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Ethiopian Airlines to become the largest Airline in Africa by 2025
Posted: December 18, 2011, 6:31 am by nero
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest and most profitable carriers in Africa. It has 34 aircraft on order, including 10 B787-8s with a network of 56 international destinations and 17 codeshare partners.
It's a Star Alliance member and in 2010 had an operating profit of ETB1.6 billion (USD92 million). Ethiopian has forged a successful path for its expansion plans and has come a long way since its beginnings as a joint venture between the Ethiopian Government and Trans World Airlines.
The carrier has set an ambitious, but realistic, 15-year strategic plan that includes becoming the single largest airline in Africa. It intends to generate revenues of ETB171 billion (USD10 billion) per year, acquire a fleet of 70 aircraft and improve its Skytrax customer service ranking from three to four stars.
If successful, the plan would make Ethiopian Airlines the largest and most profitable carrier in Africa.Ethiopian Airlines’ 15-year strategic plan
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Ethiopian AirlinesThe largest on-order fleet in Africa, both passenger and freighterThe African launch customer for the B787-8 made its order in 2006 and originally planned to have the aircraft in service by Jun-2010 on the Guangzhou route. However, like many of Boeing’s B787 customers, the Dreamliner delays have left Ethiopian behind on expansion plans. The carrier currently has 36 aircraft on order, the most of any African carrier.Measure Current Goal Revenue USD1.6 billion p/a USD10 billion p/a In service fleet 47 70 “modern” aircraft SkyTrax Customer service rating 3 4
In 2010, Ethiopian placed its largest order to date – 12 A350-900s, due for delivery between 2016 and 2019. The order was designed to give Boeing a wake-up call – implying that its long-time African operator was unhappy with the delays, and that it was prepared to look elsewhere for new aircraft. Despite the apparent threat, Ethiopian Airlines reaffirmed its Boeing order and is expecting its first B787-8 between 12-Mar-2012 and 15-Jun-2014, not Jan-2012 as originally thought. Ethiopian stated the new aircraft, both the B787-8s and the A350-900s, would be used to complement and replace its existing fleet, with the A350s to be deployed on services to the Far East and the Americas, and the B787-8s likely to replace B767s and B757s.
Ethiopian’s freight network supports the country’s trade relationsA strong point in Ethiopian Airlines’ portfolio is its substantial freight operation, with a dedicated cargo fleet of five aircraft and four B777-200LRFs on order. Cargo and freight services accounted for 17% of its total 2010 revenue. The carrier serves more than 40 destinations in its freight network through dedicated freighters and belly space on passenger aircraft.
Ethiopian Airlines’ dedicated freight networkSource: Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopia’s largest trade partners are the European Union, China, the US, Saudi Arabia and India. Ethiopian Airlines operates a dedicated cargo network to all those countries bar China and the US, although belly capacity, codeshare partners and sea links enable trade to these countries to remain strong. Ethiopia’s trade with other African countries is relatively weak, with Sudan, Tunisia and South Africa the only countries being a top 20 trading partner.
Ethiopia’s major trade partners: 2010Source: IMF (DoTS)Ethiopian will give Star Alliance three main bases in AfricaEthiopian recently joined the Star Alliance, an event that coincided with the B787 Dream Tour of Ethiopia. Ethiopian, mentored by Lufthansa, joined fellow African Star Alliance members South African Airways and EgyptAir, as the alliance extends its coverage to all but the west and centre of the continent. In the lead-up to the approval, Ethiopian Airlines established codeshare agreements with several key Star Alliance members, the latest being Singapore Airlines, and the most important being founding members SAS and Lufthansa.
Ethiopian Airlines’ codeshare partners: 2011
Bold= Non-Star Alliance memberAirline Since Region Air China Dec-2007 Asia Pacific Air India n/a Asia Pacific Air Nigeria n/a West Africa Asiana Airlines Mar-2003 Asia Pacific bmi Jul-2000 Europe Brussels Airlines Dec-2009 Europe Egypt Air Jul-2008 North Africa Gulf Air n/a Middle East Kuwait Airways n/a Middle East LAM n/a East Africa Lufthansa May-1997 F Europe RwandAir n/a Central Africa SAS May-1997 F Europe Saudi Arabian Airlines n/a Middle East Singapore Airlines 01-Apr-2000 Asia Pacific South African Airways Apr-2006 Southern Africa Turkish Airlines Apr-2008 Europe
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Star Alliance
Ethiopian’s entry into Star Alliance means the global airline group will have three main bases in Africa – Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Cairo. Ethiopian hopes Star Alliance membership will significantly boost Addis Ababa International Airport’s role as a prominent African gateway, boosting revenues, reputation and presence.
Most seats in Africa are unaligned, Star next bestSkyTeam occupies a relatively strong presence in Africa through Air France-KLM and Kenya Airways. Air France and KLM have each built networks on the continent based around their longstanding colonial linkages. While leading Star member Lufthansa does not have the same historical ties as Air France and KLM, it does have fellow alliance members in the north, south and now the east of the country. Star made a point of recruiting strategic partners that spread across the continent, to complement the more than 50% of Star members that operate to Africa.
Africa seats capacity by alliance (before Ethiopian Airlines’ official joining of Star Alliance): 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011Source: CAPA – Centre for AviationWithin Star, EgyptAir provides a most challenging partner for Ethiopian Airlines. Both EgyptAir and Ethiopian serve a handful of destinations in the Asia Pacific including Beijing, Guangzhou, Bangkok and Mumbai, aiming to feed in traffic from the African continent. Star will benefit from Ethiopian’s African network as it is more established than the Egyptian flag carrier, particularly in West Africa, while EgyptAir is much stronger in North Africa. Each carrier serves points in the Middle East – Kuwait, Bahrain, Riyadh, Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jeddah, Sana’a and Muscat – creating considerable overlap in Star’s Middle Eastern network and, again, in their respective goals for feeding beyond traffic from Africa.
Limitations and benefits in Ethiopian’s networkEthiopian serves many of the mineral-rich African countries, offering valuable additions to Star’s network. These include the Democratic Republic of the Congo (gold and diamonds), Namibia (via codeshare – lead, zinc, diamonds), Botswana (diamonds) and South Africa (iron, oil). Ethiopian also serves fast growing African economies, such as Rwanda, Ghana, Angola, Kenya and Nigeria.
A sub-region missing from Ethiopian’s network is northern Africa, where it offers service only to Cairo – already well covered by EgyptAir. Important gaps in its network include the oil- and iron-rich countries of Libya and Morocco in North Africa, each better covered by EgyptAir – which serves one destination each in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and two in Libya – with the natural advantage of serving multiple destinations within Egypt. But together Ethiopian and EgyptAir have Africa covered for Star.
Ethiopian competes with Middle Eastern carriers on air link to ChinaEthiopian was the first foreign airline to operate into China more than 30 years ago. At that time a political link, it has proven a valuable and longstanding connection into the Asian powerhouse. Times have changed however; though Ethiopian may have been safe from competition 30 years ago, this is no longer the case and Middle Eastern carriers are rapidly expanding alternative links between the region’s oil- and mineral-rich countries and China. Eight Middle Eastern carriers now operate between China and the Middle East including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, El Al, Mahan Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Yemen Airways and Iran Air.
Top 12 carriers operating between the Middle East and China
by seats per week: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation
Only two airlines operate third and fourth freedom services between Eastern Africa and China – Ethiopian Airlines and Air Mauritius – offering approximately 9500 seats per week combined. Emirates, however, offers considerably more than 12,000 seats per week from Dubai to China, with numerous connections on to the Middle Kingdom, which is three times more than Ethiopian’s offering to China. Middle Eastern carriers provide a convenient, one-stop link between multiple points in both Africa and China that rivals the offering of many African carriers, with their multiple stops and limited capacity and frequency.
The Gulf airlines are also achieving major capacity share on routes to Europe. While a similar number of airlines operate Middle East-China and East Africa-China, the importance lies in the number of seats on offer. Emirates, the second largest carrier to operate between Africa and Europe, offers more than 88,000 seats per week, while Air France, the largest carrier to operate between Europe and East Africa, offers just 7,000.
Neighbouring Kenya Airways is a strong competitorDespite the competition coming from the northeast, Ethiopian Airlines’ most direct source of competition is found closer to home, by way of SkyTeam member Kenya Airways. Kenya’s flag carrier is another leading African carrier with aggressive expansion plans. The airline aims to serve “every African country by 2013” and is making steady progress towards that goal, including a rights issue scheduled for Nov-2011 designed to give the carrier a major cash injection. Kenya Airways’ operating profit surged in FY2011, up 73.9% from a dismal 2010 result, suggesting the carrier is back on track to achieve profitability. Kenya Airways is expected to report its 1H2011 financial results on 03-Nov-2011.
Ethiopian Airlines v Kenya Airways: Nov-2011
Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and InnovataEthiopian Airlines benefits from government protectionismOne significant factor that contributes to Ethiopian Airlines’ success is its major capacity share at Addis Ababa is due to the Ethiopian Government’s restrictions on foreign airline access. Ethiopian Airlines holds a near-monopoly on domestic routes, where it competes with just one other Ethiopian-registered carrier, Trans Nation Airways, which has one aircraft in service and none on order.Ethiopian Airlines Kenya Airways Aircraft in service 47 36 Aircraft on order 36 21 B787-8s on order 10 9 Dedicated cargo aircraft in service 5 0 Dedicated cargo aircraft on order 2 1 African destinations 32 45 International destinations (Africa and beyond) 56 56 Global airline alliance Expected Star Alliance SkyTeam Codeshare partners 17 14
Addis Ababa Bole Airport capacity, seats, per week by carrier: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011Source: CAPA – Centre for AviationEthiopia has proven one of the least LCC-friendly markets. Full service carriers account for no less than 99% of capacity at the airport, with flydubai the only LCC to operate into Ethiopia, operating a three-times weekly B737-800 service from Dubai.
Ethiopia capacity share, seats, by carrier type: 31-Oct-2011 to 06-Nov-2011Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation
Protective policies do little to help Addis Ababa’s aspirations to become a large hub, so its future remains inextricably linked to the flag carrier’s growth plans. The result is, paradoxically, to make Ethiopian more exposed to competition from the Gulf carriers’ services into Ethiopia and other African ports. As long as Ethiopian shoulders all of the hub development, so the airport’s attraction limits the flag carrier’s potential to on-carry traffic from other airlines.
Outlook promising but expansion alone is not enoughEthiopian Airlines has been consistently profitable over the past four years and is likely to see future profitability as its expansion plans are rolled out. Freight, although sensitive to market fluctuations, remains a strong point. Ethiopian has experienced considerable success with its network and sees it as a future revenue generator.
Liberalisation must surely spread across Africa, but Ethiopian – more than almost any other airline in the region – has the opportunity to restructure in time to meet the new challenges this brings. So long as it continues to expand rapidly, this revitalisation process will be made easier – provided it is addressed as a key priority. Expansion alone will not suffice.
Background informationEthiopian Airlines’ Africa and Middle East route mapSource: Ethiopian Airlines
EgyptAir’s Africa and Middle East route mapSource: Skyscanner
Post courtesy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
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Star Alliance reaffirms position as strongest alliance in Africa with Ethiopian and potentially ASKY
Posted: December 18, 2011, 5:46 am by nero
Star Alliance has further cemented its position as the leading alliance in Africa after Ethiopian Airlines officially became a member on 13-Dec-2011. Ethiopian, which has been working on joining Star since being accepted as a new member in Sep-2010, becomes the third African carrier in Star following South African Airways (SAA) and EgyptAir. Ethiopian’s membership significantly boosts Star’s presence on the continent, adding 23 African destinations to the Star Alliance network. Four of the top five African carriers are now aligned, and three of these four are in Star.
Overall the African continent remains largely unaligned. But Star is currently not looking to recruit another African carrier. Instead Star is looking forward to Ethiopian subsidiary ASKY later joining the alliance. Togo-based ASKY would improve Star’s connections in West Africa, the alliance’s weakest region within Africa. Ethiopian gives Star a stronghold in East Africa and Africa overall as Ethiopian has the largest African network among any African carrier, with 40 destinations. Star is already strong in southern Africa, where SAA is based, while EgyptAir is based in North Africa.
With Ethiopian formally joining, Star's share of total capacity in Africa has increased by nearly 5 percentage points, from 22.1% to 26.8%. Star is by far the largest alliance in the region.
SkyTeam now accounts for 9.6% capacity in Africa thanks largely to local member Kenya Airways as well as the African networks of Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines. oneworld (including oneworld affiliates) has just 6.8% of the total capacity in Africa, making it the least represented of the three global alliances.
oneworld is only represented locally in Africa by Comair, which operates a British Airways franchise in South Africa. Unaligned carriers still account for 56.8% of capacity in Africa, a high figure compared to other regions.
The impact of Ethiopian’s Star membership is biggest in East Africa. Star has now taken over from SkyTeam as the largest alliance in East Africa, increasing its share of capacity from 5.7% to 28.7%. SkyTeam has 22.4% of the capacity in the region followed by oneworld, with only 1.5%.
Africa: The Continent of the Future
Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht said adding Ethiopian represents “a large step forward in completing our Africa strategy”. He said with three big hubs in Africa, Star has succeeded in its task to create an efficient travel system for all of Africa and “bring Africa to the world”.
Star Alliance now has three main bases in Africa - Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (through SAA), Cairo International Airport (through EgyptAir) and Addis Ababa Bole Airport (the home of Ethiopian Airlines). The addition of Ethiopian and the Addis Ababa hub means Star carriers now serve Africa with over 750 daily flights to over 110 destinations in 48 countries.
Mr Albrecht says offering a wider choice of flights to, from and within Africa than other alliances is particularly important because Africa is “a region of the world in which air travel is enjoying steady growth rates”. He called Africa “the continent of the future”.
Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht said adding Ethiopian represents “a large step forward in completing our Africa strategy”. He said with three big hubs in Africa, Star has succeeded in its task to create an efficient travel system for all of Africa and “bring Africa to the world”.
Star Alliance now has three main bases in Africa - Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (through SAA), Cairo International Airport (through EgyptAir) and Addis Ababa Bole Airport (the home of Ethiopian Airlines). The addition of Ethiopian and the Addis Ababa hub means Star carriers now serve Africa with over 750 daily flights to over 110 destinations in 48 countries.
Mr Albrecht says offering a wider choice of flights to, from and within Africa than other alliances is particularly important because Africa is “a region of the world in which air travel is enjoying steady growth rates”. He called Africa “the continent of the future”.
ASKY likely to join Ethiopian in StarSpeaking to CAPA after the 13-Dec-2011 joining ceremony in Addis Abba, Mr Albrecht says Star does not see a need to add a fourth African member. Instead the alliance’s recruitment efforts are now focused on Russia, India and China. Star is still not represented in Russia or India, two important growth markets. In China Mr Albrecht believes new members beyond Air China and incoming member Shenzhen Airlines would be beneficial.
Mr Albrecht acknowledges Star is still relatively weak in West Africa but believes Ethiopian can fill this void. Ethiopian already serves several destinations in West Africa and has ambitious plans to grow ASKY, a Togo-based subsidiary which launched services at the beginning of last year. According to Innovata data, ASKY already serves 18 destinations, primarily in West Africa.
Mr Albrecht, whose decade-long tenure as Star CEO ends later this week as he has already started a new job as CEO of Austrian Airlines, says the alliance has not yet considered adding ASKY as a member. But as ASKY grows adding Sky would “make sense”.
Otherwise, West Africa lacks suitable candidates that meet Star’s standards. Mr Albrecht says Star was impressed with Ethiopian’s high standards, including its training and maintenance standards, and expects Ethiopian will bring those standards to West Africa with ASKY.
Star to help Ethiopian pursue rapid and profitable growthEthiopian Airlines hopes its Star Alliance membership will significantly boost its hub’s role as a prominent African gateway, boosting revenues, reputation and presence.
Speaking at Ethiopian’s joining ceremony, Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said joining Star is an important pillar to its 15-year business plan, known as Vision 2025. He says Star specifically will help Ethiopian implement its cost savings initiative and advance its multi-hub strategy in Africa, paving the way for “fast, profitable and sustainable growth”.
Ethiopian is already one of the world’s fastest growing carriers and plans to pursue further rapid growth, driven partially by its membership in Star, over the next 14 years. Mr Gebremariam says by 2025 Ethiopian plans to generate revenues of USD10 billion, across seven business groups, and carry 18 million passengers. The carrier expects to have 120 aircraft in service by 2025 and a network of 90 international destinations.
Ethiopian currently operates a fleet of 47 aircraft and a passenger network of 62 international destinations, including 40 within Africa. The 47 aircraft include six freighters which are used to operate dedicated freighter service to 24 destinations, including 15 in Africa. Ethiopian plans to continue to pursue rapid growth of its cargo business and is planning an expansion of its cargo terminal in Addis Abba. Ethiopian is also planning to expand its maintenance and training facilities as well as build a new headquarters over the next several years.
Ethiopian needs to order about 60 additional aircraft to meet growth planAs Ethiopian only has 32 aircraft on firm order (include 12 A350s, 10 787s and eight 737-800s) and plans to replace about 20 of its current aircraft over the next decade, additional orders for approximately 60 aircraft are needed to meet its Vision 2025. As CAPA reported earlier this week, Ethiopian is now looking to exercise several options for 787s. Ethiopian will become Africa’s first 787 operator in 2Q2012 and will use the new type partially to expand its Asian network, where it sees huge opportunity for growth.
See related article: Ethiopian eyes 787 service to Hong Kong and new Asian services as Africa-Asia market booms.
While Ethiopian plans to add several new destinations, particularly in Africa and Asia, it will use Star partners to help expand its offline network. Ethiopian already codeshares with 17 carriers, 10 of which are also in Star – BMI, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS, SAA, Turkish, Air China, Asiana, EgyptAir and SIA. Ethiopian plans to expand its codeshare partnerships with several of these carriers as well as implement new codeshares with some of the nearly 20 Star carriers it currently does not codeshare with.
Star increases presence in Ethiopia by over 19 foldAddis Ababa is now served by only three other Star members - EgyptAir, Lufthansa and Turkish. By joining Star Alliance, Ethiopian has increased Star's capacity share in Ethiopia by over 19 fold, from 4.5% to 88.5%.
The second largest alliance in Ethiopia is now SkyTeam (2.0%) although unaligned carriers make up the country’s second largest capacity share. The SkyTeam alliance is represented by Kenya Airways, who serves Addis Ababa with approximately 2,000 seats per week. oneworld does not have any service to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia total capacity, seats share by alliance: before and after Ethiopian's Star membership Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Innovata
NB: Each alliance is not represented by the same colour in each graph.Addis Ababa BoleAirport total capacity, seats share by alliance: before and after Ethiopian's Star membership Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and Innovata
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates approximately 115,000 seats per week at Addis Ababa, accounting for 83% of total capacity at the airport. Emirates, the second largest carrier, offers just 7,220 seats per week.
Addis Ababa Bole Airport capacity, seats per week, by carrier: 12-Dec-2011 to 18-Dec-2011Source: CAPA – Centre for Aviation and InnovataEthiopia has very low LCC penetration, with just 0.8% of total capacity being held by an LCC (in this case, FlyDubai). Liberalisation has always been a contentious issue across the African continent including in Ethiopia. Ethiopian Airlines, because of its recent financial success and membershiop in Star, is in good position to meet any challenges future liberalisation may bring if the Ethiopian Government is willing to open Ethiopia’s sky to more international operators.
Ethiopian Airlines’ network is a valuable addition to Star Alliance as it serves many of the mineral-rich African countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (gold and diamonds), Botswana (diamonds), South Africa (iron and oil), Namibia (via codeshare- lead, zinc, diamonds) and Angola (oil). It also serves Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria – some of Africa’s fastest growing economies.
Ethiopian has a dedicated freight network like no other in Africa. Overall Ethiopian's African network is one of the most developed in Africa and is extremely valuable to Star, especially as air traffic on the continent is expected to increase in the years to come.
Its network does however have some limitations. Ethiopian’s coverage of Northern Africa is weak, which, luckily for Star, is already well covered by EgyptAir.
Important destinations missing from Ethiopian’s African network include Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. EgyptAir serves all these destinations but has a weaker East and West African network. Therefore the Ethiopian and EgyptAir networks are highly complimentery. There is only small amount of cross-over between Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir’s networks, with both carriers serving Dubai, Khartoum, Nairobi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Lagos. Together, Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir have Africa covered for Star.
Ethiopian Airlines African route mapSource: Ethiopian AirlinesBackground informationStar Alliance, the largest of the three major alliances, now has 28 members. This will grow to 30 in 2Q2012, when Copa and Avianca-TACA are added as new members. Shenzhen is slated to become Star's 31st member in late 2012.
Global Alliances members
Article Courtesy: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
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Ethiopian to use B787 Dreamliner in the Hong Kong and new Asian services as Africa-Asia market booms
Posted: December 18, 2011, 5:29 am by nero
Article Courtesy: Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation
Ethiopian will become the first carrier in Africa and Europe to operate 787s when it takes the delivery of its first 787-8 in 2Q2012.
Ethiopian Airlines will further strengthen itself in the nascent but rapidly growing Africa-Asia market by using its new Boeing 787 Dreamliners to open new routes – potentially in China, Malaysia and Singapore – reduce costs and align its overall fleet strategy to better serve existing Asian destinations. The geography of Ethiopian's hub in Addis Ababa allows the carrier to offer as efficient or more efficient connections than those through Middle East hubs. Ethiopian's African network is also unrivaled in the number of destinations served, and the booming times are seeing Ethiopian consider exercising 787 options and accelerating deliveries, slots permitting. Elsewhere in its route network, whose capacity is growing at 30% a year, Ethiopian next year will commence services to Toronto and in 2013 will increase capacity to Washington Dulles by deploying 777-300ERs.
Ethiopian will become the first carrier in Africa and Europe to operate 787s when it takes the delivery of its first 787-8 in 2Q2012.The 787 last week made its African debut, with a demonstration aircraft in Addis Abba that coincided with a ceremony celebrating Ethiopian joining the Star Alliance.
Ethiopian had planned to first deploy its 787 – most previously expected in Jan-2012 – to Guangzhou, as CAPA reported in Jun-2011. Ethiopian CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told CAPA yesterday that Guangzhou is still an option for the carrier’s first 787 but Ethiopian is also now looking at using its first 787 to serve Hong Kong. He says Ethiopian is also evaluating three potential Asian routes which could be launched with the 787: Chongqing in China, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Singapore.
787 better suited to Hong Kong's lower demandGuangzhou may not end up receiving Ethiopian's 787 on a regular basis because demand is now so strong from Guangzhou a larger aircraft is needed. Guangzhou had been served daily via Bangkok with 767-300ERs and the intention was to upgrade the route to non-stop once the first 787 was delivered. But Mr Gebremariam said Ethiopian decided to instead upgrade Guangzhou in Oct-2011 to non-stop using the 777-200LR, which seats 321 in two classes. Ethiopian's 767-300ER typically seats 234 while its 787-8 will seat 270 (24 in business and 246 in economy), giving the 777-200LR a 50 seat advantage – as well as greater cargo capacity, critical on the route to Guangzhou, China's manufacturing heartland.
Ethiopian has seen higher demand from mainland China than Hong Kong.Mr Gebremariam says Guangzhou is switching back this week to the 767 via Bangkok but says demand is generally sufficient to support the 777-200LR. While Guangzhou could still see the 787 instead of the 777-200LR during certain times of the year, Mr Gebremariam foresees the 787 used more regularly to Hong Kong because Ethiopian has seen higher demand from mainland China than Hong Kong.
Ethiopian now serves Hong Kong with four weekly 767-300ER flights via Bangkok. Mr Gebremariam says these will be upgraded to non-stop, likely in 2Q2012, after the first 787 is delivered.
Africa-East Asia routes currently operated or planned
Source: CAPA - Centre for AviationFour 787s in 2012 with further orders likelyMr Gebremariam says Ethiopian is now slated to receive four 787s in 2012 with the first to be delivered in the April to June timeframe. Ethiopian currently has 10 787s on order. All are for the -8 variant with the last aircraft slated for delivery in 2014. Mr. Gebremariam says the carrier is interested in exercising options for additional 787s and accelerating its deliveries, although 787 production slots are tight. Ethiopian, which also has orders for 12 A350s and nine additional 737-800s, needs more aircraft to meet its 15-year business plan.Carrier Destination(s) Air Austral Bangkok Air Mauritius Bangalore, Chennai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, Singapore Air Zimbabwe Beijing Cathay Pacific Johannesburg Ethiopian Beijing, Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New Delhi Hainan Luanda Jet Airways Johannesburg Kenya Airways Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Mumbai Malaysia Airlines Cape Town, Johannesburg Singapore Airlines Cape Town, Johannesburg TAAG Angola Airlines Beijing Thai Airways Johannesburg South African Airways Beijing (planned), Hong Kong, Mumbai
Mr Gebremariam says the 787 will enable Ethiopian to open new destinations while lowering its operating cost. “It is a pillar of our Vision 2025 [business plan],” he says.
Ethiopian is particularly bullish on using its 787s to expand in Asia although the type will also be used on some European routes, likely starting by the end of 2012. Ethiopian now serves three destinations in mainland China – Guangzhou, Beijing and Hangzhou – and is planning to add several Chinese cities as part of Vision 2025, likely starting with Chongqing. While new destinations in Southeast Asia and North Asia are also part of Vision 2025, China is particularly the focal point as traffic between China and Africa is expected to boom.
Consideration of Asian hub in SingaporeEthiopian is particularly interested in Singapore. Mr Gebremariam acknowledges that Addis Ababa-Singapore is a small local market but sees potential for Singapore to become Ethiopian's Asian hub. Ethiopian Airlines and Singapore Airlines began a codeshare at the beginning of last month on the Addis Ababa-Dubai-Singapore route (with Ethiopian operating Addis Ababa-Dubai and Singapore operating Dubai-Singapore). This codeshare could potentially be expanded to include Singapore Airlines and SilkAir destinations in Southeast Asia as well as destinations in China, giving Ethiopian offline access to more of Asia.
Singapore Changi is also keen to attract an East African carrier given the opportunities a Singapore-East Asia route could have in developing Singapore as a hub for broader Asia-Africa connections. Currently Changi only has one African carrier, Air Mauritius, and Singapore Airlines only serves one African country, South Africa, non-stop from Singapore (Cairo is served via Dubai). Rival hub Bangkok has been far more successful at developing African connections and has service from several African carriers including Ethiopian and Kenya Airways. While Ethiopian is also considering Kuala Lumpur, Singapore makes more sense as Singapore is a Star hub. Bangkok is also a Star hub but Ethiopian does not yet have a codeshare with Thai Airways.
As CAPA reported in June of expected rapidly growing China-Africa links:
China is a key market for the carrier as Ethiopian is ideally positioned geographically to tap into the fast growing China-Africa market. Ethiopian currently operates 26 weekly flights to four destinations in China, making it the largest carrier between China and Africa. It has already begun codesharing with Star member Air China.
Over the past decade air traffic between Africa and Asia has doubled. Africa supplies China with one-third of its fuel needs as well as notable amounts (by value) of timber, copper and diamonds, with trade between Africa and China surpassing USD100 billion in 2010.
Annual number of inter-continental seats to/from Africa: 1988-2010
Source: AirbusOf all traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres to/from and within Asia-Pacific, Africa will have the highest annual growth rate at 8.4% through 2020, eclipsing the 7.5% of intra-Asia-Pacific traffic and 7.5% of Latin America-Asia-Pacific traffic, Airbus forecast in its 2011 market outlook.
Average annual growth of traffic to, from and within Asia-Pacific: 2011-2020
Source: AirbusAfrican travel will also eclipse the global average of traffic growth to/from and within Europe. RPKs from Africa will grow at 4.5% a year between 2011 and 2030, outpacing the 4.2% average, although Africa falls behind the Middle East, Russian Federation and Asia-Pacific.
Average annual growth of traffic to, from and within Europe: 2011-2030
Source: AirbusAfrica will account for the second-highest growth of traffic to/from and within North America, growing at 5.6% a year from 2011 to 2030.
Average annual growth of traffic to, from and within North America: 2011-2030
Source: AirbusWhile Africa's growth rates are high, the growth is based off currently low figures. Travel to/from/within Africa will be the single smallest region, representing just 3% of 2030's RPKs by Airbus estimates.
Share of world air travel by RPKs: 2030 projection
Source: AirbusAddis Ababa hubs provides strategic connectionsEthiopian's hub in Addis Ababa provides geographically convenient connections. On a sample routing from Shanghai to Johannesburg, transiting through Addis Ababa is only 21nm longer than transiting through Dubai.
Route comparison: Shanghai to Johannesburg via Dubai and Addis Ababa
Source: Greater Circle MapperRouting Distance (nm) Shanghai-Dubai 3488 Dubai-Johannesburg 3450 Total distance via Dubai 6938 Shanghai-Addis Ababa 4773 Addis Abab-Johannesburg 2187 Total distance via Addis Ababa 6960
A routing from Guangzhou to Entebbe (Kampala) is 162nm shorter through Addis than Dubai.
Route comparison: Guangzhou to Entebbe via Dubai and Addis Ababa
Source: Greater Circle MapperWhile intermediate point connection distances matter (as well as connection flight timing, which Emirates excels at with three departure banks) so too do the destinations served on the other end. Ethiopian serves 40 points in Africa compared to Kenya Airways' 44, Emirates' 21, Qatar's 14 and Etihad's 11. South African Airways, although not as strong a competitor for Asia-Africa services, has flights to 31 destinations in Africa.Routing Distance (nm) Guangzhou-Dubai 3152 Dubai-Entebbe 2010 Total distance via Dubai 5162 Guangzhou-Addis Ababa 4345 Addis Abab-Entebbe 655 Total distance via Addis Ababa 5000
Beijing a borderline route for Ethiopian after 787 performance shortfallBoeing sees the 787 as a vehicle to increase connectivity between China and Africa. Kenya Airways, which is one of four African customers for the 787 (the others are Arik Air and Royal Air Maroc), is also well positioned to tap in the booming China-Africa market.
Boeing sales director for Africa Rob Faye told CAPA following a press briefing yesterday in Addis Abba that the 787 in Africa will be used more for route development than replacing existing aircraft, pointing out that Ethiopian and Kenya are both planning to double their overall fleets over the next 10 years. The 787 demonstrator will be stopping in Kenya later this week as part of its multi-month world tour.
The 787 is geared as a 767 replacement, and Ethiopian's order of 10 787s corresponds to replacements for its 10 767-300s, but its comments to obtain additional frames support route growth. Likewise Kenya Airways has 5 767-300s in service and 9 787s on order.
“Africa is going to grow. Aviation is the catalyst to growth,” Mr Faye says, adding that without connectivity economic growth is limited.
Ethiopian is now unable to use its 767s to serve China non-stop because of the takeoff restrictions at Addis Abba, which has an altitude of over 7000ft. Hangzhou is served via Delhi and is another likely non-stop route for the 787. Ethiopian also previously served Beijing via Delhi but was able to upgrade its daily Beijing service to non-stop in May-2011 after taking delivery of its second batch of 777-200LRs.
Mr. Gebremariam says Ethiopian plans to continue using 777-200LRs on the Addis Abba-Beijing route rather than switch to 787s as he expects the carrier would have some payload limitations with the 787 to Beijing. Mr Gebremariam says Ethiopian would likely have to leave a few seats empty flying the 787 out of Addis Abba for Beijing and would also be restricted in carrying belly cargo.
Boeing, however, claims the 787-8 has the range to reach Beijing from Addis Abba, factoring in Addis Abba’s high altitude and normal 242-seat configuration. Ethiopian plans to operate its 787-8s with 246 seats in two-class configuration.
Even if Beijing ends up being a borderline route for operating the 787-8 with full payload, all of Ethiopian’s other Asian routes and all its European routes are safely within range with full payload. As a result, Mr Gebremariam does not seem to upset with the aircraft coming in with less range than originally expected.
...the range difference between the expected and actual range is very small...Mr Gebrermariam says the range difference between the expected and actual range is very small with Beijing the only affected current route. He says Korea and Japan are also now out of range but while Korea and Japan are potential routes in the carrier's long-term business plan they are currently not high priorities.
Ethiopian originally intended to use its 787s to serve the US via Europe but later decided to order five 777-200LRs to help offset the impact of the delivery delays on the 787. The first batch of two 777-200LR were delivered at the end of last year and used to upgrade Washington Dulles, which is now served non-stop on the eastbound leg. The last three 777-200LRs from Ethiopian’s order were delivered this year and used to upgrade Beijing and Guangzhou. Ethiopian also uses the 777-200LR on one of its two daily Dubai flights.
Preliminary changes to Ethiopian Airlines long-haul route network
Source: CAPA - Centre for Aviation with airline reportsToronto to be launched in 2012Ethiopian was planning to begin flights this quarter to Toronto with 777-200LRs but postponed the launch of the new route. Mr Gebrermariam says Toronto is now planned to be launched in summer 2012 with two or three weekly 777-200LR flights. Like Washington DC, Toronto will be served non-stop on the eastbound leg but will stop in Rome going west.Route Status Equipment Remarks Chongqing Under consideration 787-8 Europe, general Active
Future767-300ER
787-8Guangzhou Active 777-200LR alternating with 767-300ER 787 may replace 767 during select times Hong Kong Active
Future767-300ER via Bangkok
787 direct serviceLikely first 787 destination Kuala Lumpur Under consideration 787-8 Singapore Under consideration 787-8 Toronto Future 777-200LR Washington Dullles Active
Future777-200LR
777-300ER
Ethiopian is continuing to study other potential new destinations in North America. But for now the carrier plans to focus on Washington Dulles and Toronto. Both are Star Alliance hubs which will help Ethiopian connect with the rest of North America.
Ethiopian does not plan to acquire additional 777-200LRs but Mr Gebrermariam says the carrier has committed to acquiring two 777-300ERs for delivery in 2013. He says the intention is to use the 777-300ERs to up-gauge the Washington Dulles route.
The 777-300ER has the range to be able to operate non-stop from Dulles to Addis Abba. Westbound a fuel stop will still be required but this is no disadvantage to the longer-range 777-200LR, which also needs a stop going west because of Addis Abba’s high altitude. Mr Gebrermariam says Ethiopian will keep its 777-200LRs even as the Dulles route switches over to 777-300ERs as it still has routes which are too thin for 777-300ERs and are too long for the 787.
Overall Ethiopian is a flexible carrier and will likely change multiple times its deployment of aircraft. The main focus is rapid growth and to secure as many modern widebodies as possible.
Mr Gebrermariam laments the 787s are still not coming fast enough, forcing the carrier to stick with some of its ageing 767-300ERs for longer than it wishes. He says Ethiopian this month returned one of its 767-300ERs, which leaves it with 10 of the type. But he said Ethiopian is unable to phase out any of its 767s in 2012 as it aims to continue growing capacity at a clip of 30% per year.
Ethiopian, however, is phasing out three of its seven 757s in 1H2012. Mr Gebrermariam says the 757s will be replaced by a mix of additional 737s, 787s and 767s. Ethiopian is not increasing its 767 fleet but some 767s will be freed up to replace 757s on routes to Europe and within Africa as 787s replace 767s on Asian routes.
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13 Things Your Pilot Won’t Tell You
Posted: December 17, 2011, 11:42 pm by nero
Just found this wonderful post on Reader's Digest, things your pilot will not tell you. Enjoy:
1. “The truth is, we’re exhausted. Our work rules allow us to be on duty 16 hours without a break. That’s many more hours than a truck driver. And unlike a truck driver, who can pull over at the next rest stop, we can’t pull over at the next cloud.” -Captain at a major airline
© Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Thinkstock
© Digital Vision/Thinkstock
2. “Some FAA rules don’t make sense to us either. Like the fact that when we’re at 39,000 feet going 400 miles an hour, in a plane that could hit turbulence at any minute, (flight attendants) can walk around and serve hot coffee and Chateaubriand. But when we’re on the ground on a flat piece of asphalt going five to ten miles an hour, they’ve got to be buckled in like they’re at NASCAR.” -Jack Stephan, US Airways captain based in Annapolis, Maryland, who has been flying since 1984
© Hemera/Thinkstock
3. “It’s one thing if the pilot puts the seat belt sign on for the passengers. But if he tells the flight attendants to sit down, you’d better listen. That means there’s some serious turbulence ahead.” -John Greaves, airline accident lawyer and former airline captain, Los Angeles
© Hemera/Thinkstock
4. “There’s no such thing as a water landing. It’s called crashing into the ocean.” -Pilot, South Carolina
© Hemera/Thinkstock
5. People always ask, ‘What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened to you?’ I tell them it was a van ride from the Los Angeles airport to the hotel, and I’m not kidding.” -Jack Stephan
© Hemera/Thinkstock
6. “I’ve been struck by lightning twice. Most pilots have. Airplanes are built to take it. You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that’s it. You’re not going to fall out of the sky.” -Pilot for a regional carrier, Charlotte, North Carolina
© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
7. “The smoothest place to sit is often over or near the wing. The bumpiest place to sit is in the back. A plane is like a seesaw. If you’re in the middle, you don’t move as much.” -Patrick Smith
© BananaStock/Thinkstock
8. “If you’re a nervous flier, book a morning flight. The heating of the ground later causes bumpier air, and it’s much more likely to thunderstorm in the afternoon.” -Jerry Johnson, pilot, Los Angeles
© Hemera/Thinkstock
9. “People don’t understand why they can’t use their cell phones. Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we really are.” -Jim Tilmon
© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
10. “Most people get sick after traveling not because of what they breathe but because of what they touch. Always assume that the tray table and the button to push the seat back have not been wiped down, though we do wipe down the lavatory.” -Patrick Smith
© David De Lossy/Valueline/Thinkstock
11. “One of our engines just failed.” What they’ll say instead: “One of our engines is indicating improperly.” (Or more likely, they’ll say nothing, and you’ll never know the difference. Most planes fly fine with one engine down.)
© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
12. Well, folks, the visibility out there is zero.” What they’ll say instead: “There’s some fog in the Washington area.”
“We miss the peanuts too.” -US Airways pilot, South Carolina
By Michelle Crouch Courtesy Reader's Digest
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Malta International Airport Timetable: From Malta, Tunis and Tripoli, summer 2011
Posted: December 16, 2011, 12:49 am by nero
Malta, the European Union's smallest member, is a tiny rocky archipelago in the center of the Mediterranean below Sicily. It is actually more southernly than the coast of North Africa, and acts as a European gateway to Libya especially.
Shown here on the Malta International Airport's summer 2011 timetable are weekly services to Tripoli, with an identical flight every day by Libyan Arab Airlines complimented by an array of daily flights from Air Malta, with a twice weekly connection on JAT which goes onward to Belgrade.
Above are four weekly services to Tunis, direct and also via Monastir on Servisair. All these operations increase during the summer months, as seen from the matrix at far right.
From Timetablist Series
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Qantas Empire Airways: Linking Australia and South Africa, 1952
Posted: December 16, 2011, 12:45 am by nero
For no particular reason, Timetablist has dusted off a series of Qantas articles.
Here is a 1952 postage commemoration, celebrating the first 'regular' linking of two of the Queen's realms, Australia and South Africa. The Qantas Empire Airways Ltd. route from Sydney crosses the antipodean vastness to Perth, then bounds westward over the Indian Ocean, refueling at the Cocos Islands, and later Mauritius, before landing on African soil at Johannesburg. The envelope is cancelled with Mauritian stamps.
From Timetablist Series
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ASKY Airlines Network, December 2011
Posted: December 16, 2011, 12:31 am by nero
A different ASKY than from a year previous: service to Banjul, Dakar and Pointe-Noire are gone, as is the underlying geography of the Gulf of Guinea. Abuja and Yaounde have been added, with Libreville beginning to seem like a focus city.
Lome-based ASKY seems to have failed at bridging the chessboard of Anglo- and Francophone capitals of West Africa, as one of the only English-speaking link is the familiar Accra-Monrovia-Freetown run, which no longer reaches up the coast to Cap Vert. A weekly flight from Monrovia to Bamako is also now absent.
Timetablist
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Air Mali Network c.2009
Posted: December 16, 2011, 12:22 am by nero
From the Air Mali website, although not up to date. A warm and stately reseau showing Air Mali's network, stretching all the way to Pointe-Noire, off the map at the extreme lower-right. Helpfully, the route lines are color coded by aircraft type, a unique feature which is somewhat cryptically keyed by the "CRJ" and "MD" legend and lower left. Ouagadougou is misspelled. Accra is the only Anglophone city served, via Abidjan.
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New high-loss airline to fly: Hellena Basket Air
Posted: December 15, 2011, 7:56 am by nero
Time for some humour:
FRESH FROM ITS POTENTIALLY SUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT at destroying the world’s economy, a southern European country is next plotting to bring down the global airline industry. Newly established Hellena Basket Airlines is to offer the world’s lowest air fares from anywhere to everywhere. Advised by very creative financial firm Goldberg Socks and funded by Italian and French banks, underwritten by large German institutions, the heavily subsidised airline will drastically under-price in order to drive its competition bankrupt.
The carrier’s newly leased large widebody aircraft are configured with 40 first-class, 150 business-class and 300 non-taxpayer-class seats for the great majority of locally originating travellers who have never paid taxes. Seating in this section will be fully subsidised by the national government, using borrowed money. However, because the seats are offered at prices well below cost, this will not cost much.
Inflight entertainment systems are to be provided at excessive cost by leading suppliers Bunga Bunga Entertainment. Bunga Bunga will be available in all seats, announced CEO Silva Burlesquepanti, who until recently held an important entertainment and singles events organising position in an emerging-nation government.
Spanish air traffic controllers expressed concern that there was no suggestion of any strike activity at Hellena Basket at this stage, but offered to provide some immediately, in solidarity with any likely future action. “Obviously, by definition, the new airline’s staff will be underpaid and so industrial action becomes necessary at some stage. With our expertise in the area, we are best equipped to ensure they receive the best guidance, prior to our next strike,” said union chief Sr Labour.
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EgyptAir Training Centre's new Chief Eyeing African Airlines
Posted: December 14, 2011, 7:18 pm by nero
With more than 30 years in the industry, Amzy has been a captain on B737, A300 and B767 for the national airline. His last position held was as manager of technical research at EgyptAir.
He said he aims to extend the training business to go further into Africa and cooperate with the African airlines to provide training expertise to the ones in need and utilise the strong relationship between Egypt "and its sister African countries."
Azmy also believes EgyptAir could offer its training services to other highly growing markets such as India. The Cairo facility is fully equipped with the latest devices for cockpit crew with B777, B737Ng, A320, A340, A330 simulators while cabin crew training is provided on the CEET and CST trainers.Captain Hany Azmy has been appointed vice president for the EgyptAir Training Center and plans to see the organisation reach out to the burgeoning African airlines
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Speculation Growing Over EasyJet's Stelios Involvement on African LCC
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:38 pm by nero
Over the past weeks was speculation growing in Eastern Africa about a potential involvement by former EasyJet’s top executive Stelios Iannou, said to consider joining hands with Lonrho to develop and implement a viable low cost carrier model for Africa, using jet aircraft to connect major cities on the continent.
While some efforts have been made in recent years to establish local LCC’s, this concept has not taken root as was expected and the financial strength of such Pan African airlines like Ethiopian or Kenya Airways have successfully held against such competition by setting fare levels on key routes to not just match their competitors but actually offer lower fares, while at the same time using their frequent flyer programmes to ensure brand loyalty through reward schemes the LCC’s do either not have or do not as effectively use.Stelios
Information obtained points to a possible signing of a deal next week, which could be held either in the UK or a select location in Africa, possibly Nairobi, as the East African aviation market could be the first to be targeted by a new airline set up.
Regional aviation stakeholders expressed surprise when contacted over this potential development and were swift to point to the cut throat operating environment which exists in the East African skies claiming almost in unison ‘this is not Europe, any newcomer will find the going here very tough, very competitive and very challenging’. Adds this correspondent in closing that this will indeed be the case, as past failures amply demonstrate, though Stelios and Lonrho combined will undoubtedly try to re-write aviation history and duplicate European successes in Africa, supported by deep pockets and a vision backed up by long experience.
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Air Uganda Hits Market with Super Package to Mombasa
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:30 pm by nero
‘Mombasa here we come’ has to be the motto for those able to pack and go at an instant’s notice, after Air Uganda has launched their incredible offer of US Dollars 237, per person sharing, all taxes included, to fly nonstop from Entebbe to Mombasa, get airport transfers both ways and stay at the fancied Leopard Beach resort, located at the primest beach of Diani, on half board for 3 nights.
These offers do not come any better in this day and age and demand has shot through the roof it was learned from a regular source at the airline. Valid until the 18th of December, it is Christmas come early and today being Santa’s day in the old country, the gift has arrived in time to make a loved one happy.
Extra nights sell at US Dollars 70 per person, showing just how incredibly priced this offer by Air Uganda really is, considering there is a ticket to be included AND the various regulatory charges. For more information visit www.air-uganda.com or write to info@air-uganda.com and book, book and book … THE present for the entire family ahead of the Christmas season, and then home in time to celebrate under one’s own tree after soaking up some sun and fun at Kenya’s coast.
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Kenyan Aviation Stakeholders Wary of Intended Change of Laws
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:18 pm by nero
The aviation fraternity is bracing for another fight with government, when it became known that there are plans afoot to change the laws governing the sector, including legislation governing the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Transport minister Amos Kimunya made the announcement yesterday when addressing a workshop on aviation law, but cleverly left out any specifics in regard of changes planned to the current legislation, which incidentally was only introduced in 2002, not even 10 years ago.
Aviators are swift to point to the current set of Air Service Regulations, imposed on the industry against agreements and assurances given by the KCAA to the industry that they would not be gazette before an exhaustive process of consultations over contentious clauses has been concluded but then nevertheless went ahead anyway in a cloak and dagger ambush, which took the aviation fraternity in shock and effectively destroyed any trust the industry had at the time in the CEO of KCAA.
‘We continue to fight on many areas over the applicability of certain aspects in the regulations, in particular when general aviation and leisure flying are treated like major commercial airlines. This is not right and there are many issues on requirements which if technically not available like communications from upcountry airstrips, can end a pilot in violation of regulations. We also have issues with the fees being raised dramatically, so of course, any changes to the laws governing aviation, regulating the KCAA, are of big concern to us. Our government does not understand aviation, and few of the regulatory staff are actually having experience from the private sector to fully comprehend what they are doing, how it affects safari airlines in particular. Promises of consultations are empty if our points of view go in one ear and out of the other. That process must be honest, and in the past, when we sat down and spent hundreds of hours to present our case by case issues with the regulations, it was actually dishonest, not meant to include our view point but to tick off a box the paymasters of those processes required. We have already alerted our legal brains to this development and await to get feedback from them on a range of concerns’ said a regular aviation source this morning, having been unable to respond overnight to emailed questions.
The air transport sector in Kenya has in recent years grown in leaps and bounds, with now over 7 million passengers and over 300.000 tons of air cargo being transacted across Kenya’s airports but has suffered capacity constraints by belated efforts to expand and modernize facilities in particular at the region’s primary hub, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. While Malindi and Kisumu have seen upgrades, although the runway extension in Malindi is still pending the one in Kisumu was finally concluded, Nairobi urgently requires a second runway, taxiway and aircraft parking areas, aka apron, while a new passenger terminal too is overdue. The present main terminal is during ‘rush hour’ hopelessly overcrowded and handling equipment is jostling for space when attending to incoming aircraft. In fact, Kenya Airways’ expansion plans hinge critically on these facilities coming into place on the fast track, as ‘The Pride of Africa’ seeks to expand its fleet, frequencies and destinations, across Africa and beyond, putting the Kenya Airport Authority, and the contractors, under pressure to work around the clock in three shifts to complete the new terminal and apron spaces in good time.
Watch this space for the most up to date aviation news from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.
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Nairobi Avition College Students left in the Lurch
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:15 pm by nero
The Nairobi Aviation College, one of the privately owned institutions teaching programmes relevant to starting a career in aviation or a travel agency, found itself locked out of their premises yesterday over a long standing default with rent payments to the landlord ICDC. The school was reportedly on these premises for the past decade and industry observers consulted overnight were surprised, considering the income and cash flow for the Nairobi Aviation College with classes and courses sold out and at a pricey fee.
Hundreds of students, all reportedly paid up with school fees, were on arrival at the Uchumi House in the centre of Nairobi shocked to find office and class room equipment being moved out by auctioneers. It was impossible to establish when regular classes would resume, very likely, if at all, only next year as the equipment the institute was using is now under lock and key.
Students sitting exams too were left in panic, but it was learned that the owners of the school later on managed to get the exam venues shifted to other places, of course then being taken by very unsettled students who had prepared to sit in their own school, only to discover the eviction in process and then having to be moved. Exams under emotional stress and duress? Watch this space.
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Air Burundi Orders Chinese Built MA60 TurboProps
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:08 pm by nero
According to a source in Bujumbura has national airline ‘Air Burundi’ now ordered two Chinese built turboprop aircraft of MA60 types, in an apparent effort to boost capacity and allow the flag carrier to fly to key neighbouring countries, like Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and even Congo under their own schedules, rather than, as is presently the case, depend almost entirely on airlines from those countries to fly into Bujumbura. While it could not be confirmed outright it is thought that China has made favourable credit terms available to Air Burundi, with the government in Bujumbura reportedly ready to guarantee any loans, in an effort to bring Chinese built aircraft into the Great Lakes region where hitherto the turboprop market is dominated by ATR, Bombardier and for the smaller types Czech built LET’s and the traditional Cessna and the Beechcraft 1900.
The purchase will be a boost not only to the airline’s operational capabilities but could also be a precursor to at least in part privatise the airline when the financial performance makes it possible. Watch this space.
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Are Cooperation and Mergers the Way Forward for Indian Ocean Airlines?
Posted: December 14, 2011, 5:01 pm by nero
The social media and blog sites are running hot with input of friends, staff and aficionados of Air Seychelles, who cannot bear the thought that ‘The Creole Spirit’ is to be reduced to a small regional carrier, which besides operating domestic routes between the various islands will in the end be left with probably not more than a single narrow body aircraft serving some routes to the African mainland and best to some of the neighbouring ‘vanilla islands’.
But reality is unfolding, Singapore has already been eliminated from the network and very soon will London, Milan and Rome follow before by end March the door will close on Paris too, leaving ‘HM’ as a shadow of its former self. Economic realities apart, some of which are blamed on the relentless opening of the Seychelles skies to aviation heavyweights – which however has resulted in record arrival figures for the archipelago’s tourism industry – while others blame differences in the vision and strategy of the airline’s former management, board and owners of how best to ensure the long term survival of the country’s aviation pride and joy.Air Seychelles
Similar fears are now also emerging in Mauritius, where the tourism industry has strongly lobbied for the opening of the skies over that island too, with Emirates now already at 11 weekly frequencies but reportedly, like in the Seychelles, eyeing double daily flights, and other Gulf Airlines are also strongly pushing for an ‘entry ticket’ to Mauritius. Talk has been dominating the corridors of the internet, the aviation discussion groups and blogs, that some of the airlines who are now dominating the traffic to the Seychelles, have already made fresh representations to the government in Victoria to get 5th freedom rights. This would mean to combine their flights to the archipelago with onward destinations, either other Indian Ocean islands or selected routes to the African mainland. This has in the past been rejected by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority and transport ministry, and in fact been discussed in an interview earlier in the year with the Seychelles Minister for Transport, the Hon. Joel Morgan, but while back then still fended off it now appears a foregone conclusion and emerging reality.Air Mauritius
An airline source in Mauritius openly expressed his fears that, considering Air Mauritius too is in a precarious financial position with losses incurred, they could also face a similar ‘pruning’, which would only leave Air Austral of Reunion as the one remaining major airline of the African Indian Ocean Islands, for the time being at least.
‘We had warned of this scenario and cautioned our owners of the consequences of opening the Seychelles skies to that effect, so fast and so far reaching. We got more visitors, that is true, but our national aviation sovereignty we have given up. Air Seychelles was a national strategic asset, the ONLY guarantee of connecting our islands by air in hard times. We have seen foreign airlines pull out, citing losses, lower revenues, not enough passengers before, and back then only Air Seychelles kept us connected to the world. Now, with this process cutting all intercontinental routes, this will be almost impossible to achieve should the same situation happen again. We are in contact with our colleagues in Mauritius too and they now have the same fears, that powerful political and economic interests will lead to the dismembering of that airline also. Could our governments not have explored closer cooperation, even considering a merger? We are working in many areas closely with Mauritius and this would just have been another sector in which we could have pooled out resources. Tourism marketing already combines as ‘vanilla islands’ and aviation cooperation would have been a logical extension. In this climate of economic problems around the world no one can be sure of any outcome, but to be honest, we should have at least given it a try to combine our routes, networks, stations overseas, marketing and aircraft utilization and not rushed into just giving it all away. We could have brought Air Austral into the discussions, combining the aviation expertise of three, La Reunion joining hands with Air Seychelles and Air Mauritius perhaps to give such an airline cooperation greater strength, greater reach and better negotiating power, combined routes via neighbouring islands coming from Europe or going to intercontinental destinations. Personally I feel that not all avenues to rescue Air Seychelles have been looked at or considered and that the cutting was hasty and we Seychellois have to pay the price long term. At least our staff, many of them, can find new jobs as expatriates abroad, but they really wanted to stay home, serve their national airline with pride and not see the roof come down on them’ said a regular source from the Seychelles when discussing this issue, and the question is now standing tall, where to will Air Mauritius go, will they face a similar fate, standing alone or could such have been avoided for Air Seychelles through a partnership, cooperation and even merger with other partners in the Indian Ocean island region of Africa. Fodder for thought, and there is still some time left to get such talks underway, before more hammers fall on the unprepared. Watch this space.
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Airline Crew Jobs: Gulf Airlines to absorb Air Seychelles Crew and Staff, Reducing Job Fears
Posted: December 14, 2011, 4:55 pm by nero
Etihad and Emirates are both confirmed to be holding a ‘job fair’ at the Air Seychelles headquarters at Mahe International Airport, aimed to ‘absorb’ qualified cockpit and cabin crew, but also aircraft technicians, ground personnel and key office staff, following the confirmed downsizing and restructuring of the archipelago’s national airline. Qatar Airways too is said to be ‘on board’ for the event, which will very likely see all available crews be offered new opportunities in the Gulf, as all three carriers are flying scheduled services between their hubs in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the Seychelles.
Said a source close to the airline: ‘The relationship between the UAE and Seychelles is a big factor in setting up the job fair and interviews, but these airlines will also be lucky to get so many trained pilots, cabin crew and engineers in one go, with extensive job experience and plenty of flying hours. These three airlines are all expanding and all it takes for them is to give our experienced crews and technicians some conversion courses to check out on the type of aircraft they will be deployed on. None of them flies the B767 series but then the B777, or the A340 or A330 types are not too hard to learn when you already are a senior captain or senior first officer, and for the cabin crews it is really to adapt to their new aircraft type for emergency procedures and in flight service.
For us here in Seychelles it will be a sad day when our routes from Europe finally close down next year and no matter what the ‘new’ Air Seychelles will look like, and we very much want to hear from management and board what direction that will be taking, at least there are job prospects now as expatriates abroad. Some in fact may keep flying back and forth to the Seychelles, especially cabin crews and coming home will never be far for the others because there are many flights now between the Gulf and here. Some of our cockpit crew may even stay and convert to the new aircraft the company will bring in, though for them it would be a step back because one not easily goes from a wide body back to a single aisle narrow body aircraft, so that might be a challenge for the management to overcome and convince some to stay’.
Aviation observers are keenly speculating already what regional routes Air Seychelles intends to operate, besides the already existing route to Johannesburg, and what aircraft will be selected for this type of operation, very likely one of the B737NG series. As always, watch this space for emerging news from East Africa’s and the Indian Ocean Islands aviation scene.
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B787 Dreamliner in Nairobi: PHOTOS
Posted: December 14, 2011, 8:59 am by nero
Some of the photos of the B787 Dreamliner in Nairobi after it touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a rapturous welcome from airport staff, invited guests and planespotters. I will be updating more photos throughout the day on this historic event as I get them.I can't wait to see these planes in Kenya Airways' livery! Big congratulations to Kenya Airways and the Kenyan aviation fraternity for this great milestone.
More Photos of the historic B787 landing in Kenya Available at Friends of Flight Ventures Website
Kenyan Dancers welcoming the B787 to Nairobi
Photos Courtesy: Friends of Flight ventures
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The Day of the Dreamliner! Kenya Welcomes the B787 Dreamliner
Posted: December 14, 2011, 2:25 am by nero
The 787 Dreamliner will be landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the next 30 minutes and many friends have already left for the Airport to catch a glimpse of the long awaited dream(Dreamliner) turned nightmare. I have unfortunately missed the historic event due to punishing work commitment but I will still get a chance to catch a glimpse later in the day.
I have learnt from Wolfgang's blog, lucky him(he will be in the B787 Dreamliner en route to Mombasa) that the B787 will be captained by a Kenyan Pilot and many in the aviation circles are very excited about the prospect. Even the Kenyan President, Mwai Kibaki will be at the Airport to receive the new bird which is expected to position Kenya Airways, along with Ethiopian Airlines as two of Africa's giant airlines as they seek to consolidate their positions on the African Continent. Both airlines have put in place massive expansion plans in the coming years and the delay in the delivery of the Dreamliner has been sort of an anticlimax for both carriers.
Kenya Airways has 9 B787 aircraft on order and further 4 options. A year ago, there was a famous rumour that Kenya Airways had decided to ditch its B787 plans and go head with the "French Mistress", the Airbus but these rumours proved unfounded and it seems the Pride of Africa and many aviation enthusiasts in the region will be waiting patiently for their Dreamliner.
Boeing is currently undertaking a world tour to showcase the Dreamliner to its global clients and constituencies including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and many more, a tour that is expected to last 6 months. According to seasoned traveler and travel writer Wolfgang Thome, this is "also a goodwill tour to make up for the delays and in the process bag a few dozen more orders, as was already announced from Etihad, one of the Gulfs leading carriers, where a deal for 10 more of the Dreamliners was inked two days ago, raising the entire order to now 41 aircraft."
A demonstration flight has been arranged for by Kenya Airways for invited VIPs and a select group of media invitees, regularly reporting about Kenya Airways{but excluding Flight Africa Blog :)}. Watch out as we bring you more coverage on this important event in the history of African aviation.
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KLM flight Offers for Asia
Posted: December 13, 2011, 3:07 am by nero
It's the festive season once more and travelers will be getting more of these offers. KLM is offering the festive season's flight offers from Nairobi to Bangkok, Tokyo and Hongkong. Don't miss the offers in KLM's Journeys of Inspiration:::
It's now easier and more affordable to combine a trip to Asia with a trip to Europe. Simply fly out via Amsterdam or Paris to your favourite European destination and then fly onwards to one of our 25 different destinations across China and East Asia.
The options are endless, you can return back via Europe or direct on Kenya airways from Guangzhou,
Hong Kong, Seoul or Bangkok to Nairobi. It could not get any easier, quicker or more convenient!
Take your pick from the colourful destinations we have selected for you with a fare combination of
Europe and Asia and start making your dream a reality - It's all in your hands.
Book now at www.klm.com
Hong Kong
from
$1,691 return incl. tax Bangkok
from
$1,691 return incl. tax Tokyo
from
$2,407 return incl. tax
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Kenya Airways Website has a brand new look!
Posted: December 11, 2011, 6:52 pm by nero
Kenya Airways has redesigned its website giving it a much cleaner and elegant look , with less clutter and links. If you combine the red hot Kenyan colours together with the clean and sleek design, then here we have a world class website. Besides, it's quite fast unlike the South Africa Airways website which caused lots of problems after an overhaul.
The Kenya Airways website reminds me of the KLM website or Emirates website. I would love to know the design company which did this, I have some projects up my sleeve :) What do you think of the new look Kenya Airways website?
Kenya Airways Website Home page
Kenya Airways Corporate Website
A much cleaner and elegant look
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Finnair relaunches retro flight in the original Silver Bird theme
Posted: December 10, 2011, 2:59 pm by nero
From Finnair blog:
Since 1923, when consul Bruno Lucander founded an upstart Finnish airline called Aero, Finnair’s approach to customers has always had a personal touch. Lucander himself sold tickets, helped passengers with luggage, and even helped pilots moor the seaborne Junkers aircraft.
By the 1950s, Aero had changed its name to Finnair while management had a little more help in the air. The airline’s state-of-the-art Silver Bird Convair aircraft, the first with a pressurized cabin, took passenger comfort to new heights. The original Convair cabins had leather armchairs in two rows, tasty meals were eaten at tables and the airline even offered passengers the use of an electric Philishave razor.
This year Finnair celebrates 88 years of quality service and peace of mind in air travel with selected retro flights in the original Silver Bird theme. This is the retro flight to Hamburg on Finland’s Independce Day, December 6, 2011. Enjoy!
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Oneworld is the best Airline Alliance of 2011
Posted: December 10, 2011, 2:47 pm by nero
American business travel magazine Global Traveler has named oneworld the best airline alliance of 2011. The honour was granted to oneworld for the second year in a row on the basis of reader research. oneworld brings together 12 of the world’s biggest and best airlines - and 20 affiliates - with more signed up to join soon.
The airline alliance is also current holder of the World Travel Awards’ 'World’s Leading Airline Alliance' title, retaining that award for the eighth year running.
oneworld’s members are American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Mexicana, Qantas, Finnair, Royal Jordanian and S7. Kingfisher, Airberlin and Malaysia Airlines will join in 2012.
The Alliance offers the market-leading range of alliance fare and sales products. It is committed to innovation to improve customer service; the winner of more international awards for airline alliances than either of its competitors and is the alliance with the strongest collective profitability record. Unfortunately, there are no Africa airline members of the oneworld alliance.
US-based Global Traveler describes itself as the "magazine for luxury business travelers".
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South African Airways to launch Kigali and Bujumbura Flights in January 2012
Posted: December 10, 2011, 2:29 pm by nero
South African Airways has added two more travel options to our African route network as part of the airline's growth plans on the continent.
Effective 17 January 2012, SAA will commence operations from Johannesburg to Kigali (Rwanda) and onwards to Bujumbura (Burundi). The return flights will operate from Bujumbura to Kigali and onwards to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International airport. These flights are now available via www.flysaa.com
SAA is focused on strengthening its intra-Africa network in line with its Africa Expansion programme. Adding even more destinations to its already extensive Africa route network will create more travel options for their customers to thriving destinations that were previously difficult to reach by air.
In addition to being the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali is also its economic, cultural and tourist transit hub. Bujumbura is Burundi's capital and largest city and is close to the country's main port, shipping coffee as its primary export.
The route between Johannesburg to Kigali and onwards to Bujumbura will be serviced three times a week by a SAA's A319 aircraft which is able to accommodate 120 passengers in a two class (business and economy) configuration.
SAA's most recent addition to its African route network was the start of flights to Ndola, Zambia on 2 October. The Ndola service is largely aligned to growth in demand from mining executives, especially those flying into South Africa from countries such as Australia.
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South African Airways to introduce Direct Services to Beijing, China in January 2012
Posted: December 10, 2011, 2:23 pm by nero
For the first time in the history of the airline, SAA will introduce direct flights to Beijing, China; from January next year.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to depart on Tuesday 31 January 2012 from Johannesburg to arrive in Beijing, China; on Wednesday 1 February 2012. These flights are now available for reservations in the global distribution system (GDS) and via SAA's website flysaa.com, the airline's on-line website.
Introducing direct flights to Beijing is in line with SAA's strategy to expand its network to Asia, the fastest growing market in the world. SAA will operate the route three times a week. The route will be served by the Airbus A340-600 aircraft, which have the capacity to operate the route directly all year round with no passenger payload restrictions. Flying time between Johannesburg and Beijing takes on average 15 hours.
Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city is the country's political, cultural and educational centre and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies.Direct Flights to Beijing
Johannesburg - Beijing schedule:
Flight SA288
Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Depart Johannesburg 08h00
Arrive Beijing 04h40*(Following day)Beijing - Johannesburg schedule:
Flight SA289
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Depart Beijing 06h40*
Arrive Johannesburg 15h30*(Following day)
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Jambo Jet: Yes to Kenya Airways' Low Cost Subsidiary
Posted: December 9, 2011, 1:10 am by nero
In this blog, a year ago , a colleague of mine suggested that Kenya Airways should not follow the example of South African Airways and other legacy carriers by building a low cost subsidiary focused on the regional/domestic market. This is a model that has always proved a failure as many airlines have been unable to reconcile the two business models and run profitable businesses. In many cases, LCC subsidiaries are often a hole in the bucket, hemorrhaging cash until eventually they are shut down. After a conversation with some of the industry experts, he had come to the conclusion that it's better for an airline to keep to the knitting, its full service model, instead of fumbling with the two business models and incurring some losses in tough economic times.
But now I think an LCC subsidiary would be the best thing for Kenya Airways as it will cater for the passengers in the domestic and the sub regional market while the airline focuses on its ambitious Pan African expansion strategy.
For one, regional airlines that market themselves as low cost are eating away at Kenya Airways Load Factors so it makes sense for Kenya Airways to counter the competition through an LCC strategy; to introduce a totally low cost product to compete with airlines like Fly540, Air Uganda, Jet Link, airlines which also have ambitious expansion plans of their own. The East African aviation market is becoming more competitive. A few years ago, Kenya Airways had a virtual monopoly in the Nairobi-Entebbe route, but now it has to compete with Air Uganda; Kenya Airways had to shut down some of its domestic routes in Kenya, which gave the room for Fly540 and Jetlink to fill the vacuum. So the domestic market definitely needs some development but with a different product that can offer travelers competitive pricing at par with other airlines.
A second reason, international investors are already smelling the opportunity. Stelios Haji-Ioannou,
the British airline entrepreneur and billionaire who founded the European LCC EasyJet is planning to set an LCC operation in Africa, probably in Kenya through the FastJet brand. So it's better to establish a presence in the market ahead of time before newer competitors eliminate you from the equation.
As the economic recession continues to bite, travelers are increasingly looking for cheaper travel options. Low cost is the latest fad with LCCs taking 23 out of 100 seats in the travel market globally. It therefore makes sense to build low cost consumer friendly brands early in preparation of the coming boom in the travel market in Africa. Consumers love LCCs not only because of the low costs but also their vibrant brands. I think Jambo Jet will provide Kenya Airways an opportunity to build a new vibrant airline brand that Kenyans can closely identify with to boost its image in the domestic market. Kenyans have been having issues with their favorite company :)
The old image of the national carrier with the flags and the aura of air travel is first disappearing. Consumers want small, personal and innovative brands they can easily identify with. Look at the South African LCC market and the emergence of brands like Kulula, Mango Airlines, 1Time and then recently Santaco Airlines. Look at Europe and the popularity of airlines like EasyJet or Asia and the popularity of AirAsia. For short point to point to domestic air travel, consumers want airlines that will simply take them from point A to B, without all the "unnecessary" frills that inflate the costs for nothing. Full service carriers like Kenya Airways, the flag carriers, might be considered unresponsive to customers, riddled with labour disputes and generally lack creativity. They offer the same products year in year out while LCCs have the flexibility to surprise their customers with some out of the box promotions and small innovations. So I think, for Kenya Airways, it's now time to test life on the other side of the fence.
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The B787 Dreamliner Coming to Nairobi
Posted: December 8, 2011, 4:40 pm by nero
The December schedule for the 787 Dream Tour includes six stops in Asia, Africa and the Middle East
This will be one of the big events in the aviation history in Kenya and Africa as the B787 Dreamliner will be landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in its 3 Continent World Tour for the first time and flying passengers from Nairobi to Mombasa.
The 6 month B787 Dream Tour began in China on 4th December and will go on until 11th December when the ZA003—the third 787 Dreamliner will head to Addis Ababa Ethiopia and nairobi Kenya to visit Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways. A "visit" that will last at the 16th of December. From December 16th-19th the B787 Dreamliner will pay Qatar Airways a visit in Doha.
According to Randy Tinseth, Vice President, Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, "After seeing the airplane in Dubai and giving media a tour, I know people are really going to love what they see on the Dream Tour. It’s truly a stunning interior that will turn heads. "
Here are a few shots of the ZA003:
ZA003 on display at the Dubai Airshow.
Wow! Too bad I have not been invited to this :( but I will keep tabs on things from some of my popular journalist contacts via Twitter. Wolfgang H Thome below showing some of his usual enthusiasm for historic aviation milestones in East Africa::
December 14th has been set as the long awaited date, that Boeing’s new ‘wonderplane’, the B787 Dreamliner is finally making an appearance over the skies of Kenya, a harbinger of things to come when ‘The Pride of Africa’ finally can take delivery of the first of 9 firm orders – and 4 further options – come 2013.
Ordered initially several years ago, the first delivery last month to Japan’s ANA was years overdrawn and resulted in equally long delays for the East African Community’s predominant airline, Kenya Airways. The B787 is upon delivery due to replace the ageing fleet of B767 aircraft, offering substantially lower operating expenses as well as provide more capacity for passengers and cargo, while at the same time greatly enhancing the inflight experience for passengers through improved cabin pressure settings at lower altitude, greater humidity in the hitherto very dry cabin atmosphere and substantially larger windows, made possible by the use of composite materials in the manufacturing of the world’s latest wide body aircraft.
Initial feedback from passengers on the ANA B767 has confirmed, if not outright exceeded expectations and the promises made by Boeing so far have come true, for the airline as well it appears, though it is early days to draw real comparisons in operating costs for the ‘new bird’.
It was announced here a while ago that Boeing had confirmed a ‘world tour’ of the new aircraft, to show the B787 off to airlines with orders, and to promote additional sales of the new aircraft and this is now becoming reality with the clock ticking towards the morning of the 14th of December, when both Kenya Airways and Boeing will be presenting the ‘Dreamliner’ at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Invited guests from the corporate world and the regional media will be able to not just step into the plane while on the ground but also experience a flight from Nairobi to Mombasa, allowing one to judge directly what improvements the new aircraft offers over the ‘conventional’ wide bodies like the B777.e
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Inside look: The new Blaise Diagne International Airport in Senegal
Posted: December 6, 2011, 10:10 pm by nero
If you have been in Dakar recently, then you know that the Leopold Senghor International Airport is not only congested and outdated but also in a state of disrepair. The airport lobby is too small, there are hawkers just as you step out of the airport lobby, the immigration desk is a simple makeshift booth with two or three Senegalese police. In fact, my passport was processed in a wooden desk as I stood by. It's not the most comfortable of airports! But the Senegalese are not being left behind as Africa's lions power ahead. Just in the outskirts of Dakar, a new $400 million state of the art airport is being constructed. The Airport will hist Senegal's newly launched airline Senegal Airlines International and the soon to be launched Air Teranga.
Situated 40km from Dakar, the airport will handle 10 million passengers, making Senegal the true gateway not only to West Africa but to the whole African continent. Senegal sits at a strategic position by the Atlantic, close to Europe and a gateway to the Americas. Have a look at the planned Blaise Diagne International Airport , where construction is moving at a breakneck speed:
Work on the stunning new Blaise Diagne International Airport on the outskirts of Dakar is proceeding at pace.
The eye-catching airport will be the operational headquarters of the country's new flag carrier, Senegal Airlines. Built at a cost of $400 million, Blaise Diagne will eventually be able to handle 10 million passengers a year.
Lifting Senegal and West Africa to new HeightsSituated around 40 kms from Dakar, the airport will provide direct and connecting flights to Africa and the world.
Two-phase construction of Blaise Diagne International Airport now well under way
The jewel in Senegal's transport crown, Blaise Diagne International Airport (Blaise Diagne) is one of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country's history, with the state-of-the-art facility set to become the new gateway to the nation and West Africa.
Spread over more than 2,600 hectares, the $400 million airport meets all international safety and security standards and will replace the limited capacity Lopold Sdar Senghor International Airport at Dakar-Yoff.
The old airport currently serves as the main entry and departure point for foreign visitors to Senegal, but senior public and private sector figures have expressed their satisfaction with the pace of construction work at the gleaming new airport, which, according to official forecasts, will serve as many as 5 million people per year by 2025.
Following the January 2011 launch of new government-owned aircraft operator, Senegal Airlines, the new Blaise Diagne aviation facility marks a further milestone in the nation's journey to economic prosperity and civil development.
The flag carrier will use the new airport as its main base and operational headquarters, as will sister airline Air Teranga that is due to begin operations later this year. The low-cost carrier will focus on domestic destinations across the country.
Senegalese ministers and business leaders believe the construction of a modern airport is crucial for consistent socioeconomic development and that it sends out a positive signal to international investors that Senegal is stepping up to the world stage.
President Abdoulaye Wade is confident the multi-million dollar facility will act as a powerful magnet for fresh investment from China and beyond.
"As Senegal prospers and the revitalized private sector becomes the principal employer, investor and economic actor, so our magnificent new airport and Port of Dakar will become two of the core pillars of our economy," he said."We will see soon the deployment of Senegal Airlines' networks to Europe, the Middle East and North America.
"Our ambition is to make Senegal Airlines one of the leading companies in Africa, offering the best service on all its destinations. It will be a key instrument for the development of tourism, commerce and industry and enhance the prominence of Senegal in West Africa and the continent."
Located east of the capital, close to the busy tourist beaches, Blaise Diagne is expected to become the region's leading air traffic hub, with major airlines providing direct and connecting flights to cities across Europe and the Americas.
Among the leading airlines currently offering services to Dakar from destinations around the world are: Air France, Alitalia, Iberia, TAP, Condor, SN Brussels, South African Airway and Lufthansa Cargo.
Phasing in construction
The new airport is being constructed in two phases. Work on the first phase of the project began in April 2007 and includes the construction of a runway that can handle 25,000 planes per year.
The attractive new terminal will have an annual capacity of 3 million passengers and freight capacity of 53,102 tons per year. The second development phase is a medium to long-term target that will start once Phase 1 passenger capacity is reached. The final phase comprises the building of a second runway and all related airside and non-airside facilities capable of handling 10 million passengers a year.
Creating opportunities
Designed by industry experts and financed through a combination of public and private sector funding, Blaise Diagne will be operated by a local subsidiary of German airport management company Fraport AG and its consortium partners.
Fraport was awarded the coveted 25-year contract following a highly competitive international bidding process. Subsidiary Daport SA will handle all terminal, flight, retail and real estate operations, with the airport expected to create hundreds of new jobs for local people. Of the 2,400 workers constructing the airport for leading Saudi Arabian company, SBG, at least a quarter live in villages surrounding the site, with many others residing in nearby urban areas.
"Major investment in important new infrastructure such as Blaise Diagne will turn Senegal into a major international hub from a business and tourism perspective," said Karim Wade, minister of international cooperation, air transports, infrastructures and energy (MICATTI).
"The technologically-advanced airport and comfortable and modern airline will make Senegal a major aviation force in Africa and internationally."
In order to ensure regional airports located near towns and cities can handle the arrival of new domestic carrier Air Teranga, government officials plan to upgrade several existing regional facilities and construct new airports. "We are currently in discussions with a Chinese company about the possibility of improvement works to 15 regional airports," added Minister Wade. "These important works will provide a significant boost to Senegal's domestic air transport infrastructure as we prepare for the future launch of Air Teranga."
These long-awaited airport improvement projects herald a bright new dawn for Senegal's aviation industry, with expanding ground and terminal operations backed up by the launch of Senegal Airlines. The new airline is the result of a strategic partnership with award-winning Dubai based-flag carrier Emirates. The UAE-headquartered airline recently pledged its commitment to Senegal through the launch of a non-stop route between Dakar and Dubai.
Commercial aviation operations will be further enhanced by major changes to ground maintenance procedures and improved monitoring of aircraft equipment. A new service and repair center designed to international standards has been established in Dakar to meet the increasing demands of the domestic and regional market.
"Senegalese law firm EMA Industries was established in partnership with EAS Industries to enable national and foreign operators to have a high level technical workshop for the maintenance of their aircraft," President Wade confirmed. "Along similar lines, the creation of a new aviation training center will provide civil and commercial aircraft operators with qualified technical personnel."
In November 2009, the government signed a letter of intent to buy a six-strong fleet of Airbus planes worth $750 million for Senegal Airlines. The 4 A320 family aircraft and 2 A330 planes would transport passengers to destinations on several continents.
The potential purchase provides extra evidence of the determination to establish an efficient national airline following the poor performance and eventual 2009 demise of its predecessor, Air Senegal International.
"The operational efficiency and passenger comfort offered by the Airbus fleet will enable Senegal Airlines to prosper and grow into a major player in the African aviation market and become a key partner in the economic development of our country," said Minister Wade following the signing of the potential order.
"These various initiatives will continue to be strengthened and improved so that the national aviation sector can fully play its role as a vehicle for growth and economic development engine of Senegal."
He continued: "Combined with Blaise Diagne, Senegal Airlines will allow us to showcase our beautiful and ambitious country to the world and boost tourism and business development."
Building up tourism
As part of the government's drive to diversify the economy and take advantage of Senegal's rich heritage, and natural and cultural assets, ministers are exploring ways of developing the fledgling tourism industry.
Senegal has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gore Island in Dakar Harbor that was used as the point for the millions of slaves shipped to the New World.
Dakar today is a vibrant and safe city that has something for people of all ages. The city is especially popular with art lovers thanks to its many galleries, artists' studios, outdoor art events and activities, museums, and festivals.
The welcoming city is also a shopping paradise and exquisite crafts produced by craftsman skilled in traditional ways are sold in markets, on the streets, and in stores.
The Port of Dakar is one of Africa's busiest ports for cruise liners, with visitors to the bustling city of 2.8 million people offered duty-free shopping and excursions to many local places of interest. Luxury hotels, golf resorts and beachside accommodations provide an ideal base for leisure activities, such as horseback riding, swimming, and aquatic sports.
With many tropical rainforests inhabited by rare flora and fauna, Senegal is eager to cash in on its natural beauty and expand the selection of eco-tourism packages available to foreign visitors.
One of its most popular eco-tourism destinations is the small archipelago called Saloum Delta Islands. Situated near the border with The Gambia, the tranquil coastal and marine park is a natural paradise teeming with bird and marine life.
"We have at least two competitive advantages in fishing and tourism, which offer huge potential to foreign investors," said President Wade. "Many Chinese enterprises are already active in Senegal's economy, and well placed to take advantage of the opportunities created by an under-developed tourism sector."
Post Courtesy China Daily
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FastJet: Stelio's EasyGroup to Establish a new Low Cost Airline in Africa
Posted: December 6, 2011, 9:39 pm by nero
There is a reason for Africa to smile; it's recent economic successes in the last 5 years are not going unnoticed and now EasyJet Founder, the British Billionaire Stelios Haji–Ioannou is planning to launch a new low cost airline in Africa under the FastJet brand. There are no details on this yet.
Mr. Haji-Ioannou's easyGroup, which runs ventures from car hire, cybercafes, hotels and gym membership, is to invest in Rubicon Diversified Investments PLC, a former software company that has now entered the aviation business and will operate the airline under the brand FastJet.Stelios
Stelios has had troubles with the airline he founded and even signed an agreement with EasyJet which compels him not establish or acquire interests in any other airline or new airline in the European Economic Zone and Switzerland for at least 5 years in return for $450,000 annually. It's a Steve Jobs like scenario where the founder becomes estranged with a company he founded or with the management of the company he founded. Stelios founded EasyJet in 1995 at the age of 28 with a loan from his shipping magnate father and the company has since grown into one if Europe's largest Low Cost Airlines.
Given that he's locked out of Europe, Africa is clearly the natural choice for Stelios. The continent's key economies are confidently powering ahead with steady growth, more Africans are crossing into the middle class status and air travel and passenger numbers are quickly picking up. Also, the low cost model is not well developed so there's a real golden opportunity in Africa. I think a low cost Pan African outfit would definitely win the market. Currently, most low cost airlines have regional focus in their operations. Fly540, the dominant player in the market services Africa with three hubs in Kenya, Angola and Ghana. South African low cost carriers mostly service South Africa and a few neighboring countries. The rest of the continent is at the mercy of the legacy carriers like Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, South African Airways, Egypt Air, and others.
According to Stelios, "Africa must now represent the final frontier of this aviation revolution which started in the U.S. in the 70s and which I was proud to have led in Europe in the 90s."
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"Umbi Umbi Club", TAAG Angola's New Loyalty Program
Posted: December 4, 2011, 9:59 pm by nero
It took me an eternity to learn about this but TAAG Angola now has a Frequent Flyer Program, it's called Umbi Umbi Club . I wonder how many people have joined now that they are launching and building it from scratch. Airlines like Kenya Airways, South African Airways, EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines are lucky in that they can leverage existing FF programs like Flying Blue and the various frequent flyer programmes for Star Alliance members. Any way good luck to TAAG Angola with Umbi Umbi Club!
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Abidjan International Airport: Rwandair flight faces extortion, at gunpoint
Posted: December 4, 2011, 8:42 pm by nero
I have been to Abidjan's International Airport en-route to Dakar on a Kenya Airways flight and one thing that lingered in my mind was the thought of some of the unprofessional and untrained goons who swept Ouattara to power now controlling the airport. Abidjan Airport crew looked lost and brutalized but Kenya Airways has been serving Abidjan for some time and my 45 minutes in Abidjan was without incident. However,a RwandaAir plane that landed in Abidjan recently had its fair share of trouble. Read the account by Wolfgang H Thome :::
As our RwandAir special flight made its final approach into Abidjan's international airport, the landscapes beneath were fueling my imagination of what a proper visit to the Ivory Coast might yield and what I might discover travelling along the shores and across the country in terms of scenic beauty. Tropical coastal forests gave way to palm oil plantations and then some more tropical coastal forests, as the city of Abidjan came into sight from the aircraft, which lined up for its landing.
Touchdown it was and while being redirected from the main passenger terminal to the official side of the airport, this was of no concern at the time. After all, this was a special flight with a sizeable government delegation on board, led by two of Rwandan ministers and a number of senior officials, including RwandAir CEO John Mirenge. We had all travelled to Lagos and Abuja together for the celebration of establishing regular air links between Rwanda and Nigeria and were now delivering a number of our fellow inaugural flight passengers for their second part of their journey, with us expected to then leave for Kigali again. Receiving our official delegation was swift and soon we were taxiing back to the main terminal for refueling to then commence our journey back to Rwanda.
And here the misfortunes commenced and in a way few would have expected, not the least this correspondent who thought he had by and large seen it all in his frequent travels across the continent.
RwandAir, and I say of course, does have a handling agent appointed in Abidjan, a company which takes care of ground handling, provision of equipment like stairs and crucially the refueling.
The cockpit crew, including the engineer on board, disembarked and no handling agent representative was spotted, though the information on landing time had been transmitted well ahead I could later on establish.
Instead, a band of armed soldiers approached the aircraft and demanded cash for the fuel and handling transaction, for the latter a cool 5.000 US Dollars and for the fuel they quoted an initial figure which could have bought an oil field, or else taken care of their pension for life.
RwandAir remaining senior official on board, Michael Otieno, the Corporate Communications Manager, also got involved in the ensuing argument, which swiftly turned into the ABC of African officials, Arrogant behaviour, Blackmail demands and Corruption visible for all to see. Little did he know what was in store for him, as one of the goons then put his gun on him, clearly hoping that this little persuasion would help to extract the extortionate amounts of money they demanded. Our two captains, include RwandAir Chief Pilot and the engineer who had travelled on the flight, were seen busy making phone calls as the situation threatened to get out of hand quickly and turn into a potential diplomatic incident, as the aircraft had delivered a duly invited official government delegation, only to be then ambushed and extorted and with a senior RwandAir staff held at gunpoint.
Thankfully, at that very stage a representative of the handling company finally appeared, prompting the rogue soldiers deployed at the international airport to swiftly beat a retreat, and business was then finally, an hour and a half late, conducted at agreed rates with no cash changing hands, leaving the goons in uniform clearly fuming at their misfortunes as they stood by a short distance away, seen gesturing and clearly disappointed that their scheme had failed.
The delay, amongst other consequences, could have forced our crew out of maximum permitted duty hours and as it so happened, they beat the deadline with only some bare minutes to spare. A sigh of relief went through those of us on board, who saw what had transpired and knew how close we had come to a major incident and taxiing and take off was a great relief, seeing the figures of our tormentors getting smaller in the distance, guns still strapped to their chests and gripped with both hands, and once airborne again and at initial cruising altitude Capt. Babis then narrated the story for all to hear, including the willingness of fellow passengers to bail out the aircraft and give a cash collection which would have been enough to satisfy the broad robbery attempt by some of the troops stationed at the international airport, ostensibly for protection and security, but who turned their assignment on the head and sought a ready cash dispenser, likely stealing the fuel in the process as that money would arguably not have been turned over to the fuel company, causing them a major loss too.
Fellow passengers applauded the crew involved in the incident, the other RwandAir staff on board and those willing to part with their cash reserves, but it left a sour taste, of bile and vomit in our all throats. Considering that the former hang on to the bitter end president Gbagbo is now in the Hague, facing charges by the International Criminal Court, and considering that the international community supported the claims of the now President of Ivory Coast and assisted him to turn his election victory into a move to State House, this incident puts the country to shame and it is hoped that those responsible will swiftly be identified and taken to court, and that the government of Ivory Coast will see it fit to issue a formal apology to the government of Rwanda, and to RwandAir, for the ordeal described.
Landing in Kigali was at 20 past midnight and applauded by everyone on board this special flight and the red carpet was once again rolled out and much in evidence, smiling officials, welcoming comments at immigration and customs officials generously waving all of us through. I thought home at last although technically of course my own patch is at the lake shores outside Kampala / Uganda, but home to East Africa at least it was and what a change to what we saw and experienced in West Africa.
For now though I hasten to put this story out for all to read and get a feel, what dark side our festive inaugural flight suffered at the hand of armed goons in Abidjan.
As to going back and fulfill my ambition to see that country for real and write about it, this is very unlikely now, unless the Ivory Coast tourism board would see it fit to give me a formal invitation, minders and all, but that I do not expect to happen in a month of Sundays, so do not hold your breath just yet, there will be no good news about Ivory Coast any time soon from me.
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Airlines to profit from Africa’s growth opportunities
Posted: December 4, 2011, 8:24 pm by nero
Africa has been asked to review the "complex" structure of its taxes and fees imposed by service providers to enable airlines in the continent exploit the existing growth potential.
It is believed that the duties in Africa are relatively higher in comparison to other regions and particularly when seen in light of the level of infrastructure and services available.
For instance, it is estimated that it costs 18.5 US cents per Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) to travel in Africa as compared to 15.5 US cents in Asia, 12.3 cents in Europe and 11.0 cents in North America.
RPK is a measure of passenger’s sales volume, which can be obtained by multiplying the number of revenue passengers carried on a flight by the distance traveled by each passenger.
Industry leaders who concluded their 43rd Annual General Assembly and conference in Southern Morocco last week heard that the "excessive" charges imposed on the airlines operating in the continent and their passengers, with experts saying this has impeded airlines from realising their full potential.
The Airlines Association (Afraa), Secretary General of African Elijah Chingosho noted that cost of travel from Africa is still very high compared to other regions of the world.
He said high intra-Africa and intercontinental airfares are mainly attributed to high airport taxes and fees coupled with high fuel, insurance, aircraft financing and leasing charges experienced in the region.
"This is stifling development of air transport and compounding the many difficulties that African airlines have to surmount to be competitive and profitable," he said.
He said that the impact of high charges should be examined in light of Africa’s huge potential for growth of air transport, which by all indications is becoming one of the fastest growing regions in terms of air traffic.
New partnerships
Opening the three-day General Assembly on behalf of the Minister of Transport of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Kingdom of Morocco, Abdennebi Manar, challenged African airlines to open up their markets and brace themselves for competition.
He called upon industry stakeholders in Africa to work together and seek partnerships with each other to broaden their network as well so as to mop up traffic to compete with operators from other regions.
During the meeting the Chief Executive Officer of Air Mali Mr Abderahmane Berthe was elected President of Association and host of the 2012 AFRAA Annual General Assembly.
Welcoming delegates to the meeting, the President of AFRAA and Chairman of Royal Air Maroc, Driss Benhima, noted that air transport liberalisation is good for the continent but cautioned it can pose serious survival challenges to local airlines ill-prepared to compete in a liberalised market. He said Morocco last year attained its target of 10 million tourist arrivals due largely to the open skies agreement with the EU.
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Old Indian Law Hindering African Airlines Expansion into India
Posted: December 4, 2011, 8:20 pm by nero
India has a substantial diaspora in Africa and the trade trade ties between India and the various African countries is quite strong. Several African Airlines have been flying to India for decades amongst them Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways amongst others.
India also has BASAs with at least 17 African countries and is currently on a charm offensive to strengthen its old relationship with Africa, which has in been existence since the colonial days. In fact, in the 60s, many Indians fled India to find "greener" pastures in Africa, to join an earlier generation of Indians that had come to Africa during the colonial and even pre-colonial times. It seems with the resurgence of China and China's massive investments in Africa, India would like to exploit this old comradeship to its advantage. African countries have been welcoming India and some have expressed an interest in exchanging some bilateral air services with India to allow the airlines to launch direct flights to India.
However, an old Indian law stands in the way of these African countries exploiting the rich Indian travel market. According to the law, "unless effective control and substantial ownership of an airline rests with either the Government or a national of a country from where the airline is designated, we cannot go in for exchange of flights. In the case of Africa this is becoming a problem." The problem arises because many state carriers in Africa collapsed and have been replaced by privately held airlines, which are owned by people who are not of African descent.
Case in point is Air Uganda, Air Mali and Air Burkina which are owned by the Aga Khan, Fly540 airlines which is owned by the Lonrho Group based in London and other African airlines. The law seems to have been enacted in the true spirit of the Non Aligned Movement but it seems it's hindering flights between the two countries in the new globalized economy.
Many Indians traveling in Africa normally go through the Middle East or Europe to reach their destinations. It's time for some review of old laws to reflect the realities of the 21st Century.
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Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
