Rescue of LAM Mozambique Airlines led by Knighthood Global

Loss-making LAM Mozambique has suffered from a multiple of problems in the past few years including a high turnover of senior management, route suspensions and aircraft unavailability. It operates a fleet of four aircraft, two Embraer EMB-145s, a Bombardier CRJ900 and a Boeing 737-500 from its main base at Maputo International Airport.

“The focus in the first three months will be to stabilise and reposition LAM Mozambique Airlines (Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique SA LAM),” said the consultancy in a statement.

“Knighthood Global’s priority will be to work with the airline’s new shareholders, Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, SA, Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP, and Empresa Moçambicana de Seguros SA who have a mandate to procure the appropriate aircraft and re-establish a fleet.

“Stakeholder engagement and governance will crucially underpin the advisory process in order to recreate confidence in LAM’s transformation and align all parties behind a single strategy and to address issues of the past,” said Knighthood Global.

“In addition, the right connectivity will support tourism to Mozambique, and importantly, support the development and growth in other key sectors, including mining, oil, and agriculture,” it said.

The appointment of Abu Dhabi-based Knighthood Global by the Mozambique Government is the latest of several projects undertaken by the consultancy in Africa. It has been working on similar projects to revitalise the national carriers of Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

Last year Knighthood joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as a full partner. “The African continent is undergoing unparalleled growth and change,” said James Hogan, Chairman of Knighthood Global. “We are very pleased to share in this growth story through our partnership in an organisation which understands and embraces the critical role a sustainable safe and strong air transport industry will play in the economic development of the continent.”

The firm noted: “Knighthood Global has a history of successfully launching and managing private and government-owned airlines and aviation groups.”

One of its highest profile airline turnarounds was creating a business plan for the new Maltese national carrier Air Malta.

It was appointed in 2022 by then Chairman and CEO of Air Malta David Curmi, in conjunction with Deloitte UK and Sabre, to support the development a business plan for a new carrier when the European Union would not endorse funding for Air Malta after the Covid Pandemic.

The plan for KM Malta Airlines provides a long-term roadmap approved by the European Union, said Knighthood. This assignment was concluded at the end of 2024.

Another recent announcement by Knighthood saw it appointed as an advisor to UK-based start-up carrier Global Airlines. This sees James Hogan and James Rigney of Knighthood Global appointed as strategic advisers for the next stage of Global’s plans to introduce Airbus A380 services.

In addition to its advisory role, Knighthood will become a shareholder in Global and will focus on the strategy for the next chapters of building the Global business, while progressing the UK AOC application.