Africa

Armed drone makes a huge impact in Africa

pIvanova — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:25:59 +0000

Defence 06 February 2023

Armed drone makes a huge impact in Africa

Amari Adebayo takes a look at the rise and rise of the Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned air vehicle (UAV).

Renewed hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 put the Bayraktar TB2 on the map as an extremely capable armed UAV.

The type was instrumental in Azerbaijan’s military successes, acting as an effective strike platform against Armenian ground forces.

Multiple observers thought, however, that the TB2’s success had been made possible by the permissive electronic warfare and air defence environment in Nagorno-Karabakh and that the Turkish UAV was unlikely to prove as capable in a high-intensity conventional conflict.

The war in the Ukraine has, however, shown this analysis to be largely erroneous and, while Ukrainian TB2 losses have taken place, the type has proven to be one of the most effective weapon systems in Kyiv’s arsenal.

The TB2’s performance in Nagorno-Karabakh caught the attention of several countries and Baykar started receiving a growing stream of foreign orders from mid-2020 onwards. Several African air arms were among the new customers, having grasped the potential of the aircraft, particularly for counter-insurgency operations.

The first publicly announced order in the region came from Niger, and was disclosed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in November 2021. The exact number acquired was not revealed but the delivery of a first batch of six was announced by several media outlets in May 2022.

In late 2021, following media reports of TB2s being flown by the Ethiopian Air Force in combat operations against Tigrayan forces, satellite imagery of the Bishoftu Airbase, near Addis Ababa, confirmed the type was, indeed, operational.

Other confirmed customers for the TB2 in sub-Saharan Africa include Djibouti, which has received at least three aircraft, two of which were displayed during its Independence Day military parade on June 27 last year. One was armed with Roketsan MAM-L precision-guided munitions.

Togo started flying the TB2 in 2022 and three aircraft are understood to be operating from Niamtougou Airbase.

Burkina Faso and Nigeria are also fielding the type. Indeed, photos of Nigerian Air Force TB2s being assembled in Turkey appeared online and, while the Nigerian Air Force has yet to publicly confirm this, it has been reported that at least part of these aircraft have already been delivered.

The TB2 is also reported to have been spotted in Somalia, although it is unclear if the aircraft noted there were Somali or Turkish. The latter is a possibility since Turkey has a military base in-country and has been providing support to the Somali military, including equipment and training.

Rwanda has also been listed as a TB2 customer, although this remains unconfirmed.

The TB2’s success in Africa comes on the back of a massive Turkish effort to increase its footprint on the continent. Defence equipment sales have featured prominently, with Erdogan, himself, acting as an ambassador of the Turkish military industry in the course of multiple official visits to the continent.

The reasons for the aircraft’s commercial success include its combat record in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine, its competitive price, short delivery timeframe, and reliability, which come into sharp contrast with the checkered record of Chinese armed UAVs in African service.

The latter have generally suffered from poor availability, as well as sub-par performance. Indeed, it is telling that Nigeria, which already fields a large fleet of CASC CH-3A and CH-4Bs, as well as CAIG Wing Loong IIs, has decided to acquire the TB2 rather than continue expanding its inventory of Chinese aircraft.

Furthermore, with a price range of less than $20 million for a single system comprising two aircraft and a control station, the TB2 is much cheaper than even armed turboprop aircraft and provides a self-contained combat and surveillance capability well suited to countering the asymmetric threats facing many African countries.

This allows militaries with limited funding to acquire a capable offensive platform, which they would otherwise not be able to afford.

The TB2 has been used in offensive action by Ethiopia and Togo, where it is likely that it was involved in a night air strike in July 2022, which led to the death of seven civilians who had been mistaken for combatants. The UAV may also have seen combat in Burkina Faso, although this is unconfirmed.

Article Also Filed in:

Africa

Top story

Off

Related magazine Issue

African Aerospace: January - March 2023

Redirected

Off

Ethiopian Airlines commended for accelerating Canada-Africa trade

eNethersole — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:30:48 +0000

Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing expansion and existing service was underscored during the Canada-Africa Reception held in Cape Town over the weekend.

Hosted by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Chamber President Garreth Bloor thanked the airline for its vital role in Canada-Africa trade and investment.

‘’Ethiopian Airlines is the sole airline connecting Canada directly to Sub-Saharan Africa, and onward to over 120 destinations from the African Union capital of Addis Ababa – making it the world’s fourth largest airline in this regard.’’

The pan-sectoral event over the weekend welcomed Canadian Trade Commissioners, Canadian and African business representatives, as well as members of the press.

‘’Ethiopian Airlines did not lay off a single full-time employee during COVID, nor sought a bailout. It remains a model of private sector excellence, reflecting both the realised potential of the continent, while setting global standards of excellence in doing so,’’ said Jacques NdoutouMvé, a fellow member of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business who serves as Vice President for Africa at Apollo Health and Beauty.”

Posted date

Mon, 06/02/2023 - 12:00

First paragraph

Ethiopian Airlines has been commended for accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment.

Regions

Africa

KAAO commends proposed aviation industry engagement rule making process

eNethersole — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 09:21:36 +0000

KAAO which has for years been calling for an inclusive engagement process between the different industry stakeholders termed the first Aviation Thought Leaders Forum, since creation of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as a step in the right direction and one that will improve synergies between the regulator and the operators. The association said this inclusive engagement could lead to extra benefits for the air transport industry including increased collaboration in the rule making process as well as reduction in bureaucracy and red tape that continues to inhibit transparency and accountability.

“This engagement is a progressive move that will allow better engagement between KCAA and stakeholders, reducing friction that has existed for years. The outcome of the process should reduce surprises in regulations and amendments and simplify oversight by the regulator,” said Mbuvi Ngunze – Chairman, Kenya Association of Air Operators.

At the meeting KAAO members pointed out red tape was rife in the KCAA processes (Certificate of Airworthiness renewal, AOC/AMO/ATO certificate renewal and aircraft inclusion). KAAO members also took the government to task over the continued dilapidated infrastructure calling for increased investment in the sector. KAAO also called on the government to reinvest revenue collected from the sector to develop, improve and maintain the existing infrastructure.

“Governments around the globe have become more innovative in funding large aviation infrastructure projects through different financing mechanisms. The government should focus on investment in infrastructure that is both strategic and revenue generating” Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators commented.

KAAO Chairman Mbuvi Ngunze also applauded the regulator saying it was refreshing to see focus on a risk-based approach towards aviation medicine after a presentation by KCAA Chief Medical Assessor Dr. Festus Ilako.

The industry noted with appreciation the move towards automation of the KCAA processes, a move that will increase efficiency and transparency.

“The government has prioritised the delivery of services to all Kenyans including the aviation sector and as a Ministry we promise improved and efficient services going forward. We have heard your concerns, but as witnessed by this important forum, we are willing to come in as partners with the stakeholders as aviation is one of the biggest contributors to GDP and without which other areas such as tourism and trade cannot flourish,” Mohamed Daghar – PS Transport.

Posted date

Mon, 06/02/2023 - 12:00

First paragraph

The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has welcomed the proposed enhanced industry engagement rule making process between the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and stakeholders in the industry.

Regions

Africa

Rate

Top story

Off

Article main topic

ATM and regulatory

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

Ethiopian Airlines boosts pilot growth with second aviation academy campus

eNethersole — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:44:57 +0000

The new centre will serve as the second campus for Ethiopian Aviation Academy and will currently be providing pilot trainee programs. The facility accommodates different types of classrooms, three training simulators, three aircraft parking and workshop hangars, trainees’ and instructors’ dorm rooms, a cafeteria and sports ground for various sport types.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “We are truly happy to see the inauguration of our Aviation Academy second training centre in Hawassa. As Africa’s giant in the aviation industry, we are determined to reach more people who dream of becoming aviation professionals and enrich our continent with qualified personnel who will take Africa’s aviation to the next level. From the day it has been established more than six decades back, our aviation academy has been producing the best aviation professionals who are competitive at a global level. With our second training centre open now, more trainees will have the chance to realize their dreams and that is a huge achievement for us.”

He added: “Apart from the basic Aviation courses, the training centre will be offering various customer service and leadership trainings for companies in Hawassa and South regional states, contributing for their success.”

Posted date

Mon, 06/02/2023 - 12:00

First paragraph

Ethiopian Airlines Group has inaugurated a new aviation training centre in the city of Hawassa.

Regions

Africa

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Training

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

Final Boeing 747 delivered to Atlas Air

eNethersole — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:23:39 +0000

Boeing and Atlas Air Worldwide joined thousands of people – including current and former employees as well as customers and suppliers – to celebrate the delivery of the final 747 to Atlas, bringing to a close more than a half century of production.

Boeing employees who designed and built the first 747, known as the "Incredibles," returned to be honored at the Everett factory where the journey of the 747 began in 1967. The factory produced 1,574 airplanes over the life of the programme.

"This monumental day is a testament to the generations of Boeing employees who brought to life the airplane that 'shrank the world,' and revolutionised travel and air cargo as the first widebody," said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes."It is fitting to deliver this final 747-8 Freighter to the largest operator of the 747, Atlas Air, where the 'Queen' will continue to inspire and empower innovation in air cargo."

"We are honoured to continue our long history of flying this iconic aircraft for our customers around the world," said John Dietrich, president and chief executive officer, Atlas Air Worldwide. "Atlas Air was founded over 30 years ago with a single 747-200 converted freighter, and since then, we have spanned the globe operating nearly every fleet type of the 747, including the Dreamlifter, Boeing's 747 Large Cargo Freighter, for the transport of 787 Dreamliner parts. We are grateful to Boeing for their shared commitment to safety, quality, innovation and the environment, and for their partnership to ensure the continued success of the 747 program as we operate the aircraft for decades to come."

As the first twin-aisle airplane and "jumbo jet," the "Queen of the Skies" enabled airlines to connect people across vast distances and provide non-stop trans-oceanic flights. Its development solidified Boeing's role as an industry leader in commercial aviation. The airplane's core design with its distinctive hump and seating in the upper deck has delighted generations of passengers and operators alike. Boeing continued to improve on the original design with models like the 747-400 in 1988 and the final 747-8 model that was launched in 2005; across all the models, the jet has delivered unmatched operating economics and efficiency to travel and air cargo markets.

Posted date

Fri, 03/02/2023 - 12:00

First paragraph

It’s a sad end to an era as Boeing delivers its final 747 to Atlas Air.

Regions

Middle East and North Africa

Africa

South Asia

Rate

Top story

Off

Article main topic

Air transport

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

The air dressers...

pIvanova — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:46:07 +0000

Airports 03 February 2023

The air dressers...

From embracing a sense of place and accommodating local climate conditions to incorporating environmentally friendly materials and biometric solutions.

When it came to creating a visual identity for Skukuza Airport in the heart of Kruger National Park, South Africa, the focus was on designing an airport inspired by its natural environment.

The iconic design of Skukuza, which operates under the control of Skukuza Airport Management Company and is served by South African carrier, Airlink, as well as catering for private and charter flights, resembles more of a luxury private lodge than it does an airport terminal.

Having been completed in 2014, the airport’s design is also one that has stood the test of time.

One of the key objectives of the building design was to limit any intrusive visual impact on the surroundings by blending the structure into its surrounding natural environment.

The terminal’s open-plan layout, thatched roofing, raised timber frames and a central water feature, alongside the use of natural shapes and the palette of soft, neutral, colours all help to place the building at one with its surroundings.

Even the landscape design team worked closely with Kruger Park environmentalists, nursery and plant specialists to identify protected species, which were incorporated within the terminal layout.

This concept of safeguarding the local heritage through innovative design was also key to the redesign of Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, which was completed in 2019.

A gateway to one of east Africa’s most popular tourist destinations, the airport was originally built in the 1970s to accommodate 600,000 passengers. However, having added new routes and achieved strong growth in passenger traffic over the last decades, the air transport hub had exceeded that capacity.

Netherlands-based airport consultancy and engineering firm, NACO, was brought on board at the early stages of the airport’s revamp to work on its masterplan and new design.

Marcel Langenslag, director aviation at NACO explained: “Central to rebuilding the airport was the need to improve upon the original architecture with a safe, sustainable design that enabled future development and growth. Also integral to the project was the need to deliver greater efficiency and a more commercialised passenger experience, while celebrating the local culture and community.”

One of the key inputs for any airport design project, noted Langenslag, is the need to take the local climate conditions into account. “For Kilimanjaro Airport we had to bolster climate resilience and factor in the significant rainfall the region experiences, as well as the dust. The airport’s original design featured a big courtyard, which was open to the elements. However, when it rained that space was completely unusable. So, we created a covered roof terrace, which enabled this space to be permanently available to passengers. We also created a louver system that kept the lounge space open and provided natural ventilation, which limited the need for air conditioning.”

NACO is also involved in plans to upgrade Cape Winelands Airport in South Africa.

Explaining that the owners of the privately owned hub hope to turn it into Cape Town’s secondary airport, Langenslag said: “What’s exciting about this design project is that the owners are determined to build an airport that makes a statement. They want to build something futuristic, but to maintain that sense of place.”

Meanwhile, in west Africa, another air transport hub that has garnered attention for fusing contemporary architectural elements with local design inspiration is Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport in Ghana.

The terminal, which totals around 45,000sqm, has been designed to process five million passengers per year. Design and engineering firm, Arup, was appointed to provide comprehensive airport planning, as well as architectural design and engineering services for the construction of the terminal.

“We focused on providing solutions driven by quality, safety and functionality, while preserving the design features of the terminal,” explained Conor Hoey, Arup Europe business aviation leader. He added that the check-in area, which features brightly coloured motifs on the walls and similar patterns on the floor tiles, was designed to reflect Ghanaian culture and values.

The terminal’s entrance hall features an intricate lattice work of steel trusses, a structural design element that is found throughout the terminal’s five levels. To optimise the logistics and delivery, the steel beams were prefabricated in Turkey by Mapa Construction before being assembled on site. “Ensuring the terminal’s structural safety, while keeping the architect’s distinctive design elements, was one of the key challenges of the project,” said Hoey.

Like Langenslag, Hoey also noted that local climate and weather conditions have an impact on design. “No matter where you’re building, local conditions are always a significant consideration, as is the requirement for sustainable design.”

The need to reduce embodied carbon and design operationally efficient buildings, said Hoey, is core to all Arup’s construction projects. “The choice of materials and glazing, the type of roof, as well as the choice of heating and cooling systems, are just some of the criteria which greatly inform the overall solutions. At the same time, they also ensure that an airport can operate in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner.”

Boosting climate resilience: Kilimanjaro Airport’s big courtyard was originally open to the elements. The revamped design created a covered roof terrace and a louver system that kept the lounge space open and provided natural ventilation, which limited the need for air conditioning. Picture: NACO.

Whether it’s building a terminal from the ground up or revamping an existing one, the desire to incorporate smart, sustainable design is echoed across the continent. Langenslag pointed out that creating a facility that can achieve net zero emissions as quickly as possible is integral to the future of Cape Winelands. “The owners want it to be off grid and to achieve net zero as soon as they can. They’re pulling out all the stops to make sure they achieve this as they will be building the new airport from scratch.”

He also noted that, at Kilimanjaro, the use of local materials, as well as the ability to incorporate natural ventilation and ensure the availability of local maintenance capabilities were all key, not just in embracing environmentally friendly practices within the airport’s build, but also in terms of being able to service it in the future.

The new Bugesera Airport in Rwanda, which is currently under construction, is another example of a facility that is embracing sustainability within its design.

International consultancy, Dar Group, has been tasked with overseeing the latest design as well as the construction of the greenfield air transport hub.

Speaking at Aviation Africa 2022, Elie Kharrat, partner and director of operations Rwanda and Mozambique for Dar, underlined that the aim is for all the airport buildings to be leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certified. “We will use solar panels alongside other renewable sources and measures to achieve our sustainability goals, in line with Rwanda’s green objectives and to help achieve the highest possible level of LEED certification,” said Kharrat.

Another trend being seen in airport design across the globe is the desire to implement more automation and self-service solutions, such as bag drop and check-in kiosks. “In some cases, African airports are also beginning to request biometric solutions,” said Stephan Castagnetta, Amadeus airport and airline operations, EMEA.

He added: “The use of biometrics has design implications within the terminal. For example, it can help reduce queues at document checkpoints and, therefore, has the potential to free up space both land and air side.” This in turn enables airports to focus on value-added retail and hospitality services.

Cloud-based solutions are also proving popular when it comes to enhancing the passenger journey while futureproofing an airport’s design and development. “If an airport decides to migrate to the cloud, that has an immediate impact on design inside the terminal,” added Castagnetta. “Removing the need for on-site servers allows an airport to better utilise space to improve passenger flow and increase capacity.”

Amadeus’ airport cloud use service (ACUS) solution was deployed remotely at Nouakchott Airport in Mauritania during the pandemic. It was installed as part of airport operator, Afroport’s, wider transition to Amadeus flow – a cloud-based platform for delivering passenger services, which is also available at Cape Verde Airports – to help modernise the west African hub.

Whether it’s incorporating innovations in technology to make better use of space, making use of local building materials, or creating a terminal that embodies the local heritage, airports across the continent are embracing the latest design trends to ensure they leave a lasting impression on passengers.

Chloe Greenbank

Chloe Greenbank wrote her first airline magazine article two decades ago and has been immersed in aviation magazines ever since. 

Article Also Filed in:

Africa

Top story

Off

Related magazine Issue

African Aerospace: January - March 2023

Redirected

Off

History-making Poppy aiming to inspire other women

pIvanova — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:38:52 +0000

ATM and regulatory 01 February 2023

History-making Poppy aiming to inspire other women

South Africa’s director civil aviation (DCA), Poppy Khoza, talks to Guy Leitch following her election as the first International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) General Assembly woman president in the organisation’s 78-year history.

GL: Congratulations on your appointment as president of the ICAO General Assembly. How significant is this accomplishment for both African aviation and for you personally?

PK: In terms of African aviation, many people may not be aware but the previous president of the ICAO council was a Nigerian national, Dr Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu. So Africa is making its voice heard and my appointment is a further step in the right direction and speaks volumes regarding the talent and skills of Africans.

Personally, the unanimous election by all member states is something I will never forget.

It was a very humbling experience which I thank God for.

And I must also acknowledge the South African Government for driving the transformation programme – without apology. Had our government not been so progressive in gender equity initiatives, there would not have been a female DCA and I would not have been recognised by ICAO and its member states.

GL: Africa has struggled to compete on the world stage with its share of airline traffic having fallen from 2% to currently around 1.8% – despite having 20% of the world’s population. Is your appointment due to ICAO’s ‘no country left behind’ policy, which is its effort to assist states in implementing the ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs)?

PK: Maybe it’s important to bring context to the concept of the ‘no country left behind’ campaign. It is based on the principle that countries that have consistently maintained critical safety or security element ratings of above 80% must assist those who are struggling to be compliant within their respective regions, or on the continent. This term cannot, therefore, be used loosely, and stereotypically, to suggest that my appointment is made on such a basis.

I must point out that there are many African countries performing very well and, in this regard, I would also like to recognise the election of Nigeria and Egypt in part II of the governing council because of their contributions to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation.

Far more significant is that Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe were elected to part III of the ICAO council. These were significant achievements for the countries, their respective regions, and the continent.

GL: Under your leadership, South Africa set a clear goal of re-election to the 36-country ICAO Governing Council, and you achieved this. How important is this?

PK: I honestly cannot take credit for this. I was merely part of the team under the department of transport that contributed to making sure this was achieved.

The re-election is important because it gives South Africa a voice on global aviation matters. This means it (along with other elected African member states) will have a role in providing direction to the work of the ICAO, especially as it implements the resolutions of the assembly over a three-year period.

GL: Aviation is a traditionally male-dominated industry – what does your appointment mean for women in aviation?

PK: I hope it inspires women in the aviation sector globally, knowing that I also have a role to play in mentoring and coaching other women to challenge the status quo and to be fully empowered in our industry.

The fact that this election made me the first-ever woman president in the ICAO assembly’s 78-year history was quite special on its own. What it says is that the world has turned the corner in recognising that women, irrespective of where they come from, can take up leadership positions, including in the highest decision structures of UN bodies.

GL: How important is transformation of the SACAA for you? You have clearly accomplished much as the organisation has 45% women senior managers, 51% women employees, and 89% black employees. Do you aim to do more?

PK: It is no secret that the aviation industry is still behind on transformation matters, particularly in South Africa. This requires our collective efforts to ensure an inclusive industry that embraces gender equity and racial inclusivity. It is the right thing to do.

No child should ever feel left out because the system is not embracing diversity. In fact, diversity is good for our democracy, and it is good for sustainability and progress.

Several SACAA programmes support the transformation of the industry, including a bursary scheme, learnerships, trainee programmes, and enterprise development programmes. We are mindful that we have a long way to go, but we will take it one step at a time.

GL: Is your appointment a recognition of what you have achieved with the SACAA?

PK: I would like to believe that it is two-fold. Firstly, it’s probably due to our own organisational successes, and secondly to the role I have played in representing South Africa in the structures of ICAO over a number of years.

As the SACAA, our international ratings on aviation safety and security with ICAO have increased significantly, which places South Africa among the best-performing countries in this regard. We have reported nine clean audits in the past 10 years from the auditor-general. And, just recently, we retained our US-Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) category 1 status.

ICAO and its member states must have been convinced that I have the capacity to navigate complex discussions successfully, and with outcomes that are in the best interests of the organisation and the global aviation industry, striking the right balance on complex issues.

GL: Does the focus on your being an African woman bother you? – Would you not prefer to be judged just as a person?

PK: On the contrary, I didn’t feel at all that I was judged by member states as being an African woman. I’m certain that, if it bothered them, I would not have been elected.

There was a broad consensus that this global meeting was said to be the most difficult, with the most contentious matters. In the end, the matters were all delivered such that all the parties walked away with the feeling of being heard. That was my intention when I accepted this nomination, and I will let history judge how that went.

I will never denounce, nor be bothered by, my identity as an African and my gender to feed a narrative that this was a chance appointment. It was an appropriate appointment that was long overdue, because many women in civil aviation are capable of performing the role.

Guy Leitch

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

Article Also Filed in:

Africa

Top story

Off

Related magazine Issue

African Aerospace: January - March 2023

Redirected

Off

SITA report reveals airports and airlines are ramping up their technology

eNethersole — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:11:02 +0000

The report reveals that with the post-pandemic recovery CIOs want to ensure operations are as agile and resilient as they are efficient, with IT solutions seen as central to their success. This has spurred an acceleration of digitalisation, with airlines and airports looking to key technology solutions to fortify their operations against disruption while automating the passenger experience.

The industry’s IT spend is projected to continue its steady year-on-year growth trend since 2020 to support this push for digitalisation, with a full 96% of airlines and 93% of airports expecting their IT spend to stay the same or increase in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year airline and airport IT spend rose to an estimated 37 billion USD and 6.8 billion USD respectively.

David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “Air travel has recovered faster from the pandemic than anyone in the industry had initially expected, particularly in Europe and the US. While the recovery is welcome, airports and airlines have found themselves on the back foot with staff and resource shortages. This has put strain on operations, resulting in an increased risk of congestion, delays, cancellations and mishandled baggage. Digitalisation is seen as key to addressing these challenges, providing more scalability and flexibility.”

Posted date

Wed, 01/02/2023 - 12:00

Short summary

SITA’s Air Transport IT Insights report reveals accelerated digitalisation will help airlines and airports meet rising passenger demand.

First paragraph

SITA’s Air Transport IT Insights report reveals accelerated digitalisation will help airlines and airports meet rising passenger demand by offering more self-service options.

Regions

Middle East and North Africa

Africa

South Asia

Aircraft Interiors Expo returns as airlines anticipate profitability in 2023

eNethersole — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:44:29 +0000

The event returns as the industry is forecast to return to profitability in 2023, with more than 4.2 billion passengers set to take to the skies over the next 12 months[i]. The 2023 event is on track to exceed expectations, with the industry’s leading airlines, lessors and business jet operators expected to attend, ready to source next-generation products and solutions that will transform the passenger experience.

AIX will deliver the platform for product specifiers to see and test more than 1,000 products from leading global airline suppliers based in 30-plus countries. Among those returning to the event, major OEMs Boeing and Airbus will be joined by some of the leading players operating in the interiors sector from seating specialists Safran, RECARO Aircraft Seating, JAMCO Corporation and HAECO Cabin Solutions; and in-flight entertainment and connectivity providers Panasonic Avionics, Thales Group, Astronics Corporation, Latitude Aero, and Bluebox Aviation Systems.

Polly Magraw, event director, Aircraft Interiors Expo, said: “It is great to see the recovery of the industry maintaining pace. While there is still a long way to go back to pre-pandemic levels, the industry is taking the right steps, and we’re delighted to see airlines embracing the opportunity to transform their business operations to meet the evolving expectations of passengers. After the return of AIX in 2022, we’re excited to get back to business, creating even more opportunities for attendees to connect, learn and source the latest innovations. After what was one of our most successful years for new exhibitor launches, we can’t wait to see what the industry has in store for 2023.”

Posted date

Wed, 01/02/2023 - 12:00

Short summary

Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) sets the scene for the next chapter of aircraft cabin innovation.

First paragraph

Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will set the scene for the next chapter of aircraft cabin innovation when it returns to the Hamburg Messe from 6-8 June 2023.

Regions

Middle East and North Africa

Africa

South Asia

Eswatini Air acquires Air Operator Certificate

eNethersole — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:12:39 +0000

This now means the airline is ready to launch flights around Southern Africa. It was originally scheduled to commence operations in 2022.

The airline said in a statement: “We expect to see the new airline commence its operations shortly as authorities stated that it was now just a matter of obtaining operating permits and would soon publish a schedule.”

Posted date

Tue, 31/01/2023 - 12:00

First paragraph

Eswatini Air has acquired its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

Regions

Africa

Rate

Top story

Off

Article main topic

Air transport

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

Africa

Armed drone makes a huge impact in Africa

Stay up to date

Ethiopian Airlines commended for accelerating Canada-Africa trade

KAAO commends proposed aviation industry engagement rule making process

Ethiopian Airlines boosts pilot growth with second aviation academy campus

Final Boeing 747 delivered to Atlas Air

The air dressers...

Chloe Greenbank

Stay up to date

History-making Poppy aiming to inspire other women

Guy Leitch

Stay up to date

SITA report reveals airports and airlines are ramping up their technology

Aircraft Interiors Expo returns as airlines anticipate profitability in 2023

Eswatini Air acquires Air Operator Certificate