Somali Aviation Industry and News ✈

[Constantine MMX]

This topic's intention is to discuss the growing airline industry serving Somalia and the wider region, and everything related to it, for example; new airports, runway expansions and new domestic & foreign destinations etc. Ideally news updates should be current or recent, but for informational purposes old news(a few years back) is welcome.

Background:

Prior to the civil war, Somalia had only one national airline, Somali Airlines, that serviced the entire country. Due to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Somali people and a lack of strict regulatory frameworks, by 1997, up to 14 private airline firms operating 62 aircraft were offering commercial flights to international locations. With competitively priced flight tickets, these companies have helped buttress Somalia's bustling trade networks. -Wiki

Prominent Somali airline companies currently active in the region:

Jubba Airways


Daallo Airlines


Air Somalia


Mudan Airlines
image hosted on flickr


Two new ones:

Himilo Airlines


Osob Airline


If the much anticipated comeback of Somali Airlines is materialised, it would return to a whole different playing field from the one it used to dominate:

The airline no longer operates because of a civil war in Somalia. In 2005 there were rumours that Somali businessmen had bought a Boeing 747-400. Later that year the plane was spotted at Roissy/Charles de Gaulle airport in France. On the defunct airline's website it says that the "white star service will be back soon. - Wiki

[G.O.E.T.I.A]

[Constantine MMX]

Aden Adde Airport

Dubai’s SKA signs deal to manage Mogadishu airport

By Shane McGinley Wednesday, 29 December 2010 12:17 PM

A source at SKA described conditions at Mogadishu airport as 'challenging
Dubai-based SKA Air & Logistics is to take over the management of Somalia’s Mogadishu international airport, a source at the company said on Tuesday.

The ten-year contract is understood to include management of the terminals, screening and passenger security.

“We have not formally taken over at this stage but in few weeks’ time we will be taking over management of the airport,” an unnamed company manager told AFP.

SKA Air & Logistics, which has offices in Dubai, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, was approached by the Somali government to bid for the contract. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Operating in Somalia is “challenging for the time being but as we go along hopefully things will improve,” the source said.

The logistics firm is also understood to be in the running for a contract to manage Mogadishu sea port.

The airport, known as Aden Adde airport after a previous Somali president, operates flights to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Djibouti and the Somali cities of Berbera, Galcaio and Hargeisa. - Source

[Ayatulahi]

You Forgot Xorriya Airways http://www.somaliweyn.com/reklam/Xor...a_Airland.html











http://www.somaliweyn.com/reklam/Xor...a_Airland.html

[Constantine MMX]

Bosaso Airport


Gedo Airport


Hargeisa Airport


Visit the General Construction topic for more info on these projects.

[Constantine MMX]

East African Safari resumes Somalia flights

East African Safari Air Express has resumed flights on some of its routes following suspension of its operations last month.

The Kenya-based airline, which shut down operations for about three weeks and sent workers on leave, is said to have given up two BAE 146s it acquired from South Africa following a disagreement.

Upon its brief withdrawal from the market, local airlines were quick to capture market share especially to Somalia where the East African has been a major player.

Jetlink launched a flight to Haregeisa, Somalia, filling the vacuum left.

It is on this route that the troubled airline has resumed flights.

Last month, the airline sent out a notice to workers and clients notifying them of the suspension. - Source

[BUTEMBO21]

Not Surprised. But fantastic news.

[Xusein]

Great topic with great contributions!

I feel as though the situation is better today than in the past with a monopoly airline. And the current politics makes it easier for homegrown airlines to gain share and have the power of economies of scale once foreign airlines come in.

[abesha]

Great job Constantine. You really have interesting topics.

I can't find pics, but when I search for Somali airlines, I found Damal Air, Punt Air and Inter-Somalia. Are they still there?

[BUTEMBO21]

Originally Posted by Xusein

Great topic with great contributions!

I feel as though the situation is better today than in the past with a monopoly airline. And the current politics makes it easier for homegrown airlines to gain share and have the power of economies of scale once foreign airlines come in.

This is why i love market economy which allows people to run things. Private = Ambitions, competitions = growth, innovation = equals competitive salary, just sweet.

[kgl]

Nice, good idea. East African Safari ceased its flights, in December 2010. Fly540 (Kenya) bought East African Safari.

[Constantine MMX]

Originally Posted by abesha

Great job Constantine. You really have interesting topics.

I can't find pics, but when I search for Somali airlines, I found Damal Air, Punt Air and Inter-Somalia. Are they still there?

They together with Gallad Airlines and ASI, have been outcompeted by the larger airline companies, Punt-Air however is a new airline serving the Puntland region, here is a good site; link. It would be wiser for the smaller players to unite themselves into a conglomerate-type of airline company for them to stand a chance against Jubba-Airways or Daallo, aswell as the regional carriers.

Edit: Inter-Somalia might still be active.

[Ras Siyan]

Nice thread Constantine, your contributions as interesting as always!

I love how vibrant the private sector in Somalia is, really amazing how it all goes smoothly in such an environment. At least when a strong central state is reestablished, this dynamic private sector will contribute for the economic growth.

[abesha]

Originally Posted by Ras Siyan

Nice thread Constantine, your contributions as interesting as always!

I love how vibrant the private sector in Somalia is, really amazing how it all goes smoothly in such an environment. At least when a strong central state is reestablished, this dynamic private sector will contribute for the economic growth.

This is something Somalis have to staunchly protect when central control is reestablished. The current free market plus federalism is the way to go.
If a central government puts too many restrictions, then it will stifle business.


Thanks for the info Constantine.

[Constantine MMX]

They are far to rooted in the new Somalia of today for any future government to start meddling in their affairs, since these companies from various sectors are also important humanitarians, and their multiple different services have made life easier for the average Somali person, this won't be forgotten, and any future central government that makes things difficult for the companies is automatically making things difficult for the masses, which would result in the loss of support for that government = political suicide.

By the time central rule is re-established in this decade, these private companies will be much more powerful and larger because they are growing fast and are also active overseas, basically African Chaebols; they will pay tax, in return for security, but that's where the relationship most likely will end, though some of these companies might influence politics. Nobody however will tolerate a new form of monopoly in the hands of government officials, this has been an irreversible change of Somali economics in the aftermath of a Dictator.

[desert burner]

excellent work

[Constantine MMX]

[Xusein]

Niice...looks modern and developing. I heard the TFG leased it to a foreign company to maintain?

[Simfan34]

There are more airlines in Somalia than in Ethiopia! Of course, we have law prohibiting non-state commercial operation of any plane with more than 20 seats, but still...

[G.O.E.T.I.A]

Originally Posted by Xusein

Niice...looks modern and developing.

+1

is this the airport of mugadishu?