Simple Flying - Africa

Analysis: Why the Last Few Years Have Been So Turbulent For South African Airways

Tatenda Karuwa — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:45:12 GMT

South African Airways, once one of the leading carriers in the world, has undergone significant transformation over the last ten years. After the turn of the last decade, the airline began recording massive losses, reducing its fleet, and suspending multiple routes.

Qatar's Aviation Authority Approves 7 Weekly Madagascar Flights

Tatenda Karuwa — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:00:13 GMT

Qatar Airways has been given the green light to launch daily flights between Qatar and Madagascar following an agreement between Qatari and Malagasy officials last week. This will help the Doha-based carrier expand its global network while contributing to tourism development in Madagascar.

Ethiopian Airlines Is Set To Fly To Warsaw This Summer

James Pearson — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:12 GMT

It is highly unusual for airport senior management to reveal that a new route is coming before the airline in question officially announces it. However, the CEO of Polish Airports has disclosed that Ethiopian Airlines will begin flying to Warsaw this summer. It confirms what the airline's CCO said when I interviewed him in November. Note that Chopin is Star Alliance's seventh-largest airport by flights, based on OAG information.

The US Will Spend $4.5 Million On Improving Libya's Airport Security

Tatenda Karuwa — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:12 GMT

The United States will continue to support the development of Libya's air transport sector and provide an additional $4.5 million to enhance airport security. Libya, which has been disconnected from the rest of the world for the past decade, has taken significant steps towards restoring international connections over the last 12 months.

London, New York & More: Air Cote d'Ivoire Plans Long-Haul Expansion

Dillon Shah — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 13:00:12 GMT

Air Côte d'Ivoire has announced that it will be launching services to Paris and Casablanca in 2024, with plans to expand further afield by 2027, including services to London and New York.

90+ Abandoned Planes Are Set To Be Auctioned In Kenya

Tatenda Karuwa — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 12:00:12 GMT

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will auction up to 92 aircraft parked at various airports in the country if their respective owners fail to pay outstanding charges and collect them within 30 days. This was announced in The Kenya Gazette in a notice dated January 19, 2024. The authority previously auctioned several aircraft that had been abandoned at its airports.

El Al Expected To Suspend South Africa Flights Over Low Load Factors

Tatenda Karuwa — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 15:00:12 GMT

Israel's flag carrier, El Al, will suspend all flights between Israel and South Africa at the end of March due to a significant decline in load factors over the past few months. While demand fell after the war broke out in October 2023, it has further decreased this year. This move comes a few weeks after South Africa filed a case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.

5 Notable Accidents That Defined The History Of South African Aviation

Tatenda Karuwa — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:40:12 GMT

With the constant development of new technology and improved safety features on aircraft, air travel remains the safest mode of passenger and cargo transport. However, there have been a number of devastating accidents in the past. While they have led to significant loss of life, they have also helped shape the global aviation industry as we know it today. Here are five of the most notable accidents that defined South African aviation history.

Air Zimbabwe Takes Delivery Of 22-Year-Old Embraer ERJ-145

Tatenda Karuwa — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:00:12 GMT

The national carrier of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Air Zimbabwe, has taken delivery of an Embraer ERJ-145 to boost capacity on its domestic and regional routes. The airline now has a fleet of three operational aircraft.

Casablanca Airport Still Hasn't Recovered From COVID-19 Despite 28% Growth

Tatenda Karuwa — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:00:12 GMT

As passenger traffic in North Africa exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2023, Moroccan airports continued to record significant growth, mainly driven by increased international traffic. The majority of airports saw double-digit growth last year. While traffic at the country's main airport, Casablanca Mohammed V International (CMN), also saw notable year-on-year growth, it has not fully recovered to 2019 levels.