L        AASA news / 2021

In brief 

• December 2, 2021. United Nations Chief slams COVID-19 'travel apartheid' as unacceptable
• December 1, 2021. Here are the travel restrictions on South Africa right now – a week after news of the Omicron variant broke
• December 1, 2021. SA travel bans lead to a surge in summer holiday cancellations – with more than R1 billion lost
• November 29, 2021. Omnishambles: travel bans and the Omicron variant are hurting southern Africa
• November 28, 2021. South African president calls for lifting of Omicron travel bans
• November 28, 2021. Airlines Association: reconsider ‘red list’
• November 28, 2021. Southern Africa Airlines lobby AASA slams UK for Omnicon travel restrictions
• November 28, 2021. South African President calls for travel bans to be 'urgently' lifted
• November 28, 2021. South Africa stays on level 1 lockdown, Ramaphosa says Omicron identification was ’excellent work’
  
• November 28, 2021. No new Covid-19 restrictions as government consults on mandatory vaccines - Ramaphosa
  
• November 28, 2021. Covid-19: 'No need to panic' about Omicron variant, 'symptoms are mild' so far - SAMA board chair
• November 27, 2021. Southern African Airlines hit back at UK Red List decision
  
• November 26, 2021. Southern Africa: Airlines Association urges UK to reconsider temporary ban of Southern Africa flights
  
• November 26, 2021. Airlines Association of Southern Africa urges UK to reconsider red list with regional nations
  
• November 26, 2021. Tourism 'gutted' by mass cancellations after UK moves SA to red list
  
• November 26, 2021. Travel industry dismayed as travel bans mount

 L        AASA Member News & Notices

  L  Chris Zweigenthal to retire as AASA CEO
May 26, 2021. AASA news.

Mr Zweigenthal joined AASA in February 2002 as Deputy Chief Executive and was appointed CEO in March 2009. His retirement is for personal reasons and he will relocate to the USA to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
    “Chris is a legend in the Southern African air transport industry and is widely regarded for his tenacity, calm diplomacy and energetic work ethic. While we have confronted - and continue to face - serious challenges, the airline industry in Southern Africa is deeply indebted to Chris for the constructive engagement and goodwill that he has fostered across the sector. especially with government regulators, policy makers, legislators and state-run infrastructure service providers throughout the Southern African Development Community. We wish Chris and his family a well-deserved retirement. He will leave big shoes to fill,” said AASA Chairperson, Elmar Conradie.
    Prior to AASA, Mr Zweigenthal, who is a civil engineer by profession, worked initially for Transnet. In 1988 he joined SAA where he held senior management positions in its Petroleum Affairs, Flight Operations and Marketing Planning departments and later as Vice President Global Passenger Services. While at SAA he was also seconded to Kampala for two-years as Managing Director of the South African, Tanzanian and Ugandan joint-venture carrier, SA Alliance Air.
    A recruitment process is underway to find a successor to Mr Zweigenthal and ensure a smooth transition. Download the media statement...

/ 2021

• UK’s ‘knee-jerk’ Red List temporary ban throws South African travellers, tourism industry and airlines into a muddle
• WHO praises South Africa's speed in reporting new variant as more countries shut doors
• WHO to assess new highly mutated Covid-19 variant as countries ramp up health checks
• Department of Transport releases names of the shortlisted candidates to serve on the Air Service Licensing and the International Air Services Councils. Gazetted: GG 45505
• [WATCH] Aaron Munetsi on why its so expensive to fly in Africa
• [PODCAST] Travel&Tourism: Air transport industry needs urgent government intervention
• Southern African airlines support action against climate change, but want key issues addressed
• Digital Covid-19 travel pass must be top priority for SA airlines, says aviation body
• AASA chairperson and deputy re-elected
• Southern Africa air transport industry needs urgent government interventions - AASA
• Southern African airlines back action against climate change, but need key issues addressed
• AASA: Aviation in Southern Africa 'in a fragile and vulnerable space'
• Airlines feel the pinch of 'exorbitant' fuel costs
• Southern African airlines body warns that regional recovery is slow and help is still needed
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] Tough medicine needed for air transport in Southern Africa
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] AASA's Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson re-elected for 2021-22
• AASA CEO: Pandemic recovery 'is the perfect opportunity to kick start the SAATM'
• AASA continuing to lobby governments to support aviation
• Opening the sky is the only way to save airlines in Southern Africa - AASA CEO
• South Africa is finally removed from the UK’s red list – and vaccine cards will be accepted
• [AVIADEV PODCAST] Skyheroes Africa. Episode 180. Featuring Sean Mendis, Aaron Munetsi and Kwame Bekoe
• People on the Move: Munetsi to lead AASA
• IATA official concerned as SA's air services councils remain 'frozen'
• These are all South Africa’s adjusted level 1 lockdown changes – including vaccine certificates
• Lockdown: SA moves to Level 1 as govt set to introduce vaccine certificates
• South Africa is finally removed from the UK’s red list – and vaccine cards will be accepted
• People on the Move: Munetsi to lead AASA
• IATA official concerned as SA's air services councils remain 'frozen'
• These are all South Africa’s adjusted level 1 lockdown changes – including vaccine certificates
• Lockdown: SA moves to Level 1 as govt set to introduce vaccine certificates
• AASA appoints Aaron Munetsi as CEO
• Southern Africa: Munetsi Appointed CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa
• Aaron Munetsi appointed AASA CEO 
• Southern African airlines body appoints its new CEO
• Tourism bosses want SA off UK traveller ‘red list’ this week
• SA moves to alert level 2 lockdown as Cyril Ramaphosa urges people to get vaccinated against C-19
• Concern over Ramaphosa’s absent plan on ending national lockdown as SA moves to level 2
• Business thrown a lifeline as SA moves to level 2 lockdown
• No councils, no supervision for SAA
• SA airlines flying blind with no air services councils since March
• Digital vaccination certificates just a week away, says health ministry
• Canada reopens to fully vaccinated South Africans – but travelling with teens will be tough
• AASA urges Transport Minister to establish the Air Services Council
• Dirco to 'significantly increase' lobbying for removal of SA from UK red list, says Naledi Pandor
• Implementation of South African e-Visas starting with Kenya and Cameroon
• Valediction: Chris Zweigenthal hopes for 10% of global passenger marketshare in Africa in 10 years
• Flying in a holding pattern as cash burns
• AASA CEO: Pandemic recovery 'is the perfect opportunity to kick start the SAATM'
• AASA continuing to lobby governments to support aviation
• Opening up the skies the only way to save southern Africa's airlines - new industry body CEO
• South Africa is finally removed from the UK’s red list – and vaccine cards will be accepted
• IATA official concerned as SA's air services councils remain 'frozen'
• These are all South Africa’s adjusted level 1 lockdown changes – including vaccine certificates
• Lockdown: SA moves to Level 1 as govt set to introduce vaccine certificates
  
• Aaron Munetsi Appointed CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa
• AASA appoints Aaron Munetsi as CEO
• Southern Africa: Munetsi Appointed CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa
• Aaron Munetsi appointed AASA CEO  
  
• Southern African airlines body appoints its new CEO 
  
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] Aaron Munetsi appointed as AASA CEO
• Tourism bosses want SA off UK traveller ‘red list’ this week
• Business thrown a lifeline as SA moves to level 2 lockdown
  
• No councils, no supervision for SAA
  
• SA airlines flying blind with no air services councils since March 
  
• SA moves to alert level 2 lockdown as Cyril Ramaphosa urges people to get vaccinated against C-19
• Concern over Ramaphosa’s absent plan on ending national lockdown as SA moves to level 2
• Digital vaccination certificates just a week away, says health ministry
• AASA urges Transport Minister to establish the Air Services Council
  
• Canada reopens to fully vaccinated South Africans – but travelling with teens will be tough 
  
• Dirco to 'significantly increase' lobbying for removal of SA from UK red list, says Naledi Pandor
  
• Implementation of South African e-Visas starting with Kenya and Cameroon 
• National State of Disaster extended yet again
• Valediction: Chris Zweigenthal hopes for 10% of global passenger marketshare in Africa in 10 years 
• Hopes for faster economic recovery dashed as lockdown Level 3 to remain in place until 15 September
• Flying in a holding pattern as cash burns
• [AASA CEO INTERVIEW] The future of South Africa's aviation industry 
• AASA CEO: Southern African domestic markets to recover by 2023, international by 2024
• [SA Flyer Magazine INTERVIEW] Wrenelle Stander - New AASA CEO
  
• [PROFILE] Woman in Aviation: Wrenelle Stander
  
• Recovery of aviation in Africa will take time, says new industry body CEO
• South Africa moves to Alert Level 3
• Airline industry looks to tax waivers, wage subsidies to recover from COVID-19 blow
  
• Alert Level 4 extended by two more weeks
• New CEO for AASA
• AASA appoints Wrenelle Stander as CEO
  
• Wrenelle Stander appointed CEO of AASA
  
• Former Comair chief takes the reins at AASA
  
• AASA announces its new CEO
  
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] Wrenelle Stander appointed as AASA CEO
• Why are flights not banned under Level 4? Fikile Mbalula clears the air
  
• SA moves to alert level 4 for 14 days
• Ramaphosa moves country to alert level 2 as Covid-19 infections surge
• Local aviation legend Chris Zweigenthal to retire, still sees 'lots of work to be done
• South African aviation icon Chris Zweigenthal set to retire from AASA
  
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] Chris Zweigenthal to retire as AASA CEO
• Renewed call for aviation sector relief
• Aviation sector pleads for state assistance
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] AASA urges governments to speed up vaccinations and provide relief to air travel and tourism sector in order to secure economic recovery
• AASA supports IATA's Travel Pass Initiative
• Covid-19 and aviation: Health risks and socioeconomic impact go hand in hand - expert
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] New AASA Chairperson and Deputy elected for 2021
• Air Botswana GM Agnes Khunwana appointed as Deputy Chairperson of AASA
• Aviation sector struggles to take off again as SA’s second wave hits
• World Bank sees SA economy growing by 3.3% in 2021

/ 2020

• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] AASA Chairperson steps down
• [ANALYSIS] For most African carriers, next year will be precarious 
  
• [INTERVIEW] Is the airline industry ready for the festive season?
  
• [INTERVIEW: Air Transport World] Chris Zweigenthal, AASA CEO      
• Aviation industry welcomes new regulations on international travel
  
• Positive steps but we’re not out of the woods yet, warns AASA
  
• Re-opening of South Africa to all international tourists: positive steps to drive jobs and economic stimulus - AASA CEO  
  
• [INTERVIEW] AASA CEO welcomes South Africa's relaxation of international travel restrictions      
  
• South Africa’s President Ramaphosa says travel to all international countries now permitted 
  
• Regional airline body calls for travel restrictions to be clear and consistent
• AASA calls for governments to prioritise support for aviation and tourism in southern Africa
  
• Comair CEO Wrenelle Stander appointed as chairperson of AASA
• World Bank sees sub-Saharan Africa's GDP rebounding in 2021 
• Abdullah Verachia, AASA 50th AGM keynote speaker: Reset. Rewire. Reimagine. Everything.
• Financial aid, COVID-19 testing key to aviation’s survival in Southern Africa 
  
• IATA perspective on restart
• Southern Africa airlines association calls for clear, consistent polices on international flights
  
• Travel restrictions hamper southern Africa’s economic recovery
• Unnecessary restrictions and lack of support for air transport industry will prolong Southern Africa's economic recovery
  
• Tourism industry says safe travel is possible and urgent
• What to expect from South Africa’s new international travel list: Tourism Minister
• All eyes on Covid travel list as tourism awaits list of countries barred from SA
• Airlines Association of Southern Africa CEO expects low fares as airlines seek to encourage travel
  
• South Africa to reopen for international travel from 01-Oct-2020
  
• SA tourism sector cautiously hopeful as borders set to reopen
  
• [PANEL DISCUSSION] INSOL Virtual: Shelter in Place? The Effects of Lockdown and Beyond on the Travel and Tourism Industry
  
• Aviation sector begs Ramaphosa to announce reopening of international borders during tonight's address 
  
• United flights – ‘it’s time to open borders to meet demand’ 
  
• SA tourism industry ready to welcome back international travellers
• [INTERVIEW] Borders need to open as soon as possible – AASA
  
• AASA/TBCSA call for opening up of international borders
• AASA 50th Virtual AGM via Zoom to be held on 8 October 2020 at 12h00
• Airline hubs in the post-COVID-19 world
• [INTERVIEW] Collaboration: strength in numbers with Chris Zweigenthal
  
• [WATCH] Dear Travellers - Fly With Confidence
• [WATCH] Africa Tomorrow virtual conference. Panel discussion: The view from the clouds with Africa's Aviation Leaders
• Africa Tomorrow: Reinventing Resilience in Travel, Hospitality and Aviation Virtual Conference
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] AASA cancels 50th AGA event
• IATA Interactive Map Gives Travelers Latest COVID-19 Restrictions with Real-time Alerts Available
  
• Open more airports, routes if SA airlines are to survive - industry body
• Pax planes flying again a good sign for air cargo – AASA
  
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] COVID-19: Resumption of restricted air services a welcome start, but more to do to rebuild the industry and repair the economy
• [OPINION] Come fly with me - but please keep your distance
• IATA, AASA and BARSA call on South Africa’s Government for financial relief to Aviation
• [WATCH] The Aviation Industry In Crisis | Carte Blanche | M-Net
• [WATCH] How will the Southern African airline industry emerge from the COVID-19 crisis?
  
• SA’s aviation sector fastens its seat belt
  
• [WATCH] Comair goes into business rescue
  
• [WATCH] Keeping Africa connected - helping the continent thrive
  
• Urgent Appeal to International Community to Support African Travel and Tourism Sector
• [WATCH] IATA, UNWTO, WTTC, AFRAA & AASA African airlines Joint Appeal
  
• SA airline industry in danger of collapse, no sign of state aid
• SA’s aviation industry ‘on verge of collapse’
• Private airlines beg for government rescue
  
• [WATCH] Business Day TV/COVID-19: Turbulent times for airlines
• [WATCH] State of the local aviation sector: Chris Zweigenthal, CEO of AASA, gives an interview to Business Day TV
• Airlines ask for state aid  
• Air transport bodies appeal for responsible action amid Covid-19 disruptions 
  
• [AASA PRESS RELEASE] Airline travellers urged to practice good hygiene and stay at home if unwell
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): WHO Situation Report - 15 March 2020
• No issues around UBC waiver – Minister
  
• Air Botswana commits to IATA gender diversity pledge
• Let’s grow tourism: Airline sustainability is key for 2020
• SAA ups its wildlife protection game