Daily. Airbus A340-300 replaces A330/340 mix

from airlineroute.net

RwandAir to Increase Johannesburg Service from Mar 2012

by JL


Update at 1040GMT 09JAN12

From 02MAR12, RwandAir is to increase Kigali – Johannesburg service from 4 weekly to 7 weekly. New flight operates during night-time from both direction, on board new Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Schedule:

WB113 KGL1140 – 1540JNB 738 x257
WB119 KGL2000 – 0001+1JNB 738 135

WB120 JNB0100 – 0500KGL 738 246
WB112 JNB1625 – 2025KGL 738 x257

I didn't think they were doing this good on the KGL-JNB route, and this with SAA also about to start flights on the route. Is Rwandair carrying alot of connecting traffic from JNB to other East Africa destinations, and maybe now also Lagos, Kinshasa and the other new destinations?

Royal Jordanian to Start Lagos & Accra Service from late-Mar 2012

by JL

Update at 0845GMT 10JAN12

As per 10JAN12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Royal Jordanian starting 31MAR12 is launching service to Lagos and Accra. Airbus A330-200 is operating Amman – Lagos – Accra routing twice weekly.

Previously the oneWorld member planned to start Lagos service from late-Nov 2011, however the launch date was pushed back multiple times, although it was never opened for reservation. Accra is loaded into the GDS for the first time.

Reservation for the twice weekly service is now open:

RJ521 AMM0100 – 0525LOS0625 – 0630ACC 330 2 RJ521 AMM1215 – 1640LOS1740 – 1745ACC 330 6

RJ522 ACC0730 – 0940LOS1040 – 1905AMM 320 2 RJ522 ACC1845 – 2055LOS2150 – 0615+1AMM 330 6

RJ has local traffic rights on Lagos – Accra sector.

EBB : Entebbe - DOH : Doha - KGL : Kigali.


QATAR Airways from 21MAR12 is extending its existing 1 Daily Doha – Entebbe service to Kigali in Rwanda, on board Airbus A320 aircraft.

Kigali is a new destination for the carrier, which has local traffic rights on Entebbe – Kigali sector.

Schedule:

QR538 DOH0115 – 0640EBB0740 – 0735KGL 320 246
QR536 DOH0800 – 1325EBB1425 – 1420KGL 320 x246

QR539 KGL1040 – 1235EBB1335 – 1855DOH 320 246
QR537 KGL1520 – 1710EBB1810 – 2335DOH 320 x246

Eight African carriers join Ethiopian to buy fuel

The national flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines and eight other African carriers on Thursday announced an initiative to buy fuel jointly. The move is said to help the carriers make “significant savings”.

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) said the joint fuel purchase programme for the nine airlines, which are all its members, has been launched following the conclusion of evaluation of tender bids received from a number of fuel companies.

The Group Finance Director of Kenya Airways, Alex Mbugua said that the total volume of fuel to be procured by the 9 airlines across their networks through the initiative will be about 700 million litres valued at around 1.5 billion dollars.

“This initial phase of the project involves only 9 of AFRAA’s 32 member airlines and we are confident that subsequent tenders will involve more airlines and more volumes,” added Mbugua.

Other than Ethiopian the airlines participating in the initiative are Air Malawi, Air Namibia, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, LAM Mozambique Airlines, Precision Air, Rwandair and TAAG Angola Airlines.

Two rounds of negotiations for the oil purchase were done jointly by the nine carriers. Contracting however will be done by individual airlines with the successful fuel companies at the various locations, according to AFRAA.

“The contracts implementation dates will vary, with some airlines starting to purchase fuel under the negotiated terms in February 2012. All contracts will however end in December 2012 and replaced by new contracts for a full calendar year in 2013 and subsequent years,” said AFRAA in a statement.

AFRAA says the process to launch the joint oil purchase first begun last year with the setting up of an AFRAA Joint Fuel Steering Committee chaired by Chris Oanda of Kenya Airways and with Yemane Fitwi of Ethiopian Airlines as his deputy.

The project helps the carriers receive a better and stable unit price of fuel, while assuring quality of the product and supply reliability, according to AFRAA. Fuel suppliers are also expected to benefit from higher fuel volumes purchased by the airlines.
Though the amount of savings airlines expect to make was not disclosed, the Kenya based African carriers’ association says all participating airlines are confident of significant savings, making the project very worthwhile.

Cost of fuel remains a major component of the operating expense of every airline, accounting for between 40-50% of total direct operating costs. In addition to the cost, the unpredictable nature of fuel price makes it difficult for airlines to budget the cost of their operations.http://capitalethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=333:eight-african-carriers-join-ethiopian-to-buy-fuel-&catid=54:news&Itemid=27

I'm very happy to see this kind of cooperation. How come TAAG doesn't get subsidized fuel? It's the national flag carrier isn't it? I assumed it would be getting cheap fuel.

Eight African carriers join Ethiopian to buy fuel

http://capitalethiopia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=333:eight-african-carriers-join-ethiopian-to-buy-fuel-&catid=54:news&Itemid=27

I'm very happy to see this kind of cooperation. How come TAAG doesn't get subsidized fuel? It's the national flag carrier isn't it? I assumed it would be getting cheap fuel.
That's what I have also been thinking. They should have plans somehow similar to Emirates. Make Luanda a hub with cheap fuel Angola produce to fly to many destinations.

That's what I have also been thinking. They should have plans somehow similar to Emirates. Make Luanda a hub with cheap fuel Angola produce to fly to many destinations.Yes, dear forummer, but i think things must not be seen by this angle; Luanda can't be the main hub for all of these airlines by the fact luanda's position on earth is not so favourable for connections to several destinations, specially for those who are not situated in the south side of the continent. Having to leave Addis Ababa to Douala via Luanda? I believe it doesn't make sense for Ethiopian Airlines :ohno:.

Well Luanda is reasonably favourable for several options:

Southern Africa - North America / South America / Europe / West-Africa / North Africa.
West and Central Africa - South America / Australia (Perth perhaps)
East Africa - North America / South America
North Africa - South America
South America - Europe / Middle-East / Asia / Australia (Perth)

So yes, in a dreamworld that they can get subsidies with fuel and offer much cheaper rates (and improve service slightly) they can create a reasonable hub, ofcourse not of the size of Dubai, but more in line like Nairobi/Addis Abeba or maybe even JNB (although JNB is geographically worse off)

Yes, dear forummer, but i think things must not be seen by this angle; Luanda can't be the main hub for all of these airlines by the fact luanda's position on earth is not so favourable for connections to several destinations, specially for those who are not situated in the south side of the continent. Having to leave Addis Ababa to Douala via Luanda? I believe it doesn't make sense for Ethiopian Airlines :ohno:.Well Luanda is reasonably favourable for several options:

Southern Africa - North America / South America / Europe / West-Africa / North Africa.
West and Central Africa - South America / Australia (Perth perhaps)
East Africa - North America / South America
North Africa - South America
South America - Europe / Middle-East / Asia / Australia (Perth)

So yes, in a dreamworld that they can get subsidies with fuel and offer much cheaper rates (and improve service slightly) they can create a reasonable hub, ofcourse not of the size of Dubai, but more in line like Nairobi/Addis Abeba or maybe even JNB (although JNB is geographically worse off)

^^

Former Ethiopian Airline's CEO Girma Wake joins RwandAir

Under Girma Wake's presidency, Ethiopian Airline is became one of best airlines in the world. The airline joined the world's biggest airlines alliance "Star Alliance", last year. African Muzungu

17/01/2012

Yesterday, RwandAir unveled a new board, with the arrival of Girma Wake. Girma Wake having served Ethiopian Airline for 37 years, whom 15 years as CEO.

Others new board members are, Rwanda Development Board’s Head of Tourism and Conservation Ms. Rica Rwigamba. RwandAir can play a major role in "the toursim - airline relations". She recently launched the succesfull "Congo Nile Trail", a 227-kilometer trail bridges the western part of Rwanda, stretching from Rubavu district through Karongi, Nyamasheke towards Rusizi.

Ms. Isabelle Kalihangabo, Mr. Caleb Rwamugaza, Ms. Laurence Mukarugwiza, Mr. Sudadi Kaitana and Mr. Theo Demeyo Uwayu will also join the RwandAir's new board.

RwandaFlyer (http://rwandan-flyer.blog4ever.com/blog/lire-article-417104-4086231-former_ethiopian_airline_s_ceo_girma_wake_joins_rw.html)



Rwanda bestows on former Ethiopian CEO major appointments

The Rwandese government has appointed former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake, as advisor to the Rwandese Ministry of Transport on aviation matters and also as board chairman of the Rwand Air as of February 1.

Girma told The Reporter that he accepted the appointments as he wants to serve an African airline that could work in cooperation with Ethiopian Airlines in various areas. “I am honoured by the appointments the Rwandese government bestowed to me. I will try to serve both the Rwandese Ministry of Transport and the Rwanda Air with maximum dedication. I will also work on the areas that Rwand Air could work with Ethiopian Airlines,” he told The Reporter. “I am glad to serve another African carrier.”

Established in 2002, the Rwandese national flag carrier, Rwand Air, is one of the fast growing airlines in the region. Rwand Air announced the appointment of Girma, as the new chairman of its new board of directors on January 24. The airline said in a statement the move is in line with its expansion plans as the new board steers it forward in its expansion ambitions

Girma, 68, has over 42 years of airline management experience in various capacities at the head, regional and area offices of three organizations. At Ethiopian, he worked in various managerial positions including manager space control, area manager Ghana, Tanzania and Germany, Director marketing operations and director cargo marketing, the position he held before joining Gulf Air in 1993.

read the rest @Reporter (http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/News/rwanda-bestows-on-former-ethiopian-ceo-major-appointments.html)

Etihad Airways signs MoU with Seychelles govt to acquire 40% stake in Air Seychelles


The Government of Seychelles and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding wherein Etihad will invest to acquire a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles Ltd as part of a strategic partnership alliance initiative between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways. The deal was announced today by Joel Morgan, Minister of Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy, Seychelles and James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. Etihad Airways’ investment of USD 20 million will be matched by an equal capital injection from the Seychelles government. In addition, Etihad Airways will also provide a shareholder’s loan of USD 25 million to meet working capital requirements and support network development.

The agreement, which is the first of its kind in Africa, makes for provision for a five-year management contract for Etihad Airways which will see the implementation of strategic measures to encourage Air Seychelles’ long-term commercial growth. As part of the agreement, Etihad Airways will seek to increase frequency of flights between Abu Dhabi and Mahé from four per week to daily, as well as providing new services to the islands; and will work in conjunction with Air Seychelles to develop a renewed fleet and network growth plan for the island-based carrier. The airlines will also sign a comprehensive code-share agreement to include Etihad Airways-marketed flights across Air Seychelles’ network and Air Seychelles-marketed flights to Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways’ destinations across Europe, the Middle East, the GCC, Asia and Australia. Further, Etihad Guest and Seychelles Bonus, the airlines’ frequent flyer programs, will be integrated to include mileage earning and redemption on each other’s flights.

Commenting on the association, Morgan said, “This is a game-changing strategic partnership for us, establishing Air Seychelles on a sustainable growth trajectory and offering a realistic way forward for long-term commercial growth.”

read the rest @TravelBiz (http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/etihad-airways-signs-mou-with-seychelles-govt-to-acquire-40-stake-in-air-seychelles-15525)

SAA is expanding fast into Africa - obviously sees the potential there!

SAA now flying to 21 African cities COMMENT PRINT EMAIL |

By: Creamer Media Reporter
30th January 2012

Updated 6 hours agoTEXT SIZE National carrier South African Airways (SAA) began operating its fourth new African route for its 2011/12 financial year last week when it started flying to Pointe Noire, in the Republic of Congo, from January 26.

The airline is now operating services to 21 cities on the continent, with the Ndola, Zambia, Kigali, Rwanda and Bujumbura, Burundi, destinations having been added in recent months.

Pointe Noire, the country’s second-largest city after its capital Brazzaville, is regarded at the main commercial hub and the centre of the country’s oil industry.

The OR Tambo-Agostinho Neto Airport link will be serviced twice a week by an Airbus A319 narrow body aircraft, which offers 95 economy and 25 business class seats.

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

Is Rwandair carrying alot of connecting traffic from JNB to other East Africa destinations, and maybe now also Lagos, Kinshasa and the other new destinations?

Yes from Entebbe, Nairobi, and Gisenyi - Kamembe in Rwanda. With the new timetables, they will provide better connections for flights from or to Dubai, Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Libreville, Brazzaville and Lagos.

Great with KQ offering feed, both SkyTeam members.

from airlineroute.net
Korean Air starting 21JUN12 is launching 3 weekly Seoul Incheon – Nairobi service, becoming the carrier’s first nonstop link to East Africa on scheduled basis. Service to be operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

The Skyteam member earlier this month (Jan 2012) operated two round-trip charter services. The flying time for Westbound is 13hrs 15mins (14hrs from September 2012), marking one of the longest nonstop route operated by Airbus A330-200.

Schedule:

KE959 ICN2215 – 0530+1NBO 332 246
KE960 NBO1030 – 0450+1ICN 332 357

SAA is expanding fast into Africa - obviously sees the potential there!
There is talk of at least 1 or 2 more new destinations this year as well, Cotonou mentioned.
Also SAA this morning launched nonstop flights between JNB and Beijing with A340-600 3 x weekly.

Yes from Entebbe, Nairobi, and Gisenyi - Kamembe in Rwanda. With the new timetables, they will provide better connections for flights from or to Dubai, Dar Es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Libreville, Brazzaville and Lagos.

I think they would do great connecting through KGL to many of these destinations, especially Lagos, with reasonable fares. Dubai I doubt would get much, as there is already so many different options between JNB and DXB, besides the 3 daily EK flights. Even NBO and DAR might be a bit out of the way as there is already so many other options, unless fares is okay.

Dubai I doubt would get much, as there is already so many different options between JNB and DXB, besides the 3 daily EK flights. Even NBO and DAR might be a bit out of the way as there is already so many other options, unless fares is okay.

Yes probably 3 pax per flights:lol:. But this route seems to work well, they fly six times a week now, instead of 3 times, in november 2010, when they started flights.

There is talk of at least 1 or 2 more new destinations this year as well, Cotonou mentioned.

Abuja seems to be one of news SAA's destinations.:)

Yes, dear forummer, but i think things must not be seen by this angle; Luanda can't be the main hub for all of these airlines by the fact luanda's position on earth is not so favourable for connections to several destinations, specially for those who are not situated in the south side of the continent. Having to leave Addis Ababa to Douala via Luanda? I believe it doesn't make sense for Ethiopian Airlines :ohno:.I meant TAAG which has its hub in Luanda should take advantage of the oil Angola produces to strategize itself like Emirates.

They can lobby the government for cheaper fuel as a national airline and expand their operations not necessarily connecting Africa but also other destinations. For example they can target South American travelers flying to places like Dubai, India, Middle East e.t.c by connecting them through their hub at Luanda.

By the way, they can also create secondary hubs in places like Accra and so they dont have to necessarily use Luanda for their African connections.

I don't see the Angolan national carrier choosing and non-lusophone city as an secondary hub..

IBERIA to Start Service to Nouakchott & Accra in S12

IBERIA in Summer 2012 is adding 2 destinations in Africa, with service to Nouakchott from 26APR12 and Accra starting 01JUN12.

Nouakchott service operates via Las Palmas while Accra is a nonstop flight. Each destination operates twice a week.

Schedule:

Madrid – Las Palmas – Nouakchott
IB6972 MAD2035 – 2225LPA2310 – 0010+1NKC 321 47
IB6973 NKC0215 – 0505LPA0650 – 1035MAD 321 15

Madrid – Accra
IB3730 MAD1440 – 1800ACC 319 25
IB3731 ACC1850 – 0210+1MAD 319 25

Royal Jordanian Further Postpones West Africa Service Launch till June 2012


As per 03FEB12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Royal Jordanian once again postpones planned service launch on Amman – Lagos – Accra service.

The 2 weekly flight, due to start from 31MAR12, is now postponed until 02JUN12.

Schedule:

RJ521 AMM0100 – 0525LOS0625 – 0630ACC 330 2
RJ521 AMM1215 – 1640LOS1740 – 1745ACC 330 6

RJ522 ACC0730 – 0940LOS1040 – 1905AMM 320 2
RJ522 ACC1845 – 2055LOS2150 – 0615+1AMM 330 6

Kenya Airways Boosting Mayotte and Comores Service from June 2012


As per 08FEB12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Kenya Airways is increasing service to Mayotte and Comores from June 2012. Existing 3 weekly Nairobi – Dzaoudzi – Moroni – Nairobi flight is increasing to 4 weekly from June, and further increases to 5 from July 2012.

Schedule as follows:

KQ452 NBO0840 – 1115DZA1215 – 1300HAH1400 – 1610NBO 733 x57

Day 1 eff 04JUN12
Day 3 eff 04JUL12

Acsa consortium awarded R70bn Brazil airport contract
8th February 2012

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), together with Brazilian joint venture partner Invepar, won a R70-billion ($9.2-billion) concession to overhaul and operate the busiest and most valuable of three Brazilian airports, Guarulhos, in São Paulo.

“Acsa is pleased with the outcome of the competitive bidding process,” acting MD Bongani Maseko said on Wednesday.

The partnership would own 51% of the Guarulhos International Airport concession, with Brazilian State aerospace operator Infraero owing the remaining 49%. Acsa would provide airport management through a technical service agreement with the concession for twenty years.

The investment will be ring-fenced and will therefore not be funded by the South African aviation industry.

Some of the immediate tasks include preparing detailed operational plans for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, the Pope’s visit for World Youth Day in 2013, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, all to be held in Brazil.

“This is a great opportunity for Acsa, as we realise that in order to grow the business, Acsa has to look beyond South African borders, particularly focusing on emerging markets such as India, Brazil and Africa.

“We managed to secure an opportunity in India a few years ago, we now have Brazil and are pursuing similar ventures in Africa. Winning the bid in Brazil will enhance Acsa’s brand and better position it in the marketplace as a significant participant in global airport investment and management services,” Maseko said.

Brazil’s Triunfo Participações and France's Egis Airport Operation won the concession to expand Viracopos Airport, also near São Paulo, with a bid of $2.2-billion, while Brazil's Engevix and Argentina’s Corporación America won the concession for a new airport terminal in Brasília, the country’s capital, with a bid of $2.607-billion.

The South African Ministry of Transport also congratulated Acsa on its achievement.

"The report card on infrastructure released by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering last year stated that South Africa's best performing infrastructure was its aviation infrastructure, which was awarded the report's only 'A'.

"Last year, the OR Tambo International Airport was named the best airport in Africa, and was also in the top three most-improved airports worldwide, at the World Airport Awards for 2010/11, held in Denmark,” Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said in a statement.

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

Gulf Air Suspends Entebbe Service from late-Feb 2012


Gulf Air today (09FEB12) announced it’ll be suspending Bahrain – Entebbe service, starting 21FEB12. This route currently operates twice a week, with Airbus A319 aircraft.

In the press statement issued by the airline, suspension is part of continuously review of existing route network and fleet.

Schedule:

GF719 BAH1020 – 1545EBB 319 1
GF717 BAH2055 – 0220+1EBB 319 4

GF718 EBB0320 – 0820BAH 319 5
GF720 EBB1645 – 2145BAH 319 1

LOL!! they just started that route i guess it was a big loss :ohno::ohno:

LOL!! they just started that route i guess it was a big loss :ohno::ohno:

Gulf Air is in financial troubles, and these are not recent

Gulf Air is in financial troubles, and these are not recent

+1 yeah hopefully it will become like her sisters Emirates Etihad and Qatar Airways

This Airlines was a pionner, they've just lost their attractiveness towards the competiting an pretty new QR, EK ...

well, If you see the size of the gulf region (middle east) and the numerous airlines operating, this may explain their difficulties.

That dosent have to do with anything gulf air problems started when they canceled Iran and Irag services and gulf air is also doing some arrangements for the destnations as they also canceled Rome service

Morocco’s airline gets clearance

The Kenya Government has cleared Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Maroc for a direct flight from Casablanca to Nairobi, to boost connectivity of the two countries.

Currently, Qatar airways flies to Nairobi from Casablanca through Doha with a stopover in Tunis, making the flight longer.

Tourism minister, Najib Balala, on Sunday requested the airline and relevant authorities to speed up on logistics to make the deal a reality.

“A delegation of Royal Air Maroc is expected in Nairobi next month to finalise on finer details regarding the route,” said Mr Balala.

The minister was speaking during a meeting with his Morocco counterpart Lahcen Haddad in Casablanca where he is leading a tourism delegation on a mission from the private sector and country’s tourism marketing agency, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB).

Air Uganda cancels RwandaAir Code Share

[quote]
Air Uganda has terminated its Code Share agreement with RwandAir, a senior official at RwandAir has told The New Times.

RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer, John Mirenge confirmed the development in a phone interview asserting that Air Uganda officials cancelled the agreement.

The New Times could not establish what led Air Uganda to terminate the share agreement, neither would RwandAir’s CEO.

“I don’t understand why...they served us with a letter cancelling the agreement,” Mirenge noted.

He disclosed that the termination of the agreement that was signed in June 2010 is effective within 30 days.

“This will not affect our revenues in anyway. We have already introduced another flight on the route, so it will not affect our passenger numbers or our revenues,” Mirenge insisted.

He added that RwandAir currently has a morning flight to Entebbe, via Bujumbura, and a direct evening flight.

At the signing of the code share in Kigali, Air Uganda’s CEO, Hugh Fraser, had mentioned that both airlines would harmonise ticket prices which would make them the dominant players in the region to compete against the largely dominant Kenya Airways.

Both national carriers announced the code share agreement on the highly lucrative Entebbe-Kigali route in June 2010.

The agreement was signed to enable both airlines and travel agents to sell tickets on each other’s flights to offer customers the same combinable fares on the same tickets, making it cheaper and simpler for their customers to use either airline.

With the code sharing partnership, passengers enjoyed a day return from both Uganda and Rwanda bypassing Nairobi, saving time by combining the nonstop flights of both airlines.

Airline business is increasing in Rwanda, as more airlines add Kigali into their menu of destinations.

The most recent is South African Airways which will operate three weekly flights, while Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are both set to launch operations this year.

RwandAir has on its fleet two Boeing 737-800s sky-interior, a Dash8, two Boeing 737-500, and flies to 12 destinations.

Early last month, the national airliner sold its two 50 seater CRJ200 with intention of replacing them with brand new Regional Jets.

Regional Jets are described as a range of short to medium-haul turbofan powered aircraft, normally with capacity to carry between 70 and 100 passengers.

On the other hand, Air Uganda is a member of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and has been in operation since November 2007. They serve seven destinations, including Rwanda with two CRJ-200s and two MD-87s. [/qoute]

source Newtimes

I.Coast to relaunch national carrier with two Airbuses
Thu Feb 9, 2012


ABIDJAN- Ivory Coast's national air carrier will restart operations in April under a new name, Air Cote d'Ivoire, with two A319 Airbuses flying to regional destinations, officials said on Thursday.

The West African nation's government signed a decree on Thursday creating the new company. The state will have a 51 percent stake while Air France will hold 35 percent and private domestic investors will hold the rest.

"The first flight is planned for late April and the capital of the new company is about 25 billion CFA francs," government spokesman Bruno Kone said by phone after a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The airline will replace the former Air Ivoire, which collapsed last year.

"The former company is now bankrupt. It was difficult to restructure it, that is why we prefer to create a new company," Kone said.

An official at Ivory Coast's transport ministry said the new company will begin by leasing two aircraft to fly to regional destinations.

"We'll start with two Airbus A319 aircraft. Then the next year we will increase the fleet to three. But whenever the need arises, there will be ways for us to increase the number of aircraft," the official said, asking not to be named.


source: Reuters...

Great news hopefully more aircrafts ^^

Turkish Airlines to Start Somalia Service from Mar 2012


Turkish Airlines starting 06MAR12 is launching service to Somalia, where it’ll offer 2 weekly Istanbul – Khartoum – Mogadishu service on board Boeing 737-800.

Overall service to Khartoum, capital of Sudan, will increase from Daily to 9 weekly as a result. However TK does not have local traffic rights on Khartoum – Mogadishu sector.

Schedule from 25MAR12:

TK686 IST2315 – 0320+1KRT0410+1 – 0700+1MGQ 738 24
TK687 MGQ0800 – 1100KRT1150 – 1600IST 738 35

OMG :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: 2 good news in 1 now TK have 9 weekly flights to Khartoum :banana::banana::banana: oh and congrats Somalia :D

1st B747F Kenya Airways Cargo' : http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7312614

^^looks damn.beautiful :yes:

Turkish Airlines to Start Somalia Service from Mar 2012


Turkish Airlines starting 06MAR12 is launching service to Somalia, where it’ll offer 2 weekly Istanbul – Khartoum – Mogadishu service on board Boeing 737-800.

Overall service to Khartoum, capital of Sudan, will increase from Daily to 9 weekly as a result. However TK does not have local traffic rights on Khartoum – Mogadishu sector.

Schedule from 25MAR12:

TK686 IST2315 – 0320+1KRT0410+1 – 0700+1MGQ 738 24
TK687 MGQ0800 – 1100KRT1150 – 1600IST 738 35

OMG :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana: 2 good news in 1 now TK have 9 weekly flights to Khartoum :banana::banana::banana: oh and congrats Somalia :D

Has he of the important exchanges between Turkey and Sudan (human and economic) there???

Has he of the important exchanges between Turkey and Sudan (human and economic) there???

What ? :? if you mean the Sudanese/Turkish relations they are at there best our sister countries in economic/human relations are Turkey China Qatar Malaysia India UK and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait these are the countries are well known of it good relations with Sudan

^^ UK-SUDAN GOOD RELATIONS....................u SURE ABOUT THAT??
:lol:

^^ UK-SUDAN GOOD RELATIONS....................u SURE ABOUT THAT??
:lol:

Yeah....:? Maybe you mean USA

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3342/kensaudi.png

:cheers2:

^^great knows hope best for both of them

Yes, it is!

brussels airlines A330-200 S12 Operation


As per 24FEB12 GDS timetable and inventory display, brussels airlines’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft during Northern Summer 2012 season is to operate following Africa service.

Additional changes remain possible:

Brussels – Bujumbura – Nairobi – Brussels 3 weekly
Brussels – Kigali – Entebbe – Brussels 3 weekly
Brussels – Kigali – Nairobi – Brussels 1 weekly
Brussels – Kinshasa 5 weekly
Brussels – Luanda – Kinshasa – Brussels 2 weekly

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469890&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3466960&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469868&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469903&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469915&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469931&t=o

A bizarre news :nuts::nuts:

African Express Airways to Start Abu Dhabi Service from mid-May 2012



African Express Airways from 19MAY12 is launching new service to Abu Dhabi, where MD82 aircraft operates 1 weekly Nairobi – Mogadishu – Berbera – Abu Dhabi route. This is to be the first air link between Abu Dhabi and Somalia.

Schedule:

XU529 NBO0800 – 0930MGQ1100 – 1230BBO1400 – 1800AUH M82 6
XU530 AUH0630 – 0830BBO0930 – 1100MGQ1200 – 1300WJR1500 – 1600NBO M82 7

Note return flight operates Abu Dhabi – Berbera – Mogadishu – Wajir – Nairobi routing

KLM Resumes Tripoli Service from late-Mar 2012



KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from 27MAR12 resumes service to Libya, with 3 weekly Amsterdam – Tripoli service on board Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The Skyteam member from 02JUL12 and 18SEP12 respectively introduces 4th and 5th weekly service on this route.

Schedule:

KL573 AMS1010 – 1335TIP 73W x357
KL574 TIP1435 – 1810AMS 73W x357

Service operates Day 246 from 27MAR12 to 30JUN12
Service operates Day x35 from 18SEP12

How is that bizarre?I thought it's good for places like Mogadishu.

How is that bizarre?I thought it's good for places like Mogadishu.

I meant the routing is silly Nairobi-Mohadishu-Barbara-Abu dhabi :nuts::nuts: but its good for Somalis who wants to connect with Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to the world :cool:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469890&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3466960&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469868&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469903&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469915&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469931&t=o

Only the big airliners! :cool:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469890&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3466960&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469868&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469903&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469915&t=ohttp://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3469931&t=o

I can't see the photos can you guys see it ?

They're GIF's and yes :)

Damn! I cant see gifs anymore :bash:

Only the big airliners! :cool:
:yes:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3473428&t=o

^^I think Arik Air should also be there.

Just Arik, not Sudan Airways please.. :laugh:

Bigger airlines first* and then the smaller ones will follow.;)






*Subject to availability of their respective videos.

Hey skytrax Sudan airways truly sucks and TAAG is the best airlines on earth happy ?

Hey skytrax Sudan airways truly sucks and TAAG is the best airlines on earth happy ?
:laugh:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3475883&t=o

Go Sudan!:cool:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3475883&t=o

Go Sudan!:cool:

Thank you Jamaa for the lovely photo too bad i cant see it :lol::lol:

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3475883&t=o

Go Sudan!:cool:

:rofl:

:rofl:
I dont have a better Youtube video for Sudan Airways.

http://gifsoup.com/imager.php?id=3476597&t=o

^^They can always use Kenya Airways too.;)

Were those gifs made by yourself??

Yes.

Mozambican airline LAM to fly to China and Brazil
March 5th, 2012 News (http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/2012/03/05/mozambican-airline-lam-to-fly-to-china-and-brazil/)

Mozambican airline Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) plans to launch flights to Brazil and China in the second half of this year.

According to Ghana’s news agency, LAM’s chief executive, Marlene Manave said that the flights may begin between September and November.

According to the CEO the project to establish new routes is estimated to cost US$10 million and has the support and financial contribution of Brazil.

Also according to Manave the international arm of LAM, LAM Internacional is meanwhile due to be set up.

The LAM CEO also said that talks were underway with officials from Brazil and China.

In November 2011 Brazil announced that it would help LAM to buy more aircraft as part of a US$300 million loan from Brazilian development bank Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Económico e Social do Brasil (BNDES).

The Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique fleet includes Embraer aircraft, manufactured by Brazilian aeronautical company Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica. (macauhub)



I saw on local tv news that there will be direct flights Maputo-Shanghai; Maputo-Rio de Janeiro; Maputo-Guarulhos(Sao Paulo). :cheers:

What is the type of the aircraft ? And does LAM have aircraft's fly all that distance ?

What is the type of the aircraft ? And does LAM have aircraft's fly all that distance ?
In November 2011 Brazil announced that it would help LAM to buy more aircraft as part of a US$300 million loan from Brazilian development bank Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Económico e Social do Brasil (BNDES)....

And yes it does have aircraft to fly that distance, they used to fly to Lisbon sometime ago now it's TAP Portugal who does the Maputo-Lisbon route.

Probably with a leased B767.

Turkish Airlines starts commercial flights to Somalia‎. Istanbul to Mogadishu. The first commercial flight outside Africa in more than 20+ years.

Here are some Pictures from Aden Adde International Airport named after Somalia's first president.

http://hiiraan.com/news/2012/mar/images/Turkish%20(19).JPG
http://hiiraan.com/news/2012/mar/images/Turkish%20(3).JPG

:shocked:

http://simviation.com
http://simviation.com/hjg/aircraft/boeing/b707-320b/hjg%20b707-330b%20somali%20airlines%201987%2060-sbs.jpg
Good old days. Somali airlines was Somalia's pride. Hopefully it will come back soon.

Turkish Airlines starts commercial flights to Somalia‎. Istanbul to Mogadishu. The first commercial flight outside Africa in more than 20+ years.

Here are some Pictures from Aden Adde International Airport named after Somalia's first president.

http://hiiraan.com/news/2012/mar/images/Turkish%20(19).JPG
http://hiiraan.com/news/2012/mar/images/Turkish%20(3).JPG

The flight wasnt VIA Khrtoum or is it just the first flight ? great photos mabrook Somalis for the first long haul flight from Mogadishu :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Air Namibia Postpone Gaborone / Harare Service Launch Date till mid-May 2012



As per 07MAR12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Air Namibia has postponed planned service resumption on Windhoek – Harare (4 weekly) and new service launch on Windhoek – Gaborone (3 weekly) route. The new launch date is scheduled from 15MAY12, instead of planned 01APR12.

Operational schedule remains unchanged for the moment:

Windhoek – Gaborone
SW756 WDH0810 – 1055GBE ERJ 246
SW755 GBE1130 – 1215WDH ERJ 246

Windhoek – Harare
SW730 WDH0810 – 1125HRE ERJ x246
SW731 HRE1205 – 1320WDH ERJ x246

Virgin Atlantic Increasing Accra Service from late-Mar 2012




Virgin Atlantic from 25MAR12 is to increase London Heathrow – Accra service, where it’ll increase from 3 to 5 weekly. New flight departs LHR on Mondays and Tuesdays, although it is still awaiting for Government Approval.

Schedule:

VS657 LHR2245 – 0500+1ACC 343 x36

VS658 ACC0850 – 1640LHR 343 3
VS658 ACC1010 – 1800LHR 343 156
VS658 ACC1010 – 1805LHR 343 2

Turkish Airlines Somalia

http://www.newsomali.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/First_Flight_to_MOG.jpg

AIRFRANCE Further Changes to Malabo Operation from mid-Apr 2012




As per 07MAR12 GDS timetable and inventory display, AIRFRANCE is further adjusting planned operation to Malabo, starting 16APR12. Latest changes sees AF operating Boeing 777-200ER aircraft as Paris CDG – Douala – Malabo route on daily basis, instead of 3 weekly A330-200 nonstop Paris CDG – Malabo route.

The Skyteam member until 15APR12 operates Airbus A319LR “DEDICATE” service to Malabo (previously reported on 31JAN12). On Paris CDG – Douala sector, flight number changes from AF942/943 to AF958/953 from 16APR12.

Schedule:

AF958 CDG1030 – 1555DLA1705 – 1745SSG 772 D
AF953 SSG2025 – 2105DLA2250 – 0610+1CDG 772 D

I hope Turkish Airlines comes to Hargeisa. No more rusty Tupolevs that shake while on flight! :cheers:

I hope Turkish Airlines comes to Hargeisa. No more rusty Tupolevs that shake while on flight! :cheers:

Not soon enough :lol::lol: and this is a dangerous plane you couldve died there i prefer by car :colbert:

Emirates FY12 Boeing 777-300ER First Class Operation Adjustment as of 08MAR12



As per 08MAR12 GDS timetable and inventory display, Emirates has revised planned Boeing 777-300ER with First Class Suites (77W – P) operations. Planned Daily “77W – P” operation on selected routes are being postponed, which will see -300ER with regular First Class (77W – F) continuing operation.

Details as follows:

Dubai – Beijing EK308/309 Boeing 777-300ER replaces A340-500 from 01MAY12 remains unchanged. However, Daily -300ER with First Class suite operation is postponed until 01DEC12
01MAY12 – 30NOV12 77W – F Day x1/x2 77W – P Day 1/2

Dubai – Lagos EK783/784 Planned Daily 777-300ER with First Class Suites postponed from 01JUL12 to 01AUG12
01JUN12 – 31JUL12 77W – F Day x135 77W – P Day 135
01AUG12 – 77W – P Daily

Dubai – Johannesburg EK765/766 Planned Daily 777-300ER with First Class Suites postponed from 28OCT12 till 01JAN13
28OCT12 – 31DEC12 77W – F Day 136 77W – P Day x136
01JAN13 – 77W – P Daily

Dubai – Osaka Kansai Boeing 777-300ER aircraft changes between 25MAR12 and 31JUL12
25MAR12 – 01JUN12 77W – F Daily
02JUN12 – 31JUL12 77W – F Day 135 77W – P Day x135
01AUG12 – 77W – P Daily

Dubai – Rome EK095/096 Planned Daily 777-300ER with First Class Suites postponed from 01OCT12 to 28OCT12
01OCT12 – 27OCT12 77W – F Daily
28OCT12 – 77W – P Daily

Cape Town airport best in Africa

March 9 2012
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cape Town International Airport has been named the best airport in Africa by an international association of the world's airports, the Western Cape government said on Friday.

The award was made by the Airports Council International, which surveys passengers on their views of different airports.

Its Airport Service Quality awards have become an international benchmark for how a good airport should look and should treat its passengers.

Western Cape tourism MEC Alan Winde said about 200 airports participated in the survey.

“We are thrilled that Cape Town International has been named the best airport in Africa,” he said.

Winde said the award was a result of the provincial government, the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) and local people working together.

Acsa general manager Deon Cloete said South Africans were competing well in the global arena.

“We are proud that we are able to do our bit in making this great city and province a better place for all concerned,” he said. – Sapa

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQHU9oOll-M/TqA8AoNJECI/AAAAAAAAC3M/FHaq53TiboI/s1600/Cape+Town+Airport+2+extra+small.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CejZOCQbHRc/TqBEgeaSHBI/AAAAAAAAC4M/BQVS93pTrcg/s1600/Cape+Town+Airport+7+extra+small.jpg
http://www.specifile.co.za/specifier/images/stories/August-2010/FireSpec-at-CT-International-Airport.jpg

I'm wondering which airports will get A380 after Johannesburg.:dunno:

^^im thinking it would be Cairo by Emirates Airlines or Lagos alsi by emirates

I'm wondering which airports will get A380 after Johannesburg.:dunno:

I already said it would be Roland Garros airport in Reunion island.

^^im thinking it would be Cairo by Emirates Airlines or Lagos alsi by emirates
+1

I also think so!

I already said it would be Roland Garros airport in Reunion island.

Maybe for a short stop but not the final destination.

Or maybe cape town also by emirates i got the feeling

Or maybe cape town also by emirates i got the feeling

Cape Town would need to build its new A380-compatible terminal first.

My prediction:
-Cairo
-Lagos
-Nairobi (if KLM acquires A380)
-Cape Town (very unlikely)
-Casablanca (short stop maybe)
-Accra (short stop maybe)
-Abidjan & Dakar (short stops maybe)

Maybe for a short stop but not the final destination.

Of course, for final destination!! their local company (Air Austral) has bout two A380!!

Of course, for final destination!! their local company (Air Austral) has bout two A380!!
I dont know whether we should count the airport as it's part of France.:dunno:

It looks like they will be getting it in 2014.;)

With the new airport to be open this year I hope some airline start to use their on their Luanda route. Maybe Emirates or Lufthansa. TAAG it self will "never" get an A380 as it only use Boeing planes. I think they will go for the 787.

I dont know whether we should count the airport as it's part of France.:dunno:

It looks like they will be getting it in 2014.;)

Just because it's part of France doesn't mean that is no longer an African territory (geographically speaking).

Never heard of a country called reunion in my life anyway i also expect addis ababa to get Lufthansa A380 if it was capable of handling

Yes, I also think there is more likelihood of getting a Lufthansa A380 in Addis but from the orders they have, the chances are very slim.

In any case, Addis stands more chances of getting one than Nairobi.

If Emirates joined Star Alliance or Skyteam, there would have been more hopes.:)

^^ +1 agree BTW does Lufthansa have flights to NBO ? In the beginning of 25 March Lufthansa is adjusting the current Frankfurt-Khartoum route wich opreates VIA Jeddah it's going to be extended to addis ababa and remove the Jeddah stopover so it's going to be Frankfurt-Khartoum-Addis Ababa by A340-300

Never heard of a country called reunion in my life anyway i also expect addis ababa to get Lufthansa A380 if it was capable of handling

How would you? :cripes:

Lady Gaga, Lufthansa doesnt have direct passenger flights to Nairobi. I guess most of their passengers travel to Nairobi through Addis using their partner, Ethiopian Airlines.

How would you? :cripes:
It's a tiny island with nothing either positive or negative coming out of there. I'm sure many Africans dont know it either.:lol: