African Aviation News

[GregPz]

Hi guys,
Thought I'd start a thread for news on Africa's rapidly growing aviation sector.

First bit of news:

Easyjet to fly to Africa
Low cost airline Easyjet is to start a daily flight to Marrakech, Morocco from London-Gatwick. It'll be the airline's first destination outside of Europe.

[GregPz]

Here's the 40 busiest airports in Africa (Sep'04-Sep'05). Figures are in '000 with % change from 2004/5.

1. Johannesburg, South Africa....15,339 13.6%
2. Cairo, Egypt........................10,145 7.0%
3. Cape Town, South Africa.........6,574 12.6%
4. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt............4,750 6.2%
5. Hurgada, Egypt......................4,564 3.1%
6. Casablanca, Morocco..............4,317 15.6%
7. Nairobi, Kenya........................4,123 7.0%
8. Monastir, Tunisia....................4,117 17.3%
9. Lagos, Nigeria........................3,930 6.8%
10.Tunis, Tunisia........................3,641 7.5%
11.Durban, South Africa...............3,462 14.3%
12.Algiers, Algeria.......................3,405 2.8%
13.Jerba, Tunisia........................2,403 11.6%
14.Luxor, Egypt..........................2,305 10.6%
15.Abuja, Nigeria........................2,225 3.2%
16.Mauritius...............................2,133 3.0%
17.Marrakech, Morocco................2,078 32.5%
18.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia..............1,810 21.5%
19.St Denis, Reunion...................1,573 -0.4%
20.Agadir, Morocco.....................1,283 15.0%
21.Port Elizabeth, South Africa......1,211 20.7%
22.Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde...........1,151 39.3%
23.Aswan, Egypt........................1,111 -4.5%
24.Dar es Salaam, Tanzania..........1,109 14.8%
25.Mombasa, Kenya....................1,019 8.2%
26.Port Harcourt, Nigeria................889 -2.1%
27.Accra, Ghana...........................840 2.8%
28.Luanda, Angola........................833 10.9%
29.Abidjan, Ivory Coast.................761 -10.1%
30.Antanarivo, Madagascar............683 15.0%
31.Libreville, Gabon.......................624 -17.6%
32.Entebbe, Uganda......................605 14.7%
33.Douala, Cameroon.....................558 4.9%
34.George, South Africa.................548 32.5%
35.Kinshasa, DRC..........................542 7.7%
36.Maputo, Mozambique.................541 16.1%
37.Windhoek, Namibia....................524 0.8%
38.East London, South Africa..........521 24.5%
39.Bamako, Mali............................508 6.8%
40.Brazzaville, Congo.....................500 11.7%

[cladiv]

Hi guys! I posted this on the international aviation forum but I thought I'd post it also here to give my contribution to this great section!

Kenya Airways to Add Boeing 787 Dreamliners


Tuesday March 7, 12:01 am ET
- Airline Places Firm Order for the Direct Purchase of Six 787-8s
- 787 Further Validated as the Premier Choice for African Carriers' Future Fleet Operations

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kenya Airways today hosted representatives of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA - News) and the media to celebrate the airline's decision to purchase six 787 Dreamliners. Kenya Airways plans to replace its current 767s with the highly efficient Dreamliners beginning with the delivery of two airplanes in 2010, and four in 2011.

ADVERTISEMENT
Kenya Airways was the first carrier to purchase and operate the Boeing 777 in sub-Saharan Africa, and becomes the third major African airline to order the 787 Dreamliner. The unmatched performance, range and passenger comfort of the 787 will further enhance Kenya Airways' ability to offer service on routes across the globe.

"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.

Kenya Airways has earned a reputation for exemplary service and customer satisfaction and currently operates a 21-plane fleet, which includes Boeing 737s, 767s and 777s. The airline also recently announced a lease agreement with Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprises for three 737-800s to be delivered in 2006.

"Our association with Kenya Airways truly represents a partnership and is based on mutual respect and trust that we work together to ensure the airline's continued success," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for The Middle East and Africa. "We're proud to have the 787 Dreamliner validated by the extremely competent and thorough assessment team that's been assembled within Kenya Airways."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has had the most successful program launch in Boeing's history, with the airplane first scheduled to enter commercial service in 2008. Kenya Airways becomes the 28th customer committed to the 787 Dreamliner. Boeing currently has 385 total orders and commitments worldwide.

The 787 is a family of airplanes carrying 200 to 300 passengers on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers). The Dreamliner will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size and will provide operators with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will enjoy an innovative new interior environment with higher humidity, wider seats and aisles, and larger windows, greatly improving the overall flying experience.

Kenya Airways serves more than 2 million passengers annually and has the largest network into Africa. The carrier is going through an aggressive expansion program and it has added destinations which include Bamako, Dakar, Maputo, Istanbul and Guangzhou in China. The airline plans to soon launch service to Paris, Asmara and Sierra Leone. This complements 17 weekly flights to London and Amsterdam and regular schedules to select destinations in Asia, including Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/cladiv/060306b_lg.jpg

[SE9]

^ Nice one, I just read this on a Kenyan news-site.

This means that the expansion of their fleet will include:

- 6 new 787s
- 2 new 777-200ERs
- 3 new 737-800s

[skipperBill]

Some aviation news....
Ethiopian Airlines to begin flight to south Sudan
Wednesday 22 March 2006 03:30.

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Mar 21, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian Airlines (EAL) is set to launch services to Juba, south Sudan as of May 1, the airline said Tuesday.

In a statement available to international media, EAL said it will serve Juba, the capital city of South Sudan, four flights a week, returning same day to the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

EAL will fly to Juba on Mondays and Fridays with a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, the statement said, adding that the airline will also fly to Juba on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a stopover in Entebbe, Uganda.

It said EAL will operate Boeing 737-700, an up-to-date aircraft,to Juba with a capacity of 118 seats (16 seats in cloud nine, and 102 seats in economy class).

The launch of the services to Juba will provide business executives and tourists direct link to Addis Ababa, Entebbe, and Nairobi, create convenient connections to Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Asia, and bring Sudan closer to the world, according to the statement.

The launch of the services to Juba, the city with more than 160,000 people, will bring EAL destinations in Africa to 29, and to 46worldwide, the statement said.

EAL will fly daily to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Entebbe, ten times a week to Nairobi, five times a week to Kigali, Bujumbura and Khartoum, and four times a week to Djibouti and Somaliland’s Hargeisa as of April 2006, the statement added.

(Xinhua)

[2 for the road]

Here's the 40 busiest airports in Africa (Sep'04-Sep'05). Figures are in '000 with % change from 2004/5.

1. Johannesburg, South Africa....15,339 13.6%
2. Cairo, Egypt........................10,145 7.0%
3. Cape Town, South Africa.........6,574 12.6%
4. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt............4,750 6.2%
5. Hurgada, Egypt......................4,564 3.1%
6. Casablanca, Morocco..............4,317 15.6%
7. Nairobi, Kenya........................4,123 7.0%
8. Monastir, Tunisia....................4,117 17.3%
9. Lagos, Nigeria........................3,930 6.8%
10.Tunis, Tunisia........................3,641 7.5%
11.Durban, South Africa...............3,462 14.3%
12.Algiers, Algeria.......................3,405 2.8%
13.Jerba, Tunisia........................2,403 11.6%
14.Luxor, Egypt..........................2,305 10.6%
15.Abuja, Nigeria........................2,225 3.2%
16.Mauritius...............................2,133 3.0%
17.Marrakech, Morocco................2,078 32.5%
18.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia..............1,810 21.5%
19.St Denis, Reunion...................1,573 -0.4%
20.Agadir, Morocco.....................1,283 15.0%
21.Port Elizabeth, South Africa......1,211 20.7%
22.Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde...........1,151 39.3%
23.Aswan, Egypt........................1,111 -4.5%
24.Dar es Salaam, Tanzania..........1,109 14.8%
25.Mombasa, Kenya....................1,019 8.2%
26.Port Harcourt, Nigeria................889 -2.1%
27.Accra, Ghana...........................840 2.8%
28.Luanda, Angola........................833 10.9%
29.Abidjan, Ivory Coast.................761 -10.1%
30.Antanarivo, Madagascar............683 15.0%
31.Libreville, Gabon.......................624 -17.6%
32.Entebbe, Uganda......................605 14.7%
33.Douala, Cameroon.....................558 4.9%
34.George, South Africa.................548 32.5%35.Kinshasa, DRC..........................542 7.7%
36.Maputo, Mozambique.................541 16.1%
37.Windhoek, Namibia....................524 0.8%
38.East London, South Africa..........521 24.5%
39.Bamako, Mali............................508 6.8%
40.Brazzaville, Congo.....................500 11.7%

Never heard of George, South Africa before, but i found these pictures on google

http://www.jbnproperties.co.za/images/George_400.jpg
http://www.jbnproperties.co.za/images/herolds_bay_400.jpg
http://www.jbnproperties.co.za/images/wilderness_400.jpg


George airport connects with Cape Town and Gauteng airports and a superb network of roads links up with the little Karoo as well as the Western Cape.
The area is renowned as the golfing mecca of the Southern Cape and boasts two of the top ten golf courses in the country.

George has a very high concentration of hotels and guest houses ensuring that tourists and other holiday makers have a wide variety to choose from.

[belgiumguy]

Morocco-Gabon
RAM to help launch new Gabonese Air company

The Rabat-based official MAP news agency reported that the Moroccan flag carrier and the Gabonese Transport Ministry signed, on Friday in Libreville, the shareholder pact in this respect.

A RAM statement said Air Gabon International is to start activity by the end of the second quarter of 2006 with a two plane fleet to fly passengers and freight from Libreville to France, Morocco, South Africa, Malawi, Congo Brazzaville and Angola.

The Air Gabon international move is part of the national airliner's efforts to strengthen its presence in Africa, where launched in June 2005 two flights to Douala (Cameroon, 2 direct flights per week departing from Casablanca) and to Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso, 3 direct flights per week).

The Moroccan air company already ensures several weekly flights to other African destinations, namely Nouakchott, Dakar, Abidjan, Conakry, Bamako, Libreville, and Niamey.

In December last year, Royal Air Maroc signed a firm-order agreement with leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the purchase of four 787 Dreamliners, with an option of buying an additional one.

The delivery of these new-generation long-distance airplanes should start late 2008.

RAM intends to use the newly purchased planes for flights to North America, Middle East and Africa.

The Dreamliner, Boeing's latest creation, promises aviation companies that it will be super-economical, thanks to the materials used for its fuselage which will allow fuel saving.

RAM serves 67 destinations throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, having code-share agreements with Air France, Delta, Fly Emirates and Gulf Air.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways voted Africa's best

Story by NATION Correspondent
Publication Date: 3/22/2006
Kenya Airways has added another feather to its cap.

The airline was last week voted African Airline of the Year 2005 by the African Aviation magazine for the fifth time in seven years.

The prestigious award was presented to the airlines' manager in charge of government and industry affairs, Mr Wilson Okanga by Nigeria's Minister for Aviation Professor Babalola Borishade on behalf of African Aviation magazine at a gala dinner held in the Moroccan capital Casablanca.

The key criteria in the 'African Airline of the Year' selection process included financial performance and overall profitability, passenger growth, route network expansion, fleet modernization, in-flight service and coverall customer care.

In its citation, African Aviation magazine said Kenya Airways was chosen because of its achievements in the past year in areas such as financial performance, fleet modernization, route network expansion, in flight service and overall customer care.

Mr Nick Fadugba, CEO of African Aviation magazine, congratulated Kenya Airways for their exemplary performance and for being the first airline to win the African Airline of the Year award five times since the awards were introduced in 1999.

Mr Fadugba highlighted the airline’s introduction in 2005 of new destinations such as Bamako, Dakar, Maputo, Istanbul, Lubumbashi and Guangzhou. http://nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?premiumid=0&category_id=3&newsid=69494

[You are to blame]

South Africa: Construction of New Durban Airport to Begin Next Year

Business Day (Johannesburg)
March 23, 2006
Khulu Phasiwe
Johannesburg

THE land dispute between Airports Company SA (Acsa) and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has been resolved, paving the way for construction of a new R2bn airport for Durban.

Dube Tradeport, the company established by the province to manage the proposed industrial development zone, said construction of the new airport would begin in the first quarter of next year.

The airport, to be called King Shaka International Airport, was first mooted 35 years ago by the then ruling National Party.

It was initially planned that the airport would be operational by 1981, then 1988, later 2006, and now 2009.

Dube Tradeport CE Rohan Persad said yesterday Acsa had signed a memorandum of understanding with the national transport department and the provincial government.

Acsa committed itself to sell its 206,899ha land to the provincial government, and manage the new airport for the first 10 years of its launch.

The airports operator had the option of buying the airport if it wished, sources close to the project, he said.

Persad said the new airport would be operational by 2009, well ahead of the anticipated influx of thousands of soccer fans who will visit SA during the 2010 World Cup tournament.

"We have reached an exciting phase in the realisation of a dream of a world-class facility on the African continent. More importantly, this project is a catalyst for economic development and sustainable job creation in KwaZulu-Natal," he said.

Last week, KwaZulu-Natal Finance and Economic Development MEC Zweli Mkhize told the Board of Airline Representatives of SA, a body that represents all major airlines operating in SA, that four bidders had been short-listed for the construction of the airport.

The winner will be announced in September and construction is due to start early next year.

National transport department spokesman Collin Msibi said a lot of progress had been made to get the project off the ground.

He said government was negotiating with Acsa over the management of the proposed airport.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200603230445.html

[SE9]

Nairobi Airport Capacity to be Increased to 9million by 2008

Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta international airport (JKIA) is to get an overhaul as part of a major upgrading of the country’s airport facilities, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has said. Over the next two years the existing terminal building is to be expanded from its current 25,662 sqm to 55,222 sqm and remodelled in accordance with new international security standards. The airport expansion is part of a five-year strategic plan unveiled by KAA in mid-March. Other projects include the rehabilitation of the country’s over 30 airstrips, the installation of new fire equipment at all airports and improvements to access at Moi international airport in Mombasa.

Built to accommodate 2.5 million people per year, following the recent growth in tourism in Kenya passenger figures at JKIA are now in excess of 4 million. The expanded airport should have a capacity of 9 million people per year, reinforcing its position as the principal air hub for the central and east African region.




http://nairobi.wantedinafrica.com/news/news.php?id_n=1626

[SE9]

Kenya Airways and Korean Air sign Codeshare Agreement


National airline, Kenya Airways has signed a code share agreement with Korean Air.

Travel between Kenya and Korea is now easier, following the signing of the new code. Korean Air is the largest airline in Asia, operating a network that links Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America to its hub at Incheon International Airport, and its domestic hub at Gimpo International Airport.

Kenya Airways head of marketing and corporate communications, Mr Michael Okwiri, said that through the new agreement Kenya Airways customers are now able to fly directly to Seoul via Bangkok, Thailand's capital.

The thrice weekly flights are available on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Kenya Airways is using the code share agreement to expand the number of routes that its passengers can access the other parts of the world.

The code share agreement means a single Kenya Airways code for passengers flying on both airlines.

Mr Okwiri said the agreement would provide greater choice for Koreans travelling to Africa. "Both Kenya Airways and Korean air are focused on giving customers freedom of choice for air travel, according to the agreement. This is an important development with regard to passenger traffic to and from these destinations," Mr Okwiri noted.

He added: "This agreement means we are now able to offer customers access to all points in Africa with easy connections from Nairobi and smoother transfers," Mr Okwiri said.

[SE9]

Nigeria to Establish Air-links with Argentina and China

Indications emerged yesterday that Nigeria would establish air link with Argentina when the Ambassador of Argentina Mr. Jorge Vehils visited the Aviation Minister in Abuja. He also said that purposeful collaboration between the two countries in the effective management of airspace is more important now due to the countries interest in radar coverage which is essential for airspace management.

He also met with the Deputy governor of Chinese Province of Henan who solicited for air links between Nigeria and the Province.

Borishade further stressed that experts from both countries should meet and exchange ideas on how to get things working in the sector. According to him, "This mutual exchange of ideas by experts remain imperative in the development of the aviation industry". He therefore called on the Ambassador to take advantage of the cordial relationship between both countries and liberalization as well as reform programmes of his administration to invest in Nigeria's aviation sector.

Also the minister who hosted a Chinese delegation headed by the Deputy Governor of the Henan Province Mr. Jia Lianchao explored the possibility of establishing an airlink between Nigeria and the Henan Province when he said that airlink between Nigeria and the Province would boost economic activities and open more business opportunities.

Noting that the visit by the Henan authorities coincided with the visit of the Chinese President said: "This uniquely important visit has created an avenue for top government functionaries and business among others to cross fertilize ideas and take advantage of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Chinese to engage in purposeful trading and investment in the aviation sector of the economy". He noted that the proposal for the Bilateral Air Services (BASA) between both countires has been sent to China and should be regarded as completed as all political hurdles has been crossed while the technical aspects of the agreement were being fine tuned.

Responding, Mr Jia Lianchao urged the minister to ensure that there would be airlink between Nigeria and China and the Henan Province of China. Mr Lianchao also stated that Henan Province has a population of about 97 million people which is the largest in China and is strategically located to boost business co-operation and investment opportunities.

He also disclosed that President Obasanjo has granted use of Lagos International Trade Fair to the Henan Province to develop into a special Trade Free Zone.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200604280064.html

[empersouf]

Such a nice thread, Im looking for some news about RAM!

[empersouf]

COMPANY NEWS; BOEING WINS ORDER FOR AIRLINERS FROM ROYAL AIR MAROC
Print Save

Published: January 19, 1993
Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan flag carrier, has ordered 12 twin-jet 737 airliners from the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. Boeing said yesterday that the order was worth about $525 million. The models of the new jets would be determined later, Boeing said. The new 737's will be powered by engines built by CFM International, a joint venture of Snecma of France and the General Electric Company.



A little bit old news tough....

[empersouf]

Royal Air Maroc completes Boeing 787 Dreamliner Order

Search ASIA Travel Tips .com 6 December 2005


Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has signed a firm-order agreement for four Boeing 787 Dreamliners with an option for the purchase of one additional airplane. The airline's first 787 is scheduled for delivery in late 2008.

Royal Air Maroc plans to use its 787s on service to North America and to open new Middle East and Africa routes.

Mohamed Berrada, Royal Air Maroc's chairman and CEO, explained, "The advantages the Boeing 787 brings to our long-haul fleet operations will allow RAM to expand profitably, while bringing the utmost in comfort to our passengers traveling from here and abroad."

Royal Air Maroc's order for the 787 Dreamliner brings the total number of announced commitments for the airplane to 309 from 25 airlines worldwide, with 241 firm orders.

The airline currently serves more than 60 destinations in 30 countries in Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, operating more than 44,000 flights per year.




This is more lately. Also a dreamliner for RAM.

[Matthias Offodile]

May 2nd, 2006




This is coming just as the airline announced commencement of Lagos - Kano, Abuja - Kano starting from tomorrow.

The Dubai route is bringing yet another exciting destination and another continent into the Virgin Nigeria network.

The airline will fly an A340-300 direct from Lagos to Dubai on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday-leaving Lagos at 22.30 arriving in Dubai at 09.20 the following morning.

The direct return flights from Dubai to Lagos will be on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, departing Dubai at 11.20 and arriving into Lagos at 16.20 the same day. Larry Agose, Head, public Affairs of the airline in a press briefing said, "With this, we hope we are showing our commitment to rapid growth. Virgin Nigeria always strives for the best in record-breaking time, and we hope by announcing so much our passengers will really see our commitment and passion."

BUSINESS DAY investigation shows that the airline plans to start flying the Lagos - Kano, Abuja -Kano routes five times weekly.

Sources in the airline stated that the airline had been working hard to start the Kano route as it is one of the major airports in the country.

Meanwhile, the airline is increasing its efforts towards flying direct into the United States of America (USA).

According to Yemi Osindero, Director, Marketing and corporate development, the airline is in contact with the US government.

He stated that the federal government has given its approval to continental airlines of the United States, preparatory to Virgin Nigeria's bid to fly direct to US.

Osindero who was at a function organized by the UBA group, hinted that the airline is set for greater things, "as no stone would be left unturned to achieve our goals of making the airline the best in the African region within the next two years".

[crawf]

interesting thread guys - keep up the good work!!!

btw please feel free to visit our local forum as it is dying out thanks to a few morans (one of them shuzstar/redstar/brilliantblend/mamanoddles)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=200

crawf_231 :cheers2:

[Cabo-007]

22.Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde...........1,151 39.3%

This displays that Cape Verde is growing fast as a tourist destination. The smallest country on the list but with a big potential.

[belgiumguy]

why not make a sticky of it?

[blitzkrieg]

^^because we don't have african mods?

[SE9]

African Airliners that have ordered Boeing Dreamliners





North Africa

Atlas-Blue - 2

Egypt Air - 10

Royal Air Maroc - 5


Southern Africa

South African Airways - 15

TAAG - 4


East Africa

Ethiopian Airlines - 10

Kenya Airways - 6


West Africa

Air Ivorie - 4

Ghana Intl - 5

Libyan/Afriqyah - 8


Indian Ocean

Air Austral - 2

Air Madagascar - 5

Air Seychelles - 2

[SE9]

www.nationmedia.com

Kenyan Airports Upgrade to open Direct Flights to the United States

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6392/kenyattafuture7lv.th.jpg (http://img127.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kenyattafuture7lv.jpg)

Lack of direct flights from the United States has been the greatest challenge to tourists visiting the country.

However, the major airports are currently undergoing a major expansion programme to enable them meet international standards in an effort to bring in more visitors and reduce their flight hours, the chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board Jake Grieves-Cook has said.

"Our international airports are currently going through a major expansion programme, with the help of the World Bank, which will result in their receiving the necessary certification by the US Federal Aviation Authority, eventually facilitating direct flights between Kenya and the United States in the near future." he said.

The KTB chairman urged 55 American agents visiting the country for the first time to sell Kenya positively as a tourist destination, despite the negative travel advisories.

Rich culture

"Kenya being a natural ecotourism destination and rich in culture exhibited by 42 different ethnic groups, the onus is upon us to send the word out strongly and consistently, so that we can claim our fare share of the tourist market world wide. Some of our Kenyan hotels and lodges have received worldwide recognition for eco-consciousness, and we want to ensure that this is sustained and embraced by all our industry players, hoteliers and tour operators alike." The sector is putting more emphasis in uplifting quality and providing value experiences to our guests, he said.

"The Government is very conscious of the existing challenges at the home. We continue to work hard at improving infrastructure, and ensuring safety and security throughout the country for both visitors and Kenyans alike, " the chairman said. The 55 visitors from the United States and Canada are in the country for a two-week educational tour. Among them are journalists representing various newspapers including the Washington Post, Land Rover, Georgia Straight, Vancouver Sun, Outpost Magazine, My Telus, Travellers Tales, San Francisco Chronicle, Gourmet, Indianapolis Sun, Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Sun, Elite Traveller, GoNomad, Cafe Central and Globe and Mail .

Partnership

The visit was organised through a partnership between KTB and various tour operators, including Abercrombie & Kent, Africa Expeditions, African Latitude, African Quest Safaris, Bernie Tours, Game Watchers Safaris, Luxury Trips, Outdoor Expeditions, Tamasha Africa and Wildlife Safaris.

Others who attended included the Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni, and the Kenya Wildlife Service director, Julius Kipngetich. The agents, have now qualified for the Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist (KATS) under the Kenya Tourist Board North American travel agent training programme.

Mr Cook spoke at the Carnivore Grounds during a farewell and gala dinner hosted for the visitors.

Tourism has increased remarkably over the last two years. Last year, international arrivals hit 832,229 representing a growth of 24.6 per cent over 2004. The US and Canada accounted for 73,576 and 17,171 tourists respectively in 2005. This was a growth of 31.6 per cent and 49.4 per cent respectively compared to 2004. The first quarter of 2006 has maintained a strong growth trend for both countries at 17 per cent for the US and 30 per cent for Canada.

[belgiumguy]

Air transport
Ryanair to launch low-cost flights to Morocco

Morocco has singed a five-year agreement with Europe's leading low fares airline, Ryanair Holdings, to launch low-cost flights to the country from the company's bases throughout Europe.The agreement covers most of the regional airports in the Kingdom. The Dublin-based Ryanair said it is committed to develop up to 20 routes to serve almost 1 million passengers per year.

“We are delighted to make this joint announcement with the Government of Morocco. This represents a singularly important initiative in the development of tourism and business for the country,” said Ryanair's Deputy Chief Executive, Michael Cawley, in Rabat.

These low fare flights will also help Moroccan expatriates to see their families more often and facilitate local businesses access to other markets with low fare routes.

This agreement "is a vote of confidence by the airline in the excellence and attractiveness of Morocco as a destination both for weekend breaks, mid-week trips and longer holidays," he added.

The company had already announced flights to Morocco from its bases in German and France.

It also declared that it would be making more new route announcements over the coming months and years.

Late last year, Morocco and the European Union agreed to liberalise and expand aviation services and energise airline competition in an "open skies" agreement.

Signed on Dec. 14 in Marrakech, the open skies agreement provides for the abolition of all restrictions and limits on nationality, capacity, frequency or routes, regarding the transportation of passengers by European or Moroccan airlines between the EU and Morocco.

Moroccan air carriers will be able to fly to and from any of the airports in Europe, and all Moroccan international airports will be open to European carriers.

[Aícha]

Ryanair assurera 70 vols hebdomadaires vers le Maroc en cinq ans

La compagnie aérienne irlandaise à bas prix Ryanair organisera 70 vols hebdomadaires vers le Maroc à partir de grandes villes européennes dans les cinq prochaines années, a indiqué jeudi la télévision nationale marocaine TVM.


Deux "accords de partenariat" ont été signés jeudi par le gouvernement et Ryanair à Rabat en présence du premier ministre Driss Jettou. Ils concernent le transport aérien et les services touristiques.

Les accords signés "permettront aux touristes européens et aux Marocains de l'étranger de visiter le royaume à plusieurs reprises", a indiqué le ministre du tourisme Adil Douiri lors de la cérémonie de signature. Ils doivent assurer l'arrivée au Maroc de 100.000 touristes en 2006, et de 500.000 touristes en 2011, a-t-il ajouté.

La compagnie Ryanair pratiquera des prix bas pouvant atteindre 10 euros pour un aller simple.

Le Maroc tente de concrétiser sa "Vision 2010" qui consiste à accueillir 10 millions de touristes étrangers contre 5,8 millions en 2005.

Ryanair ouvrira par ailleurs son site électronique à la promotion des produits touristiques marocains.

Les recettes touristiques du Maroc ont augmenté de 18% en 2005 s'établissant à 41,05 milliards de dirhams (3,7 milliards d'euros), faisant du secteur touristique le premier pourvoyeur de devises du pays.


Le 25-5-2006
Par : AFP

[Matthias Offodile]

Virgin Nigeria launches Dubai services
Posted Mon, 29 May 2006

Nigeria – Virgin Nigerian would launch three weekly flights between the Nigerian capital Lagos and Dubai from June 2, the company said.

Felix Ohiwerei, chairman of the airline, said Virgin Nigeria was expanding rapidly and would be taking delivery of six more aircraft later this year.

The airline had also entered a partnership with Zaria, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, to provide qualified personnel to boost the nation's growing aviation industry. -BiA Online

[atlaslion]

Etihad will fly to Morocco
Staff Report



Dubai: Morocco's flourishing tourism scene is about to get a huge thrust with Etihad Airways' new four- flights-a-week service between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca from June 2.

"Morocco really does have something for everyone," said Nick Wood, general manager of Etihad Holidays. "With five days for the launch, Etihad's new services will enhance the country's close historical ties with the Arab world and bolster its growing tourism profile internationally."

Morocco offers hundreds of kilometres of striking ocean-facing dunes and snow-capped mountains.

Etihad Holidays has lead-in prices of Dh2,810 for a three-night stay in Marra-kesh and discounts of Dh200 per adult and Dh100 per child are available on holidays which are booked and paid for in full 30 days before departure.

Along with stunning archaeological and cultural sites are a range of modern attractions which appeal to golfers, shoppers, watersports enthusiasts, naturalists, desert drivers, festival goers and spa lovers.

In the region of Fez and Meknès, hiking trails take you through hills planted with majestic cedars. Further south, Agadir and Ouarzazate are the best gates to the desert.

UAE companies recently announced tourism and infrastructure projects worth more than $18.9 billion that will be built in the next three years.


http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/05/28/10043024.html

[hkskyline]

African airlines reclaim their skies from European operators

TUNIS, May 30, 2006 (AFP) - Heads of African airlines and regional bodies on Tuesday said they wanted to reclaim the continent's skies from European operators who dominate the market.

"It's inconceivable today to have to pass in transit through Europe to travel to a neighbouring country," said Christian Folly-Kossi, secretary general of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), at the end of a two-day meeting in Tunisia.

Folly-Kossi underlined the lack of services "across the continent" and called on African airlines to work together to improve the situation during a news conference at the end of the air transport meeting organised by the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (ADB) and the AFRAA.

According to the African airline body, 42 of its members transported 36 million passengers in Africa in 2004, compared with 72 million passengers transported to Africa by European companies (Air France/KLM, British Airways, Alitalia, Iberia, Lufthansa, SN Brussels and Swiss).

Around 20 companies that took part in the meeting cited a lack of funds and the difficulty of creating an African network as their main worries, as well as the small amount of traffic between African countries.

They called for a new African airline policy and adopted a plan of action, including asking African oil producing countries for reduced tarifs for countries within the AU and other financial proposals.

[SE9]

^ Nice. British Airways make a ton of money on the London - Lagos route alone.

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq/images/topbanner.jpg


Kenya Airways Posts Record Growth


Kenya Airlines reported record results on Wednesday, with after-tax profits increasing from 3.88bn Kenya shillings (about $54mn) to 4.83bn shillings (about $67mn).

Increased passengers and cargo volumes helped the airline surpass a 28-year record set in the previous financial year.

Passenger numbers were up 17 percent last year ending March 31 to 2.4 million.

The company said strong growth came from the introduction of three Boeing 777 aircraft to service routes to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The increased space on these aircraft helped increase cargo volumes by 24 percent, said that company.

The use of larger planes for Africa routes also helped increase cargo volumes, said the airline.

Revenues rose 25 percent to 52.8bn shillings (about $733mn).

However, the airline said that congestion at Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a shortage of qualified pilots and engineers, difficulties in securing traffic rights in some African countries, increased competition, and high fuel prices had slowed growth during the year.

The airline's chief executive, Titus Naikuni, said: "The challenge for 2006 and 2007 is managing profitability in a continued high fuel price environment."

A stronger shilling against the dollar helped the airline copy with a fuel bill that almost doubled from the previous fiscal year.

The airline noted that the change in Ethiopia Airlines' strategy has increased competition in West and Central Africa to the Middle East.

"Ethiopia (Airlines) used to operate a strategy of hopping from one city to another, but now they've changed strategy, setting up a hub in Addis," said Naikuni.

Kenya Airlines is one of Africa's few profitable airlines. Its earnings per share rose to 10.45 shillings from 8.40 shillings and it proposed a 1.75 shillings per share dividend, up from 1.25 shillings last year. Shares closed at 121.00 shillings on Tuesday.

The airline has plans to offer services to Brazzaville, Delhi and Paris within the near future and is 26 percent owned by KLM, the Dutch arm of Air France.

[Matthias Offodile]

SE9, Kenya Airways is really doing very good: modern fleet, good network and relaible service.

[SE9]

^ Yep. KQ's main goal is to stave off the threat from Ethiopian Airlines, and become the choice Airliner for people coming into Africa from the eastern (Asian) side.

[SE9]

http://nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=3&newsid=74641


Nairobi JKIA voted East Africa's best Airport

7th June 2006

Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been voted the best in East Africa.

Initially designed to cater for only 2.5 million passengers a year, the number has skyrocketed to four million, creating the need for upgrading and expansion.

Kenya Airports Authority managing director George Muhoho said yesterday: "We are doing almost three times that number a month, either coming to Kenya or passing through.

The award scheme by Travel News magazine is in its 11th year. It identifies contenders through reader participation and excellence in tourism.

"To manage this number without causing huge queues or poor processing, we have decided on a strategy to serve and increase our processes."

Regional hub

Mr Muhoho said that the airport was set to become East and Central Africa's hub, "playing in the same league with internationally acclaimed airports". He announced a five-year "strategic plan" to raise the airport to such standards.

Plans were underway to upgrade all airports and airstrips countrywide to accommodate the growing traffic. The new JKIA section, he said, was designed to be friendlier and ease communication between passengers and immigration officers.

The service centres had also been increased to serve better a larger number of transit passengers. The centres have been fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and technology used in personal identification and registration.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is installing computer systems to blend passenger registration with processing at JKIA, Mombasa's Moi International, Kisumu, Nairobi's Wilson and other major airports.

[Matthias Offodile]

May 30th, 2006
New modern private Nigerian airlines: Arik Air seeks to fly with best hands :)

Arik Air, a new Nigerian airline, has launched a dedicated job website in order to attract talent from all areas of aviation to join the company in readiness for its operations scheduled to commence in summer 2006.
The job website is an on-line portal that enable the airline receive applications real time from interested professionals seeking to join the airline.
Arik airline seeks to re_define standard of fright safety and professionalism in the country’s Aviation industry and is seeking to bring on board the most competent professionals within and outside Nigeria to achieve this objective.
The airline is also taking delivery of two new build CRJ900 aircraft on 14
th June followed by three CRJ200’s and two Boeing 737-322’s which will fly domestic routes throughout Nigeria and West Africa.
Arik will extend routes to include intercontinental destinations in due course. Arik Air will be the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria for over twenty years.
"Arik Air is committed to introducing new levels of safety and quality standards to the Nigerian aviation industry, and we are looking for talented and experienced people to join us at this crucial time. Our team will immediately reflect the image of the company, and therefore only the best need apply" commented Stella Kiwanuka, Director, Human Resources at Arik Air.
It would be recalled that on April 3, 2006, Arik Air took occupation of the facilities of the former Nigerian Airways in Lagos; three years after the former national carrier went into liquidation.
The deal came as part of the privatization process of the Federal government.
In a ceremony at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises Irene Chigbue noted that the facilities into a world class aircraft maintenance facility that would satisfy the needs of aircraft operators in the sub region




For those who are interested vist their website:

http://www.arikjobs.com/

[Mwafrika]

Source: Daily Nation (http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=39&newsid=75030)

Sh8 billion airport upgrade takes off as traffic increases

Story by JEFF OTIENO
Publication Date: 6/13/2006
The state of the 28-year-old Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has for long drawn mixed reactions from thousands of travellers who pass through East Africa's largest airport everyday.

While some view it favourably, others feel a lot more needs to be done to upgrade the airport to meet international standards.

Even though the airport was recently voted the best in East Africa, the Kenya Airports Authority, which manages the airport, will soon launch an ambitious mordernisation programme.


The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.


The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Communication, Dr Gerishon Ikiara, believes that with the planned rehabilitation and expansion of the airport, many more awards will be won.

Dr Ikiara says the design for the new-look airport, expected to cost between Sh7billion and Sh8.4 billion, done by a Canadian firm, has been completed.

"Though the process delayed we ensured we received input from interested parties in the aviation industry," the PS said.

The project will be funded by both the Government and the World Bank, with the State meeting 70 per cent of the total cost and the bank paying the balance.

Plans abandoned

Plans to move the domestic unit to the old Embakasi Airport were abandoned after experts proved the expansion and rehabilitation could be done without transferring part of the airport.

"We realised the transfer might create a big logistical problem and that is why we abandoned the idea," the PS said.

Dr Ikiara says tenders for the first phase of the reconstruction programme, which will focus on the apron to create more parking space for aircrafts, has been advertised.

"We have already closed it and we shall soon start evaluating the applications and award the best bidder," he adds.

In fact the whole project will see the terminal expanded from 25,662 to 55,222 square metres to enable it handle more than double its capacity, currently four million passengers per year.

The JKIA, initially designed for 2.5million travellers, carters for about four million people per year, making it one of the most congested in East Africa.

But the Government says this will not be for long. Terminals one and two will undergo complete refurbishment, while the third one will be expanded to handle international traffic.

Terminal four will be constructed to handle both international and domestic flights, which will necessitate new taxiways and more space for vehicles.

Currently units 1 and 2 are mainly used for international flights whereas the third one is for domestic flights.

Parking space

Expansion of the apron which will be completed in two phases. The first phase will increase aircraft parking space from 200,000 to 300,000 square metres.

Two areas for shops will be constructed. Arriving and departing passengers will not share the same concourse and will be completely separated from each other.

According to the design, departing passengers will go through shopping malls and walk around corridors lit by the natural light, thanks to the fibre-glass overhead.

The pick-up area in the arrivals section, on the other hand, will have an all-weather teflon-coated woven fibreglass depicting a thorn tree.

The waving bay will be covered by bullet-proof glass and will house spacious lounges where passengers can relax.

To make it truly African, pictures depicting the country's diverse ethnic groups and culture will adorn the walls, right from the corridors to the exit.

The design also shows that a new three-storey car park with a capacity to accomodate more than 1500 vehicles will be constructed.

This should ease parking problems that has been a major bother for passengers using the airport.

Dr Ikiara says the three-year project will allow Kenya acquire the Category One security status issued by the Federation Aviation Authority of the United States.

"This will allow Kenya Airways fly to the United States and vise versa for US airlines," he added.

Currently, the national carrier is not allowed to fly to the United States, only its Dutch partner, KLM, can. This is because the country has not been issued with Category One security status.

To enable the country acquire it, incoming passengers must be separated from out-going ones - which is currently not the case.

There are eight gates at the airport shared by arriving and departing passengers. The two groups also buy souvenirs at the same duty-free shops, unlike many top airports in the world.

However, Dr Ikiara promises that once the project is complete, incoming and out-going passengers will no longer rub shoulders.

In the era of terrorism, adequate security must be put in place and that is why the Government plans to instal automated security checks and systems.

Walls that can withstand bomb explosions will also be put up in some areas.

Computerisation, which is part of the project, will enable passengers browse the Internet while waiting for their flights.

On whether to construct a second runway, the PS says studies done, revealed that the old one was capable of serving the country for between 10 and 15 years.

"The use of the runway is below 60 per cent and we don't see the need to construct another one," Mr Ikiara adds.

The PS says the use of the runway is far below capacity compared to those in South Africa, Britain, the US among others.

Dr Ikiara says the upgrading of the JKIA will provide better amenities for customer comfort apart from improving the image of the airport.

[SE9]

Thank Goodness, at last!

I know JKIA is around 5th or 6th busiest airport in Africa, maybe this could push it into the top 3:

1. Johannesburg, South Africa....15,339 13.6%
2. Cairo, Egypt........................10,145 7.0%
3. Cape Town, South Africa.........6,574 12.6%
4. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt............4,750 6.2%
5. Hurgada, Egypt......................4,564 3.1%
6. Casablanca, Morocco..............4,317 15.6%
7. Nairobi, Kenya........................4,123 7.0%
8. Monastir, Tunisia....................4,117 17.3%
9. Lagos, Nigeria........................3,930 6.8%
10.Tunis, Tunisia........................3,641 7.5%


to

1. Johannesburg, South Africa....15,339 13.6%
2. Cairo, Egypt........................10,145 7.0%
3. Nairobi, Kenya........................10,000 ?
4. Cape Town, South Africa.........6,574 12.6%
5. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt............4,750 6.2%
6. Hurgada, Egypt......................4,564 3.1%
7. Casablanca, Morocco..............4,317 15.6%
8. Monastir, Tunisia....................4,117 17.3%
9. Lagos, Nigeria........................3,930 6.8%
10.Tunis, Tunisia........................3,641 7.5%

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq/images/topbanner.jpg

Kenya Airways starts flights to Cameroon (June 06)

Starting this June, Kenya Airways will fly to Cameroon. This is one of the new routes that have been introduced by the airline in the last one year.

"We have a new flight on Mondays from Nairobi (NBO) to Douala (DLA) and Yaounde (YAO) in Cameroon," a letter addressed to all the airline's travel agents reads in part.

Mr. Emmanuel Okware, KQ's Uganda country manager said in the letter, the flight leaves NBO at 1945 hrs, arrives in YAO at 2145hrs. It then departs YAO at 2230 hrs and arrives in DLA at 2310hrs.

It then departs DLA at 2230hrs and arrives back in NBO at 0615hrs the next day.

This flight connects in/out of DLA/YAO to the KQ network on Monday as well as on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (same timings).

The statement said this flight has good connections from DLA/YAO to Entebbe (EBB) and the rest of the airline's network.

In addition, DLA is served by flights on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, making the total weekly flights to Douala- 7(seven).

The other new routes that have been developed over the last one year include Istanbul, Bamako, Dakar, Freetown, Guangzhou and Maputo.

[Matthias Offodile]

Angola: Angola Air Lines To Extend International Flights To Berlin




Angola Press Agency (Luanda)

June 15, 2006
Posted to the web June 15, 2006

Hanover

Angola Air lines, TAAG, expects to extends its international flights to Berlin, Germany's capital.

The information was given by the company's Press Officer, Anastácio Fernandes, on Wednesday in Hanover, during the opening of the exhibition on economy, arts and culture of Angola, in which TAAG is represented.

The official explained that this project comes in the ambit of the new airplanes that the company has put on the line, which were acquired by the country's government this year.

[zexyworm]

Borishade: Used Aircraft on Way Out of Nigeria

As Arik Air takes delivery of two new jets in Canada
06.16.2006

Aviation Minister, Dr. Babalola Borishade has said the challenge of competition may force airline operators in the country to abandon used aircraft, which is predominant today for new ones in the next one or two years.
In an interview with THISDAY shortly after the chairman of Arik Air, which recently acquired facilities of defunct Nigeria Airways, Sir JIA Arumemi-Johnson, took delivery of two new CRJ900 from Bombardier Aerospace of Montreal, Canada yesterday, Borishade said with the vision and drive of the management of Arik Air in purchasing two new aircrafts, the ensuing competition would necessarily force other airlines to follow suit.
"The good thing is other airlines had seen this coming and were already making moves to respond. I'm aware that Bellview Airline is making arrangements to procure new aircraft. What Arik Air has done today was what we expected Virgin Nigeria to do when they flagged off their operations. I'm optimistic that with the challenge of competition, there would be no room for used aircraft in the country's airspace in the next one or two years," Borishade said.
Delivering his goodwill message at the formal presentation of the two aircraft to the Arik Air management team at the Bombardier Mirabel Assembly Plant, Borishade expressed the hope that the partnership between the airline and the plane manufacturer would not simply be that of trading.
"I hope the partnership portends maintenance and operations of aircraft. I look forward to a productive, expansive and sustainable maintenance relationship which transcends buying of aircraft,"he said.
While congratulating Bombardier for their commitment and dedication, and Arik for their vision and creativity, Borishade expressed pleasure to be part of the history being made.
Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demureem, urged Bombardier to assist Arik Air in maintenance and staff training. He promised not to compromise safety standards so that the country's airspace could meet international best practices.
Bombardier president, Mr. Pierre Beaudoin, commended Arik Air and the Federal Government for the initiative in buying two new aircraft for Nigeria and West Africa. He said the new aircraft will stimulate growth in the sub-region and commended the changes taking place in the aviation sector in Nigeria.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. David Angel, expressed happiness that Bombardier has taken advantage of the reforms and positive developments going on in Nigeria to seek investment opportunities and hoped others in the Canadian business community would do likewise.
Arumemi-Johnson, receiving a symbolic key of the aircraft, said the presentation is the beginning of a dream to make Arik Air dominate the African airspace with at least 60 aircraft in no distant future.
The two aircraft were named "Anthony"and "Patrick" after the Catholic bishop of Lagos Anthony Cardinal Okogie and his counterpart in Benin Diocese Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu. The latter was at the ceremony to bless the aircraft before a test flight from Bombardier Mirabel facility to their base at the Montreal international airport, about 40 minutes flight. On board the flight were Borishade, Demureem, the management team of Bombardier and Arik Air as well as the press crew.

The CRJ900 is the flagship of Bombardier Aerospace, the leading regional aircraft manufacturer in the world. It is built for about 90 passengers.

Apart from the two new CRJ900, the first by any commercial airline operator in over 20 years, Arik Air, which acquired the former Nigeria Airways facilities only recently, has in its fleet three Bombardier CRJ200 (2003), two Boeing 737-322 (1989) and two hawker executive jets 800XP (2004).

The airline intends to begin operations between July and August and will fly Kaduna, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Jos, Maiduguri, Kano and Lagos routes. It will also fly three international routes in Dakar, Senegal; Accra, Ghana; and Malabo, Equitorial Guinea.

[Mwafrika]

Source The East African (http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Business/biz12060612.htm)

500,000 KQ passengers go through e-ticketing

By KIMATHI NJOKA
Special Correspondent


Kenya Airways says over 500,000 of its passengers flew on e-tickets over the past 12 months.

E-tickets are electronic versions of traditional paper tickets. The information contained on the e-ticket is stored in the airline's database. Passengers book online (and can pay online using credit cards) and present a reference number at the airport check in, where they are given a boarding pass. The national carrier is currently the leading airline in Africa in e-ticket usage.

Announcing this achievement, Joy Kariuki, Kenya Airways global e-ticketing manager, said the carrier had made significant progress since issuing its first e-ticket, on January 17, 2005 to London.

"E-ticketing is a requirement by the International Air Transport Association, which wants airlines to be fully e-ticket compliant by the end of December 2007," explained Joy.

The airline has so far rolled out 20 stations on e-ticketing within its network. These include domestic routes to Mombasa, Kisumu, Malindi and Lamu. East African destinations include Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Bujumbura and Kigali. In North Africa, there are Addis Ababa, Khartoum and Cairo.

Other stations that are e-eligible are Dubai, Istanbul, London, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The e-tickets provide KQ customers with exciting benefits and services. Unlike the traditional paper tickets, e-tickets cannot be lost, stolen or forgotten as all the ticketing information is held in the airline's reservation system.

They are also more secure. However, it is mandatory for passengers to provide some form of identification for the ticket to be used. This could be a national identity card, a driving licence or any other photo-bearing identity document for domestic travel and a passport for international travel.

E-ticketing guarantees the traveller hassle-free travel and peace of mind. Other services in the pipeline are online sales and online check-in, and use of self-service check-in kiosks. These will enable KQ e-ticket holders to take control of their flying experience from ticket issuance right up to the check-in.

[Matthias Offodile]

Business News of Tuesday, 20 June 2006 Next Article

US carrier Delta to fly to Ghana

Accra - US carrier Delta Air lines is to begin flying to Ghana beginning in December, the airline announced Monday in a statement.

Delta would be the only major US carrier to operate non-stop flights between Accra and New York's John F. Kennedy Airport starting December 11, subject to foreign government approvals.

'The new service forms an integral part of Delta's push to strengthen its presence as New York City's leading international airline, including offering more service across the Atlantic than any other carrier from New York City,' the statement said.

Delta plans to use Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, seating up to 214 passengers with 35 seats in business class.

'The new flights will significantly improve customer travel times between Accra and the United States, reducing travel time by up to eight hours in each direction when compared to connections on other major airlines via Europe.'

National carrier Ghana Airways, which was flying to New York and Baltimore, collapsed under debt and mismanagement, and another Ghanaian carrier, Ghana International Airline, is yet to fly to the US.

The statement said that the addition of service to Ghana further strengthens Delta's market position in Africa.

The new service would complement service between Delta's largest hub in Atlanta and Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dakar, Senegal, scheduled to begin December 2, subject to foreign government approval.

Source:
GHP

[Harkeb]

17/06/2006 19:45 - (SA)
ACSA shortlisted in Nigeria

NIGERIA has shortlisted three bidders for a contract to operate its fastest-growing airport located in Abuja, the privatisation agency said this week.

The suitors are Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and two new local consortia, Nigeria International Airport Partners and the Nairanet consortium.

The suitors for the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport are now conducting due diligence after a pre-bid conference earlier this week, the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) said.

Privatisations are one of the key elements of a programme of free-market reforms in Nigeria.

State-owned ACSA, Africa's biggest airport company, had been slated for privatisation before the government shifted its focus from selling off state assets to turning them around to help motor economic growth.

The BPE's director-general, Irene Chigbue, urged the suitors to "work fast on the due diligence and focus on offering sound business, technical and financial proposals rather than waste time looking for lobbyists".

The winner will be granted a concession of 25 to 35 years to finance, upgrade and operate the airport, which includes domestic and international terminals.

The airport handled 27 percent of Nigeria's airline passenger traffic in 2004. It is the second-busiest airport in Nigeria after the Murtala Mohamed International Airport in Lagos.

The planned concession is part of a reform of the Nigerian air sector, under which the state-run Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is giving up its rights to be the operator. - Reuters

[SE9]

Egypt Air

Cairo

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6154/egyptair8kc.jpg

Ethiopian Airlines

Addis Ababa


Kenya Airways

Nairobi

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6416/kenyaairways9au.jpg

Royal Air Maroc

Casablanca

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/848/ram3bw.jpg

South African Airways

Johannesburg

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/7113/sa4dl.jpg

[SE9]

http://nationmedia.com/dailynation/banners/kqlaunch.gif


Kenya Airways introduce special $99rtn Fare to East African Cities

Kenya's national airline yesterday introduced a special fare, of Sh7,227 ($99), for Entebbe, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Kenya Airways travels to Mombasa will enjoy a special discount of Sh6,999 return, or a one way fare of Sh3,500 up to July 31.

"This special offer represents a discount of up to 60 per cent on the East African routes to encourage East Africans to visit each other as well as tap into the rapidly expanding East African trade," said commercial director Hugh Fraser.

Flights

The offer comes at a time when Kenya Airways is increasing its frequencies to Entebbe, Dar es Salaam. It operates daily flights to Entebbe except on Tuesday and Thursday.

Dar es Salaam will receive a night flight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Zanzibar will receive night flights on Saturday and Sunday.

Already, Kenya Airways flies 26 times to Entebbe, 18 to Dar es Salaam and 21 to Zanzibar weekly.

[Harkeb]

More airline photos please. I like the big bold name on Ethiopian planes. imo Egypt Air , South African & Ethiopian are prob the best looking planes. Clean, simple bodies with interesting & colourful tails.
When will Maroc change its old, outdated livery?

[GregPz]

The new Kenya Airways livery is also great. I agree about RAM though, they desperatly need an update - looks like something out of the 70's.

[SE9]

More airline photos on their way :)

[SE9]

Afriqiyah

Tripoli Libya

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/7548/afriqyah2kg.jpg


Air Algerie

Algeirs Algeria

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5529/airalgerie4ol.jpg


Air Seychelles

Seychelles Seychelles

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3593/airseychelles3ys.jpg


Egypt Air

Cairo Egypt

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9331/egyptair4pw.jpg


Kenya Airways

Nairobi Kenya

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4708/kenyaairways9ji.jpg



Royal Air Maroc

Casablanca Morocco

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/50/ram8gq.jpg



South African Airways
*Special Livery :cool:

Johannesburg South Africa

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7668/saa6ke.jpg


TAAG Air Angola

Luanda Angola

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5469/taagairangola0xu.jpg


Virgin Nigeria

Lagos Nigeria

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/83/virginnigeria0jl.jpg

[belgiumguy]

Royal air maroc should change her logo,btw cameroon airlines is now from SN brussels airlines.

[Matthias Offodile]

Nigeria: 'Virgin Nigeria to Begin Lagos-New York Route'


Daily Trust (Abuja)

June 30, 2006
Posted to the web June 30, 2006

Shakirat Abdulmajeed

The chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airline, Sir Richard Branson has assured Nigerian travelers that Virgin Nigeria would soon get the right to operate the lucrative Lagos -New York route, saying the approval given by the Nigerian Government to an American airline to begin operations on the US-Lagos route may facilitate that.

Branson while urging the US Government to allow a Nigerian carrier fly direct to their country route, however said the US had done everything to prevent Virgin Nigeria from plying the US route, expressing hope that there would be a change.

Branson told newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday that America should not continue to pra-ctice a one-sided open skies policy, which European carriers were resisting.

He noted that even tho-ugh Virgin Atlantic had 49 per cent of shares in Virgin Nigeria, the Nigerian inves-tors had 51 per cent and the company also had a Nigerian chairman which qualified it to fly on the route.

On Virgin Nigeria, Bran-son expressed satisfaction at its performance so far expla-ining that in the last one year, it had been like a baby mo-ving towards maturity.


He expressed delight that the airline was doing well on the domestic route as well as on the regional and Intern-ational routes, plying Johan-nesburg, Ghana and London, noting that it was an airline that made Nigeria proud.

Branson stated that by the end of the year, Virgin Ni-geria would have 1,000 staff, 850 of whom would have been Nigerians trained by the airline.

He said he looked fo-rward to the airline being one of the best in the world, in the next 10-15 years and com-mended Mr. John Adebayo, Virgin Atlantic represe-ntative in Nigeria, for making project a reality.

[SE9]

Very good for Nigeria.

Several airlines use Lagos as a jump off to the United States. Now VgNg can cash in on the route.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways route map. Not as many destinations as Ethiopian, but a much higher frequency and capacity:

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/1363/ka1to.jpg

[SE9]

Etihad flies to Khartoum tomorrow

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/4/27384-etihad.jpg
A330-200 to be used on Abu-Dhabi - Khartoum route

The Khartoum service joins Etihad's growing network of international destinations, including the new route to Kuwait that was launched on 1 July. It will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, and supports Etihad's current freighter operations between the UAE and Khartoum.

"Etihad is experiencing a period of rapid expansion with the launch of these exciting new destinations, and the arrival of our new purpose-built fleet of aircraft. Khartoum is a special destination for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between Sudan and the UAE, which we look forward to building upon," said HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman at Etihad Airways.

Etihad flight EY611 will depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 14:05 arriving at the Civil Airport in Khartoum (KRT) at 17:05. The return flight will depart Khartoum at 18:20, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 23:05.

Guests will fly on an Etihad Airways A330-200 configured with two zones offering 262 seats with 22 in Pearl and 240 in Coral, which can carry up to 14 tonnes of cargo.

Khartoum will join Johannesburg, Cairo and Casablanca as Etihad's fourth destination in Africa, demonstrating the airline's ambitions on the continent.

It is widely anticipated that the new route will be popular among the large Sudanese community living in the UAE, many of whom work within the public sector such as the civil service and education, as well as the UAE's booming construction industry.

'Etihad is delighted to be catering for the UAE-based Sudanese community, not only those living in Abu Dhabi, but across the whole country. Sudanese nationals will now be able to travel home regularly, enjoying Etihad's distinctive levels of hospitality and service,' added HH Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan.

Etihad Crystal Cargo has been successfully operating freighter flights to Khartoum for the last year. 'This has been extremely successful, with our capacity being well utilised. We look forward to building on these high payloads and gaining new customers,' said Ingo Roessler, VP Etihad Crystal Cargo.

The current Etihad Crystal Cargo freighter operations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum offer a payload of up to 44 tonnes on each flight, three times a week.

[SE9]

Somalia: Mogadishu International Airport Reopens After 11 Years


An airplane carrying Arab League delegates who arrived in Mogadishu this morning left Somalia using Mogadishu international airport for the first time in 11 years.

The plane landed at 2:30pm local time after taking off from Esiley airfield in northern Mogadishu after Islamists and Arab delegates decided to use the international Airport in southern part of the capital to show that Mogadishu is under Islamists control after 11 years of warlord dominance.

Hundreds of people including officers from the Islamists have gathered at the airport to participate the historic event by which Islamists achieved after 11 years.

The Airport, as well as the main seaport have been closed for the feuds in Capital after the united nations left Somalia in 1995.

Chairman of the Islamic Courts Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed has addressed briefly the people saying the International Airport is open from now on.

"We are very happy to witness unforgettable moments like today, we tell everybody that Mogadishu international Airport is open for international planes". Sheik Sharif said.

"This is what we have been looking forward after people's Islamic uprising in the capital which achieved to defeat warmongers, we tell the international community the capital is safe after years long", he added.

The plane has taken off crying eleven Arab League delegates led by Abdalla MubaraK, Special Representative for Somalia and other fifteen delegate members from the Islamic Courts which will represent Islamists at the planed Khartoum Peace accord.

"We are very much appreciated today we are taking off from Somalia International Airport which closed for a period of 11 years", Abdalla Mubarak said.

Prof. Ibrahim hassan Adow led the Islamic Courts delegates who flew to Khartoum to participate a meeting which previously planed to be held on July 15th.

Somalia Government is dragging foot on participating the meeting though Arab states are persuading to attend.

[cladiv]

From Flightglobal:

Farnborough: Libya's Afriqiyah to acquire up to six Airbus A330s

By David Kaminski-Morrow in Farnborough

Libyan carrier Afriqiyah Airways has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire up to six Airbus A330-200s as well as up to 14 Airbus A320 family jets.

The Tripoli-based carrier’s agreement, disclosed at the Farnborough air show, covers three A330s plus three options, as well as six A320s and three A319s, with options on another five narrowbodies.

No engine selection for either the widebodies or the narrowbodies has been given.

Afriqiyah told Flight towards the end of last year that it was considering acquiring A330s to operate long-haul services.

[skipperBill]

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South Africa: SA Airlink, Comair Pursue Air Botswana

Business Day (Johannesburg)
July 21, 2006
Posted to the web July 21, 2006

Rob Rose
Johannesburg

AIRLINE operator Comair is set to go head to head with SA Airlink and six other companies in a bid to take a stake in Botswana's national airline.

This is one the largest privatisation exercises yet undertaken by Botswana's government, selling an interest in Air Botswana which brings in about R180m in revenue every year.

Two years ago, the Botswana government tried a similar exercise but the plan was put on ice as it became clear the aviation market had still not recovered from its 2002 nadir.

Importantly, five South African aviation firms have been short-listed, Botswana's Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency said yesterday.

The JSE-listed Comair, which operates British Airways and kulula.com in SA, is the largest of the South African companies short-listed.

SA Airlink, which services the smaller towns in SA and Swaziland, is also on the list.

SA-based regional air carrier Interair and another company registered in SA, African World Airways, are also on the list.

The other candidates on the short list are Botswana freight operator Lobtrans, Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise and the Swiss-based ExecuJet.

Botswana's government has given no indication of how much of the airline it wants to sell. One insider said the government "is totally open-minded".

"The parties will now put a proposition on the table but the government will consider a myriad possibilities, from ownership to agreements to operate the airline," he said.

Any deal would be wrapped up "within a few months", he said.

SA Airlink CEO Roger Forster said his company would look to take 49% ownership, based on Air Botswana's "interesting opportunities" in the region.

"As joint-venture partners (with the Botswana government), we could turn Air Botswana into a mutually beneficial enterprise," he said.

Comair spokesman Stuart Cochrane said this move "falls in line with our strategy of expanding into Africa".

But Cochrane said Comair had not yet decided on whether it would want to take shares in Air Botswana, or simply do a deal to operate the airline.

"It depends on what the findings are as to the health of the business after our due diligence exercise," he said.

Botswana's government and those close to the airline are not keen to put a value on the airline just yet, and the company's latest annual report is still being drafted.

[skipperBill]

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Etihad Crystal Cargo adds Addis Ababa to freight network

Staff Report
Published: 07/21/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)

Dubai: Etihad Crystal Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Airways, said yesterday it will add the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to its freighter network.

The service to Addis Ababa will be incorporated into one of Etihad Crystal Cargo's existing freighter rotations to Khartoum.

Etihad said it is currently evaluating additional interline services throughout Africa which could feed into the Khartoum and Addis Ababa service.

Starting on July 28 , it will operate every Friday, departing from Abu Dhabi, and flying to Khartoum and Addis Ababa, before returning to the UAE's capital.

The service is being operated on Airbus A300-600 aircraft, which offers 44 tonnes freight capacity.

"Ethiopia is one of Africa's fastest growing economies, which is very much based on its blooming floriculture market.

"By adding Addis Ababa to our Khartoum rotation, we will be expanding our customer opportunities across the region, and also further developing our perishable services,? said Ingo Roessler, vice-president of cargo at Etihad.

Addis Express has been appointed General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for Etihad Crystal Cargo, which involves managing cargo sales and services across Ethiopia.

According to latest figures, Ethiopia's expanding floricultural market generated more than $21million in 2005. A new cargo terminal has been opened at Bole International Airport to cater for the booming sector, and further major expansions are planned for the future.

In addition to flowers, Etihad Crystal Cargo also expects to transport large volumes of meat from Ethiopia to Gulf destinations.

The majority of cargo that will be transported to Ethiopia will originate from Europe, South Asia, East Asia and South Africa, and consist of personal effects, hi-tech equipment, consumer goods, agriculture machinery and pharmaceutical products.

http://www.inforwarding.com/clientfiles/comp5876/the_etihad_a_340_500_500x323.jpg

[Aícha]

Royal Air Marochttp://photos.airliners.net/photos/photos/8/0/6/0040608.jpg http://www.airlinerphotos.de/RoyalAirMaroc_A321-211_CN-RNX_2064_6890.jpg http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/photorelease/q4/051206g.jpg http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/9/98/300px-Royalairmaroc.b757.arp.750pix.jpg http://www.avia.ru/desktop/images/a321_royal_air_maroc-640.jpg http://www.airlinefotos.de/4images/data/media/16/b737_cn_rnl.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lindauer-fly.ch/fotogallerie_gross/Airliner%2520Web/Royal%2520Air%2520Maroc/RAM%252002.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lindauer-fly.ch/royal_air_maroc_b737-700.htm&h=681&w=1042&sz=55&hl=nl&start=49&tbnid=8un_FVvgWPgNxM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Droyal%2Bair%2Bmaroc%2B%26start%3D40%26imgsz%3Dxxlarge%26ndsp%3D20%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Dnl%26lr%3D%26rls%3DGGLR,GGLR:2006-17,GGLR:en%26sa%3DN http://www.al-airliners.be/p-r/regionalal/fnb-1900.jpg http://www.aerophotos.free.fr/imagesite/galerie/regional_air_lines_tanger.jpg http://www.aerophotos.free.fr/imagesite/galerie/regional_air_casa_m5.jpg http://www.berlin-spotter.de/focus/2005/atlasblue734.jpg http://images1.jetphotos.net/images/a/atlasblue32104apr1024.jpg.19200.jpg http://www.luftfahrt.net/galerie/new/bilder/1109414842_CN-RNC_11.jpg http://images1.jetphotos.net/images/b/BRUj4y-2.jpg.94137.jpg http://www.skyliner-aviation.de/photos/icons/01cnrpb-ICON.jpg http://www.al-airliners.be/a/airatlas/axp737-4.jpg http://photos.airliners.net/photos/small/2/6/7/0732762.jpg

[Cigar]

Some more good news for Angola! TAAG (Angola Airlines) will take delivery of their first new B777-200ER (pictured below) within the next couple of days. Will operate the LAD-JNB flight, taking over from the B747-300s currently flying the route.

http://static.flickr.com/58/199922127_af9b391380_o.jpg

Great looking colour scheme. TAAG will also receive some new B737-700s really soon for their regional / domestic network (WDH etc.).

[Aícha]

Morocco air fares war
By Ginny McGrath

Fares drop from more than £200 to £38 because of record numbers of flights between London airports and Morocco





Airlines flying between London and Morocco are engaged in an aggressive fares war because of record numbers of flights between the two countries.
Thomsonfly today cut fares to £38 return in response to yesterday’s announcement from Ryanair that it is starting new Morocco flights. “We have slashed our fares to hit back at Ryanair, which will also be flying to Marrakesh out of Luton,” a spokeswoman told Times Online Travel.

The news from Ryanair comes just days after GB Airways signalled its intention to boost Morocco services and two weeks after easyJet launched flights to the North African country.

According to flight information provider, OAG, there were around 39 flights a week between London airports and Marrakesh before easyJet’s launch, - once Ryanair and Thomsonfly get onboard there will be 99 flights a week between the two cities.

Until July this year two airline groups enjoyed a monopoly over flights between the UK and Morocco – British Airways and Royal Air Maroc, with fares averaging more than £200 return.

In 2004 Royal Air Maroc launched a no-frills airline, Atlas Blue, which operates alongside the parent airline - and now BA franchise carrier GB Airways intends to boost flights to a record 32 per week between London and Morocco from the end of October, with services to Marrakesh, Fez, Agadir and Casablanca.

Ryanair’s flights will operate from Luton to Fez and Marrakech from October 31, with fares from £40 return including taxes and charges.

The surge in UK-Morocco flights follows a decision by EU and Moroccan authorities to relax airspace regulations and allow any EU registered airline to operate between the EU and Morocco.

Need to know

www.ba.com
www.gbairways.com
www.royalairmaroc.com
www.atlas-blue.com
www.easyjet.com
www.ryanair.com
www.thomsonfly.com

[SE9]

Nice... maybe I'll be making my 1st trip to Morocco if the air-fares are this low! :cool:

[SE9]

http://www.kenyacivilaviation.or.ke/templates/sm-mdbsm/images/bus_header.jpg

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) recieves 36 Air Licenses from Airliners wanting operating to Kenya in 07/08.


Air charters from Europe to Mombasa dominate a list of 36 new air licenses for airlines flying into or within the country by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

The decision was made on the applications for air service licenses whose particulars were previously published in the Kenya Gazette Notice No 158 of 2006. Most of the licencees are already flying here, while some are new applicants.

Among the applicants, eight airlines are international operators with four from Tanzania, one Ugandan and one from Zanzibar. Local operators attracted the highest number with KCAA licensing twenty new airlines both non- scheduled air services for passengers and freight

The international tour charters are First Choice Limited from England, which was granted a two-year license with effect from April this year. They are flying on the Manchester - Mombasa- Manchester route two flights fortnightly. It will also fly Gatwick - Mombasa - Gatwick flying once a week using B 767 or B 757 aircraft based in UK.

Eurofly is among the airlines, which was granted a two-year license to fly three times a week on the Malpenza - Zanzibar - Mombasa - Malpenza route, using an Airbus A 330 based in Milan in Italy. A two-year license was given to Thomson Fly Limited of England, effective from May this year to the end of April 2008. Its four charter flights will be flying Gatwick, Mombasa - Gatwick once a week using B 767 aircraft based in England.

The Mombsa-Gatwick route has also attracted three airlines, with Monarch Airlines Limited of England maintaining a weekly tour-charter using a Boeing 767 or Airbus A 330 aircraft from their Luton Airport base in UK.

International non-scheduled cargo operators Martinair (Holland) and Cargolux Airline had their Kenyan licences renewed for two years license. Cargolux Airlines will be flying to and from Luxembourg - Nairobi - Maastricht - Luxembourg. Luxembourg - Dubai - Eldoret - Nairobi - Maastricht - Luxembourg without traffic rights between Eldoret - Nairobi using aircraft B 747 with routing rights from Ndjamena based at Luxembourg.

The Tanzanian airlines are Air Excel ltd, Kilimanjaro Aero Club, Sky Aviation, Auric Air Services Ltd and Coastal Travels Ltd and Regional Air Services (T) ltd. Twin Wings Air of Zanzibar is now licenced to fly charter flights into Kenya from Tanzania.

Uganda's Dairo Air Services of Kampala is now entitled to a touch down at Eldoret Airport if they wish. The licensing of Tanzanian Airlines had earlier been opposed by the executive director of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAOA) Col. E. Waithaka urging KCAA not to issue licences too Tanzanians. The Tanzanian Aviation Authority have been giving Kenyan operators a hard time when applying for licenses.

"Our counterparts in Tanzania have not opened up and granting them license will show that we are too soft. We need to be tough on them too", said Col. Waithaka at a past public hearing on aviation licences. But on his part, chief air transport officer at KCAA, Peter Ano defended the move saying that the effort made by the E.A Communities will ease things.

Meanwhile 23 more airlines have applied for either new Air Service licenses or a variation of their existing licences. Among them are Iberworld Airlines of Spain and Mytravel Airways Ltd of Manchester UK. The two have applied for inclusive tour charter.

Lufthansa Cargo A.C from Germany for non- scheduled Air Cargo. However, during the public hearings held in Nairobi on July 18, Kenyan air operators objected to an application by Azov Aviation Air Company of Ukraine.

Four other airlines from Tanzania have also applied while 13 Kenyan applicants were listed. The KCAA is expected to announce the new licenses next month.


----------------------------------------------------------------

Rundown of (some of) the Licences for 07/08

First Choice Limited, UK:

- Manchester > Mombasa > Manchester

- London Gatwick > Mombasa > London Gatwick

- Boeing 767s or Boeing 757s.


Eurofly, Italy:

- Milan Malpenza > Zanzibar > Mombasa > Milan Malpenza

- Airbus A330s.


Thomson Fly Limited, UK:

- London Gatwick > Mombasa > London Gatwick

- Boeing 767s.


Monarch Airlines, UK:

- London Luton > Mombasa > London Luton

- Airbus A330s and Boeing 767s.


Iberworld Airlines, Spain

- Palma de Mallorca > Nairobi/Mombasa > Palma de Mallorca

- A330-300.


Martinair (cargo), Holland

- Amsterdam Schipol - Nairobi - Amsterdam Schipol

- Boeing 747s


Cargolux (cargo), Luxembourg

- Luxembourg > Nairobi > Maastricht > Luxembourg.

- Luxembourg > Dubai > Eldoret > Nairobi > Maastricht > Luxembourg.

- Boeing 747s


Lufthansa Cargo, Germany

- Frankfurt > Nairobi > Frankfurt.

- Boeing 747.



It should be noted, that all the 'usual suspects' have air licences for 07/08. Here's some of the inter-continental airliners that fly to Kenya:

- Air India to (Mumbai - Nairobi) and (New Delhi - Nairobi)

- British Airways (London - Nairobi) and (London - Nairobi - Seychelles) and (London - Nairobi - Lilongwe)

- Corsairfly (Paris Orly - Nairobi)

- Emirates (Dubai - Nairobi) and (Dubai - Nairobi - Entebbe) and (Dubai - Nairobi - Dar Es Salaam)

- Gulf Air (Bahrain - Nairobi)

- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam - Nairobi)

- Martinair (Amsterdam - Nairobi)

- Qatar Airways (Doha - Nairobi)

- SN Brussels Airlines (Brussels - Nairobi)

- Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich - Nairobi)

[Mwafrika]

EXTRA SWISS FLIGHTS TO KENYA
Source: www.magicalkenya.com

Swiss International Air Lines have added additional flights to Nairobi, which means there is now even greater air access from Europe to Kenya. From December 2nd there will be five flights weekly from Zurich to Nairobi.

With Swiss air connections in both Europe and East Africa, this means greatly improved air access to the region from Europe and all destinations within Swiss International’s global network.

The new flight schedule with our Airbus A330 aircraft will be as follows:

Zurich-Nairobi Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Nairobi-Zurch Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

[SE9]

Great news! More flights = more competition = cheaper fares!

BA flies there around 10-12 times per-week right?

[SE9]

Johannesburg Intl Airport (1st in Africa)

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/2130/jxbpj0.jpg

Kenyatta Intl Airport (7th in Africa)

http://static.flickr.com/59/171168251_22fbc60d4e_b.jpg

Murtala Muhammed Airport (9th in Africa)

http://static.flickr.com/44/187504561_c6fde00737_b.jpg

Bole Intl Airport (18th in Africa)

http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/9351/ablun1.jpg

[SE9]

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Kenya Airways Posts Improved Passenger And Cargo Volumes

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq/images/topbanner.jpg

Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced improved first quarter performance for passenger and cargo uplifts on all its routes.

Mr Titus Naikuni, the airline's managing director, on Wednesday said in the period ending June 30. KQ carried 61,757 more passengers and uplifted 13,851 tonnes of cargo, representing a 19 per cent increase over a similar period last year.

During the quarter, KQ uplifted 585,786 passengers in comparison to 524,029 last year. Naikuni attributed the good performance to the introduction of two B777 aircrafts.

Europe, Southern Africa and the Far East and Asia regions contributed to the increased cargo volumes.

Passenger numbers were higher in the Far East, Middle East and Asian region, recording a 19 per cent growth followed by Africa, excluding Kenya, at 13 per cent and Europe with a 11 per cent growth.

The improved performance in the Far East, Middle East and Asian region was attributed to three weekly flights to Guangzhou, China, through Dubai, while passenger growth on the African routes was boosted by a 32 per cent growth on the North African route.

KQ has deployed the larger B767 aircraft on most of its African routes and also launched two weekly flights to Maputo via Harare in October last year contributing the increment of passenger numbers on the continent.

Growth on the European route was attributed to the deployment of the newly delivered B777s on London and Amsterdam routes, coupled with the impact of the new Mombasa-London service introduced in December last year.

Naikuni said the airline increased its capacity in Kenya by 13 per cent, due to increased frequencies between Mombasa and Kisumu

[Trae]

I have heard that Virgin Nigeria will begin flights between Houston and Lagos soon.

[Matthias Offodile]

Hi Trae

I have heard that Virgin Nigeria will begin flights between Houston and Lagos soon.

yeah, that´s true...and to New York as well. only problem is that US airlines (Continental Airlines to be more precise) wants to be the first to enter Nigeria and there is also a nasty quarrel going on between the national carrier Virgin Nigeria and two Nigerian private airlines (one of them is a new and up-coming private airline) which want to fly to USA first. It should be the national carrier Virgin Nigeria´s turn before any other private airline of Nigeria can follow. :bash: Here is the article

August 8th, 2006
Virgin Nigeria deal, FG goofed



John OSADOLOR

The Federal Government had a forthright ago designated two Nigerian airlines to operate on the Nigeria-United States route, exclusively reserved for Virgin Nigeria in the Memorandum of Mutual Undertaking (MMU) between her and the airline.

While Bellview Airlines was designated to fly into Newark, New Jersey, non-starter Arik Air is to operate into Atlanta.

In defending Federal Government' action, Aviation Minister, Babalola Borisade, said "The lawyers who drafted the Memorandum of Mutual Undertaking (MMU) between the government of Nigeria, Virgin Nigeria and Virgin Atlantic Airways were specific-under paragraph A (1). The prime routes reserved for Virgin Nigeria under the agreement are London, New York, Jeddah, Dubai and Johannesburg". According to him, the MMU referred to towns and not countries and that Virgin Nigeria can not claim monopoly of such routes and if it wanted such it should reapply to the government. But aviation experts who spoke to BusinessDay on condition of anonymity diagreed with the minister, insisting that Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) are entered into on country by country basis and that it is different from negotiations on entry points. Negotiations on entry points are addendum to BASA and relates to how many points of entry should an airline or airlines from one country enter into another to pick and drop passengers. For example, British Airways (BA) operates into Abuja and Lagos. This was not in the initial BASA between Nigeria and Britain. Similarly, when Virgin Atlantic Airways was to join BA on the route the BASA was renegotiated and the defunct Nigeria Airways was fully involved.

An aviation lawyer who spoke on the minister's rationalisation of his decision which had sent ripples to the investors' community and created a grater in the confidence index of the country and portrayed the administration as rascal institution that should not be trusted , said Borisade, a professor, forgot to read the opening sentence of paragraph A (1) which states: "designate the Airline as flag carrier with the full benefit and advantages of such status on the prime routes for which it has the right of first refusal to operate the available frequencies". The word route here does not refer to a town or a country. This is fraud number one. Did the minister or his agents seek Virgin Nigeria or its agents right of first refusal? Similarly, Paragraph A (11) says; "Grant a right of first refusal to the Airline to operate on all other routes covered by any other bilateral/multilateral agreement or subsequent agreements entered into with other governments, subject to all applicable conventions or bilateral and multilateral agreements, rules and regulations and existing laws and laws and policies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

The pain and fear of the investors' community is not in the half-truth reeled out by Borisade, it is in the inadequate and, in most cases, non-existent legal instruments to redress this ugly trend that many people thought died with the military era. Some investors who spoke with BusinessDay advised that Virgin Nigeria should not go to court, saying it might take the rest of this century for justice to come and the government can as well arm-twist the court to get favourable judgement against the airline or even revoke the airline licence as it did to Slok Air.

"Going to court should be the last option here. You can't trust the court just the same way you can't trust the government. After all they are one and the same thing", a foreign investor advised. Many investors, particularly foreigners who spoke to Business DAY since these ugly incidents are at a loss as to why a minister should read and interpret MMU of such magnitude to sooth himself. A source told Business Day at the weekend that the way and manner the Federal Government resolves this crisis will determine British investors' confidence in Nigeria.If not properly resolved, it could create a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Britain, another source said.

" If Sir Richard Branson with his huge international carriage and investments in Nigeria could be insulted by a Nigerian cabinet minister as represented in the comment by Borisade, then no British investor and investment is safe.

There is every evidence that investors' confident in this environment is waning", an investment analyst told BusinessDay.

[Matthias Offodile]

Bombardier Makes First African CRJ900 Sale To Arik Air



Bombardier Aerospace announced that Arik Air of Lagos, Nigeria has exercised a firm order for two new Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets.

Arik Air will be the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent. The list price value for the two aircraft is approximately $69 million US. Arik Air moved into the former Nigeria Airlines Ltd facilities in Lagos in April this year and will operate the CRJ900 aircraft on domestic routes within Nigeria starting July 2006. The aircraft will have a two-class interior with 10 business class seats and 65 economy seats. The airline also plans to operate two previously owned Boeing 737-800 and three previously owned 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, built in 2003. “We are delighted that Arik Air will introduce the Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft to African travelers,” said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. “Arik Air will benefit from an aircraft with the best operating economics in its class while its passengers will enjoy excellent cabin comfort and the benefits of international aviation standards.” “With our new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, we are setting new standards that will change the face of the aviation industry in Nigeria and offer a totally new travel experience linking the provinces of the country with our largest cities,” said Alex van Elk, Managing Director, Arik Air. “The CRJ900 has proven to be efficient and reliable and we will also benefit from its commonality with the CRJ200 aircraft. This is in line with our strategy to deliver an airline that Nigerians will be proud to fly.” About Arik Air Arik Air is a new airline that will fly domestic routes throughout Nigeria from July 2006, and will introduce international routes to the US, UK and Far East by 2008. Arik Air has taken ownership of the assets of the former Nigerian Airlines Ltd in Lagos including the main Head Office Complex, and all ancillary buildings where it will base and maintain the airline’s fleet of two new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, three Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft built in 2003 and two Boeing 737-800. About Bombardier A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).

[SE9]

Interesting. Nice to see that a direct air link is being established between two oil-capitals; Houston & Lagos.

[SE9]

http://nationmedia.com/dailynation/images/satnation.jpg

Victoria International Airways, Uganda's new National Carrier, is Launched. Will the competition be too much to handle?


Only in a handful of capitals (Kampala being one) where a government would countenance launching a new player in an industry where even the biggest fish sigh in relief after each passing day.

This past week, Uganda's minister of State for Finance (Investment), Prof Ssemakula Kiwanuka, revealed that as of October 1, a new airline will be flying the national colours out of Entebbe International Airport. The outfit, going by the appropriately jingoistic name of Victoria International Airways, in which government has a 25 per cent stake, will open for business with regional flights (presumably to Nairobi, Arusha, Dar and Kigali) before taking on the continent (think Johannesburg or Lagos).

"The airline will start off with one Boeing 737 carrying 100 passengers and will soon set up offices on Kimathi Avenue and Lugogo Mall," the minister said. "Its initial capital is US$1m of which the Government had paid US$250,000." The minister hinted at future injections of more working capital.

Good luck to them; because they will need spades of it. Let's start from the most obvious point of weakness: The competition. The Kenya Airways-KLM combo awaits them in Nairobi; as is SA Express and SA Airlink in Kigali and Dar es Salaam; Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa; as well as South African Airways anywhere in the SADC region.

Even in a straight fight, each is a formidable opponent and would probably win a one-sided fight. The Kenyans and South Africans are as well-entrenched as Hizbollah is in Lebanon, and will be spoiling for a fight. Kenya Airways, for example, does such roaring business between Entebbe and Nairobi it sometimes feels like they're running a taxi business. Several rival airlines have since thrown up their hands and moved elsewhere. Then there is the little problem of aviation fuel. Over the last two or three years, oil prices have flirted with highs not seen anywhere in the world for a generation. The collective smiles on exporters' faces in Sudan and Nigeria (and probably Uganda over the next few years) are in stark contrast to the grim-faced airline executives whose bottom line has taken a battering.

The effects of 9-11 (which dampened interest in air travel) and the rise of cheap no-frills airlines like Ryan Air, Easy-Jet and Jet-Blue, have stretched even industry standards like British Airways. This has in turn forced BA & Co to style up even on their "garbage routes" in Africa. It is anyone's guess whether Ms Victoria can fight, let alone survive such big battles on so many fronts.

The real issue is not even the fact that someone is investing in a new airline in East Africa at this time. Businesspeople have the right to put their money where they please. This is, however, not the case with politicians who once spoke so derisively about government being engaged in business. It's not too long ago that President Museveni was telling it on the mountains that government had no business running anything except, well, a government. He had a point too.

Twenty years ago, the Government of Uganda had its fingers in everything from airlines to local road transport, banking, supermarkets, school supplies, cement manufacture, furniture – basically if there was business to be done, there was a parastatal working on it. Many were badly run or run-down and in debt.

So, government needn't be selling vegetables as it once did. But it can't afford to ignore strategic sectors either, as the current electricity crisis has shown. In any case, the mass auction of government assets has to be done in a manner that is both transparent and be seen to be transparent.

This has almost never happened. We'll stick to just Uganda Airlines. After years of President Museveni saying it gave all airlines a bad name, the national carrier was essentially cannibalised by people close to the big man. In most countries, national airlines usually own the ground-handling services, which are pretty lucrative. They collect fees from every landing and departing plane; and from passengers and those who drive them to the airport. They run the cargo holds and lease out those super expensive restaurants and Duty-Free shops. Why, you even have to pay for the right to use a luggage trolley at some North American airports! Uganda Airlines had this cash-cow taken away before it was declared insolvent. Needless to say, business is roaring for the guys who took over (yet another company owned by a close Museveni associate).

Poor Uganda Airlines could not survive losing its major assets while competing against mean cats like KQ and SAA which own and operate the major airport businesses in their home countries. The airline died without a whimper.

Its latest incarnation might survive of course, partly because it has some private money and expertise. But that's not a good enough reason for government to join the party. Since the business model has not changed much over the last few years, there is no reason to think that Victoria International Airways will not end the way of Uganda Airlines.

In fact, the only clever thing that the private investors did was to get government on board. Because then, politicians can continually justify spending other people's money in bailing it out by claiming that it's a strategic investment. Mediocrity is never politically punished.

That's what an economist would derisively call "good money chasing bad money".

If government thought the airline industry was too cut-throat for salaried civil servants to work in 10 years ago, it probably made the right call. Even industry giants like Delta and American Airlines have struggled for margins in recent years. The single biggest risk airlines face (besides that of their planes tumbling out of the sky or knocking over tall buildings) is strike action.

In July 2005, South African Airways paid a heavy price for botched negotiations with some of its workers that ended in a strike that was so extensive it affected travellers in every city where SAA operates. Management eventually caved in; but not before thousands of travellers had sworn off it for good.

The continent's largest carrier recently announced a 90% per cent fall in net profits, from R648 million (Sh 7.1 billion) to just R65 million (Sh710 million) in the 12 months between March 2005 and March 2006. There was of course the usual talk of the 50 per cent increase in oil prices, etc. But the strike was the elephant in the room.

Would Victoria International Airways survive something like that? Maybe. Maybe not. It shouldn't really concern us one way or the other. Except the government has gone and put in our money; with the figures simply not adding up.

[Matthias Offodile]

Interesting. Nice to see that a direct air link is being established between two oil-capitals; Houston & Lagos.


se9; there is already an airlink between Lagos and Houston. It is serviced by World Airways. It also has flight to Luanda, I thnk.
__________________The point here is that Nigerian airlines are expanding their network to the US. Apart from Houston, they want to enter New york, Newark and Atlanta.

Hopefully, this is just the start. Nigerian airlines ought to fly to Chigago, L.A and/or San francisco and Miami as well. They can fly New York via Miami from Lagos, for example. Moreover, there also has to be two additional DIRECT flights to the US from Abuja and Port Harcourt.

[SE9]

Ah, OK thanks. Is there any plans or talk for a direct flight to Toronto?

[Matthias Offodile]

SE9 ,

No, not for all I know at present....one still has to go via Europe via Houston, or soon via other US-cities.

I have heard that Kenyan Airways is currently expanding in Asia (Hong kong and some cities within China). That is really very nice :) :cheers: Africa´s airlines need to offer direct services to US, Latin America and Asia without taking the tour to Europe first.

[Aícha]

Royal Air Maroc


http://www.videorama.ma/video.asp?p=13

[SE9]

Precision-Air to buy six new aircraft

Tanzanian airline PrecisionAir will purchase six aircraft at $97 million from Avions de Transport Regional (ATR) of France, following a deal signed last week in Dar es Salaam.

The new fleet of the private airline, to be delivered between 2008 and 2010, will comprise three ATR 42-500s and another three ATR 72-500s.

The airline’s board chairman, Michael Shirima, said the new aircarft would help the company increase its route coverage as they would bring the firm's total fleet to 12. Currently, the airline has four ATR-42s, each with capacity of 47 passengers, and two ATR 72s each with a capacity of 66. PrecisionAir and ATR also signed a memorandum of understanding to offer scholarships to Tanzanian students in certified aeronautical maintenance engineering and piloting. The first four beneficiaries will be recruited in 2007 and will undergo training in French before proceeding to France to pursue training.

Early this year, PrecisionAir embarked on an expansion programme that will see it increasing its passenger load by 30 per cent within the year.

This involved introduction of new flights on routes, left unserved by Air Tanzania Corporation Ltd – after a botched joint venture between the Tanzania and South African governments – including Kilimanjaro, Mwanza and Zanzibar.

The airline has started operating direct evening flights between Dar es Salaam and Mwanza using a new ATR-72, a 70-seater aircraft to meet the growing demand for air passenger services in the lake region.

The airline has also introduced the Dar-Lindi-Mtwara flights on Wednesdays and Sundays, while there will be one direct flight from Dar es Salaam to Mtwara on Fridays

[Matthias Offodile]

Thursday, August 10, 2006
British Airline (BMED) to start flights to Sierra Leone

We received welcome news that British Airways franchise partner (BMED) is to start flying to Sierra Leone. This means there are now 3 airlines serving the Freetown-London route – Bellview Airlines (Heathrow), Astraeus Airline(Gatwick) and as of October – BMED(Heathrow).

Few main things in here - First off, as a Sierra Leonean this is an endorsement of our nation’s gradual recovery. To quote the article:

“The move represents the return by BA liveried aircraft to West Africa for the first time since the early 1990s when the airline withdrew flights to the region.”

That’s good. We need more big name investors pledging faith in our country’s economy.

Secondly, as a consumer… bring those fares DOWN! already. £750 for a trip home for Christmas is just a little steep dude. Imagine you want to take your entire family (wife and three kids) home for Christmas holidays? Ouch! This is excluding helicopter flights, jabs, accommodation and all the other costs that go with it. From a tourism point of view, lower prices can only help improve our chances in a very competitive market.

On a whole, good news for Sierra Leone.

http://www.travelmole.com/stories/110097.php
BMED to start flights from Heathrow to Freetown - Forum Discussion

[SE9]

Chinese firm signs Sh2.6bn contract to expand Nairobi Airport


Kenya Airports Authority has signed a Sh2.6 billion contract with China Wu Yi company for expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, whose capacity is overstretched.

The 10 month-project is the first phase of Sh10 billion expansion programme of the airport. The project has been divided into three phases to avoid disruption of the airport’s operations.

The contract the authority signed yesterday covers the first phase which includes the construction of an apron – the paved area immediately in front of airport buildings, on which aircraft are loaded and unloaded – taxiways and extension of the fuel hydrant system.

Capacity

When Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was built, the airport was expected to handle 2.5 million passengers annually, but the traffic has almost doubled, with 4.2 million passengers passing through it last year.

Kenya Airports Authority managing director, George Muhoho, said that on top of the Sh2.6 billion, the authority has added Sh15.9 million to the contractor as contingency fees.

Out of Sh2.6 billion, the authority and the contractor have agreed that the authority shall pay 30 per cent of its equivalent in the US dollars to facilitate the purchase of any equipment they need to import and other costs that are not local and the remaining 70 per cent in shillings.

"This indicates that a lot of the actual expenditure of this project is going to be local in terms of material and manpower," Mr Muhoho told reporters at his Nairobi office.

The authority chairman Erastus Mwongera appealed to the contractor and consultant–Queen’s Quay Architects International–who is supervising the project, that no part of the project should lag behind.

"We want the project to be ready in 10 months, and there will be no option for whatever," he said. We cannot afford to wait a day beyond the 10 months that we have given.

China Wu Yi general manager for Kenya, Wan Dongsheng said although the deadline was tight, he was confident his company would finish the project on time. "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to join endeavours of upgrading an international airport to the international standards and develop into regional hub," he said.

Mr Mwongera said it was critical for authority to improve the airport so that Kenyans can fly direct to the United States, Latin America, Australia and other destinations. "We have no business making stopovers, which are expensive for all of us to stop in Europe, and we want to go the way of South Africa: you can fly from Johannesburg, or Durban to anywhere," he added.

[Cigar]

Airliners.net (c/o Royal S. King) have managed to get some cracking pics of the new TAAG Angola Airlines B777.

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?id=1102042,1102043&engine_version=6.0

Was going to post these a couple of day back back clean forgot...

[Tbite]

Firms, NICON sign pact on mega airline
By Wole Shadare, Aviation Reporter
THE race to meet the March 2007 deadline for recapitalisation by the country's domestic airline operators has begun in earnest.
Currently in the works is a mega airline being planned by a group of existing operators who have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a big player in the economy, NICON Group of Companies Plc.
The emerging mega airline may be named NICON Airways and talks are still on-going with some other companies in the industry, according to sources.
The NICON Group is owned by business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on May 24, 2006 approved sweeping changes in the aviation sector, including a new compulsory capitalisation base for airline operators.
Airlines desirous of operating local routes were asked to have a minimum capital base of N500 million; N1 billion for those that are to ply the regional routes and N2 billion for airlines eyeing international routes.
All the operators, including prospective investors in the sector, were given up to March next year to meet the new capital base.
Most local airlines are considered currently highly under-capitalised, a factor blamed for the huge casualisation rate in the industry.
It is believed that capitalisation as has been successfully implemented in the banking sector, would make the sector stronger, since they would then be able to buy newer air planes and also undergo periodic aircraft maintenance.
Before the new approval, the total paid up share capital for an air transport licence was N20 million.
The air travel organisers' licence was put at N2.5 million while an air operating permit for both local and international routes cost a total of N20 million.
The new policy is in line with the Federal Government's determination to reform the sector following the two devastating air crashes of last year, which raised questions about the country's airspace and equipment.
It is also coming at a time the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is billed to audit Nigeria's airspace, slated for November 2006.

[GregPz]

Some updated stats. Africa's 25 busiest airports May'05-May'06, showing pax numbers and growth rates

1... Johannesburg 16,266,706... 11.1%
2... Cairo 10,249,907... 3.7%
3... Cape Town 6,914,353... 9.8%
4... Sharm el Sheikh 4,793,652... -2.4%
5... Casablanca 4,625,908... 14.5%
6... Hurghada 4,584,847... -1.5%
7... Nairobi 4,376,667... 9.4%
8... Monastir 4,114,390... 8.8%
9... Lagos 3,794,964... -1.0%
10. Durban 3,764,480... 14.9%
11. Tunis 3,705,549... 4.9%
12. Algiers 3,464,741... 2.5%
13. Jerba 2,416,597... 2.9%
14. Marrakech 2,358,817... 24.6%
15. Mauritius 2,175,376... 3.9%
16. Luxor 2,047,822... -10.9%
17. Abuja 1,985,142... -9.1%
18. Addis Ababa 1,962,012... 14.8%
19. St Denis 1,474,269... -7.2%
20. Port Elizabeth 1,326,109... 16.9%
21. Agadir 1,263,286... 1.5%
22. Dar es Salaam 1,142,359... 7.5%
23. Mombasa 1,119,135... 7.6%
24. Luanda 1,010,351... 35.7%
25. Port Harcourt 989,977... 19.8%

[zexyworm]

What is the source of the above statistics?

You quoted this statictic for Lagos:

Lagos 3,794,964... -1.0%

Domestic traffic only accounts for about 4 million pax, international about 1.5 million, so I suspect the number given for Lagos !

In any case, with the advent of Virgin Nigeria Airways the traffic is likely to increase even more in 2006 and beyond... Also FAAN has announced the commencement of expansion work at the international terminal in Lagos to accomodate growth.

[GregPz]

Source is the Airport Council International's airport traffic report. The figures for Lagos are accurate. Lagos saw small growth of 4.5% for the month of May. Virgin Nigeria is currently too small to have a major impact but its future plans do sound impressive.

[Matthias Offodile]

zexyworm, Nigeria´s avaition indsutry is presently undergoing good times, there are several new well-equipped private airlines that are about to emerge in the (near) future. Lagos airport is far too small to accomodate future traffic, that´s for sure! In the long run Lagos needs a thrid terminal, believe me!

[SE9]

(from Kenya's largest news agency: the Nation (http://nationmedia.com))

http://nationmedia.com/dailynation/images/daily_nation_banner.jpg

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif


Kenya Airways to launch Paris flights on October 26


Kenya Airways yesterday continued its roll-out of routes, announcing direct flights to Paris, France from October 26 this year.

The national airline will have three flights a week to Charles de Gaulle Airport from Nairobi every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

In a statement to newsrooms, the airline said it believes the strength of the new route lies in the flexibility it offers its customers in eastern and central Africa to fly directly to France as well as connect to mainland Europe and other parts of the world.

Equally passengers from France will now be able to fly directly to Nairobi and connect to any part of Africa using the Kenya Airways network.

"The launch of direct flights to Paris is in line with Kenya Airway’s expansion programme that is geared at delivering services to key cities in Europe, Asia and Africa through scheduled and efficient connections," said Kenya Airways (KQ) commercial director Hugh Fraser.

The new route opens up most of Europe to travellers from eastern and central Africa, offering a supplementary connection point for passengers travelling to other destinations beyond the continent. Currently Kenya Airways uses Amsterdam and London as its connection hub in Europe.

KQ is currently the fastest growing airline in Africa, pursuing a strategic route expansion and fleet modernisation programme. During the first quarter ending June 2006, Kenya Airways announced a 12 per cent increase in passenger traffic on all its routes.

It is set to receive three new-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and a Boeing 777 before January 2007. It has also placed orders for six new Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes to be delivered between 2010 and 2012.

It became the first airline in sub-Saharan Africa to win the key IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification , beating a 2007 deadline set by IATA (International Air Transport Association).

In other aviation news, Air Mauritius yesterday reported a 59 per cent drop in profits for the 2005-06 financial year to Sh679 million ($9.3 million), stung by increased fuel costs.

The liberalisation of Mauritian air space and a mosquito-borne disease hitting tourism also presented new challenges for the Indian Ocean island's airline, according to its annual report.

"The decline in operating performance was mainly due to the high increase in fuel costs," the chairman's statement said.

The company said jet fuel costs now account for 34 per cent of the airline's total operating costs, up from 26 percent in the previous year.

Mauritian plans to increase tourism by 10 per cent per year to two million tourists by 2015, have included a series of agreements on access to the country's airspace.

"This means increased competition for Air Mauritius, at a time when the industry is already experiencing declining yields," said Sanjay Bhuckory, the airline's chairman.

[You are to blame]

Burkina Faso to Build New Airport
September 13, 2006

Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso's capital would soon boast a new airport, said the country's transport minister on Tuesday.

Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo said construction on the new Ouagadougou airport would start in 2007.

He said the "huge infrastructure" project, which would be located 35km northeast of Ouagadougou, would cost an estimated 240bn DFA francs (about $450mn) and would be complete by 2011.

Ouédraogo said the airport would be 7km long and 5km wide and would be able to accommodate 1500000 passengers annually.

The airport would be constructed in three phases said the minister.

He said: "The airport will be operational at the end of the first phase (2007-2011), which is due to cost 115bn CFA francs."

The second phase (2015-2017) would require 36bn CFA francs and the third (2018-2023) 86bn CFA francs.

The minister said the government was also looking at purchasing more plans, and would rehabilitate the existing airport in the meantime as a cost of 1.5bn CFA francs.

Source: Business in Africa
http://allafrica.com/stories/200609130648.html

[Mwafrika]

By Noel Wandera

Kenya Airways (KQ) will start flights to Congo Brazzaville and Benin next month.

The two flights, which will bring KQ destinations on the continent to 30, will start on October 6.

The additional routes will be operated on Tuesdays and Fridays, increasing KQ flights in West Africa to eleven.

Mr Hugh Fraser, the KQ commercial director, said initially one flight will serve the two destinations.

"The flight will touch down in Brazzaville before proceeding to Cotonou," said Fraser.

The additional destinations fall within KQ’s strategic expansion plan of linking leading African destinations with Europe, Asia and China.

Next month, the airline will inaugurate its third connecting hub in Europe with flights terminating at the Charles De Gaulle International Airport, Paris.

Other connecting hubs in Europe are Heathrow Airport in the UK and Schipol Airport, Netherlands.

In March, KQ launched flights to Freetown, Sierra Leone. Other destinations added recently include Istanbul, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Thailand, Maputo and Freetown.

Fraser said the commercial viability of the Congo Brazzaville and Cotonou routes were promising.

"Both countries are showing strong economic performance and increasing business activity resulting from growing oil exploration and extraction activities," he said.

Congo Brazzaville has experienced relative calm and political stability since 2003. Congo, which is Sub-Saharan Africa’s fifth largest oil producer after Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, is estimated to hold oil reserves of over 1.5 billion barrels.

Congo is also the third largest natural gas producer in Africa and also exports Sugar, cocoa, coffee and diamonds.


Source: The Standard - http://www.eastandard.net/archives/cl/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143958569&date=22/9/2006

[GregPz]

Africa's 25 Busiest Airports for June 2006. Passenger numbers and % change compared with June 2005. Note these figures are only for June 2006! Some of the Egyptian resort airports showing a drop but very strong growth for Accra and Addis Ababa!

JOHANNESBURG, ZA 1,351,560 8.8%
CAIRO, EG 892,418 10.1
CAPETOWN, ZA 523,193 7.6
MONASTIR, TN 491,946 6.2
CASABLANCA, MA 387,808 11.2
NAIROBI, KE 341,981 (0.40)
LAGOS, NG 329,570 3.5
DURBAN, ZA 328,028 10.4
HURGADA, EG 324,691 1.8
TUNIS, TN 308,078 0.1
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EG 301,843 (18.30)
ALGIERS, DZ 288,178 0.9
JERBA, TN 242,475 (3.00)
MARRAKECH, MA 204,685 12.8
ABUJA, NG 181,533 6.1
ADDIS ABABA, ET 176,681 23.0
PLAINE MAGNIEN, MU 129,428 1.1
PORT ELIZABETH, ZA 112,056 13.2
ACCRA, GH 109,518 50.8
LUXOR, EG 109,283 (14.60)

[SE9]

Thanks for posting that GregPz

From this, we can see how many airports from each region make the list:

North: 10

Southern: 4

East & Indian Ocean: 3

West: 3

I'm right in saying that passenger numbers to North Africa are fuelled by the amount of package operators flying there?

[Tbite]

there'll be a new nigerian airline called Arik air, it'll mainly use bombadiers, for more info: http://www.arikjobs.com/

[GregPz]

Thanks for posting that GregPz

From this, we can see how many airports from each region make the list:

North: 10

Southern: 4

East & Indian Ocean: 3

West: 3

I'm right in saying that passenger numbers to North Africa are fuelled by the amount of package operators flying there?

Yeah, at least 6 of the north African airports rely heavily on package operators. Hence they're very reliant on stability in the region and their figures do tend to see-saw a bit.

[Mwafrika]

By Philip Mwakio

Tanzanian airline, Precision Air has completed a mandatory international safety audit.

Last week, it became the third African airline to be audited under the International Air Transport Association’s Operational Safety Audit programme.

The airline’s managing director, Mr Alphonse Kioko said that the process began two years ago with a gap analysis and pre audits, before the eventual assessment.

‘’We are confident that Precision Air will make it,’’ he said.

Kenya’s national flag carrier, Kenya Airways — which has a 49 per cent share stake in Precision Air — and South African Airways are the only IOSA-compliant airlines on the continent.

"The audit looks an airline’s operations to see whether it is going as per international standards set by IATA," Kioko said.

The test gives airlines international recognition and allows them to expand their markets. Precision Air flies to 15 destinations and has 324 departures in a week. Kioko says the company is currently considering a number of new international and local destinations.

In anticipation of this, Precision Air placed an $87-million order in August for six new planes with a French aviation firm. The aircraft are expected in the next two to three years.


Source :The Standard - http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143958730

[SE9]

$125million Nairobi Airport (JKIA) upgrade Starts

President attends ground-breaking ceremony


Publication Date: 9/30/2006

The first phase of upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was launched yesterday.

The Sh9 billion project will see construction of more places for parking and expansion of arrival and departure lounges.

The upgrade will also raise JKIA to the standards demanded by US authorities for planes to fly directly from Nairobi to American airports.

President Kibaki broke the ground to mark the start of the three-year expansion project.

"This is an important milestone in my Government's efforts to upgrade and transform Kenya's key international airport into a leading aviation hub in Africa and the world," said the President.

Direct flights

Aviation officials said once complete, the airport will be elevated to Category One status of the International Civil Aviation Organisation which would allow direct flights from Nairobi to any destination in the world.

Currently, airlines have to make expensive detours to Europe in order to fly to the US, Latin America and the Far East.

The first phase funded by Kenya Airports Authority and the World Bank includes putting up a new apron, taxiways and an extended fuel hydrant system.

It is expected to be complete by June next year.

In the second phase which will start in February 2007 and last for 18 months, a unit will be added and a ultra modern car park to accommodate 1,500 vehicles built.

The final stage starting in March 2007, will involve the renovation of Units One to Three and International arrivals, and construction of two in-fills.

Kenya Airports Authority managing director George Muhoho said the project will create 3,000 jobs directly and increase the airport size from 25,662 square metres to 55,222.

The parking space will be expanded by 75 per cent to cover over 350,000 square metres while the airports' annual passenger traffic capacity will increase to nine million.

But there were no mention of building an additional runway.

The airport has only one runway which if blocked, disrupts traffic for long.

Airline operators led by Kenya Airways managing director Titus Naikuni have been pushing for the construction of a second runway.

Quality of work

President Kibaki asked the KAA board to ensure the project was completed within the set budget and period, and the quality of work high.

He also announced plans to elevate Kisumu and Malindi airports to international status while Wilson, Isiolo and Wajir airports will also be expanded.

Once expanded, the Kisumu Airport will handle larger aircraft and open up the western Kenya to investors, said the President.

He said Malindi's expansion will include the construction of a new terminal building, a tower and longer runway to accommodate bigger aircraft.

The airport's expansion had been delayed due to the grabbing of land meant for the project.

But yesterday, the President urged the authority to ensure all its facilities were fenced to wade off grabbers.

He, however, noted security had been beefed up in all airports.

The authority's revenue base had also increased from Sh3 billion in the past three years to Sh5.3 billion this year.

Cargo handled

The number of passengers going through JKIA had also rose from 3.5 million in 2004 to 4.4 million this year while the volume of cargo handled increased from 192,300 tonnes in 2004 to 220,900 last year.

The President also asked to ensure the airport administration to ensure high standards of service.

"From the runways, aprons, arrival and departure lounges, cargo handling areas, immigration, customs and even parking bays, we should all see clear evidence of high international quality," he said.

During the function KAA board chairman Erastus Mwongera presented a Sh100 million cheque as dividend to the Treasury and Sh2 million towards the national relief fund.

World Bank country director Collins Bruce said the expansion of the airport was a milestone.

[Matthias Offodile]

Nigeria gets new airline

Posted Tue, 03 Oct 2006

Lagos – A new Nigerian airline, Arik Air, has said that it would start operating flights from October 17, according to its managing director.

Alex Van Elk said that a call centre had been opened to deal with reservations and that the maiden flight would be between Lagos and Abuja in a brand new Canadair CRJ900.

Van Elk said that the airline would soon service 10 destinations in Nigeria and 3 international flights to African destinations.

The new airline, which took over most of the resources of the former Nigerian Airlines Ltd, would look to expand it operations further by next year and it intends to aquire more brand new long-haul aircrafts, said Elk. -Business in Africa Online

[You are to blame]

Nigeria: An Airport, a National Dream

This Day (Lagos)

OPINION
October 17, 2006

Sampson Olusegun
Lagos

One can hardly wait to see the completion of the architectural spectacle that is emerging at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos. Each time one drives through the local wings of the airport these days, the prolonged deep frustrations and disgust that Nigerians went through following the razing of the old airport terminal has dissolved into a refreshing hope and great expectations

The imposing billboards announcing the re-construction of the old terminal aptly capture the essence of the project. It is called "The Nigerian Dream", with the riders: "excellence, innovation and integrity". Almost ninety percent completed, it is becoming evident that, at least for once, something good is capable of coming out of our beleaguered nation that has groped for 46 years as an independent nation to find a positive developmental bearing. The joy one is deriving is from the scriptural assurance that beauty is capable of being given in place of ashes. After all, since nobody seems to bother anymore how the former structure was reduced to ashes by a mystery inferno, we must take consolation in the emerging reality of a grand edifice that will stand as a proud national monument.

Hardly could anybody pass through the construction site without getting inquisitive. After the initial worrisome drag in the project taking off the ground, the accelerated pace of development is an eloquent testimony to the workability of the Obasanjo administration's effort at deregulating the economy.

Rather than the usual practice of saddling the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with the responsibility of building a new airport upon the rubbles of the old one, the government decided that the project should be on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. Curiously, as reports have it, Sanderton, the company that first won the bid was unable to execute the project, such that, for more than one year, the eyesore that was the ruins of the burnt terminal building became a national embarrassment. Not a few were enraged as to what was regarded as official neglect.

It was this uncomplimentary tar on the federal authority's image that made the Ministry of Aviation reach for the standby bidder, Bi - Courteny Consortium Limited, the parent company of Stabilini Visinoni, a construction outfit. It was as if fate was waiting for this organization under the chairmanship of Mr. Wale Babalakin, the youthful Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to make a generational statement. With a reported US $256m financial outlay, an airport that will be comparable to any of the best in the world - in architectural elegance, world-class facilities and overall guarantee of comfort for air travelers is evolving before "our very eyes".

Since 2002 when the Babalakin-led organization took over the project, the pace of construction has not only been supersonic, the edifice that is emerging is a piece of cake. We are informed through media reports that the multi-storey car park directly overlooking the dual carriageway leading to the international wing of the airport will conveniently accommodate no fewer than 500 vehicles. This is bound to ease the traffic congestion in and around the airport, as well as guarantee the safety of passengers' vehicles and others who have business to do at the airport. Interestingly, this is the type of modern parking lot the Governor Bola Tinubu administration is planning for Central Lagos that is currently undergoing massive re-construction.

The terminal building itself is a masterpiece. The assurance has been that it will offer appurtenances that are comparable to the best available anywhere in the world. As an icing of the cake, the airport is to be linked by a bridge to a five-star hotel already under construction across the road. This is essentially meant to serve air travellers departing or arriving very late.

It is as if the more of the new local airport in Ikeja project seen, the higher the expectation becomes. Even at its present stage of construction, in terms of innovation, it is novel in several respects. Its structural elegance and hi-tech facilities are expected to translate to excellent services.

So far, it is possible to pick some useful lessons from the project implementation. First is the inherent beauty of allowing private initiative to find expression. The deviation from the business-as-usual way of government's execution of such projects must have been hugely responsible for its clinical execution to date. For sure,

BOT is not likely to be too attractive to many contractors who have been accustomed to inflated government contracts with attendant mobilization fees and the possibility of contract review on the ground of inflation. But for Bi-Courteny Consortium, it has been a story of determination to succeed where many fear to tread. With the Federal Government not putting in a kobo into the project, it was the company's lot to raise the needed funds, ensure efficient execution and prudently manage the huge investment for the project to be worthwhile. The company is expected to operate the airport for an agreed number of years before reverting ownership to the federal government.

With this, there is no strain in the government as the burden has been taken off its over-crowded shoulder. Official delays and rigmaroles are shunted to make for efficiency. This has fired the ingenuity of a young entrepreneur, eager to make a generational statement on the possibility of excellence by the black man to give expression to a dream.

However, the success of the project is already posing a fresh, but pleasant dilemma as to whether the airport should remain a local one or assume an international status. The argument might arise that since an international airport already exists in Lagos, a second one might be out of place. But then, it also remains logical and reasonable that the nation should seize every opportunity to showcase its accomplishments and also see to the future. The fact of the existence of Heathrow Airport in London did not hinder Gatwick Airport from being of immense value as another international airport in the same London metropolis.

With the expectation that the Obasanjo economic reform will sooner or later begin to yield the desired dividends, the nation's economy is bound to expand so rapidly such that the existing facilities, including those in the aviation sector, might become grossly inadequate. This is to say that FAAN should begin to think of how to maximize the potentials of the new airport. The hi-tech equipment being put in place should fascinate many of the airlines to want to operate their international flights from the airport. Plan towards meeting that possibility should start now.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200610180161.html

[GregPz]

Current ranking for African airports (July '05-July '06):

1 JOHANNESBURG, ZA........16,538,902...10.9%
2 CAIRO, EG....................10,368,089...3.2
3 CAPETOWN, ZA...............6,983,034...8.6
4 CASABLANCA, MA............4,721,945...12.5
5 SHARM EL SHEIKH, EG......4,691,836...-6.2
6 HURGADA, EG..................4,576,069...-1.9
7 NAIROBI, KE....................4,387,804...7.9
8 MONASTIR, TN................4,134,116...3.5
9 DURBAN, ZA....................3,844,029...14.0
10 LAGOS, NG.....................3,809,557...-1.0
11 TUNIS, TN......................3,680,792...2.3
12 ALGIERS, DZ...................3,474,855...2.2
13 JERBA, TN......................2,422,649...0.1
14 MARRAKECH, MA..............2,418,788...20.8
15 PLAINE MAGNIEN, MU........2,186,164...3.5
16 ADDIS ABABA, ET.............2,036,956...15.4
17 LUXOR, EG......................2,026,347...-12.8
18 ABUJA, NG......................1,994,026...-9.7
19 ST DENIS-GILLOT, RE.......1,449,735...-8.1
20 PORT ELIZABETH, ZA........1,353,384...15.4
21 AGADIR, MA....................1,280,934...0.5
22 DAR ES SALAAM, TZ.........1,166,398...8.1
23 MOMBASA, KE.................1,131,587...8.1
24 PORT HARCOURT, NG........1,034,403...23.1
25 ACCRA, GH.....................1,023,498...25.2
26 LUANDA, AO...................1,003,866...20.8
27 ASWAN, EG.......................904,341...-21.3
28 ILHA DO SAL, CV................845,947...-13.6
29 ABIDJAN, CI......................788,182...1.4
30 ANTANANARIVO, MG...........714,689...8.4
31 ENTEBBE, UG.....................662,698...12.3
32 EAST LONDON, ZA..............625,139...25.2
33 LIBREVILLE, GA..................621,057...-0.9
34 HARARE, ZW......................602,695...5.9
35 WINDHOEK, NA..................596,787...13.4
36 GEORGE, ZA......................592,407...12.6
37 MAPUTO, MZ....................586,479...10.4
38 BRAZZAVILLE, CG...............584,623...22.6
39 DOUALA, CM.....................549,482...5.8
40 ALEXANDRIA, EG................526,621...18.9

[SE9]

Thanks alot for posting these :cheers:

Looks like the Egyptian resorts have taken quite a blow:

(July '05-July '06):

5 SHARM EL SHEIKH, EG......4,691,836...-6.2
6 HURGADA, EG..................4,576,069...-1.9
17 LUXOR, EG......................2,026,347...-12.8
27 ASWAN, EG.......................904,341...-21.3

[SE9]

http://allafrica.com/img/publishers/minibanners/eastandard180.jpg

Kenya Airways flies to Paris

Kenya Airways officially launched its inaugural direct flight to Paris on Thursday.

The plane left the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday night and landed at Charles De Gaulle airport Friday morning.

KQA will be flying three times to Paris on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The airline's commercial director Mr Hugh Fraser said the flights will provide customers in Eastern and Central Africa with flexibility of flying directly to France as well as connecting to mainland Europe and other parts of the world.

Passengers will now reach Paris within eight hours compared to the previous 14, Fraser added.

Fraser added the direct flight would spur bilateral trade between the two countries.

According to the French Embassy in Nairobi, last year, total value of trade between Kenya and France was Sh18 billion. Out of this, France exported Sh9.8 billion worth of goods to Kenya, and imported Sh8.6 billion.

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif


Kenya Airways reports surge in profits



The Board is pleased to announce that Kenya Airways has sustained profitable growth in the first half of the 2006/07 financial year over the same period in 2005/06.
Profit after tax for the period reviewed ended at KShs 2,429m compared to KShs 2,231m during the corresponding period last year, an increase of 8.9%.

Passenger Traffic

Overall, passenger traffic for the first half increased to 1.3m, up from the prior year’s 1.2m, a growth of 7%. Areas of high growth included Middle East, Asia & Far East with 14% due to an additional destination of Guangzhou via Dubai. Southern Africa growth of 16% is mainly driven by a positive response to capacity increase on Lubumbashi, Harare, Lilongwe and the new destination Maputo. West and Central Africa growth of 15% is mainly attributed to Bamako, Dakar, Douala, Kinshasa and the new route Free Town. Northern Africa growth at 13% was mainly driven by Istanbul, Djibouti, Khartoum and Cairo operations. Growth on Europe was 4%, East Africa 3% while Kenya remained largely unchanged as there was no significant new operation in this region. The overall seat occupancy dropped by 1.4% to 75.2% compared to prior year’s level of 76.6%.

Passenger Yields

Growth in yields were realised in Kenya by 7% and West and Central Africa by 2%. East Africa and Southern Africa remained flat at close to prior year’s level. Europe dropped by 2%, Middle East, Asia & Far East dropped by 5% and Northern Africa by 8%. Overall, yields declined by 2% partly due to a greater proportion of long haul route expansion with it’s normally lower yields than short haul.

Cargo

Overall, tonnage grew by 15% and yields increased by 3% across the network.

Costs

Global fuel prices during the period under review averaged over 22% higher than the corresponding period last year but the impact of this was reduced to 16% (in USD terms) as a consequence of the Company’s hedging programme. The fuel cost, net of hedging benefit, was 26% above prior year driven largely by price increase of 15% and increased consumption in US gallons of 13% in line with the increased capacity offered. This was partly mitigated by a 4% appreciation of the Kenya Shilling to the US$.
The increase in overheads was 11.6% due mainly to increased level of operations but remained stable at 16% of revenue. Lower finance costs are due to increased interest income on increased cash balances, partly offset by the additional financing costs of the two new Boeing 777s delivered part way through the first half of 2005/06.

Prospects
Whilst the Board remains optimistic that the Company will continue to grow during the remainder of the financial year, the cost of jet fuel and security remain the greatest threats to profitability, with increasing levels of competition in the region continuing to be a challenge to achieving attractive yields.
Nevertheless, the Company is committed to continued expansion with new routes starting to Paris on 26th October 2006 and Mayotte/Comoros on 16th November 2006. Additionally, a fourth new Boeing 777 is due for delivery in February 2007 to facilitate further expansion on existing routes and the Board have decided to replace the current fleet of two Saab aircraft with regional jets.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, management, suppliers and loyal customers who have contributed to this continued growth.

[Matthias Offodile]

Ethiopian Airlines to launch new flight to Sudan’s Juba


Saturday 28 October 2006 01:30.


Oct 27, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia’s national carrier The Ethiopian Airlines (EAL) said on Friday it will begin flying to the Sudanese town of Juba on Nov. 16, bringing its total destinations in Africa to 29 and to 47 worldwide.

The EAL said in a statement that it will fly to Juba on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the same day of return flights as of Nov. 16.

Juba is a river port and the southern terminus of traffic along the White Nile, with highways connecting it to Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Juba is EAL’s second destination in the same country, the statement said, adding that the new flight to Juba is aimed to match the strong demand of its service in Sudan.

EAL’s new service has been carefully designed to provide business travelers to and from Juba a direct link to Addis Ababa with convenient connections to the rest of Africa, Europe, the Middle East and vice versa, it said.

The EAL is a major carrier in Africa. It provides domestic and international air service between Ethiopia and other countries. It has a good safety record and is one of the few profitable African airlines. It also provides training and maintenance to more than a dozen airlines.

(Xinhua)

[KB]

ABUJA, NIGERIA -- It was raining when the Nigerian jetliner started down the runway. A minute later, it was a tangle of smouldering wreckage, charred corpses and ripped luggage -- the country's third airline crash in less than a year.

When rescue crews got to the wooded site, more than three kilometres away but still inside the Abuja airport grounds, they found the Boeing 737's tail hanging from a tree and wreckage scattered over an area the size of football field. Bulldozers had to gouge a path to the scene.

Six people were reported found alive, and workers searched through smoking debris for the other 98 passengers and crew, all presumed dead. At least 50 bodies were laid out in a field, wrapped in white plastic sheets, some with badly burned feet protruding.

Among those killed was the man regarded as the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, and thousands of people greeted his body when it was flown to another airport.

Nigeria's air industry is notoriously unsafe. President Olusegun Obasanjo ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash.

One hundred and four passengers and crew were aboard the doomed flight, Aviation Ministry spokesman Sam Adurogboye said, and he knew of six survivors who had been taken to a hospital. "Obviously, the rest are feared dead."

The plane was bound for the northwest city of Sokoto, about 800 kilometres northwest of Abuja, according to state radio. The Sokoto state government announced that the sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, died in the crash. Sultan Maccido headed the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria. The panel determines when Muslim fasts should begin and end, and decides policy for Nigerian Muslims, who are overwhelmingly Sunni.

The body of the Sultan was immediately flown to Sokoto, where thousands of people were at the airport to greet his body. He was buried yesterday in accordance with Islamic custom, and the Sokoto state government declared six days of mourning.

Mustapha Shehu, spokesman for the state government, had said earlier that the Sultan's son, Muhammed Maccido, a senator, also was aboard the flight, along with Abdulrahman Shehu Shagari, son of former Nigerian president Shehu Shagari, who was in office between 1979 and 1983. Their fates were not immediately known.

About half of Nigeria's 130 million people are Muslim. The country is the most populous in Africa and the continent's leading oil exporter.

The 23-year-old aircraft, a Boeing 737-2B7, was owned by Aviation Development Co., a private Nigerian airline, Mr. Adurogboye said. ADC last suffered a crash in November, 1996, when one of its jets plunged into a lagoon outside Lagos, killing all 143 aboard. Last year, two planes flying domestic routes crashed within seven weeks of each other in Nigeria, killing 224 people.

On Oct. 22, 2005, a Boeing 737-200 belonging to Bellview Airlines crashed soon after takeoff from Lagos, killing all 117 people aboard. On Dec. 10, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 plane operated by Sosoliso Airlines crashed while approaching the oil city of Port Harcourt, killing 107 people, most of them schoolchildren going home for Christmas.
Earlier this month, authorities released a report blaming the Sosoliso crash on bad weather and pilot error. The investigation of the Bellview crash is continuing.

After last year's air crashes, Mr. Obasanjo vowed to overhaul Nigeria's airline industry, blaming some of the industry's problems on corruption. Airlines were subjected to checks for airworthiness and some planes considered unworthy were grounded.


Comments: God! what the hell is going wrong with the airline industry in nigeria? They should come up with stricter codes and those found guilty should be made to pay heavy compensations.

[adebayoa]

I believe that a complete overhaul is required for the aviation industry. For starters, an age limit should be placed on all Airliners flying through Nigeria's airspace.

[Matthias Offodile]

it is a S-H-A-M-E for Nigeria´s aviation industry once again! Out of the 30 or so private airlines flying in Nigeria 90% should be immediately grounded, they are flying coffins!!!!!

[SE9]

It definately is a shame, as Nigeria has vast potential in the internal and international aviation industry.

[SE9]

Girma Advises Against 'Tit-for-Tat'

Ethiopian Airlines .v. Kenya Airways
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/87/EthiopianAirlinesLogo.gif http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/04/Kenyaairways.gif


The Chief Executive Officer of the Ethiopian Airlines, Girma Wake, gave two pieces of advice to the Ethiopian authorities and members of the media during a press conference at the Sheraton on Saturday, October 28.

"Two wrongs do not make a right," answered Girma, when asked whether he wants retaliation by the Ethiopian government to what their counterparts have done in banning his airline from flying from Nairobi to African destinations such as Entebbe (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda) and Bujumbura (Burundi).
Oracle Content & Collaboration

A bilateral agreement entered between Ethiopia and Kenya, and regional trade pact among all Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states require them to open their skies to airlines of each other countries. Ethiopian had for years picked up passengers from Nairobi and flown them to destinations of these East African nations. Nevertheless, three weeks ago, the Kenyan Ministry of Transport prohibited Ethiopia's flagship airline from flying anywhere else in Africa but Addis Abeba.

Kenyan officials were reciprocating for an Ethiopian ban on Kenyan Airways taking its passengers from Addis Abeba to Dubai and Jeddah.

"As far as I am concerned, these places are out of Africa," Girma told reporters, cautioning them not to "play this up out of proportion".

"We are not at war with the Kenyan Airways. Neither are our countries. It is only that the Kenyan authorities were misled by someone in the competition," Girma said.

He told reporters that Kenyan Airways is operating a flight from Addis to Djibouti, while his management has reserved from advising Ethiopian authorities to deny permits when they have applied for another destination from Addis Abeba. Recalling how Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa were the African nations that were pushing for more liberalized airline transport in Africa, Girma said he believes "the move will hurt Kenya more than anyone else."

Girma said he had talked to the Kenyan authorities following the ban and they did admit their mistakes.

"They said that they would reply in 10 days," Girma told reporters. "But, it's been three weeks now. I have still not heard anything from them."

Whether or not they respond or lift the ban, Girma said he is not interested to replay in kind.

"We oppose their decision not so much because we depend on the flight traffics going from Nairobi to these countries, but because principles need to be upheld," Girma said. "And we will under no circumstances stop Kenyan from flying to Djibouti or other African destinations from Addis Abeba."

He said African airlines who close their doors on others cannot ask others to open theirs. Although Girma believes that this was hardly a war between the two airlines or countries, he looked forward to the situation being eased.

[Tbite]

It is a shame but a couple of bad incidents can't damagean industry permanently, As Borishade said the government is moving in the right direction although they are far from the destination. The guy is the right guy for the job so he shouldn't quit because a couple of stupid airlines are flying coffins.peace

[zexyworm]

I beg to differ.

The man should resign immediately for the simple reason of unprofessionalism.

You don't accuse a dead pilot of negligence before an investigation has even started. This points to insecurity and lack of intelligence.

Besides, his aviation reforms clearly failed (4 crashes in one year) and the airport and the runways are in despicable state.

[Matthias Offodile]

FIRST CHINA-AFRICAN FLIGHT TO BE INAUGURATED SOON: IT WILL BE FLOWN BETWEEN bEIJING AND LAGOS AND THE AIRLINE IS "CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES"


La Chine annonce sa première liaison aérienne entièrement chinoise avec l'Afrique (Beijing-Lagos)
(CRI 02/11/2006)


La China Southern Airlines va assurer des vols de passagers entre Beijing et Lagos, la première liaison entre la Chine et l'Afrique réalisée par des appareils chinois, a annoncé mercredi la compagnie aérienne.

Des Airbus A330 emprunteront cette nouvelle route entre la capitale chinoise et le centre économique et industriel du Nigéria.

Les avions décolleront à 23h40 tous les lundis, mercredis et samedis et atterriront à 11h10 heure locale.

Pour les professionnels, cette nouvelle liaison répond aux besoins créés par les relations croissantes entre la Chine et l'Afrique, tant sur le plan économique que diplomatique, et elle facilitera le développement commun des économies des deux parties.

L'annonce de la China Southern Airlines intervient à trois jours du Sommet de Beijing pour le Forum de coopération Chine- Afrique qui se déroulera les 4 et 5 novembre.

Sur le thème "Amitié, paix, coopération et développement", le Sommet de Beijing est le plus grand rassemblement de dirigeants chinois et africains jamais organisé depuis l'établissement des relations diplomatiques sino-africaines dans les années 1950.

Le commerce sino-africain devrait atteindre plus de 50 milliards de dollars cette année, soit près de cinq fois le volume de 2000.


La Chine encourage ses entreprises à investir en Afrique

La Chine encourage ses entreprises puissantes et fiables à investir en Afrique pour l'aider à développer l'économie locale.

En 2005, la Chine a mis en place 98 nouvelles entreprises avec un investissement direct de 280 millions de dollars. Cet investissement a totalisé 148 millions de dollars au premier semestre de cette année, a-t-on appris de sources officielles.

La Chine a placé dans 49 pays africains 1,18 milliard de dollars fin 2005 dans les secteurs du commerce, du traitement de produits agricoles, de l'exploitation de ressources et les transports, a annoncé le ministère chinois du Commerce.

Lors du sommet du forum de coopération sino-africaine qui se tiendra les 4 et 5 novembre à Beijing, la Chine annoncera de nouvelles approches visant à doper le développement socio- économique commun en Chine et en Afrique, a indiqué Wei Jianguo, vice-ministre chinois du Commerce. Fin


© Copyright CRI

[Tbite]

Once again i have to disagree with you, because although the reason why the aviation industry is deteriorated is because of the negligence of the gov
the recent incidents have been totally private and based on the part of persitently erratic carriers, the government has been and is investining in a lot of money into the industry, they have raised the minimum requirements needed for airline carriers both international and domestic, the gov has invested in new airport facilities and have proposed world class maintanance facilites, no other African country has invested more money recently into the aviation history(i can say this without reserach, for it is so obvious), i think the problem with the industry is not standards or negligence right now but corruption, so what the gov hasn't done is tackle and excersise punishments to these corrupt with the full power of the gov anything else was done prompto :)

[SE9]

Nice to see the first Chinese airliner flying to Africa. Thanks for posting Matthias.

[Harkeb]

African airports need $200bn for upgrade
November 8, 2006

Cape Town - African nations need to invest between $150 billion (R1.1 trillion) and $200 billion in their airports to bring them up to international standards, according to the African Development Bank.

Africa had about 117 international airports, 500 national airports and more than 1 000 other airfields, said Mandla Gantsho, the bank's vice-president of infrastructure and regional co-operation.

"Most of them were constructed in the 1960s and have been poorly maintained," he said yesterday at the Airports Council International (ACI) annual conference in Cape Town.

"There would need to be a significant increase in funding for the sector's infrastructure."

The African Development Bank has invested about $75 million in African airports, helping to fund construction of airports in countries such as Morocco and Ethiopia.

The ACI, an industry body, estimates that Africa's air transport industry is worth about $11 billion a year, while related tourism businesses contribute a further $45.5 billion.

The continent attracted just 1.5 percent of global air cargo and 4 percent of passengers each year, Gantsho said.

At its 16th world assembly, held in Cape Town yesterday, the ACI adopted a resolution that airports around the world call on governments to shoulder more of the financial burden of beefing up airport security and harmonise restrictions on carry-on items that are affecting airports' retail revenue.

[Mwafrika]

KQ unveils Sh500m hangar
By Kimathi Njoka

Kenya Airways has unveiled a Sh500 million hangar designed to service its long-haul Boeing 777-200 ER fleet.

With the commissioning of the shed, KQ will now maintain its fleet locally — a development expected to net huge savings for the airline.

Currently KQ’s heavy maintenance service is done in Europe. KQ managing director Mr Titus Naikuni said besides maintaining the KQ fleet, the hangar will also be used to service other carriers in Nairobi.

Currently, KQ has three long range Boeing 777 planes, a fourth one is expected in February next year.

In a statement, the company said the facility would also be used to service the six Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected between 2010 and 2012.

Vice-President Moody Awori officially opened the hangar on Wednesday in the company of representatives from Boeing Company, Singapore Air Leasing Enterprises and aviation industry players in the region.

Also received at the occasion was the first of three new generation Boeing 737-800 planes, leased from the Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprises.

The Boeing 737-800 is a medium-range aircraft that will replace the three aging Boeing 737-200, which have served KQ’s regional routes for the last 20 years.

Once the three aircraft are delivered by next month, KQ will have an active all modern Boeing fleet of 21 aircrafts.

The Boeing 737-800 carries 145 passengers compared to the 116 available on the Boeing 737-200 and a bigger cargo capacity of 44 cubic metres.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected in 2010 are equipped with a Heads-Up Display system that projects key navigational data directly in front of pilots, allowing for safer operation in difficult weather conditions or problematic navigational terrain.

[Cigar]

TAAG Angola Airlines took delivery of 5 new aircraft yesterday (10 November), quite special to see all 5 new aircraft at once!

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1136434/M
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1136433/M

2x Boeing 777-200ERs (-2M2ERs)
3x Boeing 737-700s (-7M2s)

Well done TAAG!

[SE9]

Great... thanks for posting!

Nice to see they got the 737-7M2... very nice aircraft.

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif

Kenya Airways boosts Fleet with the latest Boeing model
10th November 2006

Kenya Airways has received the first of the three modern aircraft it is leasing to boost its fleet.

The Boeing 737-800, one of the latest models in the aviation industry, was received on Wednesday night at a ceremony presided over by Vice-President Moody Awori.

The plane is designed to carry 145 passengers, 16 in the executive class and 129 in the economy class.

It was delivered by Singapole Aircraft Leasing Enterprise, one of the largest leasing firms in Asia. The planes will be leased for eight years.

The company's head of corporate communications, Mr Sean Lee, said the remaining two aircraft would be delivered at the end of the month and mid December respectively.

Mr Lee said Kenya Airways was the first airline in sub-Saharan Africa to acquire the new model noting it was headed to become the leading airline in the continent.

The VP also inaugurated a multi-million-shilling hangar at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Mr Awori described the Sh560 million hangar as a major milestone in the company’s history.

He said the two developments would open the country to the rest of the world, promote tourism and create employment.

Mr Awori commended KQ management, saying since its privatisation 10 years ago, many people had benefited from it.

"I am impressed to learn that at the moment, Kenya Airways employs more than 3,500 Kenyans directly and many others indirectly. This is in addition to having turned over an impressive Sh63 billion during the last financial year," he said and asked the airline to open more routes to boost tourism.

The VP assured the company that the Government would continue to support expansion, citing refurbishment of JKIA, which was recently inaugurated by President Kibaki.

The airline's chief executive officer, Mr Titus Naikuni, said the hangar would not only improve maintenance services but also make Nairobi the hub of Africa.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6791/kenyaairways7378yb2.jpg

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif

Kenya Airways unveils Sh500m Hangar
10th November 2006

Kenya Airways has unveiled a Sh500 million hangar designed to service its long-haul Boeing 777-200 ER fleet.

With the commissioning of the shed, KQ will now maintain its fleet locally — a development expected to net huge savings for the airline.

Currently KQ’s heavy maintenance service is done in Europe. KQ managing director Mr Titus Naikuni said besides maintaining the KQ fleet, the hangar will also be used to service other carriers in Nairobi.

Currently, KQ has three long range Boeing 777 planes, a fourth one is expected in February next year.

In a statement, the company said the facility would also be used to service the six Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected between 2010 and 2012.

Vice-President Moody Awori officially opened the hangar on Wednesday in the company of representatives from Boeing Company, Singapore Air Leasing Enterprises and aviation industry players in the region.

Also received at the occasion was the first of three new generation Boeing 737-800 planes, leased from the Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprises.

The Boeing 737-800 is a medium-range aircraft that will replace the three aging Boeing 737-200, which have served KQ’s regional routes for the last 20 years.

Once the three aircraft are delivered by next month, KQ will have an active all modern Boeing fleet of 21 aircrafts.

The Boeing 737-800 carries 145 passengers compared to the 116 available on the Boeing 737-200 and a bigger cargo capacity of 44 cubic metres.

Boeing 787 Dreamliners expected in 2010 are equipped with a Heads-Up Display system that projects key navigational data directly in front of pilots, allowing for safer operation in difficult weather conditions or problematic navigational terrain.

[SE9]

New airline 'Fly540' takes to Kenyan skies on November 24

A new airline will be taking to the skies in two weeks

Fly540 will be introducing flights between Nairobi and Mombasa from November 24 with a choice of four fares. A press statement released by a publicity firm on behalf of the airline said return fares will cost from Sh 5,540.

The airline which starts operation with two 48 seater planes will have two return flights between Nairobi and Mombasa daily.

Daily flights to Malindi and Lamu are also planned.

The Chief Operations officer, Mr Neil Smith, said the airline will provide "a friendly and reliable service for cost conscious passengers".

He said they had chosen Kenya for their business because it was the ideal place as the strong economy drives a higher demand for both domestic and regional travel.

"Nairobi is the most appropriate hub for services in the East African region and we are optimistic about the steady expansion of Fly540," he said.

He also announced that passengers will be able to book their tickets on-line.

[ahmed007]

i seen the article yesterday but could not remember the website, but all i know is that the goverment sold it to a gulf state company, which is a very good idea, because arabs have alot of money to invest in airlines.

[Matthias Offodile]

NEW JETS OF TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES...:)



http://eu.airliners.net/photos/middle/4/3/4/1136434.jpg

http://eu.airliners.net/photos/middle/2/7/5/1132572.jpg

http://eu.airliners.net/photos/middle/2/6/4/1128462.jpg

[Matthias Offodile]

Angola: Aeroplanes Purchased From Boeing Arrive Saturday in Angola



Angola Press Agency (Luanda)

November 9, 2006
Posted to the web November 9, 2006

Seattle

Three of the initially six Boeing aeroplanes bought by the Angolan government will leave Seattle city, United States of America (USA), on Thursday to arrive in Luanda on Saturday morning.

The three Boeings that will land in the country´s capital, Luanda, whose handing over official ceremony happens this Thursday, are of the type 737-700. The other Boeings are 777-200 ER, and are expected to arrive Saturday.

For the effect, an Angolan delegation led by the Transports deputy ministry, Hélder Preza, is in Seattle since Tuesday, comprising also the national carrier "TAAG" administration council chairman, Nelson Martins.

The aeroplane 737-700 with the capacity to fly six to seven hours and to carry 120 passengers, is capable of flying in the whole country and region, for example going to Sal city, Cape Verde, without stopping.

The 777-200 ER has the capacity to fly more than 13 consecutive hours and carry 250 to 400 passengers

[SE9]

This is great news for Angola. The country needs a good airline to maximize its tourism potential.

[SE9]

http://allafrica.com/img/publishers/minibanners/eastafrican180.jpg

Victoria International Airlines starts flights to Nairobi and Johannesburg

Uganda's revamped national carrier, Victoria International Airlines, has been cleared by Kenyan and South African air transport regulators to fly to Nairobi and Johannesburg.

Victoria's will see an additional 13 flights a week between Entebbe and Nairobi.

Combined with Kenya Airways' 27 flights, travellers will now have a choice of six departures out of Entebbe five days a week, although this will mainly apply to passengers terminating their journeys in Nairobi.

The approval of the Ugandan carrier's application comes against the continued denial of landing rights to Ethiopian Airlines, which in June applied to operate a single daily flight to Nairobi out of Entebbe.

"It has been easy for us to get approvals because we are a national carrier and we did not challenge the status quo by demanding that Kenya Airways withdraw any of its services," Victoria commercial manager Declan Peppard told The EastAfrican.

The Ugandan government owns a 25 per cent equity in Victoria, with the rest of the stock being held by South African and Swiss investors.

According to a schedule released last week, the carrier will also be flying four times a week to Juba in Southern Sudan and thrice a week to Johannesburg.

Except for Monday, when neither South African Airways nor Victoria flies out of Entebbe, there will be the option of a direct flight to Johannesburg six days a week.

The flights to Juba have been positioned to tap into traffic from Nairobi to Southern Sudan as they are a continuation of the morning return leg from Nairobi.

Mr Peppard says further that same-day return journeys will be possible for business people with the return flight departing Juba at 5.10 pm.

Victoria is competing directly on pricing with an economy class return ticket to Nairobi, that costs $138 return, Johannesburg $338 and Juba $278, fares Mr Peppard said are not just promotional but will remain in place.

Victoria's offer represents savings of 25 and 35 per cent on competitor's economy fare offers to Johannesburg and Nairobi respectively.

There was no immediate response to these fare offers by other carriers although fares on the Entebbe-Nairobi sector had in the recent past reached a peak of $409 as demand surged in the absence of capacity and competition on the route.

Analysts said in the absence of a code-share agreement with Kenya Airways, which would allow Victoria to sell onward destinations through Nairobi, the carrier has no option but to position itself to snatch the point-to-point traffic between Entebbe and the Kenyan capital.

The only difficulty for Kenya Airways would be loss of leverage to influence its competitor's pricing policy, whereas a code-share would have bound both operators to agreed minimum fares on all sectors where they compete.

Kenya Airways will hold out because of its global network, which accounts for 70 per cent of its traffic originating from Entebbe, but particularly vulnerable will be its 5 am departure and 10 pm return leg trips, which same-day return travellers to Nairobi have been using as they now have the option of departing at 7 am, returning at 8.45 pm.

Mr Peppard said plans to launch a service between Entebbe and Mombasa were being re-evaluated and the service will most likely be launched as a tie-up with a Kenyan operator from Nairobi. Also planned are flights to Lusaka.

On the Juba route, Victoria faces competition from Uganda's domestic operators Eagle Air and Royal Daisy Airlines. It is offering a fare price of $278 return against the prevailing $440.

Victoria's fleet will initially comprise two Boeing 737-200s, leased from South African aircraft leasing firm Avstar.

Uganda has not had a national airline since the liquidation of Uganda Airlines in early 2001. Several local or partly locally-owned airlines such as Alliance Air, Africa-One and East African Airlines have tried but failed to fill the domestic carrier vacuum over the past couple of years.

[SE9]

An advertisment, with render, of Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when completed:

http://static.flickr.com/105/298855141_1d17481a9c_b.jpg


Zoomed:

http://img303.imageshack.us/img303/1597/nairobiairportrenderow6.jpg

[SE9]

Kisumu Airport (Kenya) set for Sh2.6 billion facelift, and upgrade to International Status

Kenya Airways will not resume flights to Kisumu despite the airport management and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority insisting that the runway is safe for take off and landing.

The national carrier withdrew from the route, one of its busiest locally, early this month. It said the runway was potholed and dangerous.

But the Kenya Airports Authority denied the claim, as the other airline serving the route, East African Airlines, increased the number of its flights there.

A Nation team that visited the airport last week was told by acting airport manager Leonard Rinchuni that civil aviation authority director-general Chris Kuto toured the facility on November 9 and agreed that the condition of the runway did not warrant suspension of flights by Kenya Airways (KA).

"Our maintenance team has carried out repairs on the runway whenever defects occur. Therefore KA' allegations should be treated as baseless. Operations are going on as usual," said Mr Rinchuni.

KA's chief executive Mr Titus Naikuni has said that the Kisumu Airport runway is dangerous for both landing and takeoff.

Announcing the suspension, he said flights to Kisumu would resume only after repairs on the runway had been completed. The airport has not had Kenya Airways flights for the past 13 days.

Yesterday, an official from the KA office in Kisumu said the flights remain suspended until further notice. The official said the runway was still in a bad condition.

"Our CEO (Naikuni) will make a comprehensive statement once the repairs have been done. As at now, our flights will remain grounded."

Mr Rinchuni's assertion that the runway is in good shape left it unclear whether repairs were effected before or after KA' withdrawal.

Mr Kuto, who was accompanied during the tour by the authority’s chairman, Mr Charles Wako, denied allegations that there was loose murram on the runway.

"Everyone, including all our clients, appreciate the work done by the authority's civil engineering maintenance team. They patch up potholes every time they occur. Safety of passengers is paramount," Mr Kuto’s said.

The matter of Kisumu Airport was raised in Parliament on Tuesday when Transport assistant minister Cecily Mbarire said normal operations would resume after repairs are completed in three weeks.

A Sh17 million tender has already been awarded and the contractor was supposed to be on the site yesterday (Monday), Ms Mbarire told Parliament.

Passengers interviewed at the airport said the ban by Kenya Airways was not fair, but asked airport authorities to speed up repairs to guarantee their safety.

Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) chief executive officer Andrew Otieno expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the matter was being handled. He urged the airport to speed up repairs of the runway, which he said was suspect.

"KA's action is reasonable, bearing in mind the safety of its passengers. But the management should have given an earlier warning to its regular customers, said Mr Otieno.

A Swedish tourist who identified herself as Boska said she was happy to have arrived in Kisumu on time, flying with East African Airlines after her KA flight was cancelled.

American tourists Jonathan Lane and Mark Haustead urged the government to refurbish the airport, but added that its current condition is ‘just fine’.

Mr Rinchuni said KA's decision to cancel flights was ill advised and appealed to the management to reconsider it.

East African airline has recorded increased bookings following KA's withdrawal from the route.

"Our airlines have been fully booked since the ban took effect. The clientele is advised to book in advance to avoid disappointments," said Ms Caroline Mayoya of Eagle Airlinks, a subsidiary of the airline.

The airline has two return flights daily, except on Fridays when it has three, with a capacity of 70 to 80 passengers each.

The airline is yet to increase its flights on the route, as announced by station manager James Waweru two weeks ago after news of KA's withdrawal.

Mr Waweru allayed fears over passengers safety, saying: "We have no problem with the state of the runway. It has little shortcomings, but our flights are designed to operate in such conditions."

Meanwhile, a major expansion project is coming up for the airport, located to the North West of Kisumu town.

The project is set to begin in March next year, and will see Kisumu upgraded to an international airport.

Shillings 2.6 billion has been set aside for it. The design for the new-look airport was to have been completed two months ago by Netherlands Airports Consultant Company (NACO).

Terminal buildings will be expanded and the runway increased to 3.2km, from the current 2.1km, to accommodate bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 767.

Currently, the airport can accommodate only smaller aircraft, with the largest being the 85-seater.

A new control tower and a terminal with separate lounges for arrivals and departures form part of the upgrade.

Others include perimeter fencing and lighting, installation of security screening, baggage, access control and other equipment, purchase of fire fighting equipment and supply of security and communication equipment.

Facilities will be upgraded to accommodate more passenger and cargo traffic. Currently, local fish and flowers are transported to Nairobi by road, resulting in heavy losses in time, spoilage and costs.

Expansion of the airport is also expected to boost tourism in Nyanza, Western and parts of Rift Valley provinces.

The project is funded jointly by the Kenyan Government and the World Bank, through its Northern Corridor Development Programme. The latter will provide more than Sh300 million ($3.9 million) of the total cost.

The rest of the funding will be provided by Kenya Airports Authority.

An upgrade airport will boost KAA's revenue base. Currently, the airport collects more than Sh40 million a year in landing fees. The income is expected to triple with the introduction of cargo handling facilities.

[boris89]

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/061120/photos_wl_africa_afp/7d6a278def54dbdfe172d3b82b91a71c


Zimbabwe's national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, is to launch a second regular flight to China as it hopes to cash in on Harare's policy of strengthening relations with Beijing, an official said.

"The flight will come as a second frequency in our China operation," Chris Kwenda, Air Zimbabwe's regional manager for China was quoted as saying in the state-controlled Herald newspaper.

"We will launch it mid-January. The plane will be flying to Guangzhou which is of high economic importance to China.

"Guangzhou is China's industrial hub and it is the number one producing region in terms of China's outbound tourism and there is potential business for Zimbabwe there."

The southern city of Guangzhou, once known as Canton, lies next to the former British colony of Hong Kong and is regarded as the gateway to China by virtue of its location at the mouth of the Pearl river.

China is becoming an increasingly important destination for Zimbabwe as a result of burgeoning economic ties between Harare and Beijing.

Air Zimbabwe launched its maiden flight to Beijing nearly two years ago.

"So far we have witnessed an increase in both passenger and cargo volumes," Kwenda was quoted as saying on the sidelines of the China International Travel Mart in Shanghai.

Isolated by Western governments over the political crisis in Zimbabwe, President Robert Mugabe has looked to foster new relations with Asian countries such as China and Malaysia as part of a so-called "Look East" policy.

The government said in September that it had acquired six more jet fighters from China while Zimbabwe's national airliner took delivery last year of three MA60 passenger planes from the Chinese state-owned AVIC aircraft manufacturer.

[Matthias Offodile]

Namibia: Air Namibia Launches Third Flight to Luanda


The Namibian (Windhoek)

November 21, 2006
Posted to the web November 21, 2006



AIR Namibia has announced that it will increase its service between Windhoek and Luanda to three flights a week from November 27.

The flights will be on Monday, Friday and Sunday.

The first flight between Windhoek and the Angolan capital was launched in 1992, and according to Air Namibia spokesman Ellison Hijarunguru, the route has grown popular with business and leisure travellers.

"This route should provide a great success and we will continue to be committed to further expansion within the region and look forward to offering even more in the near future," said Hijarunguru.

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif

Kenya Airways planning to fly cargo planes
24th November 2006

Kenya Airways (KQ) plans to introduce dedicated cargo planes on selected regional routes.

The airline’s Commercial Director, Mr Hugh Fraser, said the move would boost cargo haulage capacity on routes serviced by the Boeing 737 series.

"Where we fly the 737s, we are constrained with space for passenger baggage. We are evaluating the possibilities of introducing small dedicated freighters to destinations in the region," said Mr Fraser.

On Thursday, KQ officials said these routes include Entebbe, Dar es salaam, Burundi, Kigali, Zambia and Malawi.

Part of the evaluation will involve assessing cargo potential to and from Nairobi. KQ has previously operated freight charters to Zanzibar, Mwanza, and Bujumbura on ad hoc basis.

Fraser was speaking in Comoros soon after the airline inaugurated its maiden flight to the Archipelago, which consists of Comoros and Mayotte.

The islands are situated between Northern Madagascar and Northern Mozambique. The main commodity exported from the islands is Vanilla, and they wholly dependent on imports of goods and commodities like fruits and vegetables shipped in by traders from mainland Africa.

The Comoros and Mayotte route comes two weeks after the launch of direct flights to Paris, France, on October 26.

KQ is the seventh airline to serve the two Islands and the only one from mainland Africa. Other Indian Ocean islands airlines serve the islands from Mauritius, Re-Union and Madagascar.

"We feel that with the right connections, we can take business from the French speaking Indian Ocean islands to France and all over Europe," said Fraser.

[SE9]

http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/image_bank/logo.gif

Paris Offers Kenya Airways Smooth Landing to Lucrative European Market
November 20, 2006

It is 6.30am on a Friday and the skies over Paris are beginning to light up.

We are on the Kenya Airways' maiden flight to France's premier airport, named after its wartime President, Charles De Gaulle, and are preparing for touchdown after a more than eight-hour flight from Nairobi.

Passengers - clutching onto bouquets and certificates, tokens for flying the inaugural flight - are delighted to land in this famed city of romance, fashion, gastronomy and arts.

Paris, the French capital, is one of the most visited cities in the world. It receives more than 30 million visitors a year, a pale comparison to Kenya's slightly more than one million visitors.

The new Paris route will enable Kenya Airways tap the southern Europe and the US travel markets. It will also offer customers in Eastern and Central Africa the option of direct flights to France as well as connecting to other destinations. Of interest are southern European countries such as Spain and Portugal.

Kenya Airways Managing Director Mr Titus Naikuni says Paris will act as an alternative hub. It will complement the traditional London and Amsterdam connections.

Since most US tourists connect through France, Paris will offer the airline a base to tap this lucrative market. US arrivals to Kenya have been on a steady increase, growing by 13 per cent in the first nine months of the year.

Paris also offers the airline - which last year became the first in sub-Saharan Africa to win the IOSA certification for safety standards - an opportunity to increase its share of the lucrative European route, which accounts for 94 per cent of revenues from international routes.

Ms Greta Swings, the Kenya Airways manager for France, told The Standard in Paris that the response from the travel industry had been positive and sales were growing steadily since the October 28 inaugural flight. The carrier flies three times a week to Paris. The new flight is also expected to spur bilateral trade between Kenya and France.

According to the French Embassy in Nairobi, last year's total value of trade between the two countries stood at Sh18 billion, out of which France exported Sh9.8 billion worth of goods to Kenya, and imported Sh8.6 billion.

The writer and KTN business reporter Yusuf Ali at Arc de Triomphe, a monument erected to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte's conquests.

The horticulture and agriculture industries are expected to benefit from the additional cargo capacity, thereby supplementing the traditional Amsterdam route. Tourism is looking up too. The Kenyan Embassy in Paris hopes that it will bring better tidings given the additional capacity on this route.

Earlier, tourists and businessmen travelling to Kenya and the region had to connect through other destinations or use expensive charter flights.

Said the Kenyan Ambassador to France, Ms Raychelle Omamo: "Many tourists have been using Crossair (a budget operator now a fully-fledged airline). Now Kenya Airways is going to give them an alternative".

Also available to tourists is the KLM route to Nairobi via Amsterdam.

"Past complaints by tourists and businessmen have been about their inability to access Nairobi and the region directly, but with the new KQ flights, this will be a thing of the past," said Omamo.

The envoy said while the number of tourists from France had gone below 30,000 per year following terror threats, recent efforts by the Kenya Tourist Board had paid off and the numbers were now edging towards 42,000. These numbers are expected to grow by a further 20 per cent following aggressive campaigns.

Kenya Airways' 10-year-old partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was evident again, ensuring a smooth landing in Paris for the Kenyan flag carrier. KLM merged with Air France in May 2004 to create Air France-KLM.

The Kenyan airline has continued to post impressive financial results, reporting a pre-tax profit of Sh6.9 billion in the year ending March 31, 2006, on a turnover of Sh52.8 billion, a 25 per cent increase over the previous year.

Mrs Greta Swings, the Kenya Airways manager for France during the interview at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Up to June 2006 Kenya Airways, which flies to 35 destinations worldwide, had a strong passenger growth of 12 per cent on all routes.

It carried more than 2.5 million passengers during the year and has acquired a Boeing 737-800 aircraft as part of its modernisation programme. It expects two similar aircraft this year to replace three ageing B327-200.

Said Naikuni: "By bringing in this new generation aircraft, we expect to offer our passengers more space in addition to (increasing) capacity on the local and regional routes.

"We will also be able to ferry more cargo within the rapidly expanding trade routes in West and Central Africa".

In the past three years, Kenya Airways has acquired three Boeing 777 and expects one more by February. The carrier has also placed a firm order for six new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, to be delivered between 2010 and 2012.

Already, the airline has unveiled a modern hangar to service the B777 fleet, which were previously handled in Europe. It plans to invite other carriers to use the facility, therefore providing an additional revenue stream.

The airline, voted the Best African Airline for five consecutive years by African Aviation magazine, has a codes-share agreement with Turkish Airlines, which - together with Special Prorate Agreement - offers both companies a better access to each other's network. It flies to Istanbul twice a week.

The airline continues to grow wings everyday. Its latest destinations are two Indian Ocean Islands, Comoros and Mayotte.

[Mwafrika]

By Brian Adero

Air Italy will launch direct flights from Rome and Milan to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi on December 23.

The airline has been flying to Mombasa as a charter service in the last two years.

The new, twice weekly scheduled flights to Nairobi will be extended to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain) as well as Greece as soon as ongoing talks between the airline and other partners to serve the routes are finalised.

In an interview with The Standard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Italy, Captain Dr Giuseppe Gentile, said the move indicates of cooperation between the two countries.

??Italians are part and parcel of Kenya, we have houses in Kenya, and our presence in Malindi is a clear indication on this issue," Capt Gentile said.

The Saturday and Tuesday flights will be departing Nairobi at 10.30 and arrive in Rome 15.45hrs, and Milan 18.00hrs at an introductory fare of $449 dollars.

The airline will expand its services to Kenya by Flying Boeing 757s. Currently, the airline has three B 757s and two B 767s, and will soon introduce two more B757s.

The airline is targeting businessmen from both countries, and is targeting seat occupancy of over 70 per cent in the next six months.

Gentile said says the carrier has a distinct Pan African approach, and hopes to finalise interline agreements with Kenya Airways so as to connect to more African destinations. Air Italy is already operating in partnership with another European carrier, Air One, to connect better to more Italian cities.

"We hope this initiative will bring more business to Kenya, expand the Internet Safari tourism sector, and attract Kenyan visitors to Italy?s famous historical sites, fashion and its cuisine," he said.

The airline currently operates flights to the Caribbean, Mauritius, Maldives, Brazil, Venezuela, Egypt and Zanzibar. Air Italy is a privately owned airline, operated by old-timers who are well experienced in the aviation industry, Gentile said.

Ms Jackie Arkle, the sales and marketing manager of Air Italy?s general sales agent in Kenya, Coventry Holidays, said Air Italy fills the vacuum that has existed on the sector over the last few years.

Source : Eastandard - http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143961875

[SE9]

Air Italy to sign deal with Kenya Airways
2nd December 2006

An Italian airline is poised to strike a deal with Kenya Airways for interconnection flights on African routes.

Air Italy president and CEO Giuseppe Gentile said on Wednesday evening that an agreement pertaining to African routes was nearing conclusion.

Air Italy will fly directly twice a week from Milan and Rome to Nairobi. The inaugural flight takes off on December 22.

"We are finalising interline agreements with Kenya Airways to serve the demand to and from African destinations and with Air One to serve Italian cities," he said at function celebrating the Kenya operation. The airline will fill a vacuum left by Alitalia, which dumped the Nairobi route seven years ago, following the collapse of the tourism industry. Another Kenyan carrier was barred from the Italian airspace some years back over safety concerns.

The Coast is an important destination for Italians especially around Malindi, Catholic church members, and people dealing with international agencies like the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation.

Transport minister, Ali Makwere, welcomed the flights, saying they would improve tourism and trade between the two countries. Air Italy, the successor of Air Europe, which was gobbled up by Swiss Air in 2000, has been operating charter flights to Mombasa in the last two years.

[You are to blame]

South Africa Airways
SAA plans significant route expansion

Published: 04-DEC-06

Johannesburg - South African Airways (SAA) would expand its route network in Africa, Europe, North America and South America by adding new destinations to each of the continents, to grow the airline's international capacity by 8 percent, said SAA’s GM.

"SAA's network strategy is to fly to international gateways, taking advantage of its Star Alliance partners hubs," said Nomfanelo Magwentshu.

Part of the new services were three flights per week to Libreville, Gabon from April 2007 to boost SAA's over 20 other destinations on the African continent.

As part of its programme to "Bring the World to Africa and Take Africa to the World", the Gabon flights would complement additional flights to Brazil in 2007, the South African carrier said.

As a result of the growing economic development in Africa, SAA said, it was exploring new flights to some of Africa's greatest tourist draw cards, such as Kilimanjaro, to stimulate tourism into Africa.

After terminating services to Atlanta in June 2006, the airline plans four Johannesburg-Chicago flights per week from May 8 2007.

Chicago is the largest hub of its partner United Airlines and would offer seamless connections to 91 destinations in North America.

In addition, SAA flights from New York to Johannesburg would operate non-stop from May 8, saving at least six hours of flying time for those passengers currently flying via Europe, the airline said.

Presently SAA flies daily from Johannesburg to New York via Dakar, Senegal, and from Johannesburg to Washington DC.

In South America, SAA would also launch new flights to Buenos Aires in July 2007 with three flights per week, as the airline's second entry point into that region.

"These flights will allow SAA to capture emerging south to south traffic flows associated with growing trade and investment between emerging economies in the southern hemisphere, including Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, India and Malaysia," Magwentshu added. -Business in Africa Online

[GregPz]

In addition to Chicago, Buenos Aires and Libreville (mentioned on article), South African Airwayswill also be starting flights to Munich, Point Noire and Bamako and are planning services to Rio de Janerio and Kilamanjaro. They're planning on getting 9 more long haul aircraft by 2008.

[SE9]

Virgin Atlantic announces London - Nairobi route
16th December 2006

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143962553

Britain’s most bitter airline rivalry will soon be very familiar to Kenyans as Virgin Atlantic Airways begins flights to Nairobi next year.

The airline British Airways once tried to "kill off" in a so-called ‘dirty tricks’ campaign plans daily flights between London and Nairobi from June 1. Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic, was quoted confirming this in a joint statement with the Kenya Tourism Board.

He added that his airline was attracted to Nairobi by its status as "the leading hub for East Africa".

"Around 500,000 people fly to Nairobi each year to enjoy the beautiful Kenyan scenery and wildlife it has to offer," Branson said.

"We are delighted by this decision," said KTB Managing Director Dr Ongong’a Achieng.

"This announcement is a result of several months of discussion." Ms Rebecca Nabutola, the permanent secretary in the Tourism ministry, said the airline’s entry would help meet growing demand on the route.

Branson, the UK’s best known entrepreneur, has previously expressed interest in doing business in Africa, mentioning mobile telephony and banking as areas he might be interested in.

Tourist arrivals by air and sea have been growing at an annual average rate of ten per cent and are expected to increase by an additional five per cent next year. The UK is Kenya’s largest tourist source market, contributing 20 per cent of the total international arrivals.

Currently only two airlines offer direct flights to the United Kingdom — BA and South African Airways. The former has had a long-standing rivalry with Virgin Atlantic since its inception.

In the early 1990s, Branson accused BA of "sharp business practices" including poaching Virgin customers and tampering with confidential company files.

When BA directors dismissed the allegations and said he was simply seeking publicity, Branson sued for libel. BA counter-sued over Mr Branson’s original ‘dirty tricks’ allegations but later withdrew the counter-claim after a protracted legal battle that cost them over $7 million.

Nairobi is Virgin Atlantic’s fourth service to Africa. The airline will run an Airbus A340-300 aircraft with 240 seats — 34 Upper Class, 35 Premium Economy and 171 Economy — from Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The flights from Heathrow will depart at 7.15pm and will arrive in Nairobi the following day at 6.05am. Return flights from Nairobi depart at 8.20am from JKIA and will arrive at 2.55pm at Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic can count on its sister company Virgin Holidays for some of its traffic.

"Virgin has offered holidays to Kenya in our worldwide brochure for a number of years and it has always proved popular with our customers," said Ms Amanda Wills, the travel arm’s Managing Director. "Now that Virgin Atlantic will be offering direct flights we are sure that demand will grow."

Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has become Britain’s second largest carrier serving the world’s major cities. Now based at both London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, it currently operates long haul services to 27 destinations around the world.

Virgin Atlantic currently has a fleet of 36 aircraft, which includes thirteen 747s and five A340-300s and eighteen A340-600s. The airline plans a route launch to Chicago in April next year and Mauritius in October 2007.

[KB]

Kenya is an importan business hub for east africa.

Does its airport has any website so we can see which airlines fly to it and thier frequencies?

[SE9]

Yep, there's the Kenya Airport Authority site: http://www.kenyaairports.co.ke/

and their section on Jomo Kenyatta Airport, which includes a list of carriers (although it excludes some): http://www.kenyaairports.com/jkia/IndexJkia.php

[KB]

thanks.

Wow...i must say i am impressed. A good looking airport with a good website too. I never knew there were 10 five star hotels in nairobi.

[Matthias Offodile]

http://www.air-gabon.fr/image/avion.jpg

The article below principally deals with the announcement that Gabon has created a new fully private airlines that will start operations in January next year. Its first flight will be between Libreville and Paris, other destinations within Europe will follow quickly. It will also expand its network within the sub-region and plans to fly to South Africa as well.

La Nouvelle Gabon Airlines: Attachez vos ceintures ! - 15/12/2006

Une nouvelle compagnie aérienne, Gabon Airlines, entièrement constituée de capitaux privés, prendra dès le mois de janvier la succession de la défunte compagnie nationale Air Gabon, a-t-on appris vendredi de sources proches du dossier.

Dans un arrêté signé le 8 novembre, le ministre gabonais des Transports a octroyé à Gabon Airlines, fondée et dirigée par l’un des fils du président Omar Bongo Ondimba, Christian Bongo, "les droits de trafic et les privilèges" autrefois accordés à Air Gabon, a-t-on précisé de mêmes sources.

Cette décision signe l’arrêt de mort du projet Air Gabon International, un partenariat entre l’Etat gabonais et la Royal Air Maroc (Ram) qui devait prendre le relais d’Air Gabon, dont la liquidation a été prononcée courant 2006 pour cause de mauvaise gestion financière.

Selon une source proche de la nouvelle compagnie, Gabon Airlines devrait lancer ses opérations "dans la première quinzaine du mois de janvier" 2007 par un vol reliant Libreville à Paris.

Cette liaison devrait être suivie par d’autres en direction de l’Afrique du Sud et des principales capitales d’Afrique centrale.

"Notre objectif consiste à reprendre l’ensemble du portefeuille d’Air Gabon", a expliqué cette source qui a requis l’anonymat. "Nous allons d’abord nous concentrer exclusivement sur la liaison vers l’Europe et surtout la France."


Une fois que nous aurons fait le point, nous étudierons alors une à une les autres liaisons", a-t-elle ajouté.

Gabon Airlines vient d’acquérir deux nouveaux Boeing 767-600ER et négocie l’achat d’un troisième.

Une fois son rythme de croisière atteint, la nouvelle compagnie devrait employer un maximum de 450 salariés, a-t-elle ajouté.

Annoncé en même temps que la mort d’Air Gabon en février dernier, le lancement d’Air Gabon International (AGI) est resté enlisé dans des tractations sans fin entre l’Etat gabonais et la Ram, qui devait détenir 51% de son capital selon le modèle réussi de sa filiale Air Sénégal International.

Malgré l’échec d’AGI, la compagnie marocaine a signé le 12 novembre avec Gabon Airlines une "lettre d’intention" ouvrant la porte à un éventuel partenariat entre les deux sociétés, a-t-on indiqué de sources proches du dossier.

[Matthias Offodile]

FALCON ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER DIRECT FLIGHT FROM IRELAND TO CAPE VERDE

The Hottest New Destination for Winter Sun Holidays and Overseas Property Investment

October 17 , 2006

It’s not every day that a unique and exciting destination is announced, especially one that is tipped to be the next hot holiday and property investment destination.

The name Cape Verde is one that is already being talked about a lot and today Falcon Holidays (17th August) announced that they will operate the first ever flight from Ireland to the sunny destination.

The tour operator will launch a winter programme (package holidays and flight only) to the resort of Santa Maria on the island of Sal, the most developed of the Cape Verde Islands which are located off the west coast of Africa.

Cape Verde's Sal, which until recently remained off the beaten track, is rapidly developing into a destination that has it all. From 12 hours of sunshine a day, endless unspoiled sandy beaches, turquoise waters, waves 'made' for water sports to towering volcanoes and affordable cuisine, Sal certainly poses plenty of choice.

The series of ten Cape Verde islands is located off the western coast of Africa, south of the Canary Islands, the traditional and popular winter destination for Irish holidaymakers. The archipelago is blessed with steady temperatures up to 30 degrees and a cooling sea breeze making it the perfect winter getaway.

As a new winter holiday destination, Cape Verde is sure to be a hit with Irish holidaymakers, and property developers alike.

Several Irish groups have already begun developing on Sal Island and there has been a lot of interest from Irish people looking to invest in overseas property.

Charlotte Brenner, marketing manager, Falcon Holidays noted, "Cape Verde has been a destination much spoken about among property developers and investors alike over the last year and we are delighted to be the first Irish tour operator to offer direct access from Dublin to the island of Sal this winter. With the current investment opportunities, fantastic weather conditions, tropical beaches and so much more, Cape Verde will no doubt prove very popular as a new holiday destination for Irish people".

Falcon's Cape Verde winter sun programme to Sal commences weekly from December 21st direct from Dublin Airport.

[Matthias Offodile]

YET MORE FLIGHTS TO CAPE VERDE ANNOUNCED

September 22, 2006

Germany, Denmark and UK will now have greater opportunities to fly to the islands.

Further expansion of international flight schedule to the Cape Verde Islands

Three new weekly fights from Europe will result in yet further economic investment in the islands

Tourists will now have a greater opportunity to visit the Cape Verde islands with the announcement of yet more European flights that will regularly service the islands. Five additional weekly flights, from Germany, Great Britain and Denmark have been recently confirmed by Hapagfly, Thompsons and Startour respectively and are set to commence over the next year.

Tom Sheehy of Cape Verde Development has said that "these flights are a welcome addition to the services that already operate from Lisbon, Porto, Amsterdam, Boston, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Milan and Rome. Now yet more people can enjoy the experience of the Cape Verde islands and all that we have to offer."

Tourist figures presented to the Cape Verdean government show that visitors to the islands have increase four-fold over the last three years, with around 330,000 from all over the world now choosing to holiday on the archipelago. Mr Sheehy added, "With three more tour operators now advertising a direct route to the islands, these tourist numbers are set to increase, bringing even further interest to these remarkable islands."

[SE9]

Kenya Airways Sign Deal for 3 Additional 787s-8s
http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061215f_nr.html

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/photorelease/q4/061215f_lg.jpg


Nine 787s to join four 777-200ERs as East African carrier expands its international fleet

Seattle, Dec. 17, 2006 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Kenya Airways signed an order in Nairobi on Dec. 15 for three additional 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline now has nine 787s on order, and also holds four options for Boeing's fast-selling new airplane. The airline's original order for six Boeing 787s was made in March and included six options. The three additional 787s will be added to Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site this week.

"We have had remarkable success with Boeing's 777," said Titus Naikuni, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. "When one weighs the operational advantage these two models bring in tandem, we felt it most prudent that we move now to ensure Kenya Airways retains the best value, and brings a world-class standard of service, for visitors flying to the wide open spaces of Africa."

With the delivery of a Boeing 777-200ER in 2004, Kenya Airways became the first carrier in sub-Sahara Africa to offer 777 service to and from the region. The airline will take delivery of its fourth 777 in February, and has complemented its fleet of Next- Generation 737s with three new 737-800s this year. Kenya Airways will receive its first 787 in October 2010 with the deliveries of the nine Dreamliners extending out to late 2012. Since 1996, Kenya Airways has ordered 19 aircraft directly from Boeing and currently operates another 12 Boeing airplanes on lease.

"It's wonderful to see such a good Boeing customer like Kenya Airways experiencing phenomenal growth," said Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa. "We look forward to our ongoing collaboration and the shared insight from an airline team that continues to demonstrate such a high degree of professionalism."

[Matthias Offodile]

SE9, "Nine 787s to join four 777-200ERs as East African carrier expands its international fleet.":cheers:

[SE9]

Aye, that is great news, and unexpected from my point-of-view... Nine 787s with an option for 4 more!

These planes will help with their expansion of intercontinental expansion, and I predict that Kenya Airways will start flying to New York, Atlanta, Tokyo, New Delhi and Frankfurt in the coming years.

[Matthias Offodile]

SE9, that would truly be wonderful. For all I know, Kenyan Airways already flies to Hong Kong, Bombay/Mumbai and Beijing (within Asia), right?

[SE9]

In Asia, they fly to... Dubai, Bangkok, Guangzhou, Mumbai and Hong Kong.

Here's their routemap: http://www.kenya-airways.com/kq2/routemap.html

[Matthias Offodile]

SE9, Thanks for the route map. Kenya´s Airways is really growing fast. That is nice to know. Fantastic news!:applause:

[skipperBill]

Great News for KA, and for Africa. :)

[Matthias Offodile]

NEW QATAR AIRWAYS FLIGHTS TO NEW YORK, LAGOS, DAR ES SALAAM, BALI AND HO CHI MINH CITY


Beginning summer 2007, Qatar Airways aircraft will offer daily scheduled flights from Doha to New York City. New state-of-the-art Airbus A340-600 aircraft, with an onboard first-class lounge, will fly the non-stop US route. Qatar Airways was the first customer for the high gross weight version of the aircraft, which is now flying between Doha and London Heathrow.

Qatar Airways international network is expanding with seven new routes during 2007, beginning on January 3, with Lagos, Nigeria's commercial centre. On January 9, the Tanzania capital, Dar Es Salaam, joins Qatar Airways' network.

In March, Qatar Airways will start flights to Bali. The Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is already on Qatar Airways' routes. Also in March, Qatar Airways will offer flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

In the second half of 2007, Qatar Airways will fly to a new point in Northern Europe, and for the first time, to Eastern Europe.

Since its 1997 relaunch, Qatar Airways flies to 70 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East. With its codeshare partners, Qatar Airways serves more than 90 cities worldwide. The fleet of 51 planes carries more than six million passengers a year.

Beginning in late 2007, Qatar Airways plans to buy 20 Boeing 777s, with options for an additional 20 aircraft. The airline plans to more than double their fleet to 110 aircraft by 2015.

The world's only stand-alone terminal dedicated to first and business class passengers, Qatar Airways' new Premium Terminal, will open at Doha International Airport by the end of the month. The new $90 million facility will include a spa, Jacuzzi, fine dining restaurants, duty-free shops and exclusive check-in for premium Qatar Airways passengers.

The terminal building will be ready for the 15th Asian Games, December 1 to 15, in Doha. Qatar Airways is the Official Airline of the Asian Games.

Qatar Airways is one of only four airlines in the world with a 5-Star ranking for service and excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry auditor.

Earlier this month, Skytrax increased Qatar Airways' global ranking to the sixth best airline in the world, and named Qatar Airways' cabin crew as the second best in the world and the Best in the Middle East for the fourth consecutive year.

Qatar Airways: www.qatarairways.com

[SE9]

Great news!

That'll bring Qatar Airways' total African destinations to 14.

Algeirs, Alexandria, Cairo, Nairobi, Mahe-Seychelles, Luxor, Tripoli, Casablanca, Khartoum, Tunis, Cape Town, Johannesburg + Lagos and Dar Es Salaam.

In comparison, their Middle Eastern rival, Emirates, flies to 17 African destinations.

Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Mauritius, Mahe-Seychelles, Dar Es Salaam, Entebbe, Lilongwe, Johannesburg, Abidjan, Accra, Lagos, Alexandria, Cairo, Tripoli, Tunis, Casablanca and Khartoum.

[GregPz]

Kenya Airways is doing so well, I'm really impressed. I flew with them a while ago and they beat many of the European carriers. Sounds like they have major longhaul expansion plans. They're well positioned to act as a hub for African travel to Asia.

[Matthias Offodile]

TAAG Angolan Airlines to open new routes in 2007:

Within Europe: they will add Frankfurt and London/Heathrow and they will increase their frequencies to Lisbon

Within Africa: they will increase their frequencies to Jo´Burg

Within Middle East: they will add Dubai

Within Asia: they will fly to two cities within China (still unknown)

Currently TAAG flies to:

Africa: Jo´Burg, Windhoek, Cape Verde (Sal), Sao Tome and Principe, Harare, Kinshasa and Brazzaville

Europe: Lisbon and Paris

South America: Rio de Janeiro

Link to the article: http://www.angonoticias.com/full_headlines.php?id=12687

[SE9]

Thats great! Direct link to Luanda :). I hope they fly here using a 777 (I prefer them to 747s).

Frankfurt is also a great move.

[SE9]

Kenya embarks on major airports rehab
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=495984

Nairobi, Kenya, 20 Dec - The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has embarked on major rehabilitation and expansion works on aviation infrastructure at international and domestic airports, KAA chairman Erastus Mwongera announced here Tuesday.

Mwongera, while launching the works, noted that upgrading the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Moi International Airport (Mombasa) and Eldoret International Airport will cost government about 15 billion Kenya shillings over the next five years.( 1 US dollar = 72 Kshs).

Domestic airports expected to benefit from the rehabilitation works include the Malindi and Kisumu airports and also the Nairobi-based Wilson airport.

He said that in line with investment in infrastructure, KAA was being empowered with globally acclaimed management practices.

Rehabilitation of infrastructure at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa would be accorded first priority to increase its capacity and air traffic, according to KAA managing director George Mohoho.

Muhoho said KAA would spend 140 million shillings on the Mombasa airport on projects, which include purchase of airport passenger seats, provision of flight information monitors, expansion of the road network and landscaping and construction of canopies for terminals 1 and 2.

"The refurbishment and rehabilitation of terminal 2 will increase handling capacity by 500,000 passengers," said Muhoho, who added that congestion at the airport would thereby be reduced.

The official observed that over the last four years, the Airport had experienced a 35% unprecedented growth in passenger traffic from 860,000 in 2002 to 1.16 million last year and a 75 per cent growth in cargo from 6,000 tons to 10,000 over the same period.

Muhoho attributed the growth to the strong recovery of the tourism sector, which, he said, is projected to continue.

Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who officiated at the launch of the refurbishment projects, said that the government was committed to ensure that all airports were improved to be at par with international aviation standards.

The minister noted that the refurbishment was also crucial to the success of the tourism industry, considering that Mombasa was a popular tourist destination.

[skipperBill]

up

[Matthias Offodile]

Angola to Host Regional Boeing Maintenance Centre

Luanda, 11/11/2006 - Angola`s capital, Luanda, will host a regional sustenance centre of Boeing , led by Angolan airline(TAAG), said Saturday, in Luanda, the US multi-national Commercial director, João Miguel Santos.

The official told reporters at international airport "4 de Fevereiro", during a reception ceremony of freshly purchased aircrafts by Angolan government, that the project was under study.

"We are starting a more serious study of viability with TAAG, to take this centre to a successful end", stressed.

The projects include assessment of Angola`s airports assembling of high tech infrastructures belonging to TAAG, aircraft maintenance and regular training of staff.

The six recently bought new TAAG aeroplanes, from US Boeing company, arrived Saturday in Luanda.

The Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos Saturday cut a ribbon, at "4 de Fevereiro" International Airport, symbolising the reception of six aircrafts in the presence of government members, diplomatic body accredited to Angola and public in general.

Nov 15, 14:28
Source:Angop

[skipperBill]

:dance2: up

[Mwafrika]

Coast (Kenya) gets two new airlines

Story by MAZERA NDURYA
Publication Date: 12/27/2006

Charter flights to Coast will increase following the entry of two new British airlines.

Some airlines have also made plans to increase their flights coming in from Europe from weekly to daily to meet the increasing demand of tourists visiting Kenya’s coast, said Mr Yatich Kangugo, the manager at Moi International Airport.

“At least 30 charter flights are landing at the airport in Mombasa every week since the beginning of the December festive season,” he said.

Thompson and My Travel operating Boeing 767 and Airbus 330-200 with a capacity of up to 260 passengers have joined airlines such as African Safari and Air Italy.

Swelled numbers

Others are local airlines Kenya Airways, East African Air Safaris, Jetlink, Flight 540 and Air Kenya.

The trend would continue even after the holidays, for the world cross country championships, when about 100,000 visitors are expected to use the airport.

The number of passengers has increased by about seven per cent, while the aircraft arrivals have gone up by 16.2 per cent, Mr Kangugo said.

“We expect the figure to increase up to about 19 per cent by the end of this month because there are some airlines that have showed interest in plying the route,” he said.

The Italian Consul in Malindi, Mr Roberto Macri said the number of Italian tourists to the Coast had risen from 25,000 last year to 30,000 this year.

Italian tourists

“The number would be much bigger if the Malindi airport was upgraded to handle larger flights,” he said.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways to add three Embraer 170s to fleet

Embraer announced that Kenya Airways has chosen to add the EMBRAER 170 to its current fleet, continuing its network expansion. The airline, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will operate three EMBRAER 170 jets under an operating lease with GE Commercial Aviation Services’ (GECAS) existing orders. There will be no changes in Embraer’s orderbook due to this announcement.

Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled to the second quarter of 2007, when the airline celebrates its 30th anniversary. The company intends to deploy the aircraft in its growing domestic market, replacing turboprops, and on some of its significant medium-haul routes. The aircraft will be configured in a comfortable single-class 72-passenger layout with a 32-inch pitch (81 cm).

Embraer already delivered more than 1020 commercial jet aircraft from both the E-Jets and the ERJ-145 families, which are currently flying with more than 70 airlines in 43 countries around the world.

Kenya Airways serves more than 2 million passengers, annually, with the largest network in Africa. The carrier is going through an aggressive expansion program. Its network currently includes such new additions as Bamako, Dakar, Maputo, Istanbul, and Guangzhou, in China. The airline recently launched flights to Paris and to Comoros and Mayotte. The thrice-weekly flights to Paris complement the 17 weekly flights to London and Amsterdam and the regular schedules to select destinations in Asia, including Dubai, Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

[SE9]

Qatar Airways to fly to Dar es Salaam next week

Qatar Airways will next week start flying to Tanzania to boost its East African network.

The four-times-a week flight from Doha, which starts on January 9, will see Qatar Airways spreading its wings by adding its second route in the region after that to Kenya.

The airline’s chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker told The East-African from Doha, Qatar, that the Dar es Salaam route joins the airline’s rapidly growing international network.

Mr Al Baker said the route will be operated with an Airbus A319 aircraft in a two-class configuration of eight seats in business class and 102 seats in economy.

“With the addition of Dar es Salaam, Qatar Airways’ global reach will extend to 71 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East,” he said adding that the Dar es Salaam route is expected to be popular with tourists from around the world.

Qatar Airways has a five-star ranking for service excellence awarded by Skytrax, the independent aviation industry monitoring agency.

The airline operates a modern fleet of 49 all-Airbus aircraft, which will more than double in size to 110 jets by 2015. Qatar Airways is one of the launch customers of the twin-deck Airbus A380 “super jumbos.”

With four aircraft on order and scheduled for delivery from 2009 to coincide with the opening of the New Doha International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility being built on reclaimed land, corporate communications manager Salam Al Shawa said the airline will be offering passengers from key markets across Europe, Middle East and Asia convenient connections through Doha to and from Dar es Salaam.

[SE9]

Virgin Atlantic to start price war on London - Nairobi route

The entry of Britain’s second largest airline, Virgin Atlantic, on the London-Nairobi route starting this year, has elicited mixed reactions in the Kenya travel and tourism industry, with predictions ranging from reduced fares and convenience for travellers to loss of or reduction of commissions for travel agencies.

The airline will operate a 240-seater Airbus 340-300 offering 34 upper classg, 35 premium economy seats and 171 economy on its daily flights from Heathrow to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Sources in the travel industry say they are anticipating a price war by Virgin Atlantic — famed for its rock bottom prices and dubbed “the people’s airline” — as it seeks to break the dominance of Kenya Airways and British Airways, the only two airlines currently operating direct daily flights on the Nairobi-London route.

Other airlines operating the Nairobi-London route are Swiss Air, Sabena, South African Airways Ethiopian Airways and Qatar through their home bases. Virgin has had to fight fierce pricing battles with BA over control of Britain’s travel market and the war is expected to spill over into Kenya.

“We are expecting a price war that will cut the cost of travel, which is beneficial to travellers. But there are many factors that determine the eventual rate and it is difficult to say how low the price will go,” said Nital Modasia, a sales and marketing executive with Bunson Travel.

She said Virgin Atlantic will give travellers and travel agents an option, which is good for competition.

Currently, Kenya Airways and BA are charging $699 exclusive of taxes, with a special promotion fare of $449 minus taxes. Sabena and Swiss Air currently offer the cheapest rate on the route, but both are indirect flights through Brussels and Zurich respectively. Sources in the travel market predict that Virgin Atlantic could force the fares down to $400. But industry sources say that most fares have conditions such as minimum stay or duration of the ticket that determines their real value, which the customer has to consider when buying a ticket.

A source in the airline industry however allayed fears of a fierce price war, saying the Nairobi-London route is still under serviced and there may be no need for undercutting by the few airlines.

But recent history indicates that undercutting is a norm for every new entry into a major route. “It was the case when Qatar Airlines entered the market and even on domestic routes when Fly540, a no-frills airline, launched the Nairobi-Mombasa route,” said Narendra Thakrar, managing director of Travel Plaza.

However, some travel agents are saying the entry of Virgin Airline and others into the Kenyan market is not necessarily good news for them. They are predicting that the growing competition in the local travel sector could push some of them out of business.

Efforts to contact Peter Karanja, chairman of the Kenya Air Travel Association (KATA), were fruitless.

“Our commission rates are set on the price of the ticket and lower prices will reduce our earnings and possibly push many of us out of business,” said a manager at a major travel firm in Nairobi. He said the current commission rate is $50 per ticket and he expects it to drop to $20 with the introduction of lower ticket prices.

He also cited the growth of e-ticketing that allows travellers to buy tickets directly from airlines as one development that has cut earnings for travel agencies. Reduced flying prices will only compound their loss. “We have no idea how low Virgin Atlantic airline will go, but history from other routes it flies is worrisome,” he said.

Mr Thakrar said the entry of the airline into the Kenyan market will offer more connections for travellers from Kenya and the region and will expand the scope of international travel in the region.

“Virgin’s vast network will obviously offer greater convenience to travellers who have had to endure long delays at overseas airports as they wait for connections to various destinations,” he said.

He added that the airline will be of particular importance to Kenya’s tourism because of its connection with the US tourist market, whichlacks direct flights to Kenya.

In a joint statement by Virgin and the Kenya Tourist Board last week, Sir Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin, said that the airline is attracted to Nairobi by its hub status in East Africa.

“Around 500,000 people fly to Nairobi each year to enjoy the scenery and wildlife,” he said.

The UK is Kenya’s biggest tourist market contributing 20 per cent of total arrivals, and the entry of Virgin is expected to boost the existing travel business.

“The Virgin brand has a strong following and its daily flights will offer quality service for the top end tourist segment we are trying to attract,” said KTB chairman Jake Grieves-Cook.

In another development in the Kenyan aviation industry, Wilson airport-based Phoenix Aviation Ltd, a chArter and aircraft maintenace company, recently took delivery of an additional Beechcraft King Air200.

The aircraft is equipped with a cargo pod that provides additional load capacity. The twin-engined prop jet aircgraft will be used for charter and medical evacuation with capacity for two patients, one nurse and a doctor. It also has a cabin for up to 10 passengers.

Managing director Sati Reel said, Phoenix Aviation has an arrangement with the Amref Flying Doctor Service for the provision of around the clock medivac srvices within Africa and Europe. Having the ability to land and to take off from short landing strips, the Beechcraft King Air fleet is used for rescue missions.”

The company further said depending on client requirements, the normal high density seating can be replaced with luxury executive seats and table for four passengers.

[SE9]

Kenya to spend $230m on upgrading of major airports

Investors in Kenya’s tourism industry are positioning themselves for a boom as the government commences an ambitious multimillion dollar project to rehabilitate infrastructure.

At the unveiling of the $3 million expansion and sprucing up of the Moi International Airport in Mombasa, key officials in the Ministry of Transport said the project was part of a five-year plan that will see all major travel facilities in the country upgraded to international standards.

Kenya Airport Authority managing director George Muhoho said the government was going to spend about $230 million over the five year period to upgrade all airports to international standards.

Although the rehabilitation of the Moi International Airport is targeted at the 2007 Mombasa International Cross Country Championship, the general growth in tourist numbers is expected to yield up to 500,000 more passengers passing through the airport annually.

The total figure is there-fore expected to increase to 2 million passengers annually from the current 1.5 million.

“Over the past four years, the Moi International Airport has experienced unprecedented growth in passenger traffic of about 35 per cent, from 860,000 in 2000 to 1.16 million in 2005.

“At the same time, there has been a growth in cargo from 6,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes over the same period,” said Mr Muhoho.

The growth in passenger numbers, the director said, can be attributed to the strong recovery of the tourism sector, a trend that is projected to continue, hence the need for preparedness.

Mr Muhoho said other airports set to benefit from the major face-lift are Jomo Kenyatta International, Kisumu and Eldoret International and the smaller Malindi and Wilson airports.

Players in the tourism industry at the Kenya Coast have been calling for the expansion of the Malindi airport to boost the number of European tourists flying directly into the town.

Italian tourists alone are expected to hit the 25,000 mark annually up from the current 15,000, once rehabilitation and expansion of the Malindi airport, estimated to cost about $1 million, is completed.

Likewise, the government had set aside billions of shillings for the rehabilitation of major roads including the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, which leads to Coastal resorts, marine and game parks.

Work on the Mombasa–Malindi road is also set to begin following the allocation of about $3.5 million in the current financial year. Also earmarked for rehabilitation is the Mombasa–Diani road on the South Coast, which leads to one of the leading tourist hubs in Kenya.

Meanwhile, hoteliers are planning expansion to tap the growing numbers of tourists, whose numbers had surpassed the 1 million mark by early last December, going by statistics from the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB).

The manager of Club Temple Point Resort in Malindi, Isaac Rodrot, said investors were looking for more land for expansion. “If we get land, we will certainly expand our facilities, because the figures are overwhelming, forcing us to turn down many tourists because we do not have space,” he said.

“The interest in Kenya as a tourist destination has increased considerably in international market and this has led to increasing numbers of tourists who want to visit the country,” said Mr Rodrot, who manages the 100-room hotel, a popular spot with Italian tourists.

Mr Rodrot attributed the good business to a vigorous and sustained marketing of Kenya by the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB). “Disasters like the tsunami that hit South Asia in December 2004 also favoured us but there is greater need to develop the facilities so that when the affected countries recover, we shall still command the market,” he said.

KTB managing director Ongong’a Achieng said efforts by the government to invest in the rehabilitation and improvement of infrastructure will boost Kenya’s image in the face of competition from neighbouring countries.

“Things are looking up in the industry. We are expecting to record over $1 billion in earnings for 2006, up from about $600 million the previous year, but for us to sustain the trend, there is a need to critically look at the infrastructure,” he said.

Players in the industry have been up in arms over the poor state of the road network and airports, electricity and water supply among other infrastructure since it hampered efforts to market Kenya as a leading tourist destination.

At one point, the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, (KAHC) had threatened to withhold taxes due to the government and use the funds to rehabilitate the infrastructure.

A senior KAHC official, Mohamed Hersi, said the government was too slow in meeting its obligations to improve roads leading to key attractions such as game parks and beach resorts. thus threatening the industry’s revival from a major slump that hit it in the 1990s.

Tourism and Wildlife Minister Morris Dzoro said recently that the government was luring international investors to develop tourism facilities to cope with the increasing number of tourists.

He said the campaign was yielding fruit following the entry of a Canadian hotel chain that was already developing hotels in the country.

“We are optimistic that the campaign to market Kenya as a leading tourist destination will bear fruits and more investors will be coming because the government has given incentives,” he added.

Mr Dzoro said the government was now encouraging the development of ecotourism because it attracted high premium tourists.

“Ecotourism is the way to go because it attracts high spenders like celebrities and top business executives who are interested in nature and Kenya is heading towards that direction,” he said.

[Matthias Offodile]

China Southern Begins Beijing/Lagos Service; Nation's Largest Airline Starts '07 With First-Ever Africa/Sino Route

1/1/2007
LAGOS, Nigeria, Jan 01, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE)

China Southern Airlines, (NYSE:ZNH) (HKSE:1055) (SHA:600029) - www.cs-air.com/en - with the largest and most technically advanced aircraft fleet in The People's Republic of China, today launched the first ever air service between The People's Republic of China and Africa.

"Nigeria is playing an increasingly important role in the international community," said Mr. Liu Shaoyong, Chairman, China Southern Airlines. Mr. Liu made his comments at the welcoming ceremony today at Lagos' Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Mr. Liu added that, "China's second largest trading partner and exporting country in Africa, Nigeria is of great importance to China. The Beijing-Dubai-Lagos route launched today is the first ever air service to Africa launched by China Southern. It is also the only China-Africa air service available in the Chinese civil aviation industry and it will surely open up a new gateway of communication and cooperation between China and Nigeria."

Offering passengers an intermediary stop between China and Africa in Dubai, China Southern's new service features the airline's Airbus A330 aircraft, with China Southern's Premium Business Class mini-pod, flat bed seating.

Outbound flights will depart Beijing every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; return flight departing Lagos on every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday with arrival at Beijing on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday:

CZ331 Beijing 2340 0430+1 Dubai 0610 1110 Lagos (Local Time)

CZ332 Lagos 1330 0030+1 Dubai 0200 1345 Beijing (Local Time)

Bilateral trade between China and Africa has an average growth rate of 23.6%. Nigeria has become one of China's important trading partners in Africa.

Lagos' Murtala Mohammed International Airport (IATA: LOS, ICAO: DNMM) is located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, and is the major airport serving the city of Lagos, southwestern Nigeria and the entire nation. It was named after former Nigerian military head of state Murtala Ramat Mohammed. The international terminal was modeled after Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

Murtala Mohammed International Airport consists of an International and a brand new domestic terminal, located about 1km from each other. Both terminals share the same two runways.

Recent years have seen substantial improvements at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Malfunctioning and non-operational infrastructure such as air conditioning and luggage belts have been entirely repaired. The entire airport has been cleaned, and many new restaurants and duty-free stores have opened. Bilateral Air Services Agreements signed between Nigeria and other countries are being revived and new ones signed. Airlines expected to begin or have begun operation to Lagos include Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc and Malaysia Airlines.

The largest airline in The People's Republic of China for the past 28 years, China Southern Airlines - www.cs-air.com/en - connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as International service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Paris, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.

For China Southern Airlines reservations and information, please contact your local travel agent.

SOURCE: China Southern Airlines

China Southern Airlines Mr. Jeff Ruffolo, Senior Advisor, +1-714-532-2054 Ruffolopr@hotmail.com Skype: JeffRuffolo
Copyright Business Wire 2007

[SE9]

Fly540 to maintain low fares policy

Low cost airline to start Nairobi - Kisumu route on 12 January

Fly540 top officials have confirmed the carrier’s long-term policy of providing cheap air fares within Kenya and in the region will be maintained.

Operation’s Director, Mr Nick Ooko, said they will offer low fares on all flights regardless of the season. Fly540 will launch two daily flights from Nairobi to Kisumu with effect from January 12.

"In line with other low cost carriers around the world, we advise customers to book early and pay in good time to secure seats," he said.

Ooko said the airline would break-even despite offering affordable rates to customers in comparison to its competitors. "We have begun on a clean sheet. The other companies operate on historical costs which is why we will give them a run for their money," Ooko said.

He talked to The Standard in Kisumu when he made a courtesy call to Nyanza Provincial Commissioner Mr Paul Olandoon Thursday.

Fly540’s return charges are the lowest compared to those of East African Safari Air Express (Easax) and Kenya Airways (KQ). The new company will charge Sh6, 540 return plus taxes while Easax charges Sh6, 450 one way, while KQ charges Sh7, 055 one way including taxes.

Fly540 Chief Operating Officer Mr Niel Steffen said the company would break even if customers using its ATR42s were few. "The planes are efficient, suitable for short trips and are environment friendly," Steffen said.

"In the beginning customers may think it’s impossible, but we are out to beat the notion," he said.

The affordable costs, the officials said were arrived after removing luxuries like beer, and other foods served on the other flights.

Olando said the airline’s entry to the Nairobi-Kisumu would offer customers alternatives and overcome the problem of missing in flights due to overbooking. "Competition is healthy," he said.

Ooko said they will open up offices in Kisumu and at the airport to popularise its brand in Western Kenya.

The carrier has two aircrafts, while plans are underway to introduce a third aircraft next month.

Ooko said they were considering expanding their operations to the East African region, Sudan and South Africa.

[Matthias Offodile]

Nigeria: FAAN and Julius Berger sign contract for construction of International Port Harcourt Airport

Businessdayonline Monday, Dec 25, 2006

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) and the Julius Berger Plc Nigeria have finally agreed on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

Already, the management of Julius Berger Nigeria has signed the contract for the rehabilitation work and may move into the site this week for excavation.

The Director of Airport Operations, Mr. John Eze Nwankwo said the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that FAAN and Julius Berger have signed the contract for the rehabilitation of the airport and noted that skeletal work will commence this month as the contracting firm promised to move in its equipment this week.

Mr. Eze Nwankuro explaining that the contract covers the excarration and reconstruction of an additional runway, taxiways, expansion of the apron (tarmac), complete renovation and modernisation of the terminal building.

Sources said the management decided to settle for Julius Berger because of its excellent performance in the past.

It would be recalled that the Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa was shut down for flight operations following an alleged fire outbreak on August 18th at the powerhouse of the airport and also the dilapidated runway.

Although, the closure did not go down well with many Nigerians, the Airport Authorities since they requested to do anything to reopen the airport.

[SE9]

Qatar Airways touches down in Dar es Salaam

Qatar Airways has celebrated the launch of its first new route of 2007 with its inaugural flight to Tanzania touching down in the country’s commercial capital of Dar es Salaam. Government, airport and media officials were out in force at Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport to receive QR544 from Doha with the airline’s Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and a high-level delegation from Qatar onboard.

Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar Al Baker was joined by Tanzania’s Honourable Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Development, Andrew Chenge and Honourable Minister for Tourism and Natural Resources, Jumanne Maghembe for the official cake-cutting ceremony at the airport.

Dar es Salaam is the first of nine new routes planned by Qatar Airways during 2007. Al Baker said Dar es Salaam was a key city in the airline’s strategy to build a stronger network of destinations across the African continent.

“I am absolutely delighted to see a Qatar Airways aircraft land in Tanzania for the first time to a wonderful and colourful welcome reception,” he said.

“On behalf of Qatar Airways, I would like to thank the government, airport and Tanzania Tourism Board for their efforts in making this route a reality today and I am sure social and commercial ties between our two countries of Qatar and Tanzania will be strengthened with the success of this route. Tanzania is a strategically important country for Qatar Airways as we build our operations across Africa and provide our passengers with greater choice and a wider network of destinations with our award-winning Five Star service.” Addressing the media, he added: “There is strong traffic between both Europe and the Indian sub continent to east Africa and we, at Qatar Airways, look forward to facilitating travel via Doha for the tens of thousands of passengers a year who fly to and from your wonderful country here in Tanzania.”

“Africa presents huge opportunities and we see this region as a growth area for Qatar Airways. Dar es Salaam is one of the premier business destinations in Africa and the gateway to fantastic holiday retreats such as Mount Kilimanjaro and many game reserves. We expect Dar es Salaam to be a highly popular route with tourists from around the world. All indications show from intensive analysis and research that this will be a highly successful route,” emphasized Baker.

“Dar es Salaam is our 71st route and the first of what promises to be yet another exciting year for Qatar Airways with plenty of wonderful new routes planned during the course of 2007.”

Qatar Airways’ African network currently covers Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis, Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Khartoum, Tripoli, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nairobi. Lagos joins the network in the first quarter of 2007.

Al Baker added that 2007 would be a year of massive expansion in frequencies, routes and fleet size for the airline.

“This is a year of huge celebration. We have come a long way since our relaunch in 1997 when we operated a handful of aircraft to a handful of routes. Now, in our 10th anniversary year, we have exciting new destinations joining Qatar Airways’ growing family of routes, together with more flights on existing routes to give passengers more choice, and brand new Airbus and Boeing aircraft joining the fleet. We take delivery of the first of our Boeing 777s towards the end of 2007.”

[SE9]

Ecoairlines targets Africa’s $11bn aviation market

A pan-West African private sector airlines is in the works, aiming for a significant cut of the $11.3 billion per annum African aviation market.

Going by the name Ecoairlines, the incipient airline is being promoted by private sector interests within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with Togo-based bank, Banque Atlantique, in the forefront.

Speaking at a technical session for stakeholders in Lome, Togo, Kofi Egbeto, the project director, lamented that whereas West Africa contributed a very significant percentage to Africa’s air traffic, an overwhelming portion of the revenue generated from the region went elsewhere, mostly outside Africa. This is as a result of the very weak presence of African operators in the airline industry since the liquidation of Air Afrique that was owned by nine West African and three Central African countries in 2001.

In a presentation to the session, Lufthansa Consulting which is the technical partner to the project, said that whereas the number of airlines globally is expected to double in the next 18 to 20 years, Africa still remained on the margins, showing little prospects for change.

Of the 72 airlines serving the West African sub-region, Lufthansa Consulting said, 38 percent are IATA airlines, and within this bracket are only three west African airlines.

Reviewing the state of the aviation industry in West Africa, the consultants said that Nigeria was by far the dominant market, with 46 percent of passenger capacity. But it however described the country as a domestic island.

Virgin Nigeria, the consultants say, is currently the dominant airline in the region in terms of frequency of flights.

Other notable regional airlines include Air Senegal and Air Ivoire.

Egbeto said that the coming of Ecoairlines will complement the work being done by these airlines, and that collaboration more than competition shall be the mode of operation.

Besides the commercial motive, Ecoairlines hopes to serve a social function. Egbeto pointed out that it is often easier to travel from West Africa to European cities than to other West African cities.

Ecoairlines, he says, plans to reverse this. The competition that the incipient airlines hopes to bring, will also bring down the cost of air travel in the region.

A return ticket from Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) to Lome (Togo), costs as much as $600 for a flight time of about 45 minutes. Some airlines charge about the same amount for the six hour flight between Lagos and London.

Ecoairlines hopes to become the leading airline in West Africa and beyond. It plans to operate with a modern fleet which will help ensure safety.

This is against the background of the analysis of the consultants which shows that Africa has the oldest airline fleet amongst the regions of the world. Africa’s 728 registered aircraft have an average age of 18 years each.

The privately owned and operated airline shall serve the west and central African regions, and will have a strong West African identity. It hopes to play in the league of Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Tunisair, which are the prime African airlines at the moment.

Presently, the airline industry in Africa accounts for about 470,000 jobs and contributes some $11.3 billion to Africa’s GDP.

[SE9]

Kenya slated to become an international aviation hub

16 January 2007, by Evans Wafula in Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has launched a grand USD1.23 billion (Ksh9 billion) expansion programme for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which will see the facility transform into Africa’s preferred aviation hub. Expansion of the facility is expected to roll out in three phases, up to 2009, with areas planned for expansion being the construction of a new apron, taxiways, and an extended fuel hydrant system similar to the modern Unit 4 terminal at Heathrow and an ultra modern three-storey car park.

Upon completion of the expansion programme, JKIA will compare to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, receive International Civil Aviation Organisation’s and the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Category One rating, enabling the national carrier Kenya Airways to have direct flights to the US.
The amount of cargo flowing through the airport rose from 192,300 tonnes in 2004 to 220,900 tonnes in 2005, while the number of passengers had hit a high of 4.4 million by 2006, says Kenya Airports Authority managing director.

In terms of output, the increasing outflows have meant an improved revenue base of up to USD75 million by 2005, but lesser accommodation space, which was initially built for a capacity of about 2.5 million passengers a year. “This is an opportunity that we cannot afford to lose”, said KAA managing director, George Muhoho. “We want the expansion to be complete as fast as possible.”
Collaboration between Kenya Airways, and partners like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Precission Air, Northwest Airlines, and Rwanda Air, will see a significant increase in the volume of freight handled by the airport, added the KAA managing director.

The expected entry of Virgin Atlantic in early 2007 for London-Nairobi route will also boost freight and passenger numbers that the airport is able to handle.
Passenger Traffic is expected to climb steadily after the completion of the project, with the figures now in excess of 4.4 million passengers a year, to become Africa's busiest airport. JKIA's greatest success lies in its commercial transformation.

According to Hugh Fraser, Kenya Airways commercial director, expansion of JKIA is a clear indication of the country’s increasing competitiveness as a fleet destination and the growing confidence of Kenya as an international transit point. “This is a signal that Kenya Airways can benchmark itself with other international aviation hubs,” he said.
KAA has already signed one of the renovation contracts with a Chinese company, Wu Yi Company, amounting to USD37.2 million.
Of the total USD120 million total sum needed for the renovation, USD 9.2 million will be provided by the World Bank, while KAA has set aside USD46.2 million. The balance, according to Muhoho, will be outsourced from local financial institutions or through a bond issue.

JKIA’s expansion and improvement also means that Kenya is spearheaded to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-ticketing targets by end of 2007. Kenya is among three African countries including South Africa and Zimbabwe, whose aviation industries are on course to embracing electronic ticketing fully by end of 2007, said IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani.

[Matthias Offodile]

Finally got some pics from Air Arik, a recently established private airline in Nigeria. The airline´s management said in a an interview that they also plan to add wide-bodied aircraft to their fleet soon. Arik Air is the vision of Sir J.I.A Arumemi-Johnson, a leading and well respected Nigerian businessman who understands the need for efficiency and quality of service in business to succeed.:)

http://images.google.de/images?q=tbn:p7KWwzawmPKcMM:http://avionsdeligne.info/logos/ara.gif

http://eu.airliners.net/photos/photos/4/2/3/1076324.jpg

they also ordered a couple of brand new Canadian Bombadier CRJ-900 jetliners. (photo was taken on test flight in Montreal/Canada)

http://eu.airliners.net/photos/photos/4/8/6/1071684.jpg

http://www.contrailsphotography.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10011/ArikAir-New-S.jpg

For more info visit their website: http://www.arikjobs.com/

[Tbite]

Nigeria set to get night flights

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42499000/jpg/_42499523_030510nsssa6.jpg

It is not clear whether Nigerians would feel safe flying at night
Scheduled night flights are now possible between the Nigerian capital, Abuja and Lagos after the installation of new radar equipment, officials say.
"For the first time in the history of Nigerian aviation, we have been able to attain 24-hour radar coverage in Lagos and Abuja," a spokesman said.

Nigeria has experienced a series of tragic plane crashes leading to about 300 deaths in less than two years.

Officials could not locate the wreckage of one plane for almost 24 hours.

The plane crashed in a small village in south-western Ogun State, in October 2005, killing all 117 passengers and crew.

"All that will now be a thing of the past," Bayo Oladeji of the Nigerian federal aviation ministry told the BBC News website.

"In the past, there was radar coverage of only about 15km radius in both airports and even this was only for three or four hours a day," Mr Oladeji says.

"But now, it's 24 hours and this mean we are able to monitor every single plane flying between Lagos and Abuja 24 hours a day."

The new radar equipment, aviation officials say, covers 65 nautical miles from Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and 40 nautical miles from Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Mr Oladeji says the radar equipment will be extended to other airports across the country.
Source, BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6302423.stm

[Tbite]

Picture of Nigeria's new domestic airliner (Nicon Arways)
The Airline was formed out of the now defunct EAS Airlines, The airline will supossedly become Nigeria's biggest domestic airline and may even venture into the intertanional field

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/topstar_01/1072282.jpg

Website: http://www.niconairways.com/

[pappy]

Picture of Nigeria's new domestic airliner (Nicon Arways)
The Airline was formed out of the now defunct EAS Airlines, The airline will supossedly become Nigeria's biggest domestic airline and may even venture into the intertanional field

http://eu.airliners.net/photos/middle/2/8/2/1072282.jpg

Website: http://www.niconairways.com/

Nice info!

[Matthias Offodile]

Tbite, it is unbelievable that Nicon Airways fly with those all old cranky Boeing 737-200 jetliners, can´t they buy some more modern jets like A320 or A319 or Boeing 737-700 or 800´s?? Indian businessmen are doing that , why not Nigerians???? Why do Nigerian investors only satisfy themselves with old planes the West doesn´t want to fly anymore and shortly after we can all read in the papers that Nigerian planes continue to crash!!! It frustrates...

[Tbite]

yeah it is indeed fustrating but what can I say

[KB]

Tbite, it is unbelievable that Nicon Airways fly with those all old cranky Boeing 737-200 jetliners, can´t they buy some more modern jets like A320 or A319 or Boeing 737-700 or 800´s?? Indian businessmen are doing that , why not Nigerians???? Why do Nigerian investors only satisfy themselves with old planes the West doesn´t want to fly anymore and shortly after we can all read in the papers that Nigerian planes continue to crash!!! It frustrates...

Thats known as a greedy approach.

But i agree with you that they should opt for better planes, and consider long term benefits to short terms.

[GregPz]

Though you guys may be interested in this. Africa's 25 busiest airports and comparisons with 2004. Figures are for Nov'06-Oct'07. The figure in brackets indicates the airports position in 2004 and the % growth is from 2004 to current. Note the impressive growth at Marrackech and Luanda. Also very strong growth at Accra, Port Elizabeth, Addis Ababa, Durban and Casablanca. Generally Africa has seen growth levels significantly above the global average.


1 (1) Johannesburg....17 035 000......11.0%
2 (2) Cairo...............10 657 000......11.8%
3 (3) Cape Town........7 068 000......17.4%
4 (4) Sharm el Sheikh..4 930 000........7.4%
5 (7) Casablanca........4 861 000.......27.8%
6 (5) Hurghada..........4 705 000.........2.8%
7 (6) Nairobi..............4 417 000.......10.4%
8 (9) Monastir...........4 232 000........15.4%
9 (12) Durban............3 916 000.......26.1%
10 (8) Lagos..............3 804 000........2.9%
11 (10) Tunis..............3 693 000.......7.1%
12 (11) Algiers............3 440 000.......3.2%
13 (17) Marrackech......2 539 000......52.3%
14 (13) Jerba..............2 446 000........9.2%
15 (16) Mauritius.........2 199 000........6.8%
16 (19) Addis Ababa.....2 152 000.......35.9%
17 (14) Abuja..............2 016 000.......-9.7%
18 (15) Luxor..............2 014 000.......-5.2%
19 (18) St Denis..........1 409 000......-11.8%
20 (23) Port Elizabeth...1 386 000........31.9%
21 (22) Agadir.............1 318 000........13.6%
22 (24) Dar es Salaam..1 211 000........19.8%
23 (26) Mombasa.........1 176 000........20.5%
24 (31) Luanda............1 070 000........44.0%
25 (29) Accra..............1 061 000........31.6%

[zexyworm]

Figures are for Nov'06-Oct'07.

I guess you meant Nov'05 - Oct.'06?

[SE9]

Thanks GregPz. Look at the growth at the South African airports!

[GregPz]

I guess you meant Nov'05 - Oct.'06?

Ooops! Yeah that's what I meant :)

[zexyworm]

10 (8) Lagos..............3 804 000........2.9%
...
17 (14) Abuja..............2 016 000.......-9.7%




It's amazing what 3 dramatic and fatal crashes can do to the airline industry in Nigeria. The growth in passenger figures there does not match economic growth figures - at all! Sad, very sad.

[Tbite]

But I'm sure the airports will recover and maybe even climb to new heights

[pappy]

Kano, P'Harcourt airports to get 24-hour radar coverage
By Wole Shadare

EFFORTS to make the nation's airspace safer have intensified as indications emerged that the 24-hour radar service now enjoyed at the Lagos and Abuja airports would soon be extended to two other international airports - Kano and Port Harcourt.

The hint was dropped by the Minister of State for Air Transportation, Femi Fani-Kayode, through his Special Assistant, Bayo Oladeji.

The project in both airports, he added, would begin between March and April this year.

The move is coming barely a week after the Lagos and Abuja airport radars were completed to provide 24-hour air coverage.

Funds, he explained, were being sourced for the project, which he said was enormous.

The Port-Harcourt and Kano International airports lack functional radar and are regarded as airports with huge traffic outside the ones in Lagos and Abuja.

Radars at airports across the country have been described as obsolete, often giving inaccurate readings, thus necessitating the call for the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON).

TRACON is to provide main surveillance radar coverage to Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Kano and five remote sites at Obubra, Maiduguri , Sokoto, Ilorin and Bebi.

The project was conceived 10 years ago by the Federal Government to make the country's airspace safer for civil aviation traffic, while the primary radar assists the Nigerian Air Force with its surveillance of the country's skies.

TRACON, as proposed for Nigeria, is a turnkey project with integrated long range communications system and aeronautical information service and facilities. But the project has suffered several delays related to administration and finance.

Thrice, the contract had been amended with the cost, including the schedule of payment, renegotiated by the various chief executives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The immediate past chief executive also reviewed the project on assumption of office. All the amendments were reportedly done without recourse to due process.

The TRACON project was suspended after the government had already paid over N4 billion to Thales, a French firm for the over 70 million euro project.

Only recently, an interim report of a committee set up by the Minister of Air Transportation queried the inflation of the project to N1.6 billion, and faulted the process of the contract's award as well as the propriety of equipment being sought.

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article06

[Tbite]

Great News:)

[SE9]

SkyTeam pact to raise Kenya Airways status

Story by NATION Correspondent
Publication Date: 2007/02/03

Kenya Airways has signed an agreement with SkyTeam, the global airline alliance.

The move indicates that the airline is on track for Official Associate Airline status.

Kenya Airways managing director Titus Naikuni said the airline was certain to benefit from the expertise of all SkyTeam carriers as well as from greater global recognition and SkyTeam’s worldwide network.

The agreement outlines the carrier’s commitment to meet SkyTeam’s standards before it can be recognised as official associate airline. The programme allows SkyTeam to build a broader network and provide travellers with access to additional regions of the world.

Beneficial

KLM Royal Airlines senior vice-president for alliances, Mr Hans de Roos said: “Having African representation will be beneficial to the alliance as passengers travelling to and from this area will have access via SkyTeam”. He was speaking during the signing ceremony in Nairobi yesterday.

KLM owns a 26 per cent stake in Kenya Airways, while the Government controls 23 per cent. The rest of the shares are held by individuals.

SkyTeam offers its 373 million annual passengers a worldwide system of nearly 15,000 daily flights covering 728 destinations.

SkyTeam steering committee chairman Dominique Patry said its associate airline programme illustrates the alliance strategy to develop a global network, with particular emphasis on certain markets.

[Nixx_900816]

[SIZE="3"][B]

Passenger Traffic is expected to climb steadily after the completion of the project, with the figures now in excess of 4.4 million passengers a year, to become Africa's busiest airport. JKIA's greatest success lies in its commercial transformation.

ermm...no i dnt fink nairobi's airport is gonna becum africa's busiest:ohno:
i mean.. joburg's is 4 times bussier and its growin faster aswell..so yeah

[SE9]

Future bright for African airlines, says expert

Story by NATION Reporter
Publication Date: 2007/02/10

Africa will be the next centre of growth for the airline industry, a travel expert has said.

Mr Mike Gray, the president of Uniglobe Travel, a worldwide tour and travel franchise, said opportunities for growth were enormous in the continent and between it and emerging economies of India, China and Brazil.

Mr Gray, however, said proper policies that attract investment in the airline industry must be put in place for accelerated growth in the sector.

Speaking at a function, held at Tamarind Restaurant on Thursday night, Mr Gray said there was a need for airlines to create more routes and open up new destinations in the continent.

“There are far too few routes in the continent compared to Europe and North America which are almost saturated,” he said.

The official said a chunk of revenue in the airline industry in the developed countries was generated within their respective continents due to numerous flights.

“The frequency of flights between various destinations is very high in Europe and North America compared to Africa and there is need to find ways of boosting air travel in Africa,” said Mr Gray, who heads the franchise’s sub-Saharan Africa office.

The members of Uniglobe in Kenya are Charleston, Speedbird, Holiday Bazaar, Let’s go Travel, Northline, Silverbird, Fleet Travel and Falcon, boasting a workforce of more than 160 workers.

Under the franchise, the tour and travel companies are expected to implement uniform standards aimed at improving services.

Mr Gray said travel and tour firms must ensure they hired qualified personnel as the industry was highly dependent on trained manpower.

Customer service

“Technology is advancing at a fast rate and companies must ensure they have the latest software to stay ahead of competition and provide the best customer service,” he said.

The official said members of a franchise could pool resources together to come up with quality software and minimise production costs.

He said travel companies must stop charging commissions for airline bookings saying the advent of on-line booking had revolutionised the industry.

[Matthias Offodile]

Emirates steps up frequency to Sudan

Dubai-based carrier, Emirates, has bolstered its African footprint by introducing daily flights to Sudan.

Monday, January 29 - 2007 at 11:08


Earlier this month, the world's fastest growing inter-continental airline accelerated its presence in Khartoum by introducing an additional flight every Sunday, bringing its six-times-a-week service to a daily operation.

Operated with the modern, wide-body and twin-aisle A330-200 aircraft, the extra flight will provide

12 First, 42 Business and 183 Economy class seats alongside 17 tonnes of cargo-carrying capacity. The new frequency will increase Emirates' Sudan offering to over 1,600 passenger seats and almost 120 tonnes of cargo capacity per week, per direction.

The added capacity will provide impetus to the import of foodstuffs, manufactured goods, transport equipment, chemicals and textiles from the U.A.E, Sudan's third largest import partner after China and Saudi Arabia, accounting for approximately six percent of the country's total imports.

Movement of export goods from Sudan to China stand to benefit owing to Emirates robust coverage of 17 weekly flights and 10 freighter services to Hong Kong; daily flights and six dedicated freighter operations to Shanghai; and daily services to Beijing.

Nasser bin Kherbash, Emirates' Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Africa noted.

[pappy]

Fani-Kayode commissions passengers assistance service

Anthony Omoh

In a bid to assist the physically challenged especially air travellers, minister of state for Air Transport, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has commissioned a 10 million naira Passenger Assistance Service(PAS) .

The minister who commissioned the project at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA),Lagos yesterday said the project was the first in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

"It is another first for Nigeria and first for us in the country. This is the first on the African continent".

He urged those that were not physically challenged to take care of those that were stating that it would show their sensitivity to the plight of those who were.

The minister urged that the gesture be replicated in all the airports in the country stating that government will do everything in its power to assist and also open up all the major airports in the country.

Speaking to newsmen, the spokesperson of Partners HC, travel management company, Tubosun Onalaja said that the platform lift commissioned by the minister was initiated because people do not take cognisance of the physically challenged in the country.

He said that Partners HC was basically trying to ensure that the physically challenged got the succour they deserved.

He thanked the management of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) for its support, stating that it has been a challenging journey all through.

[SE9]

Wajir to Become Fourth International Airport

Brian Adero
Nairobi

The Cabinet has approved the upgrading of Wajir Airport to a full civilian national airport as a first step to making it Kenya's fourth international airport.

The airport, currently being run by the military, will be handed over to both Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) early next month.

Transport Permanent Secretary Mr Gerrishon Ikiara says that a ministerial committee, which had earlier been appointed to handle the issue, forwarded the findings to the Cabinet last year.

"The Cabinet has now approved the committee's recommendations that Wajir airport be made into a fully operational civilian airport," Ikiara told the Standard on Thursday.

The move is temporary since the main plan is to make Wajir Airport an International Airport.

"The airport is big, with a long runway which will accommodate bigger airliners like jets. Currently it will only accommodate propeller aircrafts with a capacity of between 30 to 40 or 80 passengers," he said.

Planes to be cleared before proceeding to Nairobi

However, the military will still be using the airport, Ikiara.

"We want to take advantage of the business going on in Somalia and use the airport to make trade between the two countries easier," he said.

Upgrading Wajir is also a security move.

"All aircrafts coming from Somali will be forced to land in Wajir before coming to Nairobi. Those coming from Wilson Airport will also have to land in Wajir for a security check up," said Ikiara.

Last year, the Government slapped a ban on cargo planes from Wilson Airport flying to Mogadishu after the Islamic Courts Union took control of sections of the country and after insecurity fears were raised.

Internal Security Assistant Minister Peter Munya had said earlier that the Government is rehabilitating Wajir Airstrip so that planes from Mogadishu will be required to land there for clearance before proceeding to Nairobi.

The contract to upgrade the airport's infrastructure was awarded to a Wajir businessman, and the Government has already spent Sh140 million in the project. The rehabilitation works have been finalised.

"We were only upgrading the runway, terminal and control tower to allow passenger planes to land and take off," he said.

Airport to be used as a feeder

Ikiara said that the move will provide a safe landing for flights from Somalia in the Kenyan airspace.

"We want to use the airport as a feeder airport to both Jomo Kenyatta International and Wilson airports as well as other local airports" he said.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General, Mr Chris Kuto said that already his officers are at the airport waiting for the take over.

"I have already posted Air control personnel, engineers and then it will be fully operational as other national airports," he said.

The Kenya Airports Authority has already appointed a manager at the airport, Kuto said.

Fly 540 Operations Director Mr Nixon Ooko said they plan to be the first airline to launch scheduled passenger flights to Wajir next month.

"We are looking into Wajir the charter flights which have been flying there from Wilson Airport are too expensive," he said.

[Matthias Offodile]

Angolan airliner eyes São Tomé buy-out

afrol News, 16 February 2007 - The national airliner of Angola, TAAG, is reported to eye a possibility of buying a majority shareholding in the just established airliner of São Tomé and Príncipe, STP Airways. With a looming oil boom in São Tomé, the island nation has become an interesting site to invest, especially in the transport sector.

The newspaper 'Jornal de Angola' reports that TAAG has shown its interest in obtaining a controlling position of the new São Toméan airliner, with which it recently reached an agreement of joint flights to Portugal. TAAG however has not wanted to confirm its interest in STP Airways.

STP Airways was only recently founded, to fill in the gap after the state company Air São Tomé was grounded. The new national airliner unites both state and private capital in an effort to keep the archipelago connected domestically and with the outside world, in addition to reduce dependence on Portuguese airliner TAP. The São Tomé government has indicated that it prefers private capital to control STP Airways.

The new airliner already is totally dependent on its comprehensive business deal with TAAG. The São Toméan company, since recently setting off on its virgin flight, has leased most of its equipment and aircrafts from its Angolan counterpart.

Only this month, an even closer cooperation between TAAG and STP Airways was announced. The two airliners are to jointly operate a new route between the Angolan and Portuguese capitals, Luanda and Lisbon, making a stopover in São Tomé. The new connection with the ex-colonial power will be the first-ever competition with Portugal's TAP, which runs direct flight between São Tomé and Lisbon.


Neither the TAAG/STP Airways route to Lisbon via São Tomé nor the Angolan investment in the new airliner are secured, however. Sources speaking to 'Jornal de Angola' had indicated all would depend on whether the new Luanda-Lisbon connection proved profitable. If not, TAAG would find it difficult to take over a major part of STP Airways shares, the newspaper had understood.

But if everything goes according to the ambitious plans, STP Airways in cooperation with TAAG will carry out flights from the archipelago to Lisbon twice a week, each Monday and Friday.

Flight connections between São Tomé and Lisbon will thus increase, even before the oil boom has taken its grip on the archipelago and while efforts to boost tourism have yet to succeed. Analysts question the market for this large amount of flights to the islands of only 120,000 inhabitants.


By staff writer

[nai guy]

Eldoret Airport growing

Eldoret Airport growing

Story by PETER NG’ETICH
Publication Date: 2/22/2007

Eldoret International Airport, has handled about 215,004 passengers since its inception in 1997.

The facility has also dealt with almost 65 million kilogrammes of cargo, which are mostly imports.

Speaking at the facility yesterday, the managing director of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Mr George Muhoho, said that last year alone, the airport handled 22,000 passengers and 9 million kilogrammes of cargo.

Mr Muhoho, who was accompanied by the minister for Transport Mr Chirau Mwakwere during the inauguration of a 150 tonne warehouse at the airport, said five aircraft currently operate from the facility. He was also accompanied by the permanent secretary for the ministry Dr Gerishon Ikiara, assistant minister for Defence Stephen Tarus and Keiyo South MP, Nicholas Biwott.

Mr Muhoho said the aircraft include a passenger plane and four cargo planes.

“It has been a long road, but we feel that the airport is starting to come of its own. It is the desire of KAA to ensure that along with all the others in the country, it provides quality customer care and transport infrastructure,” Mr Muhoho said.

He added that the existing infrastructure can handle 1.5 million passengers, 54 million kilogrammes of cargo and 36,000 aircraft per year, and said the airport is ideal as a hub for cargo, due to its proximity to the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (Comesa). Mr Muhoho added that the facility, which has been classified as category six by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, can handle a Boeing B767 or an Airbus 310.

He also said that it was the gate to the western tourism circuit, which is rich in non-traditional tourism like eco-tourism, agro-tourism, adventure tourism as well as cultural tourism.

Dr Ikiara said the challenge for the airport is to export produce like flowers and horticulture from the area to western countries. “The airport is not a ‘white elephant’ as said by some, we have seen its potential in the revenue we have collected, but much needs to be done in the export area,” the PS said.

Mr Mwakwere said the airport is also well placed to serve Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[SE9]

Eldoret Airport growing

Story by PETER NG’ETICH
Publication Date: 2/22/2007

Eldoret International Airport, has handled about 215,004 passengers since its inception in 1997.

The facility has also dealt with almost 65 million kilogrammes of cargo, which are mostly imports.

Speaking at the facility yesterday, the managing director of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Mr George Muhoho, said that last year alone, the airport handled 22,000 passengers and 9 million kilogrammes of cargo.

Mr Muhoho, who was accompanied by the minister for Transport Mr Chirau Mwakwere during the inauguration of a 150 tonne warehouse at the airport, said five aircraft currently operate from the facility. He was also accompanied by the permanent secretary for the ministry Dr Gerishon Ikiara, assistant minister for Defence Stephen Tarus and Keiyo South MP, Nicholas Biwott.

Mr Muhoho said the aircraft include a passenger plane and four cargo planes.

“It has been a long road, but we feel that the airport is starting to come of its own. It is the desire of KAA to ensure that along with all the others in the country, it provides quality customer care and transport infrastructure,” Mr Muhoho said.

He added that the existing infrastructure can handle 1.5 million passengers, 54 million kilogrammes of cargo and 36,000 aircraft per year, and said the airport is ideal as a hub for cargo, due to its proximity to the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (Comesa). Mr Muhoho added that the facility, which has been classified as category six by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, can handle a Boeing B767 or an Airbus 310.

He also said that it was the gate to the western tourism circuit, which is rich in non-traditional tourism like eco-tourism, agro-tourism, adventure tourism as well as cultural tourism.

Dr Ikiara said the challenge for the airport is to export produce like flowers and horticulture from the area to western countries. “The airport is not a ‘white elephant’ as said by some, we have seen its potential in the revenue we have collected, but much needs to be done in the export area,” the PS said.

Mr Mwakwere said the airport is also well placed to serve Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[Kenguy]

Eldoret Airport growing

Looks like Kenya is rapidly becoming an airborne nation.

[SE9]

Oceanair Starts Operating to Luanda

Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
February 21, 2007
Posted to the web February 21, 2007

OceanAir, a Brazilian Airline, starts from next March 15 flying to Luanda, a new commitment of its administration in creating international flights.

Sunday's edition of the "Brasilturis" newspaper states that the OceanAir Company will fly to Angola with a 767 Boeing, without revealing the timetable of flights.
Oracle Content & Collaboration

The newspaper states that the company also foresees to start, still in the first half of 2007, flying to other African countries.

For the materialisation of this project, the company restructured its managing board, and is contracting former professionals of the sector, refers Brasilturis mentioning sources of the firm.

[SE9]

Mombasa Airport's Renovation On Course, Says KAA


The East African Standard (Nairobi)
Philip Mwakio
Nairobi

Ongoing renovations at Mombasa's Moi International Airport will be completed on schedule.

Airport manager Mr Katich Kangogo says renovation works at Terminal II and other adjacent works are 85 per cent complete.

He said the terminal will be available from next week on Wednesday as earlier promised by the contractors.

The facility is being refurbished ahead of the 35th edition of the International Amateur Athletics Fedaration (IAAF) World Cross Country Chanmpionships slated for the coastal town of Mombasa on March 24.

About 100,000 foreign visitors are expected to jet into Mombasa for the global event.

Kangogo said the new terminal will have an increased capacity of 500,000 passengers per year.

Currently, Terminal I handles about 1.1 million passengers per annum.

" We are currently doing 1.2 million passengers per year and with the growth in overseas tourist arrivals and an increase in the number of charter flights, we expect to utilise the airport's full capacity," Kangogo said.

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has pumped in Sh200 million for the renovation works that will also include fixing a hanging ceilling, expansion of vehicle parking bays and widening of lanes to allow for smooth traffic flow.

"Once complete, the additional lanes will ease congestion especially when there are many charter flights arriving or taking off," the manager said.

Meanwhile, members of the business community in Kwale have urged the Government to speed up concessioning of the Ukunda airstrip to give the facility a new lease of life.

A leading fruit farmer, Mr Ndirangu David said there was need for increased flights to South Coast to cater for the increased number of tourists and also serve horticultural farmers.

"We have lots of fruits that go to waste in farmlands in Kwale as a result of the bad road network which leads to delays in accessing markets. Having a modern airport in Ukunda could attract light aircraft to transport farm produce to markets in Nairobi and other destinations," he said.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways acquires fourth B777

By Brian Adero

The Government is doing all possible to contain insecurity, Transport Permanent Secretary Mr Gerrishon Ikiara has assured international travellers.

US Deputy Chief of Mission in Nairobi, Ms Pamela Slutz said US citizens would continue visiting Kenya, but warned: "We are watching efforts of the Kenya Government to contain insecurity. We need to see the Government working towards that with speed."

Last year, 86, 528 US citizens visited Kenya behind UK’s 171, 409, but ahead of Germany with 83, 314. They were speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, at a ceremony to receive Kenya Airways (KQ)’s fourth Boeing B777 – 200 ER.

The new aircraft will join KQ’s three B-777s in service on existing routes and new destinations in Europe, the Far East and in Africa. The 320-seater aircraft carries 30 tonnes of cargo with full passenger loads.

"While the B-777 is itself a major commercial purchase and a major commitment between Boeing and KQ, it will also pay dividends far into the future and not just for the revenues and bottom line of KQ,’ Slutz said.

KQ received the first B777 – 200ER in 2004 with the second and third of the model type entering service in 2005. The company has an option for a fifth plane at a cost of $ 150 million (Sh10.5 billion).

KQ has so far spent more than $440 million (Sh31 billion) for the four aircraft.

"Flying passengers to the wide open spaces of the world on our 777s has always been a unique experience, infused with the natural warmth and hospitality of the Kenyan people," said KQ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Titus Naikuni.

"It is rewarding for us to see Kenya Airways be the region’s first airline to take a proven performer like the 777 and reap the benefits of the airplane’s superior economics," said Mr Lee Monson, Boeing vice-president of sales for the Middle East and Africa.

[Matthias Offodile]

Nigeria to boost air safety:)

Published: 02-MAR-07

Lagos - The 'Safe Tower Project' aimed at enhancing air safety in Nigeria has received a boost with the arrival on Thursday of ultra modern equipment to be installed at the nation's busiest airport in Lagos.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ado Sanusi, said in Lagos the 38 million euro air traffic console, which arrived from Vienna, Austria, would be installed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in the nation's economic nerve centre.
He said the new console had a bigger capacity for air traffic and came equipped with radio communication and up-to-date meteorological facilities.
Already, NAMA had sent two air traffic officials to Austria for training on the new facilities, so they can in turn train other officials.
A similar console has been installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the capital city of Abuja, while those of the Aminu Kano International Airport in the northern city of Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport in the country's oil region are expected to be installed soon.
Nigeria has embarked on a massive rehabilitation and updating of facilities at its over 20 airports following a string of air crashed that killed over 300 people in a little over one year. -panapress

[Matthias Offodile]

A string of news from Nigeria taken out of "africanflyer":)

Arik Air orders fourth CRJ

Saturday, November 25th, 2006

Arik Air placed an order for a fourth CRJ-900 from bombardier last week. The airline’s -900s feature a two-class interior with 10 business class seats and 65 economy seats.


Nigeria designates airlines to serve the US, the UK

Thursday, July 27th, 2006

The Nigeria-based Guardian Newspaper reports that the government of Nigeria is designating two airlines to fly to the United States. Bellview Airlines is designated as one to fly to Newark, New Jersey, while Arik Air, a new startup, is designated to fly to Atlanta, Georgia, in addition to serving London in the United Kingdom. Currently, only North American Airlines flies between the United States and Nigeria, while Delta and Continental are expected to follow suit.


Air France to increase service to Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Saturday, August 26th, 2006

Air France will increase its frequency to Port Harcourt, Nigeria from the current 4x per week to 5x. Flights will be operated every business day effective the end of October.


Bellview Airlines to replace B737s with A320s

Tuesday, June 13th, 2006

Flight International reports that Bellview Airlines will begin a fleet replacement process effective the fourth quarter of 2006. The airline will bring in A320s that will operate on routes currently flown with six B737s.


Qatar Airways to serve Lagos

Saturday, August 12th, 2006

Qatar Airways will introduce Lagos, Nigeria to its growing list of destinations effective December. Flights will be operated 3x per week using A332 aircraft.

QR592 DOH - LOS: 100 - 650 Sundays
QR593 LOS - DOH: 1115 - 1950

QR592 DOH - LOS: 730 - 1320 Wednesdays
QR593 LOS - DOH: 1500 - 2335

QR594 DOH - LOS: 1300 - 1850 Thursdays
QR595 LOS - DOH: 2210 - 0645



Delta Airlines to serve Lagos, Nigeria

February 22nd, 2007

Delta announced today its intentions to serve Lagos, Nigeria, from its base in Atlanta GA. Flights will be operated daily effective December 3 using B767s, pending government approvals.
DL50 ATL - LOS: 1625 - 0925
DL57 LOS - ATL: 1125 - 1820

[SE9]

Fourth Airline Launches Nairobi - Kisumu Flights


Jetlink Express, a privately owned Kenyan airline will launch a new route to Kisumu from Nairobi beginning March 7.

It becomes the fourth airline to fly the route after Kenya Airways, Fly540 Airlines and East African Safari Air Express.


Jetlink Express Managing Director, Captain Elly Aluvale, said that Kisumu will be the second destination to be operated by the airline.

The other route is Nairobi to Juba, South Sudan. Jetlink Express will be flying twice a day, every day, to and from Kisumu - using a jet aircraft - Fokker 28.

"A morning and late afternoon departure will allow for excellent connections on all international airlines, on both the inbound and outbound sectors. The timings will also favour our regular, domestic travellers, to and from Kisumu," Alluvale said.

The airline was until last month operating to Kisumu, amongst other routes, in collaboration with East African Safari Air Express (EASAX), but the bilateral interline agreement between the two airlines was terminated on February 27, 2007.

"Jetlink Express will accept and honor all tickets issued on an EASAX documents issued on or before February 27. We will continue to operate the Juba - Kisumu services on their airline designation code of JQ," said Captain Aluvale.

He assured Jetlink clients that they would be handled in an extremely smooth and professional manner, during transitional period.

Travel agents operating under the International Air Transport Agreement are free to make all their bookings directly from their central reservation systems, he said.

"We are delighted to operate Kisumu flights. We will provide fast and comfortable travel to our customers, with a baggage allowance of 20kg," Aluvale said.

He attributed the launch of the new route to the airline's ability to react quickly to increasing demand in domestic travel, coupled with a recent growth in the carrier's capacity. Aluvale said the entry of Jetlink offers customers an alternative with the lowest fare, which makes it the best choice of travel. The launch fare is Sh6,000 return, exclusive of taxes.

[Tbite]

Hey Matt i heard the Nigerian government are now making it manditory for all domestic and regional airlines in the country to replace their old aircraft with new ones. :), and we all know hoe the Nigerian government works, when they demand you have to comply:lol: :lol:

[nai guy]

..Kenya Airways introduces flights to Guinea





By MARK OLOO

National carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has announed that it will add two new routes to its West African network this month.

The Airline’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Michael Okwiri said that KQ will commence flights to Cotonou on 27th March 2007 and to Monrovia via Accra on 28th March 2007.

“West African passengers on these routes travelling to the Far East and Europe are currently often forced to make more than one connections in order to get to their destinations," he said.

"These new routes are in response to our passengers’ need for convenience and flexibility and connectivity. KQ will now offer them a one-stop connection through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” added Okwiri.

Okwiri said the twice weekly flights to Cotonou will be on Tuesdays and Saturdays and will depart from JKIA at 1430hrs to arrive in Cotonou at 1740hrs (Benin time).

He said the Monrovia flights leave JKIA at 0930 hrs to land in Monrovia at 1505hrs Liberia time.

These flights will be operated on the recently acquired Boeing 737-800s which KQ took delivery of towards the end of 2006.

The airline also received its 4th Boeing 777 on 23rd February 2007

Meanwhile, Okwiri also said to further serve its passengers, KQ has introduced additional frequencies to Seychelles and Istanbul.

“From 27th March 2007, we will be operating a 3rd frequency to Seychelles every Tuesday and another to Istanbul on 2nd May every Wednesday.

[Matthias Offodile]

http://www.jetphotos.net/images/img2/5/5N-VNA-newreg-RBenetti.jpg.76262.jpg.thumb



Virgin Nigeria to Abidjan

According to posted schedules, Virgin Nigeria will serve Abidjan effective March 31. Flights will be opearted 3x per week using B737-300 aircraft.

VK825 LOS - ABJ: 1110 - 1140 Wednesdays, Fridays
VK824 ABJ - LOS: 1240 - 1510

VK825 LOS - ABJ: 1500 - 1530 Mondays
VK824 ABJ - LOS: 1630 - 1900

This service will increase in August to add a frequency on Thursdays, with another increase in November with service on Sundays, bringing the total to 5x per week by the end of the year.


Virgin Nigeria to Monrovia




According to posted schedules, Virgin Nigeria will begin service to Monrovia, Liberia via Accra, Ghana on May 1. Flights will be operated on Tuesdays and Saturdays using B737-300 aircraft.

VK801 LOS - ACC: 730 - 725
VK801 ACC - ROB: 820 - 1020
VK800 ROB - ACC: 1120 - 1320
VK800 ACC - LOS: 1415 - 1615

[Matthias Offodile]

Uganda: Entebbe Airport to Get New Terminal

New Vision (Kampala)

March 10, 2007
Posted to the web March 12, 2007

Cyprian Musoke
Kampala

EXPANSION and renovation of Entebbe Airport ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will cost sh76b.

Civil Aviation Authority boss Ambrose Akandonda told journalists on Friday that all heads of state will land at a new terminal being built at the old airport, before heading to State House Entebbe.
Africa 2007

"We are prepared to welcome all the 52 heads of state with all the honours befitting them. Our plan is to see that by September 30, everything will have been completed," he said, before conducting a tour of the works.

Work worth sh20.7b will be done on the arrivals hall and the departure check-in area while five security watchtowers will be built by a Spanish company Indra Electronics at a cost of sh200m.

An air traffic management radar and a new aircraft parking apron for over 30 executive jets will be built at a total cost of sh17b.

Meanwhile, Apollo Mubiru reports that Vice-president Gilbert Bukenya on the same day launched a campaign to beautify the city and the nearby towns in preparation for the Commonwealth meet.

"We are planting these trees as a first step in beautifying our city in preparation for CHOGM. Hosting this meeting is a golden chance which I urge all Ugandans to support regardless of their political ideology," Bukenya said at Namulanda where he planted the first tree before heading to the Mayor's Gardens in Entebbe.

[nai guy]

new airstip
Airstrip to help boost tourism

Story by GEORGE OMONSO
Publication Date: 3/15/2007
A new airstrip is to be built near Mt Elgon national park.

The airstrip would be used by tourists visiting the park, Tourism minister Morris Dzoro said yesterday.

He said the airstrip would also increase the number of tourists visiting the park that is located in western Kenya tourism circuit.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Agricultural Development Corporation and other stakeholders would get land for the new airstrip, he said.

Mr Dzoro said the Government was committed to improving tourist facilities in the area.

He was speaking in Kitale Town on his way to Saiwa Swamp national park.

The official opening of the branding of the park started yesterday.

Mr Dzoro, who was accompanied by assistant minister Kelembe Ndile, said the Government was also re-stocking wildlife in the Saiwa and Mt Elgon parks.

The minister said they were introducing giraffes, antelopes and zebras in the parks.

Mr Dzoro said the branding of the two parks was among the KWS initiatives of opening up the western Kenya tourism circuit.

The branding, he added, involved renovation of staff houses, office blocks, building of classrooms, refurbishment of dispensary and water projects.

Saiwa Primary School benefited from the branding when two classrooms were built for it.

The minister challenged investors to consider building hotels in Kitale and Kapenguria.

[Mwafrika]

Story by KABURU MUGAMBI
Publication Date: 3/20/2007

The launch of airline Virgin Atlantic’s daily flights between Nairobi and London in June will bring Sh7 billion into the country over the next one year.

And Kenya Airways is now likely to face tougher competition on one of its more lucrative European routes.


Speaking at the launch in Nairobi yesterday, Sir Richard Branson, who is also the airline’s founder and chairman said the flights between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and London’s Heathrow begin on June 2.

The airline will use an Airbus A340-300 aircraft for the new route with a seating capacity of 240 passengers. Flights will leave JKIA at 8.20 a.m. and arrive in Heathrow Airport at 2.55 p.m. Speaking to reporters at the Serena hotel, Sir Branson said his airline’s new services in the region would bring a quarter more visitors to the region in the first 12 months of its operations.

Currently, he said around half a million people fly each year on the London-Nairobi route, including large numbers travelling to and from the America via London.

Tribute to rival

“With the launch of services Virgin Atlantic will bring in tourists who will add around $100 million (Sh7 billion) a year to Kenya’s tourist industry, with an impact of up to three times that amount on the broader Kenyan economy,” he said.

“We also aim to carry nearly $100 million worth of Kenyan agricultural exports each year.” He paid a rather generous tribute to Kenya Airways for its steady growth over the years, a period during which many African airlines have sunk into bankruptcy.

Its relationship with Kenya Airways will alternate between partnership and competition. “We will be friends where we don’t fly, and we will be competitors where we both fly,” said Sir Branson, who founded Virgin in 1984.

He said Virgin would partner with Kenya Airways by feeding its passengers into the latter’s domestic flights. Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) managing director, Ongong’a Achieng, said the Virgin’s entry followed months of talks between the board and the airline. “The increased capacity presents us with an opportunity to expose our unique tourism product to the different segments of Virgin Atlantic’s customers,” he added. The United Kingdom is Kenya’s number one tourist source market, contributing 20 per cent of the total international arrivals.

Virgin Group owns 51 per cent of Virgin Atlantic, while the remaining 49 per cent belongs to Singapore Airlines. It operates long-haul routes between the UK, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

Source http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=3&newsid=94085

[GregPz]

Africa's top 40 airports for 2006. Passenger figures for Jan-Dec with percent change compared to 2005.

1 JOHANNESBURG South Africa 17 333 076 8.8%
2 CAIRO Egypt 10 778 097 5.5
3 CAPE TOWN South Africa 7 225 176 7.2
4 SHARM EL SHEIKH Egypt 5 048 692 6.3
5 CASABLANCA Morocco 4 965 480 11.4
6 HURGADA Egypt 4 832 530 6.8
7 NAIROBI Kenya 4 449 032 4.6
8 MONASTIR Tunisia 4 253 598 3.6
9 DURBAN South Africa 4 029 448 12.1
10 LAGOS, Nigeria 4 009 096 2.1

11 TUNIS, Tunisia 3 712 265 1.7
12 ALGIERS, Algeria 3 483 340 2.3
13 MARRAKECH, Morocco 2 648 113 20.6
14 JERBA, Tunisia 2 471 664 2.3
15 PLAINE MAGNIEN, Mauritius 2 217 167 2.3
16 ABUJA, Nigeria 2 043 809 (5.4)
17 LUXOR, Egypt 2 032 790 (9.9)
18 DAKAR* Senegal 1 500 000 na
19 AGADIR, Morocco 1 443 323 9.8
20 PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa 1 409 609 8.5

21 ST DENIS-GILLOT, Reunion 1 363 908 (13.3)
22 DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 1 245 107 11.7
23 MOMBASA, Kenya 1 204 374 13.6
24 LUANDA, Angola 1 128 442 28.2
25 ACCRA, Ghana 1 083 431 21.2
26 ORAN* Algeria 900 000 na
27 ASWAN, Egypt 874 014 (15.3)
28 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast 821 228 5.8
29 ILHA DO SAL, Cape Verde 764 444 (12.9)
30 ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar 714 488 0.8

31 ENTEBBE, Uganda 711 253 14.0
32 EAST LONDON, South Africa 663 746 18.4
33 WINDHOEK, Namibia 650 234 16.5
34 KINSHASA*, DRC 650 000 na
35 MAPUTO, Mozambique 624 540 11.7
36 BRAZZAVILLE, Congo 623 874 16.9
37 HARARE, Zimbabwe 610 221 (2.4)
38 LIBREVILLE, Gabon 603 374 (5.0)
39 LUSAKA, Zambia 602 122 34.7
40 GEORGE, South Africa 589 854 1.6

*Estimated

[WorldSight]

GregPz,

I don't see Addis Ababa in the list of top 40. On your previous ranks, it was in the top 20. Is that an error?

Can you also show us other stats such as cargo rankings, and traffic movement? By the way, where do you get the ranking info. I checked out airports.org, but the have old stats for Africa.

[Matthias Offodile]

GregPz,

I got a similar problem. Abuja should be listed among the TOP 40. For all I can remember it figured there in previous ranks, but it vanished mysteriously in this ranking. :dunno:

[Tbite]

Abuja is there, it's ranked 16th

[Matthias Offodile]

Oh, thanks, I have completely overlooked it although I scanned it many times... strange! So Nigeria´s two main airport just had a bit more than 6 million passengers, that´s far too low. We need to move up!

[GregPz]

GregPz,

I don't see Addis Ababa in the list of top 40. On your previous ranks, it was in the top 20. Is that an error?

Can you also show us other stats such as cargo rankings, and traffic movement? By the way, where do you get the ranking info. I checked out airports.org, but the have old stats for Africa.

Yeah, you're right Addis Ababa should be there. This comes from the ACI's monthly ranking and sometimes airports don't get their figures submitted in time so they're not included. Port Harcourt was also left out. I'll make a new list.

[GregPz]

Okay guys here's the updated list including the missing airports as well as some extras so it's now the top 60 airports in Africa!

1 JOHANNESBURG South Africa 17 333 076 8.8%
2 CAIRO Egypt 10 778 097 5.5
3 CAPE TOWN South Africa 7 225 176 7.2
4 SHARM EL SHEIKH Egypt 5 048 692 6.3
5 CASABLANCA Morocco 4 965 480 11.4
6 HURGADA Egypt 4 832 530 6.8
7 NAIROBI Kenya 4 449 032 4.6
8 MONASTIR Tunisia 4 253 598 3.6
9 DURBAN South Africa 4 029 448 12.1
10 LAGOS, Nigeria 4 009 096 2.1

11 TUNIS, Tunisia 3 712 265 1.7
12 ALGIERS, Algeria 3 483 340 2.3
13 MARRAKECH, Morocco 2 648 113 20.6
14 JERBA, Tunisia 2 471 664 2.3
15 ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia 2 230 000 21.0
16 PLAINE MAGNIEN, Mauritius 2 217 167 2.3
17 ABUJA, Nigeria 2 043 809 (5.4)
18 LUXOR, Egypt 2 032 790 (9.9)
19 DAKAR* Senegal 1 500 000 na
20 AGADIR, Morocco 1 443 323 9.8

21 PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa 1 409 609 8.5
22 ST DENIS-GILLOT, Reunion 1 363 908 (13.3)
23 DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 1 245 107 11.7
24 MOMBASA, Kenya 1 204 374 13.6
25 LUANDA, Angola 1 128 442 28.2
26 ACCRA, Ghana 1 083 431 21.2
27 PORT HARCOURT* 1 010 000 na
28 ORAN* Algeria 900 000 na
29 ASWAN, Egypt 874 014 (15.3)
30 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast 821 228 5.8

31 ILHA DO SAL, Cape Verde 764 444 (12.9)
32 ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar 714 488 0.8
33 ENTEBBE, Uganda 711 253 14.0
34 EAST LONDON, South Africa 663 746 18.4
35 WINDHOEK, Namibia 650 234 16.5
36 KINSHASA*, DRC 650 000 na
37 MAPUTO, Mozambique 624 540 11.7
38 BRAZZAVILLE, Congo 623 874 16.9
39 HARARE, Zimbabwe 610 221 (2.4)
40 LIBREVILLE, Gabon 603 374 (5.0)

41 LUSAKA, Zambia 602 122 34.7
42 GEORGE, South Africa 589 854 1.6
43 ALEXANDRIA, Egypt 572 817 17.0
44 DOUALA, Cameroon 543 675 (5.4)
45 ZANZIBAR, Tanzania 537 546 11.4
46 BAMAKO-SENOU, Mali 528 464 2.3
47 KILIMANJARO, Tanzania 480 053 32.1
48 HASSI-MESSAOUD, Algeria 410 773 8.8
49 KANO, Nigeria 352 600 9.7
50 LOME, Togo 297 936 36.1

51 TANGIERS, Morocco 291 967 11.4
52 BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa 291 850 20.3
53 CONAKRY, Guinea 255 930 2.0
54 DJIBOUTI, Djibouti 244 362 18.3
55 OUJDA, Morocco 243 058 7.8
56 BORG EL ARAB, Egypt 230 443 92.4
57 FEZ, Morocco 216 862 4.1
58 NELSPRUIT, South Africa 215 353 22.9
59 RABAT, Morocco 203 756 14.9
60 MWANZA, Tanzania 203 719 11.5


*Estimated

[Kenguy]

Okay guys here's the updated list including the missing airports as well as some extras so it's now the top 60 airports in Africa!

1 JOHANNESBURG South Africa 17 333 076 8.8%
2 CAIRO Egypt 10 778 097 5.5
3 CAPE TOWN South Africa 7 225 176 7.2
4 SHARM EL SHEIKH Egypt 5 048 692 6.3
5 CASABLANCA Morocco 4 965 480 11.4
6 HURGADA Egypt 4 832 530 6.8
7 NAIROBI Kenya 4 449 032 4.6
8 MONASTIR Tunisia 4 253 598 3.6
9 DURBAN South Africa 4 029 448 12.1
10 LAGOS, Nigeria 4 009 096 2.1

11 TUNIS, Tunisia 3 712 265 1.7
12 ALGIERS, Algeria 3 483 340 2.3
13 MARRAKECH, Morocco 2 648 113 20.6
14 JERBA, Tunisia 2 471 664 2.3
15 ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia 2 230 000 21.0
16 PLAINE MAGNIEN, Mauritius 2 217 167 2.3
17 ABUJA, Nigeria 2 043 809 (5.4)
18 LUXOR, Egypt 2 032 790 (9.9)
19 DAKAR* Senegal 1 500 000 na
20 AGADIR, Morocco 1 443 323 9.8

21 PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa 1 409 609 8.5
22 ST DENIS-GILLOT, Reunion 1 363 908 (13.3)
23 DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 1 245 107 11.7
24 MOMBASA, Kenya 1 204 374 13.6
25 LUANDA, Angola 1 128 442 28.2
26 ACCRA, Ghana 1 083 431 21.2
27 PORT HARCOURT* 1 010 000 na
28 ORAN* Algeria 900 000 na
29 ASWAN, Egypt 874 014 (15.3)
30 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast 821 228 5.8

31 ILHA DO SAL, Cape Verde 764 444 (12.9)
32 ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar 714 488 0.8
33 ENTEBBE, Uganda 711 253 14.0
34 EAST LONDON, South Africa 663 746 18.4
35 WINDHOEK, Namibia 650 234 16.5
36 KINSHASA*, DRC 650 000 na
37 MAPUTO, Mozambique 624 540 11.7
38 BRAZZAVILLE, Congo 623 874 16.9
39 HARARE, Zimbabwe 610 221 (2.4)
40 LIBREVILLE, Gabon 603 374 (5.0)

41 LUSAKA, Zambia 602 122 34.7
42 GEORGE, South Africa 589 854 1.6
43 ALEXANDRIA, Egypt 572 817 17.0
44 DOUALA, Cameroon 543 675 (5.4)
45 ZANZIBAR, Tanzania 537 546 11.4
46 BAMAKO-SENOU, Mali 528 464 2.3
47 KILIMANJARO, Tanzania 480 053 32.1
48 HASSI-MESSAOUD, Algeria 410 773 8.8
49 KANO, Nigeria 352 600 9.7
50 LOME, Togo 297 936 36.1

51 TANGIERS, Morocco 291 967 11.4
52 BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa 291 850 20.3
53 CONAKRY, Guinea 255 930 2.0
54 DJIBOUTI, Djibouti 244 362 18.3
55 OUJDA, Morocco 243 058 7.8
56 BORG EL ARAB, Egypt 230 443 92.4
57 FEZ, Morocco 216 862 4.1
58 NELSPRUIT, South Africa 215 353 22.9
59 RABAT, Morocco 203 756 14.9
60 MWANZA, Tanzania 203 719 11.5


*Estimated
I thought Addis would be in the top 10. The Ethiopian national carrier has one of the biggest fleets on the continent. shouldnt this be reflected on the numbers at Addis?

[Kenguy]

Okay guys here's the updated list including the missing airports as well as some extras so it's now the top 60 airports in Africa!

1 JOHANNESBURG South Africa 17 333 076 8.8%
2 CAIRO Egypt 10 778 097 5.5
3 CAPE TOWN South Africa 7 225 176 7.2
4 SHARM EL SHEIKH Egypt 5 048 692 6.3
5 CASABLANCA Morocco 4 965 480 11.4
6 HURGADA Egypt 4 832 530 6.8
7 NAIROBI Kenya 4 449 032 4.6
8 MONASTIR Tunisia 4 253 598 3.6
9 DURBAN South Africa 4 029 448 12.1
10 LAGOS, Nigeria 4 009 096 2.1

11 TUNIS, Tunisia 3 712 265 1.7
12 ALGIERS, Algeria 3 483 340 2.3
13 MARRAKECH, Morocco 2 648 113 20.6
14 JERBA, Tunisia 2 471 664 2.3
15 ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia 2 230 000 21.0
16 PLAINE MAGNIEN, Mauritius 2 217 167 2.3
17 ABUJA, Nigeria 2 043 809 (5.4)
18 LUXOR, Egypt 2 032 790 (9.9)
19 DAKAR* Senegal 1 500 000 na
20 AGADIR, Morocco 1 443 323 9.8

21 PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa 1 409 609 8.5
22 ST DENIS-GILLOT, Reunion 1 363 908 (13.3)
23 DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania 1 245 107 11.7
24 MOMBASA, Kenya 1 204 374 13.6
25 LUANDA, Angola 1 128 442 28.2
26 ACCRA, Ghana 1 083 431 21.2
27 PORT HARCOURT* 1 010 000 na
28 ORAN* Algeria 900 000 na
29 ASWAN, Egypt 874 014 (15.3)
30 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast 821 228 5.8

31 ILHA DO SAL, Cape Verde 764 444 (12.9)
32 ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar 714 488 0.8
33 ENTEBBE, Uganda 711 253 14.0
34 EAST LONDON, South Africa 663 746 18.4
35 WINDHOEK, Namibia 650 234 16.5
36 KINSHASA*, DRC 650 000 na
37 MAPUTO, Mozambique 624 540 11.7
38 BRAZZAVILLE, Congo 623 874 16.9
39 HARARE, Zimbabwe 610 221 (2.4)
40 LIBREVILLE, Gabon 603 374 (5.0)

41 LUSAKA, Zambia 602 122 34.7
42 GEORGE, South Africa 589 854 1.6
43 ALEXANDRIA, Egypt 572 817 17.0
44 DOUALA, Cameroon 543 675 (5.4)
45 ZANZIBAR, Tanzania 537 546 11.4
46 BAMAKO-SENOU, Mali 528 464 2.3
47 KILIMANJARO, Tanzania 480 053 32.1
48 HASSI-MESSAOUD, Algeria 410 773 8.8
49 KANO, Nigeria 352 600 9.7
50 LOME, Togo 297 936 36.1

51 TANGIERS, Morocco 291 967 11.4
52 BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa 291 850 20.3
53 CONAKRY, Guinea 255 930 2.0
54 DJIBOUTI, Djibouti 244 362 18.3
55 OUJDA, Morocco 243 058 7.8
56 BORG EL ARAB, Egypt 230 443 92.4
57 FEZ, Morocco 216 862 4.1
58 NELSPRUIT, South Africa 215 353 22.9
59 RABAT, Morocco 203 756 14.9
60 MWANZA, Tanzania 203 719 11.5


*Estimated
I thought Addis would be in the top 10. The Ethiopian national carrier has one of the biggest fleets on the continent. Shouldnt this be reflected on the numbers at Addis?

[Rdokoye]

Virgin Nigeria may start flying U.S. route Friday

Virgin Nigeria may on Friday be granted the rights to fly directly to the United States. Virgin Group Chairman, Sir Richard Branson, said on Wednesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, shortly after his arrival in the country. Branson, while fielding questions from journalists, said "within the next two or three days, the airline will be permitted by the American authorities to begin a direct flight to the country from Nigeria." The business mogul said the airline had entered into talks with the U.S. on the airline's desire to operate in the lucrative American route, adding that everything showed that the talks would be successful. He explained that his visit to Nigeria from East Africa was to see "many of our people and congratulate them on the success achieved and the brilliant job they have been doing." The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had denied the airline a permit for a direct Nigeria-U.S. service. The basis for this denial is a dispute over the degree of British ownership in Virgin Nigeria. The U.S. had accused the United Kingdom and Virgin Atlantic Airways, which holds a 49 per cent stake in Virgin Nigeria, of blocking efforts to open up the North Atlantic market to American carriers and retaliated by denying the permit. In turn, the government of Nigeria denied Continental Airlines permit for direct U.S.-Nigeria flights. Negotiations are pending to resolve this situation and reopen the lucrative route.

[GregPz]

I thought Addis would be in the top 10. The Ethiopian national carrier has one of the biggest fleets on the continent. Shouldnt this be reflected on the numbers at Addis?

Ethiopian is fairly large but still small compared to the likes of SAA & EgyptAir. Also relatively few foreign carriers fly to Addis and there's no major domestic carriers competing. Still 21% growth is very impressive.

[Kenguy]

Ethiopian is fairly large but still small compared to the likes of SAA & EgyptAir. Also relatively few foreign carriers fly to Addis and there's no major domestic carriers competing. Still 21% growth is very impressive.

Thanx. Didnt know that.:)

[Mwafrika]

By Brian Adero

Swiss International Airlines has announced its intention to introduce daily direct flights from its hub in Zurich to Nairobi.

The carrier has been flying five times a week from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam via Zurich to the rest of the world.

The airline's Managing Director and Head of Intercontinental markets, Mr Marcel Biedermann, said the decision to launch a daily frequency this European summer was reached following demands by its growing number of passengers.

"It is inconvenient for most passengers who are forced to reschedule their trips from their intended day of flying when we do not have a flight," he said.

The Bilateral Air Service Agreement between Switzerland and Kenya has been reviewed to allow daily flights, he said. "We have a right to fly daily since we have open skies between our two countries," Biedermann, who is currently visiting the country, told The Standard in an interview.

The carrier is happy with the shape Kenya's aviation sector is taking, with major airlines increasingly choosing to fly into Nairobi."Nairobi is developing as a business platform in aviation and it is the place to be in future.

We are going to contribute to this city's development as a business hub in the air transport related activities," he said. Swiss Airlines has expanded its fleet with two additional Airbus A330 Long Range aircraft and an additional A340 expected in June, with another two A340 next year.

However, he noted, Nairobi is becoming competitive. "We are not afraid of competition. We will be competitive, but we are not foreseeing a price war. Customers have to decide on which airline to fly," said Biedermann.

Although the global aviation sector is expected to boom during the high season, airlines could be flying with empty seats during the low season. "That's when airline business becomes tough," he said.


Source - http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143966408

[Matthias Offodile]

ANGOLA: TAP Portuguese airline to offer daily flights to Angola


Published: 23-MAR-07

Luanda - Portuguese flag carrier TAP-Portugal will start flying daily between Lisbon and Luanda, the capital of Angola, in July to meet rising demand on the route, the airline has said.
The carrier will begin flying six days a week to the former Portuguese colony on April 28 and it will add a seventh weekly flight on July 3, it said in a statement this week.
Demand for seats on its flights to Angola has soared enormously since a brutal 27-year civil war ended in the southwestern African country in 2002, paving the way for an oil-driven reconstruction boom.
Last year TAP-Portugal cheif executive Fernando Pinto said the airline would boost the number of its flights to Angola in 2007 and this would likely lead to much lower fares.
AFP

[Matthias Offodile]

Brazilian Airliner called "Ocean Air" annouced its entry into Angola. It will offer direct daily flights to Luanda. So there are now two Brazilian carriers flying to Angola (Varig and Ocean Air). Hopefully TAM will follow soon!:)


Companhia aérea brasileira OceanAir anuncia vôos diários para Angola


Terça-feira, Março 20, 2007

A companhia aérea OceanAir anunciou ontem que recebeu a permissão das autoridades do sector para iniciar a operação de vôos para Angola. O presidente da empresa, Carlos Ebner, afirmou que a autorização foi concedida há uma semana pela Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (Anac), o regulador brasileiro do sector. "Agora estamos apenas aguardando a chegada das aeronaves para começar a operação", disse o executivo, que adiantou que a rota para o México terá sete frequências semanais. Em Maio, a companhia brasileira iniciará os vôos diários para Luanda, capital de Angola, com aviões Boeing 767-ER300, para 180 passageiros em classe económica e 32 em executiva. O responsável disse ainda que a empresa planeia operar um vôo para Los Angeles (EUA), através de sua controlada, a colombiana Avianca, via Bogotá. A companhia, controlada pelo empresário Germán Efromovich, que chegou a participar do processo de venda da Varig, no ano passado, anunciou o lançamento de um programa de milhas para seus clientes. Líder brasileira do sector de vôos de pequeno e médio portes, a companhia ampliará também as suas operações no Estado de São Paulo a partir do Aeroporto de Viracopos, em Campinas, a cerca de 100 quilômetros da cidade de São Paulo.

Fonte: Agência Lusa (Brasil)

[zexyworm]

It's worth mentioning OceanAir will also fly to LAGOS (NIGERIA) effective May 2007.

[SE9]

Kenya: President Kibaki Welcomes Entry of Virgin Atlantic


March 21, 2007
Posted to the web March 20, 2007

Pps And Caroline Mango
Nairobi

President Mwai Kibaki has welcomed the entry of Virgin Atlantic Airways into the local market.

The President said the introduction of daily flights from Heathrow, London to Nairobi by the airline will lead to increased revenue from tourists from the United Kingdom.

The President was speaking at State House, Nairobi during a meeting with the founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group of Companies, Sir Richard Branson.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is set to introduce daily flights to Nairobi from June 1.

Meanwhile, President Kibaki jets into Mombasa on Thursday to flag off the World Cross-country Championships on Saturday.

Before the event, the President is expected to officially open the Kibarani-based Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) branch, which has been refurbished at a cost of Sh60 million.

On Friday, Kibaki will officially re-open the Kibarani KMC, which is set to boost the meat industry in the region.

Kibaki will then flag off the cross-country event the following day.

On Sunday, the President is expected to attend a church service at the Kiembeni Catholic Church.

[Mwafrika]

By ABDULSAMAD ALI
Special Correspondent


The Kenya Airports Authority has relaunched Terminal Two at Moi International Airport in Mombasa as part of an expansion programme designed to handle increased tourist arrivals.

The terminal was refurbished at a cost of Ksh200 million ($2.9 million) and has seen improvements of all the existing facilities, with new flight information display systems, canopies for new car parks, an extra traffic lane at the toll station, repainting of the airport and extra parking bays.

The authority has also added another first class lounge to accommodate over 300 passengers, installed new check in counters, new signage, a new terminal colour scheme and lounge seats.

The terminal was expected to come in handy during the weekend’s World Cross Country Championship in Mombasa.

Minister for Transport Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who launched the facility, said the renovations were crucial as they would help decongest Terminal One.

He said the refurbishment was part of an ongoing upgrading and expansion of major airports and airstrips in the country, which aims at meeting the growing demand for aviation travel and airlifting of cargo for export and import.

“With a booming economy, the country cannot afford to be taken by surprise.

There is a need to plan and implement civil aviation projects targeting our short and long-term requirements,” said the minister.

He said the renovations, which took three months to complete, focused on improving, modernising and reconfiguring existing facilities to create extra space, improve decor and boost safety and comfort for airport users.

The terminal will increase existing capacity to 500,000 passengers per year, Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director George Muhoho said.

“This year we expect to handle 1.2 million passengers and 50 charters per week from the current 42,” he said.

Terminal One was designed to handle 1.5 million arriving and departing passengers, Terminal Two 2.8 million and Terminal Three 200,000 passengers, he said.

The authority’s chairman, Erastus Mwongera, said the board was committed to continue upgrading and expanding infrastructure projects across the country.

He said the planned rehabilitation and expansion of aviation infrastructure includes Jomo Kenyatta, Moi and Eldoret International Airports and the domestic airports of Kisumu, Wilson and Malindi at an estimated cost of Ksh15 billion ($214.3 million) over the next five years.

Jomo Kenyatta is to be modernised to improve the physical infrastructure and security of operators and passengers at an estimated cost of Ksh10 billion ($142.9 million). Once the project is completed, it will attain category I status allowing direct flights to and from Kenya and the United States.

Similarly, Kisumu Airport will have its runway extended and the terminal building expanded at an estimated cost of Ksh2.6 billion ($37.1 million). Work will start in June this year.

In order to open up all regions of the country to facilitate trade and communication, the government last year rehabilitated 15 airstrips. These were Mandera, Manda, Nanyuki, Eldoret, Garissa, Siaya, Narok, Ukunda, Nyahururu, Kakamega, Soneka (Kisii), Homa Bay, Kampi ya Samaki, Kitale and Webuye.

This year 10 more airstrips will be refurbished and 14 will be inspected for rehabilitation.

The investments, said the chairman, are meant to ensure the aviation sector in Kenya is at par with the rest of the world.

Mr Mwakwere said the terminal, which ceased to be used after the 1997 Likoni clashes that saw tourist arrivals fall drastically.

He added that in the past four years, 24 agreements to support operators in the aviation sector and give them incentives have been reviewed or concluded.

“This has attracted new operators to our airports and expanded the potential route network for Kenyan and foreign operators,” said Mr Mwakwere..
Source -http://www.nationmedia.com/eastafrican/current/Business/biz2603073.htm

[GregPz]

Brazilian Airliner called "Ocean Air" annouced its entry into Angola. It will offer direct daily flights to Luanda. So there are now two Brazilian carriers flying to Angola (Varig and Ocean Air). Hopefully TAM will follow soon!:)

Varig doesn't fly to Luanda. Sadly they no longer have any African destinations after their financial crisis last year.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways starts flights to Monrovia, Liberia

The Regional Manger for Kenya Airways, Mr. Robert Owusu, said the continent of Africa stands at the heart of Kenya Airways and coming of the airline to Liberia was no mistake. He made the statement Wednesday when Kenya Airways, one of Africa's leading Airlines maiden flight landed at the Roberts International Airport.

"Africa stands at the heart of Kenya Airway's current and future strategy. As Africa's leading carrier, we are determined to connect the whole of Africa not only with each other, but also with the world," he said.

The ceremony brought together several guests from all walks of life. The 145 seater aircraft comes in response to government's call for private investment in the country.

Their operation in Liberia, he said, gives them an opportunity to expand their activities on the continent. "It therefore gives us a tremendous sense of satisfaction to be able to provide the people of Liberia with an easier and more direct connection to the rest of Africa and to the world."

He said, Kenya Airways would also provide greater connectivity out of Africa to other trade destinations in Asia and Europe. "We fly out of Nairobi to Istanbul three times a week, to Dubai 11 times a week, to Bankok three times a week and to Guanghou four times a week. We are sure that many of you will find these connections very useful in developing your business," he said.

In addition to that, "we have daily flights to London out of Nairobi, daily flights to Amsterdam and we fly three times a week to Paris."

For his part, the Managing Director of The Roberts International Airport, Mr. Julius Dennis, said he was happy to see Kenya Airways start operation in Liberia. "We can assure you of government's commitment in this business. We are very happy for you to start operations here. The coming of Kenya Airways is a clear manifestation of government's commitment to encourage private investment in the country."

Mr. Dennis also called on other international carriers to take advantage of the prevailing opportunity to invest in the aviation industry.

The country representative for Liberia and Sierra Leone, Mr. Gerald Wilson, said the coming of Kenya Airways to Liberia means a lot for the people of the region.

"Today, is a very important day and we want to assure you that we will continue to provide quality services to our customers," he said.

Many Liberians expressed satisfaction over the coming of the airlines. "For me, I am very excited to see this airline come here. This is a big boost to the aviation industry. This tells us that Liberia is gradually moving in the right direction. I know Kenya Airways to be one of the best flights on the continent and in the world. Their coming in Liberia is very good," Rebecca smith said.

[SE9]

Singapore Airlines Cargo lands in Nairobi

By Chris Mburu and Brian Adero

Singapore Airlines has launched weekly cargo flights to Nairobi, with passenger flights expected to follow soon.The maiden flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday morning from Johannesburg. The Boeing 747-400 later flew to Brussels with a Kenyan cargo of 83 tonnes of fish and flowers.

"The airline will be operating a weekly flight for now, but this will be increased to twice a week in the next few months," said the Managing Director of Afrika Aviation Services (AAS) Mr Raphael Nzomo. AAS is local representative of the airline.

Singapore Airline’s General Manager for Southern and Central Africa, Mr Steven Sol, told The Standard that plans for launching passenger flights to Nairobi are in progress.

The two were speaking at a party held to mark the launch of the airline’s Nairobi flights at the Panari Hotel on Wednesday night.

Welcoming the carrier, Transport Permanent Secretary Mr Gerishon Ikiara, said Singapore offers a huge potential for horticultural exporters. "This is a blank cheque for Kenyan farmers," he said.

Transport minister Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere said the Government had pledged to grant the Singapore government "Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights", which enables the airline to pick traffic from other countries.

Mwakwere said that the Government would continue to support existing air services operators as well as facilitating new ones interested in investing in cargo or passenger services. "We are continuously reviewing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (Basas), initiating and concluding new ones," he said.

"Singapore Airlines will be accorded the support by Kenya Civil Aviation and my ministry," he added.

[Matthias Offodile]

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/press/qatarairways_logo.jpg


Qatar Airways flies into Lagos


Qatar Airways celebrated the launch of its second new route of 2007 with its inaugural flight to Nigeria's commercial capital of Lagos on March 6, 2007.


Qatar Airways' maiden flight from Doha to Lagos arrived at the city's Murtala Mohammed International Airport with the country's former soccer captain Jay Jay Okocha among passengers on the first flight.

Okocha currently plays for the Qatar League side Qatar Sports Club. The popular footballer, famous for his flamboyant style of play, and other passengers onboard QR 594 were welcomed on arrival by a Qatar Airways delegation from the airline's Lagos office.

Qatar Airways operates three-flights-a-week between its hub in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, and Lagos using the airline's state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft, in a two-class configuration of Business and Economy.

With 140 million people, Nigeria is Africa's most populated country and its main industry being petroleum and related products. Nigeria is currently one of the world's biggest oil producers. With natural oil and gas the mainstay of Qatar's economy, there are significant business and commercial interests in bridging links between both countries.

The addition of Lagos widens Qatar Airways' African network that spans the entire continent, from Casablanca in the west and Cairo in the north to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in the east and Cape Town in the south.

'Lagos is a vitally important commercial and business centre and with the strong oil and gas interests in both Qatar and Nigeria, we expect a high level of business on the route, as well as from key feeder markets of the GCC countries,'



said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker.

Lagos is destination number 72 for Qatar Airways, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, which operates scheduled flights from Doha to cities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Indian subcontinent and Far East with a modern fleet of 53 all-Airbus aircraft.

The Doha-based airline looks forward to 2007 as a year of huge expansion with non-stop scheduled services planned to several key destinations around the world, including Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, New York, Chennai, Ahmedabad and two, as yet to be announced, cities in northern and eastern Europe.

With a growing international network, Al Baker added that more travellers would have an opportunity to use Qatar Airways' brand new Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, exclusively for departing First and Business Class passengers.

The Premium Terminal features facilities such as a spa, jacuzzi, duty free, business centre and fine dining restaurants. Built in just nine months, the terminal is the world's first commercial passenger building dedicated to First and Business Class passengers.

The Doha - Lagos schedules, effective 1 March 2007 are:-

Depart Doha International Airport
Wednesday QR592 at 0730, arrive Lagos at 1320
Thursday QR594 at 1300, arrive Lagos at 1850
Sunday QR592 at 0100, arrive Lagos at 0650

Depart Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Wednesday QR593 at 1500, arrive Doha International at 2335
Thursday QR595 at 2210, arrive Doha International at 0645
Sunday QR593 at 1115, arrive Doha International at 1950

Qatar Airways operates 7 flights daily from Dubai to Doha and 5 flights daily from Abu Dhabi to Doha.

[LocoAir]

The new B767-300 OF Oceanair......It´s ready to flight between SAO-LOS.

http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/5047/b767o6nb9.jpg

[SE9]

Kenya Airways ready for Virgin entry, Naikuni insists

ABDULSAMAD ALI

Faced with serious competition on its home turf from other airlines, Kenya Airways is appealing to its clients to maintain their faith in the national carrier.

Chief executive officer Titus Naikuni said the airline was not scared of competition and called on Kenyans to be “patriotic” and remain loyal to the carrier.

He told The EastAfrican that the airline was prepared for the planned entry of Virgin Atlantic Airlines and was ready for the competition posed by the airline on the Nairobi-London route. The airline is also ready for the expected upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to a Category One airport that will accept direct links with American destinations.

He said KQ’s management has laid down strategies to counter the entrance of Virgin, whose chief executive officer Sir Richard Branson took Nairobi by storm in his initial foray to market the airline two weeks ago.

“We sat down and worked out strategies and we are ready for the competition,” he told KQ clients when he opened the company’s booking office at Nakumatt Nyali in Mombasa.

Mr Naikuni, however, did not disclose these strategies.

Virgin Atlantic has announced it will start daily direct flights from London to Nairobi, a move that could trigger a price war with British Airways.

Virgin expects to carry 100,000 people from the UK to Kenya in its first year, Sir Richard said. A second daily flight might be added if demand is high, he added.

Nairobi is Virgin’s fourth African destination. The airline already flies to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lagos.

BA and Kenya Airways currently dominate the market for direct services between the UK and Kenya.

Other airlines on the route include Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Swiss International Airlines and Qatar — all flying through their home bases.

Return fares for the flights, which begin on June 1, will start at about £385 ($750).

Kenyan Tourism Minister Morris Dzoro said the move would be a “great boost” to the country’s economy.

Mr Naikuni, however, remains optimistic that KQ will not feel the heat of Virgin’s entry because most of its business is based on transfer traffic.

“We transfer about 80 per cent traffic into and out of Africa and that is our core business,” he said.

He asked Kenyans to seek improvements where necessary. “We are your airline and we will listen to what changes you want us to implement to make your flights memorable,” he said.

Mr Naikuni said the slogan “Pride of Africa” was derived from the fact that the company had offices spread throughout the continent.

He said the airline has a major effect on the lives of Kenyans through the multiplier effect of its presence.

“By supporting KQ, you will be supporting the Kenyan economy,” he said.

Mr Naikuni said no one understands the African market better than KQ and that the airline will continue expanding.

He announced the opening of two new routes — Cotonou in Guinea and Monrovia in Liberia — as part of the strategy to strengthen the African market.

The Cotonou office will be opened in the next few days, he said, while a date was yet to be set for the Monrovia one.

“We also have plans for other routes in the continent that we cannot make public at the moment,” he said.

The charismatic marketing by Richard Branson is expected to boost tourism bookings from Britain and the US, Kenya’s source markets, where the airline flies direct.

The airline will join a host of others that fly to Britain including KQ, British Airways, SN Brussels that flies via Belgium, KLM via Amsterdam and Emirates via Dubai.

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), expects the airline to push up American arrivals in Kenya because it is one of the preferred airlines in the US and Britain. British and American tourists account for almost a quarter of total tourist arrivals.

KTB chairman Jake Grieves Cook said the airline has already started booking passengers for its flights to Kenya although it is yet to open an office in Nairobi.

“They are already receiving bookings online and we expect the airline to be a favourite due to its worldwide image as a class airline,” said Mr Cook.

“Increasing air access to Kenya is good news that we as KTB laud. We hope to increase the number of tourists visiting the country,” said Mr Cook.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation in its February newsletter says Africa, led by Kenya, has outpaced all other regions in tourism growth with almost twice the rate of global growth reaching 8.1 per cent in 2006.

This star performance was led by sub-Saharan Africa with 9.4 per cent. North Africa also ended the year above average at 5.8 per cent.

Kenya led major destinations such as South Africa and Morocco to continue to post excellent results. The country’s tourism earnings rose 15 per cent in 2006 to Ksh56.2 billion ($799.4 million) due to aggressive marketing in the existing markets and new targets in Asia. The KTB said earnings in 2005 were Ksh48.9 billion ($698.5 million).

Kenya received 1.8 million visitors in 2006, up from 1.6 million in 2005, with the largest numbers arriving from Britain, the US and Germany.

“The earnings exceeded our projected figure of Ksh53 billion ($757 million) by 5.6 per cent,” KTB managing director Ongong’a Achieng said.

[SE9]

Sudan Airways resumes Entebbe flights after two-year absence

By BARBARA AMONG
Special Correspondent

Sudan’s national carrier, Sudan Airways, has announced a resumption of services to Entebbe after a two-year absence.

Uganda Civil Aviation Authority officials say they were notified of its intention to return after the airline completed the acquisition of a new fleet.

The carrier, which was forced off the Entebbe route in May 1995 when relations between Kampala and Khartoum deteriorated, first reinstated services to Entebbe in May 2005 but withdrew the service after a few months, citing lack of capacity.

Suspension of the service, which operated via the Southern Sudan capital of Juba, left a void that has since been filled by two Ugandan operators — Royal Daisy Airlines and Eagle Air.

The airline recently announced the purchase of new aircraft — an A300, an A310 and an A320 airbus as well as a Boeing 737.

Civil Aviation Authority manager for regulation and air services Sam Muneza said the airline would resume regular operations with a tri-weekly service to Entebbe via Juba on April 1 this year.

“Sudan Airways has indicated that it will resume operations between Khartoum and Entebbe starting next month and we have already approved its flight schedules,” Mr Muneza said.

The flight from Khartoum via Juba to Entebbe will be operated with a Boeing 737. There will also be a direct flight from Khartoum to Entebbe connecting to Nairobi.

Mr Muneza said the new operations will ease transport between Uganda and Sudan, especially for traders going to Juba.

The resumption of direct flights from Entebbe to Khartoum is expected to reduce the air fare, which currently comes to about $500 because of going via Nairobi. The new fare is estimated at $450 for a return ticket.

Already, Royal Daisy flies six times a week to Sudan, while Eagle has three weekly flights.

Sudan Airways resumed flights to Kenya last year after eight years in limbo. The US imposed sanctions on Sudan in 1997, which were only removed following a peace deal signed in January 2005 ending two decades of civil war in the south. The service to Nairobi is currently operated twice a week.

International airlines are trooping back to Entebbe and increasing frequencies. KLM returned in November 2005 with three direct flights a week to Amsterdam a week.

The airline offers flights to Entebbe via Amsterdam from 16 airports in the United Kingdom. The flights from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport connect nine US and international airlines flights from 22 gateways in the US and Canada to Amsterdam with onward connections to Entebbe.

British Airways flies three times a week direct to Entebbe from Heathrow. SN Brussels also offers direct flights to Entebbe from the Belgian capital. South African Airways is also increasing its frequency to four flights a week starting this week.

The increase in flights reflects growing confidence in Uganda as a destination. Entebbe International Airport recorded the highest number of international arrivals among all entry points in Uganda in 2005 and has continued this trend to date. The airport registered 264,000 out of the total arrivals of 662,000 in 2005, an increase of 25 per cent.

Arrivals are projected to further increase this year as figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics already indicate a total of 114,409 visitors in the first quarter of 2006. Most visitors to the country last year came from Africa, which accounted for 72 per cent followed by Europe with 13 per cent.

There was an increase in visitor arrivals from all regions except Africa, which recorded a decline of 17 per cent compared with the previous year.

The tourism sector has been growing at 20 per cent annually. Uganda is fast becoming a popular tourist destination for safari holidays. A large number of UK residents with Asian or African roots have friends and family there.

[Carver02]

Good news: Obasanjo Commissions Airport Terminal Two
BY TUNJI OKETUNBI AND WOLE SHADARE
The Guardian

PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo has identified yesterday's commissioning of Terminal Two of the Lagos Airport as part of evidence that his administration's reform agenda of Public Private Partnership (PPP) is justified.

The President, who arrived at the airport in a convoy at exactly 3pm, was received by Chairman of Bi-Courtney Consortium, Dr. Wale Babalakin and his wife; the Minister of State for Air Transportation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and a horde of other dignitaries.

Obasanjo said he would continue to support Nigerians with good initiatives, and allayed fear of reversal of the project by another administration, stressing that no administration would review the privatization exercise.

"By the time I leave office in less than two months, I should be able to look back and say some of the reforms have yielded dividends," he said. "The money for this project has been sourced from consortium of banks. Those who are thinking that they can reverse our policies when they get to power are joking. Privatization reversal is a foregone conclusion, and whoever is thinking about that must be joking."

He, however, promised to assist Nigerian entrepreneurs to succeed even out of power.

Obasanjo challenged the banks to make sure that they give back to the society, in line with their corporate social responsibility.

He urged Babalakin to ensure that the project is finally completed in the next one month.

The N35 billion project is yet to be completed, with little touches and fittings still not in place.

He eulogised Babalakin's father, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin for "producing a son that has made Nigeria proud."

Fani-Kayode commended the President for his vision and encouragement for the private sector, adding that these qualities are giving Nigeria "a dream."

Babalakin, who was elated by the project, called for a minute silence in memory of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, who died in a Bellview plane crash two years ago and his late mother.

The Terminal One, in the early morning of May 10, 2000 went up in flames, thus bringing to rubbles the 32-year-old structure that had served domestic air travel.

Although no life was lost, organisations affected included the defunct Nigeria Airways, which lost its multi-million Naira VIP Lounge, constructed a year before the inferno.

Captain Dele Ore, Secretary-General of Aviation Round Table (ATR) and a former DC-10 pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, said the burnt terminal was built in 1964.

[Tbite]

Lagos Airport’s departure, arrival halls for expansion

Story by Kenneth Ehigiator
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, April 10, 2007

The federal government has given approval for the expansion of the departure and arrival halls of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
This is coming at a time the certification of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Owerri airports had begun.

Minister of State for Air Transportation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, who disclosed this at a forum in Lagos, said the proposed expansion was informed by the current congestion of both halls due to the increasing number of foreign airlines operating into the country.

“The arrival and departure halls of the Murtala Mohammed Airport are to be expanded; the present ones are congested, as more foreign airlines are coming because Nigeria is the market to be.

“The expansion and modernisation of the halls are also to ensure that departure and arrival passengers do not meet to prevent threats to safety, such as terrorism,” said Chief Fani-Kayode, who was represented by the Director-General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren.

The minister also noted that the U.S. government had agreed that as many as Nigerian airlines that can meet the required standards could fly into its territory.
According to him, government’s efforts at designating Bellview, Arik Air, Virgin Nigeria and even Okada Air on some American routes were with a view to enabling them raise the level of their operations and compete effectively with their foreign counterparts.

He said: “As many Nigerian airlines that can meet U.S. standards can fly into the America. The Federal Aviation and Administration (FAA) and Department of Transport (DoT) have agreed to this. It is now left for the airlines to justify govern-ment’s confidence in them.”

Also speaking at the forum, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Alhaji Muhammad Yusufu, said the certification of airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Owerri was in progress, adding the process would be over before the end of April.

He said the certification of all other airports in the country would be completed by April next year, just as he noted that any airport not certified by the regulatory agency (NCAA) would, henceforth, not be licensed to be used for flight operations. Alhaji Yusufu said an Independent Power Plant (IPP) was being envisaged for the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos to stave off the problem of epileptic power supply.

According to him, the project will guarantee regular electricity to power naviga-tional equipment installed at the airport.
He equally spoke of plans by government to upgrade the airfield lighting at Port Harcourt International Airport, Enugu, Owerri and Ibadan airports to category 111 certification.

[Nixoderm]

Lagos Airport’s departure, arrival halls for expansion

Story by Kenneth Ehigiator
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, April 10, 2007

How is this possible you posted this on the 9th of April???

[Tbite]

Well I posted it today(GMT plus 2), the article was written in Nigeria(GMT plus 1) so I really don't know:ohno:

[9yja]

this are old stuff or not valid...lagos is the second busiest destination in africa...re-comfirm it,i mean new released.

[SE9]

Isn't Lagos the 10th busiest? : http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=12276626&postcount=209

[GregPz]

Yes it is 10th. And 14th for international pax. There's obviously a lot of room for growth.

[Tbite]

I don't even think Lagos has ever being second.

[9yja]

Isn't Lagos the 10th busiest? : http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=12276626&postcount=209

this is not an authourised fact.

[GregPz]

It comes from the Airports Council International which represents all the world's major airports. So yes it actually is an authorised fact.

[SE9]

KLM to deploy a bigger jet on Nairobi route

By Brian Adero

The Air France and KLM Group will replace their Boeing 777 on the Nairobi route with a wider Boeing 747 – 400 aircraft during this year’s summer schedule.

The groups say it has increased long haul capacity this year by 5.4 per cent compared with last summer, and by 4.3 per cent on the medium haul network. Capacity from Europe to Latin America will increase by 11.4 per cent and Asia up by 7.3 per cent, and to North America by 10.1 per cent. In a statement, the Group’s Media Relations Manager, Mr Bart Koster, says Africa will see a lesser increase capacity, up 3.1 per cent.

A Boeing 767 aircraft, which has been operating on the Abuja — Kano and Entebbe routes, has been replaced by an Airbuss A330. Entebbe will see an increase of frequencies from three times to five times weekly. The capacity to the Middle East and the French Caribbean and Indian Ocean networks will undergo the usual seasonal adjustments. "KLM and Air France continue their policy of growing the number of destinations and the amount of capacity in emerging markets like China, India and South America," said Koster. The number of weekly KLM return flights to China will increase to 34, including seven code share flights with partner China Southern from Amsterdam to Beijing and Guangzhou. This is the third consecutive season that KLM has expanded frequencies to China. "Together with Air France the weekly number of flights to China will expand to 69, which is more than any other European airline group," Koster said.

Through its successful transatlantic joint venture with North West Airlines, KLM will drastically increase the number of destinations and flight frequencies on the routes. New flights will be introduced between Amsterdam and Hertford, between Detroit and Brussels and between Detroit and Dusseldolf.

Northwest Airlines will also double the number of flights to be operated with Northwest’s B757 aircraft in a special transatlantic two-class configuration.

Increases on Los Angeles and Boston routes include an early morning departure from Amsterdam, offering a good connection for passengers arriving from the Middle East, deploys a bigger jet for route to Nairobi

[SE9]

Kenya Airways: A rising star in aviation skies of the world

http://www.etravelblackboard.com/images/etc/63599a.jpg
Kenya Airways Far East Area Manager Julius Thairu

Africa is a rising destination on the world travel map today, so it is no surprise when we hear that Kenya Airways has been seeing increasing success in the Australian travel market in the recent months. When speaking to e-Travel Blackboard, Kenya Airways Far East Area Manager Julius Thairu said that Australia was one of the biggest growth markets for 2006.

In fact, the exact word that was used by Thairu was “phenomenal”. Only a year after a GSA was introduced into the Australian market, the results have been outstanding. The 25 per cent growth in sales over 2006 have made Australia the third biggest growth market for one of the best and most respected airline companies in Africa.

This is most likely because of Kenya Airways’ policy of operating to the niche regions of Africa. Australians should not be mistaken by the fact that the airline will only operate to its namesake in a continent of many countries. As Thairu said: “Discover Africa with Kenya Airways.” They do not only fly into Africa to their capital hub, Nairobi; they ferry holiday makers, missionaries and aid workers throughout the continent to under serviced destinations such as Sudan, Mali and Malawi.

“We offer one of the biggest networks within Africa and we pride ourselves as an operator to the niche markets of the continent,” explained Thairu. “All-in-all, we fly to 33 regional destinations and have the aim to eventually fly to every point in Africa.”

But what Thairu continually reinforces is the fact that their extensive network is world-class and Kenya Airways is working towards being recognised as an international carrier in the global aviation industry.

“Perception is something that we have to continually fight,” explained Thairu. “Many people think that because we are an African carrier, we do not operate with the highest international standards. What they don’t realise is that we were voted to have the fourth best in-flight product by Skytraks and we have one of the widest lie-flat beds in our business/first class.”

Another significant factor that easily puts Kenya Airways in the category of international carrier is its success in implementing the IATA plan for 100 per cent e-ticketing in all global carriers by 2008. “We are all e-ticket compliant,” Thairu proudly said.

But what really puts Kenya Airways in the league of international travel is the fact that it has just recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SkyTeam; it is expected that they will come into full membership with the international airline alliance by June.

With such great plans, Kenya Airways is an airline that will be expected to make huge waves in the future. As Thairu said in reference to the Australian market: “It is showing great progress but there is definitely a need for more to be done.” This is why it is already in talks with the Australian government to gain the rights to fly into Australian airspace. This can be paired with the plans for the carrier to introduce a number of Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners by 2010 to not only replace the Boeing 767s operating on existing routes, but also to operate in other “interesting long-haul routes”.

Kenya Airways’ plans for expansion are highly exciting for the global aviation community. “As Africa opens up to the world,” concluded Thairu, “We want the world to accept Kenya Airways as a preferred carrier. We want people to think Kenya Airways when they think Africa.”

[SE9]

Economic growth in Kenya stimulating competition within aviation industry

Written By:Judith Akolo. , Posted: Mon, Apr 16, 2007

Economic growth in the country is stimulating competition within the aviation industry.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority - KCAA Director General Chris Kuto says most companies are now trying to protect their tuffs from competition.

He however said that the Authority will not decline to issue licenses to aviation companies that fulfill the required criteria for registration.

Speaking after the Air Services Committee Meeting at the East Africa School of Aviation, which was giving presentations on licensing of new carriers in the country, Kuto said public entities like the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Pipeline Company which own aircrafts should be allowed by industry players to compete for the same market.

Kuto said in order to achieve the goals set by the Vision 2030; public institutions ought to have an opportunity to participate in income generating activities as long as they do it within the stipulated requirements.

South African Airways Regional Manager Aaron Munetsi was taken to task to explain why South Africa was not reciprocating by allowing Kenya Airways to also operate unscheduled flights into the country yet they were asking Kenya to relax its own to accommodate them.

Stakeholders insisted that they should not be given unfair competition by companies who do not have a clear mandate on the business they want to conduct in the aviation industry in the country.

Meanwhile, Growth in the aviation industry in the country is expected to triple once the airports expansion and renovations are completed.

Speaking in Nairobi, Transport Permanent Secretary Gerishon Ikiara says runaways and terminals of major airports and airstrips will be expanded to accommodate larger aircrafts.

Airport expansion started at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last year is expected to be completed next year and will increase capacity by two- and- a half.

Ikiara says airports in major towns across the country are also being refurbished. Those earmarked for expansion include Kisumu, Moi International Airport, Malindi, Lamu, and Isiolo airstrip. At Wilson airport, and Wajir airstrip a new runaway and fence will be constructed to boost the security.

State Information Technology Agency Sales Director in Africa Sam Munda said Kenya Airways will soon start using Voice over Internet Protocol-VoIP to send and receive both data and voice as opposed to telephone lines to reduce the airline's cost of operation

[icosium]

AIR ALGERIE 3 COMPANY IN AFRICA

Air Algérie is the national flag carrier airline of Algeria. Based in Algiers, the airline is the third-largest in Africa (behind South African Airways and Egyptair) , carrying over 7.5 million passengers a year. It now flies thirteen Next-Generation Boeing 737, making it one of the largest operators of that model type in North Africa. Its fleet includes four Boeing 737-600 and ten Boeing 737-800. Another 2 Boeing 737-800 joined the fleet in August 2006.

Air Algerie offers flights to Europe and West Africa, as well as the Middle East and the Gulf Region. It operates domestic and international services, and charter, air taxi and agricultural flights. Air Algérie operates services from Algiers to the major business centers of Annaba, Constantine and Oran. Services also fly from Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Annaba, to less important commercial centers and gateway oases such as Ghardaia and Ouargla, as well as important oil towns such as In Amenas and Hassi Messaoud.

Air Algerie is in the process of becoming a member of the SkyTeam Airline alliance by late 2007. Bilateral codesharing, frequent flyer and lounge agreements with each of the SkyTeam carriers must be in placebefore it can meet the alliance's membership requirements



Aigle Azur
Alitalia
Air Canada
Air France
Air China
Air India
Air Malta
British Airways
China Airlines
Delta Air Lines
EgyptAir
Ethiopian Airlines
Iberia Airlines
Japan Airlines
KLM
Kuwait Airways
Libyan Airways
Lufthansa
Olympic Airlines
Qantas
Qatar Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Spanair
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Portugal
Thai Airways International
Tunisair
United Airlines


New Routes
Air Algérie will start non-stop service to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport from Algiers-Houari Boumedienne Airport with 2 weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays, using an Airbus A330-200. The flights will start on June 15, 2007.
Air Algérie will start non-stop service to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport from Algiers-Houari Boumedienne Airport with 1 weekly flights on Tuesday, using an Airbus A330-200. The flights will start on november, 2007.
Air Algérie will start non-stop service to Beijing International Airport from Algiers-Houari Boumedienne Airport with 2 weekly flights on Monday and Saturday, using an Airbus A330-200. The flights will start on september, 2007.

[SE9]

Wajir Airport expansion Complete
By Brian Adero

Wajir airstrip upgrade is complete.

President Kibaki is expected to reopen the facility for use by the end of this month, Transport Permanent Secretary Dr Gerrishon Ikiara has said.

"The President is expected to open the airport towards the end of this month, we are only waiting for the head of Civil Service, Mr Francis Muthaura, to set the date," he said.

Once opened, he said, the airport would be one of the best with state-of-the-art equipment.

"The airport will accommodate bigger aircraft, the runway is 2.8km," the PS said.

The runway is longer than that of the Kisumu and Wilson airports. He said the facility meets requirements by International Civil Aviation Organisation.

"We are targeting international airlines from Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan whom we hope will make good use of the airport," the PS said.

The contractor has handed over the airport to the project committee, which Ikiara chaired. Ogle Construction Limited did the job for Sh140 million.

Just like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport, Wajir will be used by both the Airforce and civilian aircraft.

"I urge the civilian airlines to make use of Wajir Airport because it is safe.

The security arrangements are in place," Ikiara said.

It will facilitate trade between Kenya and Somalia being used to feed JKIA and other airports, the official said.

Ikiara told The Standard the upgrading of Wajir airport, Malindi, Kisumu and Ukunda airstrips were some of the facilities in the performance contract of his Ministry.

"We want to de-congest Wilson Airport.

All the airlines flying Wilson will be flying to Wajir in two weeks time."

Last year, the Government slapped a ban on cargo planes from Wilson Airport flying to Mogadishu after the Islamic Courts Union took control of sections of the country, raising insecurity fears.

Fly540’s Mr Nixon Ooko hailed the upgrade, saying it offers pastoralits an opportunity to sell more animals to the Kenya Meat Commission.

[SE9]

Kenya Airways resumes flights to DR Congo

By Brian Adero

Kenya Airways (KQ) has resumed flights to Southern Democratic Republic of Congo after a nine-day suspension last month to allow for repair of the runway at Lubumbashi Airport.

Mr Michael Okwiri, the airline’s marketing and communications manager, said the flights will be on Mondays and Saturdays through Harare, Zimbabwe.

"We will operate a circular KQ 426 on Mondays and Saturdays via Harare," he said in a statement.

KQ will fly a Boeing 737 that with a capacity of 16 business-class passengers and another 100 in the economy class.

Okwiri said the return flight from Lubumbashi is scheduled to depart at 1250 hrs (local time), arriving in Nairobi at 1625hrs. The return flight on Wednesday will depart from Lubumbashi at 0950 hrs arriving in Nairobi at 1600hrs.

The airline will also operate a direct flight to Lubumbashi on Wednesdays departing at 0950hrs.

Okwiri said the resumption of the flights on this route is meant to significantly benefit air passengers traveling to both Europe and Asia through Nairobi.

On March 22, KQ announced it would suspend its flights to Lubumbashi for 13 days to allow the runway renovation.

[SE9]

Battle for the Kenyan skies
April 19, 2007
By Peter Thatiah

Industry faces tough test as airlines seek strategic expansion

http://www.eastandard.net/images/thursday/tm190407.jpg
The Britain-based Virgin Atlantic airline comes at a time when most of the local airlines are either on a grand route expansion or major restructuring exercises. KQ recently added Liberia and Benin to its route schedule.

The touted entrance into the golden age of the local airline industry is just about to face its toughest test so far or, depending on which side of the hill you view it from, its most ringing endorsement yet.

With estimated annual earnings of the local airline industry now scaling towards an unprecedented Sh20 billion mark, coupled with the entrance of Virgin Atlantic Airlines just in a month’s time, the dice can roll either way.

The maiden Virgin Atlantic flight, an Airbus A340-300 with 240 seats on board in which 34 are upper class and 35 premium economy with the rest 171 in the economy class, arrives in Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from London’s Heathrow at 06.05hrs on June 1, 2007.

The premier airline will be running daily shuttles between Nairobi and London before rolling out what founder Richard Branson has called a strategic network soon after.

If the figures of both the local industry’s earnings and flight volume are promising, then projection figures offer glittering prospects. Already, more than 500,000 passengers are flying direct into the Nairobi hub annually.

The Kenya Tourism Board projects the number of tourists coming to Kenya to peak at five million by 2012. When you put into the fare the growing stature of Nairobi as an international conference centre, coupled with a booming economy that is spurring international travel by the local population, the picture cannot get rosier.

But just what threat does Virgin Atlantic pose to the airlines already established in the country? There has been mixed reactions from the major players in Kenya, with the biggest number opting to remain noncommittal.

But when the pros and cons have been settled, vague as they may be at the moment, industry analysts are unanimous that something unique is happening in the local airline industry.

Major restructuring exercises

Mr John Mmweywa, the Operations Manager of the locally-owned Aero Kenya, says: "For domestic and regional fliers like us, who are the majority of the airlines in the local scene, the entrance of the Virgin Atlantic Airlines is good news.

Since the newcomer is strictly long-haul, it means it will be the opening of another window of opportunity for us. It is one more long-hauler from where we can in return get connecting passengers."

The Britain-based airline comes at a time when most of the local airlines are either on a grand route expansion or major restructuring exercises.

Kenya Airways, which controls up to 60 per cent of the local industry’s pie, has been the most ambitious so far in route expansion in the recent past with a raft of new direct routes to Europe and the Great Lakes region.

Daallo Airlines, which has in the recent past dominated the cargo hauls to the volatile Horn of Africa region, is also in the process of an expansion programme of its Nairobi office, a sign that the airlines’ Country Director, Mrs Perveen Cocker, says are the regional airline’s perception to the importance of the Nairobi hub.

The latest entrant into the expansion race is the industry’s new kid on the block: fly540.com. Barely half an year since it was established in Nairobi, fly540.com will start flying to regional destinations beginning September 2007.

Already, the nascent player in the local scene has caused a stir in the local aviation industry with the introduction of their concept of low-cost domestic flights. Mr Nixon Ooko, the airline’s operations director, says the low-cost flights were never an introductory offer, as has been suggested before, but that it is their policy and it is there to stay.

The airline will fly to Kampala, Dar-es-Salaam, Juba and Kinshasa, posing competition to Kenya Airways, which has several flights on the routes.

Serving the world’s most lucrative routes

According to Mmweywa, with virtually no airlines currently based in Kinshasa and Juba, still deemed insecure by airline investors, and with Kampala and Dar-es-Salaam increasingly depending on Nairobi for connection flights, the airlines serving the regional routes are bracing themselves for any boom to be occasioned by the introduction of the Virgin Atlantic Airlines.

With 27 destinations worldwide (three of which are already established in Africa) and with a route to Chicago in April next year and Mauritius in October 2007, Virgin Atlantic is not new in Africa.

Indeed, according to a past interview with Amanda Wills, the Managing Director of Virgin Holidays, a subsidiary of the airline, Kenya has been in their pipeline for quite some time now.

She says: "Virgin Holidays has offered holidays to Kenya in our worldwide brochure for a number of years and it has always proved popular with our customers.

Now that Virgin Atlantic will be offering direct flights, we are sure that demand will grow." From its inception, Virgin Atlantic has always made it clear that it is not in the business of global domination of routes.

The airline’s concept has been that of exclusively serving the world’s most lucrative routes. Bulk has held little resonance for the airline. Class has been the airline’s forte.

Henceforth, in the face of this competition, industry analysts are of the view that long-haul flights flying to and from Kenya will have to give a critical look-see on the onboard service front.

When Virgin Atlantic started operations in 1984, one of its main competitors in the lucrative transatlantic route was British Airways.

What irked the British national carrier was the version of its bold interior design, then considered outrageous in the conservative industry dominated by national carriers.

Today, what it started has over the years become the rule rather than the exception. Among a raft of coveted awards it won last year included "The Best Business Class Airline".

The onboard frills of the premier airline’s aircraft, which read like an opera script, might be worthy food for thought for the local airlines: "Virgin Atlantic’s new upper class suite consists of a reclining leather seats for takeoff, a place to sit and eat a three-course meal opposite your partner, the longest fully flat bed in the world and a proper mattress for sleeping on, a private onboard bar to drink at with your friends, a private massage zone and four limousines per return trip — all at a price thousands of pounds less than the airline’s first class. The upper class experience also includes drive-thru check-in, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, among others.

[SE9]

Malaysia, Kenya Agree To Establish Direct Air Links

From S. Retna

NAIROBI (KENYA), April 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Kenya have agreed in principle to create direct air linkages between their capital cities Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Wednesday.

The prime minister said the agreement was reached during a meeting between him and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Wednesday morning.

"If we are to boost trade and ties between the two countries, it was agreed that we would need to have direct air linkages. I spoke to the president about it and he agreed.

"And now we are leaving it to the respective airlines to work out some mechanism to make this a reality," he told a news conference after the Malaysia-Kenya Business Forum luncheon here.

Abdullah is on a two-day official visit to Kenya, which began yesterday. It is part of his whirlwind eight-day tour of three African nations, namely Sudan, Kenya and Namibia.

Elaborating, Abdullah said he would inform Malaysia Airlines of the government's proposal and then "we would let the companies talk".

It is likely that Kenya Airways, which now flies to Bangkok, would be involved in the negotiations.

"This is something we require if we want more contacts among the people and for business and joint-ventures between the two countries to flourish.

"Moreover, we want more Kenyan students to come to Malaysia to further their studies. This (direct air links) would make it easier for us to attract these potential students," he said.

Currently, there are about 600 Kenyans pursuing their studies at various public and private institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

Abdullah also announced the setting up of a Malaysia-Kenya Joint Commission which would meet at least once a year.

He said the commission would be tasked to implement and oversee matters that had been agreed upon by the two nations and help sort out problems that would crop up from time to time.

"These can be issues pertaining to business set-ups to immigration matters. We have also agreed that our High Commissions be used by the joint commission to settle matters instead of waiting for the annual joint commission meeting," he said.

On another matter, Abdullah said Malaysia would find a way to make it easier for Kenyans to obtain student visas.

"The authorities in Kenya are concerned about the various checks and the time taken for these students to get a Malaysian visa," Abdullah added.

Earlier, he attended a bilateral meeting between the Malaysian and Kenyan delegations and witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding, namely on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and Planning and Implementation of Road Projects.

He will also attend a high tea with members of the Malaysian community in Kenya before attending a state banquet tonight.

Thursday morning, Abdullah will leave for the famous Maasai Mara game reserve in the Serengeti plains before leaving for Namibia in the afternoon.

[nai guy]

KQ set to acquire spacious brazilian jets

KQ set to acquire spacious brazilian jets

Written by Wangui Maina

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/guok7/bd-jet.jpgKenya Airways (KQ) is set to introduce three new planes on its domestic and medium-haul routes from next month.

The E170 models made by Brazilian jet-maker Embraer, will replace the Saab 340As to serve mostly domestic and regional routes, including Kisumu, Mombasa, Dar-es- Salaam and Kigali.

The national carrier will double its capacity on these routes, with 72 seats on the E170 compared to the 35-seater Saab jet.

The airline also seeks to give fliers a more comfortable ride with the spacious aircraft.

With domestic and African air travel growing, KQ has been pushing into the region and the wider African continent.

In third quarter results, released earlier this year, KQ recorded 13 per cent passenger growth on African routes from the previous year, with 319,514 seats sold.

In its last annual report for 2005-2006, the airline recorded five per cent passenger growth on East African routes and 25 per cent more traffic in Kenyan air travel.

The airline will be taking the second and third deliveries of the jets in June, 2007.

It has leased them from General Electric Commercial Aviation Services (Gecas), which is the commercial aircraft financing and leasing business of General Electric. Gecas owns a fleet of 1,400 aircraft, which it has leased to more than 200 airlines.

Titus Naikuni, the managing director of KQ, said the E170 was chosen after thorough technical and operational evaluation.

The airline is the first in sub-Saharan Africa to introduce an Embraer into its family.

It has been known to set trends, having been the first airline in Africa to purchase the Boeing 777 that is currently serving more regional routes on the continent compared to its competitors Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlines.

Last November, at the signing ceremony for the new jets, Embraer’s executive vice-president, Frederico Fleury Curado, said KQ had made a strategic move that would enable it to penetrate an “enviable and promising market.”

The Embraer Jets mainly cater for an emerging 70 to 110-seat capacity segment in the industry, mainly catering for domestic and medium-haul flights compared to the long haul planes mainly served by the Boeing and Airbus models.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets in the smaller segment, with 37 years experience in the industry.

It is one of Brazil’s leading exporters.

[zexyworm]

McTighe: Turning Arik Air into Nigeria’s largest carrier
By Brendan Sobie

When Mike McTighe received a call from a head hunter in early 2006 asking him if he was interested in working for a Nigerian start-up, he hesitated. McTighe recalls looking up Nigeria on bbc.com and cnn.com and his first thoughts were “no way”.

“But then I met the principal and was impressed with his vision on what he was doing for Nigerian aviation,” says McTighe, who served as Arik’s chief operating officer for seven months before becoming managing director shortly after its October 2006 launch. “Nigeria is not nearly as bad as what you read.”

Just over a year later, McTighe has successfully led Arik Air through the start-up phase and is now leading the carrier through a period of ambitious expansion. In this quarter alone, Arik’s fleet will swell from eight to 16 aircraft, which McTighe says will make Arik the largest airline in Nigeria in terms of fleet size, overtaking AeroContractors. As Arik expands into long-haul services, with a Lagos-London Heathrow service slated to be launched in August, McTighe expects Arik will also soon pass Virgin Nigeria as the country’s largest carrier in terms of overall traffic.

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Arik was founded by Nigerian entrepreneur J.I.A. Arumemi-Johnson, also the carrier’s chairman, with a vision to give Nigerians a safe and reliable carrier. Nigeria has one of the worst air safety records in the world and most of its domestic carriers operate ageing aircraft and are not known for their punctuality. Arumemi-Johnson promised to reverse this trend by operating new aircraft and a reliable schedule.

“We want to deliver on our promises,” McTighe says. “We said last year we’d bring in new airplanes and we have. We say we’ll bring in more new aircraft and we will.”

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Above photo: A brand-new 737-700 in Arik colors is rolled out in Seattle.

Winning the hearts and minds
Arik quickly captured the attention of the Nigerian public when it ordered last May three CRJ900s from Bombardier. “At the moment that is the flagship aircraft in Nigeria,” McTighe says. “It is the first new aircraft in Nigeria in some time. People want to see it. We always open a new route with the CRJ900.”

Arik also acquired two 737-300s prior to its launch. But these will eventually be replaced with new-generation 737s and on 26 April Arik is taking delivery of two 737-700s, the first new Boeing aircraft that any carrier in Nigeria has received in two decades.

The 737-700s are part of a major fleet expansion programme. At the end of March Arik had eight aircraft – two owned 737-300s, three owned CRJ900s, two wet-leased Bomardier Dash 8 Q300s and one wet-leased Fokker 50. Earlier this month it added a fourth new CRJ900 andnext month it will take delivery of three dry-leased second-hand CRJ200s. In May and June it will also add two more wet-leased Q300s.

Adding eight aircraft in only three months may seem crazy for an airline that is less than one year old but McTighe responds: “The demand here is such that even with 16 aircraft we’re still under pressure because customers are demanding more services.”

Port Hardcourt demand
He says demand is highest on services to Port Hardcourt, which are averaging a 92.5% load factor. Arik is now the only carrier serving the city because its fleet of wet-leased turboprops are able to access Port Hardcourt’s small military airstrip while the main international airport is closed. A generator fire and runway safety issues forced Nigerian authorities to close the international airport last year. “Within a month we were able to get turboprops and begin operations [at the military airport],” McTighe says. “It shows how quickly we can react to a given situation. We initially said we wouldn’t operate turboprops but this opportunity came up and this is a lifeline for Nigeria.”

McTighe says Port Hardcourt International will not re-open until early next year, after the runway is resurfaced and a new terminal is constructed. In the meantime, Arik plans to take advantage of the fact it is the only carrier currently serving Port Hardcourt by doubling capacity on the Lagos and Abuja routes and launching a service to Calabar. Arik is now turning away passengers at Port Hardcourt because it cannot accommodate all of them on the three turboprops currently supplied by Dutch carrier Denim Air, which will also supply the two additional Q300s.

“The booking process in Nigeria is totally different,” McTighe says. “Nigerians look up the timetables to see who flies when and they just show up at the airport with a bag of cash.”

McTighe acknowledges the rest of Arik’s network is not doing as well, with a network-wide average load factor of only 54.5%. But McTighe says this figure is respectable given the intense competition on domestic trunk routes and he is confident Arik’s plans for schedule improvements and frequency enhancements will win over more customers and push up its load factor. “We’re quite pleased with [54%]. A lot of customers have moved over from other carriers and the market is telling us they want more frequencies,” he says.
And Arik has the cash to continue expanding until it breaks even, which according to its business plan will happen in the third-quarter of the third year. Arumemi-Johnson’s Ojemai investment firm owns the entire airline with backing from two major Nigerian banks. “He’ll be able to back us up all the way,” McTighe says, adding the carrier is capitalised at $5 billion.

The carrier is now investing in a new maintenance complex which will see construction of a large widebody hangar begin in May and be completed in 2009. Its initial hangar and headquarters building, which is not large enough to accommodate all 466 of its employees, was acquired last year from the assets of defunct flag carrier Nigerian Airways.

Arik is also investing in new widebody aircraft. In January Arik signed a contract with Boeing for three 787s, two 777-200ERs and two 777-200LRs. The order will be formally announced later this week in Seattle in conjunction with the delivery of its first two 737-700s.
McTighe says the 787s will be used primarily for London, the 777-200ERs for a Houston service and the 777-200LRs for a possible Los Angeles service. All four 777s are now slated for delivery in 2011, with the 787s to follow in 2014. But Arik is interested in accelerating all the deliveries. “Seven years is a long time in the aviation industry. You never know who will get rid of their slots,” McTighe says.
Long-haul routes
Arik is not even waiting seven months to expand into long-haul routes. It aims to launch in August a daily service to London, its first-long-haul route, with a wet-leased Airbus A330-200. Arik won access to Heathrow in December as part of a new UK-Nigeria bilateral. McTighe says Arik also seeks to launch flights to Houston before the end of this year using a wet-leased A340-500 and flights to the Middle East and South Africa in 2008 with a second wet-leased A330-200.

The two 737-700s will be used in June to launch Arik’s first international services, to Accra, Dakar and Duala in western Africa. Over the next three years, Arik plans to add up to another seven regional international routes within Africa. Its business plan also envisions 737-800s operating thin long-haul routes to destinations in continental Europe such as Brussels, Madrid and Milan. Domestically, Arik’s network will expand from eight to 12 destinations in May, with the newly acquired CRJ200s opening up thin domestic routes.

McTighe initially joined Arik in March 2006 on a six-month chief operating officer contract. “My job was to build the airline, get an air operators certificate and launch the airline,” he says. After Arik successfully commenced services, McTighe decided to stay on and was promoted to managing director on 1 November 2006 after initial managing director Alex Van Elk left the company.

McTighe is no stranger to start-ups. The Scotsman was on the launch team at UK leisure carrier Britannia Airways, where he worked 18 years, as well as at Berlin-based Britannia Germany, where he served as managing director for two years. Britannia is now part of TUI.
After a consulting stint, McTighe launched Air Atlanta Icelandic UK subsidiary Air Atlanta Europe, where he worked for 18 months and served as managing director. After another consulting stint he went to Ryanair, where he served as the Stansted-based deputy flight operations director for one year before he was offered the job at Lagos-based Arik.

“I really enjoy living here,” he says. “Yes it is hard work – the weather is hot, there are sandstorms, there are birds around the airport and the pavement isn’t good. [But] it gets in your blood. It feels like home now.”

[Tbite]

^^ Great News, I expect Arik Air along with Nicon Airways, to break Nigeria's Aviation Jinx:)

[SE9]

Brussels Airlines launches extra flight to Nairobi

Story by NATION Correspondent and Agencies
Publication Date: 2007/04/26

Brussels Airlines has launched an extra flight to Nairobi, bringing its service to six flights a week.

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Kenya Tourist Board Chairman Jake Grieves-Cook (left) with Brussels Airlines country manager, Philippe Saeys-Desmedt during the launch.

Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) chairman Jake Grieves-Cook said the additional flight would increase the number of tourists into the country, through the airline to 80,000 annually. “The increase in frequency ties very well with our promotion activities by bringing more visitors into our country,” he said during the airline’s briefing in Nairobi.

The extra sixth-weekly flight operates on Sunday and is expected to link Kenyan businesses with Europe through Brussels.

Brussels Airlines regional manager Philippe Saeys-Desmedt said the extra flight reflected the increasing demand for travel to Kenya from Benelux countries— Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

“Coming as it does just a few months after our $12 million (Sh828 million) in-flight upgrade, which included flatbeds in business class, it demonstrates our commitment to offering the best service to our services to and from Kenya,” he said.

Brussels Airlines formed November 7, 2006 from the merger between SN Brussels Airlines – the largest full service Belgian airline – and Virgin Express, the first of the European low cost airlines.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s 2007 tourism earnings are seen rising by 6.8 per cent to 60 billion shillings, thanks to expectations of more than one million foreign arrivals this year, Grieves-Cook said.

Tourism was the highest earner in 2006 for the country famous for its sandy beaches and wildlife safaris. “This year, for the first time, we will have over a million visitors flying into our two main airports,” he added.

He said there were 954,000 arrivals in 2006. “Earnings will be 60 billion Kenya shillings, it’s moving up. Tourism gives us a huge opportunity here.”

The industry brought in 56.2 billion shillings in 2006 after years of decline following terrorist attacks in 1998 and 2002. “A few years ago, we were seeing airlines going out of Kenya, now we are seeing airlines come back to Kenya and that is a very welcome move,” he said.

[icosium]

Tassili Airlines of Algeria Orders Four Bombardier Q200 Airliners

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 20, 2007 -- Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Tassili Airlines of Algiers, Algeria has placed a firm order for four 35-seat Bombardier Q200 turboprop aircraft.

The value of the contract based on the list price for the Q200 aircraft is approximately $74 million US.

This order for Q200 aircraft follows the announcement on July 31, 2006 of Tassili Airlines' order for four 74-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Tassili will be the first operator of Q400 and Q200 aircraft in Algeria.

Tassili Airlines, a subsidiary of the Sonatrach State Energy Group, will initially transport workers to several oil fields in Algeria. It plans to add domestic and international scheduled airline service within the next few years.

"The Q200 and the Q400 airliners will perform different roles," said Capt. Rachid Nouar, Managing Director, Tassili Airlines. "The Q400 airliners will fly between Algiers and the oilfields in southern Algeria, while the Q200 aircraft will shuttle workers on shorter flights between the southern oilfields. We chose the Q200 turboprop because of its family commonality with the Q400 airliner. The Common Crew Qualification between the two aircraft will give us great operational flexibility."

"We are gratified that Tassili Airlines has shown confidence in Bombardier regional aircraft by placing this order so soon after ordering the Q400 airliner," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "The Q400 and Q200 aircraft will complement each other very well in the Tassili operation