Air transport http://www.timesaerospace.aero/ en Tue, 20 May 2025 08:43:23 +0100 RwandAir launches RwandAir Holidays http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/route-planning-and-tourism/rwandair-launches-rwandair-holidays

RwandAir Holidays caters to all travellers, whether looking to explore a vibrant city, dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, or heading on a business trip. 

The fully-integrated platform allows travellers to link flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and unforgettable local experiences in one convenient place, helping to curate a customised, stress-free trip.  

Integrated directly into RwandAir’s website, the platform allows travellers to design their ideal getaway with just a few clicks. Customers can choose their preferred destination, customise the holiday package, and enhance their journey with essential travel services, including seat selection, extra baggage, and travel insurance. 

Fouad Caunhye, RwandAir’s chief commercial officer, said: “RwandAir Holidays is a game-changer in African travel. Offering added convenience and personalisation for anyone travelling to, from and within Africa with RwandAir and our partners, this platform seeks to give our customers more choice, value, and freedom to create their perfect trip.”

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RwandAir has launched RwandAir Holidays, an all-in-one travel and accommodation booking platform designed to transform how customers think about and plan their trips.

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Tue, 20 May 2025 07:43:23 +0000 eNethersole 69971 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Cargo start-up SolitAir takes off with Lido Navigation http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/cargo-start-up-solitair-takes-off-with-lido-navigation

With Lido mPilot, pilots gain access to a fully integrated and digital charting solution that simplifies navigation and enhances situational awareness. The intuitive application provides seamless access to terminal charts, dynamically generated enroute maps and an Airport Moving Map (AMM), all optimised for operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, Lido FMS supplies SolitAir with a high-quality, certified aeronautical database for its Flight Management System. Covering global navigation data, including waypoints, airways and approach procedures, the solution ensures the airline operates with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

“As a fast-growing start-up in the competitive cargo industry, we require solutions that are not only efficient but also scalable to support our expanding operations,” said Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO of SolitAir. “By integrating Lido mPilot and Lido FMS into our operations, we are providing our pilots with cutting-edge digital navigation tools, enabling us to optimise routes, enhance situational awareness and ultimately, deliver unmatched efficiency in express cargo transportation across the Global South. This partnership ensures we can continue to deliver the speed and reliability our customers expect while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.”

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UAE’s based dedicated cargo airline SolitAir has chosen Lido mPilot and Lido FMS from Lufthansa Systems to support its pilots and optimise flight operations.

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Tue, 20 May 2025 07:37:47 +0000 eNethersole 69970 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Uganda Airlines launches first European route and announces A320 lease plan http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/uganda-airlines-launches-first-european-route-and-announces-a320-lease-plan

The arrival of the Uganda Airlines Airbus A330-800 at Gatwick was a “dream come true” for the country and a major aspiration ever since the carrier was launched in 2019, said General Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport.

"This is more than a flight, it is a bridge for business, investment, and people-to-people connections,” said Wamala at the launch event at Gatwick Airport.

The Gatwick service, which will be operated four times weekly, is the 17th route for Uganda Airlines. The airline will offer onward services to its growing African network including Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare, which were launched in the second half of 2024, said Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki.

During the launch event, she told African Aerospace that the carrier has secured government approval to negotiate orders with Airbus to acquire two A320neos and two A321neos for delivery in 2031-33. It is planned to place the order in the first quarter of its next financial year which begins in July.

At present the carrier operates two 258-seat A330-800s and four 76-seat Bombardier CRJ900s. The addition of a 150-seater aircraft to sit in between its A330s and the CRJs is an important move for Uganda Airlines to achieve a more balanced fleet in capacity terms.

In addition, Uganda Airlines is in discussions with undisclosed lessors for the dry lease of one A320neo and a A321neo for induction into its fleet in October or November, said Bamuturaki.

In the meantime, a single A320ceo on short-term lease from Danish ACMI provider DAT arrived in Uganda on 19 May. The Airbuses will provide interim leased narrowbody capacity until its new aircraft arrive.

“We are looking at the routes where we can release the [A330-800] Airbus and put the dry leased aircraft on them,” said Bamuturaki. At present it is operating its A330-800s on its Dubai, Mumbai and Lagos/Abuja services.

The carrier will increasingly devote its A330s to intercontinental services and to ensure its London route can be sustained without any operational issues.

The carrier is also talking with the Ugandan government to gain approval to add more widebodies, with the airline leaning towards the Boeing 787 over the A330 currently. There is no timeline on a deal yet, however the carrier is talking with Boeing about acquiring a pair of 787-9s, said Bamuturaki.

The arrival of Uganda Airlines at Gatwick means the airport now has nine long-haul routes to Africa plus seven short-haul ones, said Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick. “The African market has been phenomenally successful for us,” he noted.

“This year, we will have over 555% more capacity operating from the UK to Africa than we had pre Covid,” said Pollard. This points to the improving economic prosperity of the continent with much more growth to come, he added.

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Uganda Airlines kicked off the launch of services between Entebbe and London Gatwick on 18 May, the flag carrier’s first foray into Europe.

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Tue, 20 May 2025 07:13:44 +0000 eNethersole 69969 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Qatar Airways Group announces strongest financial results in its history http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/business-and-finance/qatar-airways-group-announces-strongest-financial-results-in-its-history

Profits for the Group, which includes cargo, catering and Qatar Duty Free, reached US$2.15bn in the 24/25 fiscal year – an increase of more than US$0.5bn on the year before.

Qatar Airways Cargo delivered a strong financial performance recording a 17% growth in revenue and achieving the best financial results since the COVID period. This is attributed to its agility in adapting to shifting market conditions, a focus on investing in digitalisation, deeper data-driven analyses, and its best-in-class reliability.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across all of Qatar Airways Group. I know that none of the outstanding results we’re announcing today would be possible without our people – more than 55,000 of them across the globe - and it’s our focus on fostering that talent, which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.

“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry, in order for the Group to remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.

“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”

Key achievements of Qatar Airways Group over the last financial year include:

Record-breaking 28% increase in profit in 24/25 financial year.

Expansion of Hamad International Airport, enabling it to cater for 65m passengers annually.

First global airline, and first in MENA region, to install Starlink super-fast WiFi on its Boeing 777 fleet.

25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.

25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.

Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.

A range of technical MoUs future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, as well as working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

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Qatar Airways Group has announced the strongest set of financial results in its history.

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Mon, 19 May 2025 11:07:34 +0000 eNethersole 69965 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Etihad Airways adds Charlotte to its route network http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/route-planning-and-tourism/etihad-airways-adds-charlotte-to-its-route-network

Charlotte becomes Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which launches 2 July. The route will operate four times per week on Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner, delivering the airline’s award-winning service in both Business and Economy cabins.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

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Etihad Airways has added to its growing U.S. network with the launch of non-stop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting 4 May 2026.

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Mon, 19 May 2025 06:53:55 +0000 eNethersole 69963 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Ethiopian signs agreements with GE Aerospace to power wide-body aircraft http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/manufacturing/ethiopian-signs-agreements-with-ge-aerospace-to-power-wide-body-aircraft

The deal increases Ethiopian Airlines’ GEnx-powered fleet from 19 to 30 aircraft.

Ethiopian also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace reaffirming its previous order for GE9X engines to power eight 777-9 aircraft. The agreement includes options for six additional aircraft powered by GE9X engines.

The two deals also include a service agreement to cover the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines underscoring Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to operational excellence and GE Aerospace’s dedication to supporting the airline’s growth and success.

“Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernisation, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.”

GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes said: “We are honoured to deepen our collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, a valued partner for many years and proud to support their mission to connect the world while advancing the future of sustainable aviation."

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Ethiopian Airlines Group and GE Aerospace have signed an agreement confirming Ethiopian’s choice of the GEnx Engine to power 11 new Boeing 787s.

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Sun, 18 May 2025 08:27:41 +0000 eNethersole 69962 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Emirates unveils bespoke A380 livery inspired by brown paper packages http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/air-transport/emirates-unveils-bespoke-a380-livery-inspired-by-brown-paper-packages

Managed in-house at Emirates Engineering, the Emirates Courier Express livery required the A380 to undergo a full repaint, as part of an expansive project encompassing design, production installation and painting of the livery to bring the customised aircraft to life.

Inspired by brown paper packages, the aircraft’s nose and fuselage are wrapped in kraft paper, torn to reveal the UAE flag on the tailfin and the Emirates Courier Express logo emblasoned on each side. The logo also adorns each of the four engines, while the belly features the classic red Emirates branding. A large ‘special delivery’ stamp, coupled with instantly recognisable handling stamps decorate the body, bringing the design to life.

The Emirates Courier Express A380 took off to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg this week, carrying both passengers and parcels directly to their destination.

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Emirates has unveiled its bespoke A380 livery, dedicated to its new door-to-door delivery solution, Emirates Courier Express.

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Sun, 18 May 2025 07:36:55 +0000 eNethersole 69960 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
SA's air pressure... http://www.timesaerospace.aero/features/air-transport/sas-air-pressure

SA's air pressure...

John Lamola

South African airlines and the country’s air traffic service have been making headlines, but not always for the right reasons.

Since South African Airways (SAA) emerged from business rescue and resumed operations in September 2021, an ongoing constraint to SAA’s recovery has been access to capital. In the short term the airline has been in the news over the contentious appointment of Professor John Lamola and the new CEO.

Lamola was initially appointed as executive chairman in 2021 and then interim SAA Group CEO in May 2022. The search for a permanent CEO produced a short list of three candidates: Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of Kenya Airways, Philip Saunders, who was SAA’s chief commercial officer in 2019 and acting CEO in 2020, and Lamola, as the current incumbent.

The SAA board recommended Kilavuka – however government minister Barbara Creecy overruled the board and appointed Lamola; presumably because he is a South African and not a white male, the reasons the other two candidates were ruled out.

Opposition political parties have strongly objected to the Government overruling the SAA Board as it creates a precedent for future government intervention in the airline – and thus a return to the bad old days of SAA being used as a tool of government policy.

The ongoing constraint of the shortage of capital was to be addressed through the sale of a majority shareholding to a strategic equity partner: the Takatso Consortium. However that deal was cancelled in 2024.

In the 2022/23 financial year, SAA reported a net profit of R252 million (US$13.8m).

Lamola said: “This marks a significant milestone for the airline, demonstrating its ability to sustain profitability in a highly-competitive and capital-intensive sector.”

A critical driver of SAA’s financial stability is its balance sheet, which is free from legacy debt, and a commitment to avoiding government bailouts. Lamola said: “We have a five-year plan that ensures SAA will survive on its own operational revenues for at least the next three years.”

Currently, SAA operates a fleet of 20 aircraft, predominantly narrowbody Airbus A320s on a regional and domestic network. Due to a shortage of widebody aircraft, long-haul operations remain limited to Sao Paulo and Perth.

Lamola said: “The airline’s restructuring and future expansion plans align with South Africa’s broader economic growth objectives, including increased connectivity, tourism, and trade facilitation.”

“We are looking forward to the completion of the external audit of the business performance for financial year ended March 2024. That should give assurance that SAA is on a sustainable recovery path. As SAA charts its course for the future, its commitment to profitability, strategic expansion, and industry leadership affirms its role as a flagship carrier,” Lamola said.

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

 

Rodger Foster Retires

Rodger Foster, the founder of South African regional airline Airlink, announced his retirement from a stellar career of almost 33 years running the airline he created.

Foster attributes Airlink’s survival to three factors: Maintaining a strong balance sheet, forging lucrative airline partnerships, and supporting staff to improve morale.

Foster is particularly proud of Airlink’s investment in its balance sheet. He said the airline has been “very conservative when it comes to managing money, ensuring debt is paid back, debt covenants are not breached and having enough working capital for emergency scenarios.

“We also took a conservative approach to expanding our route network when others had been more aggressive on growth, which later came to stretch them past breaking point.”

The biggest test of Airlink’s resilience was the COVID-19 pandemic, when its strong balance sheet enabled it to retain all its staff throughout the crisis. “This is testimony to our attitude to staff in terms of looking after their best interests and also up-skilling them,” Foster said.

In 1997, Airlink entered a franchise with SAA which worked well for 23 years. However, in December 2019, SAA entered business rescue and failed to transfer to Airlink R890 million (US$48.75m) of revenue for flown tickets. This prompted Airlink to terminate the franchise in early 2020. Foster said: “it was a blessing in disguise as the termination of the franchise meant that we were now free to do what we want, and to grow the business”.

In asserting its independence, Airlink was rebranded, and over the past five years has cultivated more than 40 commercial airline partnerships, including 10 code shares, with carriers from all three of the global airline alliances.

In August 2024, Qatar Airways acquired a 25 per cent share in Airlink, which injected further capital into the airline.

Foster’s shoes will be hard to fill. The airline’s chief financial officer, de Villiers Engelbrecht, takes over as CEO from 1 April 2025.

Rodger Foster
Stellar career: Rodger Foster. IMAGE: Airlink

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

FlySafair

 

FlySafair was beset by a legion of troubles over the peak festive season.

Its greatest threat was two adverse rulings by South Africa’s International and Domestic Air Services Licencing Councils. These councils found that the airline did not comply with South Africa’s 25-per cent limit on foreign ownership.

Airlink and Global Aviation, (which operates Lift Airline), lodged complaints regarding FlySafair’s shareholding. In December, the councils found that FlySafair is 74.86 per cent owned by ASL Aviation Group, an Irish holding company.

FlySafair first faced a challenge to its offshore shareholding when it was launched in 2024 and the airline changed its ownership to comply. Then, in 2019, it was discovered that FlySafair’s parent company ASL had claimed in its annual report that it was once again a 75 per cent shareholder of the airline.

There was widespread speculation that the licencing councils may ground the airline. FlySafair initially argued that it considered itself to be compliant due to the trustees of the Safair Investment Trust being South African.

The airline also argued that the law was vague and it therefore needed a ruling as to what structure would be acceptable. The issue was provisionally resolved in January when the licencing councils gave FlySafair twelve months to become compliant.

Also in December, the airline faced a public relations disaster when it admitted to regularly overbooking flights. Competitor airlines were quick to claim that they did not do ‘deliberate overbooking’.

Then newspaper headlines splashed claims of a very dear disaster at Durban that was covered up by the airline and glossed over by the SACAA. And if that was not enough, a self-proclaimed social media influencer started a drunken brawl with cabin crew. The passenger videos went viral, but it must have been some consolation that this time public opinion supported the airline.

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

ATNS
ATNS has suffered a high skills loss - partly due to its specific racial diversity hiring requirements. IMAGE: ATNS

ATNS: Staff and Skills Crisis

 

A South African Transport Department report has found that the state-owned Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) faces critical staff shortages.

The report noted that the staff shortages required air traffic control sectors to be combined. Further, it has neglected to maintain flight procedures, of which 326 have been withdrawn by the SACAA.

There is a worldwide shortage of experienced air traffic controllers and partly due to its specific racial diversity hiring requirements, ATNS has suffered a high skills loss. As a state-owned enterprise, ATNS is expected to transform its employee racial mix.

“We are on the right track to meet the national development plan objectives as an aviation industry player,” ATNS CEO Ms. Nozipho Mdawe said.

From an analysis of ATNS annual reports, the headcount of air traffic controllers declined a third, from more than 900 in 2012 to 646 in 2023. Yet during this period air travel increased by 13.2 per cent, according to IATA.

Due to the withdrawal of the 326 navigation procedures, transport minister Barbara Creecy tasked the ATNS Board to accelerate the recruitment of air traffic controllers, flight procedure designers, technical support staff, engineers and training instructors.

The minister has given ATNS “18 months to three years” to fully implement the recommendations related to staffing problems.

This “18 months to three years” is criticised as being too long, as ATNS has failed to honour past promises.

Aaron Munetsi, the CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, said: “ATNS failed to deliver on its assurances that the procedures would be reinstated by the summer peak travel season.”

Guy Leitch

Guy Leitch

Guy is an aviation analyst in demand by South African TV, radio and print publications.

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Mon, 19 May 2025 18:45:48 +0000 pIvanova 69967 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
IGA Istanbul Airport welcomes Air Europa http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/airports/iga-istanbul-airport-welcomes-air-europa

Air Europa, which operates reciprocal flights between the two countries using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, has become the fourth airline to start services at Istanbul Airport in 2025. 

iGA Istanbul Airport CEO Selahattin Bilgen, said:  “We’re very pleased that Air Europa has started flights to iGA Istanbul Airport. This new connection between Madrid and Istanbul is a significant step toward strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between the two countries. Istanbul is not only a powerful player in international tourism; with its unique connectivity potential between Asia, Africa, and Europe, it also offers vast opportunities for the business world. We believe that Air Europa, as one of Spain’s leading carriers, will add significant value to Istanbul.”

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One of Spain’s leading airlines, Air Europa, has started operating flights to iGA Istanbul Airport.

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Fri, 16 May 2025 12:32:59 +0000 eNethersole 69959 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero
Etihad Airways to serve Charlotte, North Carolina http://www.timesaerospace.aero/news/route-planning-and-tourism/etihad-airways-to-serve-charlotte-north-carolina

Charlotte becomes Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which launches 2 July. The route will operate four times per week on Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

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Etihad Airways will launch non-stop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting 4 May 2026.

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Fri, 16 May 2025 09:01:24 +0000 eNethersole 69957 at http://www.timesaerospace.aero