L  L  News & Industry Affairs / Southern Africa

      L  Southern Africa News

Spotlight / 2023 

News / 2023 

  L  Cape Winelands Airport takes off with R7 billion expansion 

November 23, 2023. Daily Investor News.

Cape Winelands Airport’s redevelopment is moving ahead with a R7 billion plan to improve its commercial operations. The airport is located on a 150-hectare site 13 km northeast of Durbanville. It is, therefore, ideally situated to serve the Cape Town aviation sector. Read more...

  L  Regional airline Airlink has opened offices in Lusaka and Gaborone 

November 6, 2023. Southern Africa Travel  News.

The new country offices will provide customers ticketing, flight reservations, and special services assistance. The airline operates 40 weekly return flights to Ndola, Livingstone, and Lusaka, Zambia and 50 weekly return flights to Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone, Botswana. Read more...

  L  A first for Federal Airlines 

November 3, 2023. Southern Africa Travel  News.

In a first for the carrier, Federal Airlines has received its R350m order for six brand-new, state-of-the-art Cessna Grand Caravan C208B EX aircraft.        
    Federal Airlines Group Chairman, Rashid Wally, said: “The Caravan C208B EX embodies our commitment to sustainability, passenger comfort, and overall safety. The new aircraft will enable us to continue to offer our customers the highest levels of service and reliability, and we are grateful and encouraged by the continued support of our loyal industry partners and clients.” 
    Destinations served by Federal Airlines include the Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Thornybush Game Reserve, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Marakele National Park, and Waterberg Game Park. Read more...

  L  Africa braces for expanded aviation networks 

June 16, 2023. BizCommunity News.

Cape Town Air Access (CTAA) has confirmed its participation at AviaDev Africa 2023 in Nairobi from 14 to 16 June. Wesgro powers Cape Town Air Access (CTAA), a public-private ecosystem initiative. 
    Gathering more than 400 attendees from airlines, airports, and tourism boards, the event provides engagement with the African aviation landscape, providing an opportunity to identify new direct routes, and to expand on existing frequencies.  Read more...

  L  Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) collaborate to lure more airlines 

June 16, 2023. BusinessTech.

ACZ and ZTA have joined hands to ensure enhanced collaboration towards luring more airlines into the country so as to promote tourism business activity. Read more... 

  L  Good news for airports and airlines in South Africa 

May 14, 2023. BusinessTech.

South Africa’s air capacity has risen following a bleak period for airports and airliners in the country

During her speech on the latest tourism data from the Department of Tourism, Minister Patricia De Lille said that capacity has risen since last year, with a 56% increase in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year: “In 2023, we reached 1.8 million seats, and South Africa welcomed around 23 new routes,” said the minister. Read more... 

  L  Proflight adds Cape Town to its growing list of SA destinations 

May 2, 2023. Proflight Zambia News.

Proflight Zambia is launching the first ever direct flights between Lusaka and Cape Town, reinforcing the nation’s new-found dominance of the skies between South Africa and Zambia.. Read more... 

  L  Airlink launches daily Nairobi flights connecting South Africa and Kenya 

April 26, 2023. AirlineGeeks.com

Airlink, Southern Africa’s leading airline, has announced the launch of a new daily flight service from Johannesburg to Nairobi, connecting two of the major regional markets in Africa. 
    This move also signifies the efforts of both South Africa and Kenya to strengthen bilateral ties and promote tourism and trade between the two countries. Read more... 

  L  Eswatini Government applauds Zimbabwe over open skies policy 

April 17, 2023. ZimLive. 

The Government of Eswatini has applauded Zimbabwe's Open Skies Policy and the open-for-business mantra after its airline was recently allowed to operate in the country, following the release of a FOP. Read more...

  L  Eswatini Air launches first air service to Zimbabwe

April 14, 2023. ZimLive. 

Zimbabwe on Friday welcomed Eswatini Air’s maiden flight into the country with the jet landing at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 11:50 am. Eswatini Air, which is under Royal Eswatini National Corporation, will fly into Harare four times a week, enabling both nationals to fly directly between Mbabane and Harare. Read more...

  L  LAM Mozambique looks to expand In 2023

March 20, 2023. 

LAM Mozambique is planning to grow its fleet, network, and scope of activities in 2023, following the arrival of another De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 with another two on their way. Maputo-based LAM is 80 years old, making it one of Africa’s oldest airlines. Read more...

  L  Mozambique announces visa exemption for 28 countries

March 14, 2023. Further Africa. 

Mozambique announces visa exemption for 28 countries for tourism and business as Council of Ministers approve decree

The exemption applies to visitors holding ordinary passports and allows for a 30-day stay, renewable to an additional 60 days. The model adopted by the Mozambican government is similar to the US visa waiver programme in  that it requires travelers to register for pre-screening at least 48 hours before traveling, and then pay a processing fee. Read more...

  L  Big plans for the airports and airlines in South Africa

March 10, 2023. 

The new minister of transport has met with the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) to discuss plans to reignite the air transport business. Read more...

  L  Eswatini, Zambian airlines get approval to operate in Zimbabwe

February 24, 2023. Zimbabwe Herald News.

Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways have obtained foreign operator permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), underscoring the country's determination to open up the skies. The permits allow the airlines to offer passenger and cargo operations to and from Harare. Read more...

  L  Flysafair to fly to Windhoek, Harare and Zanzibar - and may launch daily Mauritius flights

February 13, 2023. Carin Smith for News24.

FlySafair is set to expand its regional route network with planned flights to Windhoek, Harare and Zanzibar. 
    The low-cost airline announced on Monday that it had received permission from the International Air Services Council to fly commercial flights to these three destinations.  
    Schedules for the new Windhoek and Harare routes are expected to be available by the third quarter of this year, and to Zanzibar by the second quarter of this year...Read more...

  L  CPaT announces new contract with flag carrier of Mozambique, Linhas Aereas de Mozambique (LAM)

February 2, 2023. AJOT News.

CPaT Global, the world’s leading provider of distance learning for the airline and aviation industry, today announced they have been awarded a new contract with Linhas Aereas de Mozambique (LAM). CPaT will be providing Aircraft System Courses and our General Subject library for LAM’s pilot training for the Boeing B737NG, including Aircraft Procedures, and Bombardier Q400 planes. Read more...

  L  Eswatini Air receives Air Operator Certificate, prepares for launch

January 5, 2023. Michael Jonga for Aerotime Hub.

The new national carrier of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), trading as Eswatini Air, has received its Air Operator Certificate.
    The airline announced the news via Facebook, stating that there were “just a few logistics” to attend to before it would “revert with fares and a schedule” for its routes. Read more...

  L  SA airlines struggling to meet domestic demand, says ACSA CEO

January 3, 2023. Thabiso Goba for EyeWitness News.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) CEO Mpumi Mpofu said the liquidation of airlines such as Comair, SA Express and Kulula had left a significant void in the sector.

ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said that airlines were struggling to meet domestic demand...the liquidation of airlines and the seat capacity from those airlines had not been restored...Read more... 

Spotlight / 2022 

News / 2022 

  L  TAAG Angola expands regional operations with new route to the Republic of Congo 

December 12, 2022. Aerotime Hub.

TAAG Angola Airlines (TAAG), the flag carrier of Angola, has launched a new regional route from its Luanda hub to Pointe-Noire, the second-largest city in the Republic of Congo. Starting from December 12, 2022, the Angolan carrier will operate two weekly flights between the two West African destinations. Read more...

  L  SA Airlines bidding for new routes; will flights become cheaper?

November 7, 2022. Zawya.

After two years of restrictions, air travellers across the globe are eager to explore both domestic and international destinations

With domestic flights down by a third, South Africans have experienced unprecedented price hikes in airline tickets in the last few months. Now the tide is turning as established carriers' clamour for routes. Read more...

  L  Mozambique: LAM Director General elected Chairperson of AASA

October 31, 2022. Club of Mozambique.

The DG of Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), João Carlos Pó Jorge, was elected Chairperson of the AASA at the body’s 52nd AGM, the organisation announced today. Pó Jorge will lead AASA alongside Elmar Conradie, CEO of Safair, elected as Deputy Chairperson...Read more...

  L  Airlink buys stake in FlyNamibia for flight efficiency, connecting small towns and global markets

September 28, 2022. Compiled by Carin Smith for News24

Independent SA-based airline Airlink is acquiring a 40% strategic equity holding in privately-owned Windhoek-based FlyNamibia with the aim of creating more efficient flights to, from and within Namibia. In terms of the commercial franchise agreement, 
    Airlink and FlyNamibia will optimise their schedules to provide convenient connections between their respective flights and with long-haul inter-continental flights provided by Airlink's other commercial partners.
    Airlink will also provide technical and commercial skills training and development support for FlyNamibia.
    "We will be well-placed to achieve economies of scale to serve Namibia's smaller towns and cities, while also providing convenient access to other markets around the world," says Airlink Chief Executive and Managing Director Rodger Foster...Read more...

  L  Emirates partners with South Africa as local airlines struggle

September 1, 2022. 

The minister of tourism, Lindiwe Sisulu, has announced a partnership with middle eastern airline Emirates as domestic flight capacity remains constrained. 
    At a media briefing on Thursday (1 September), Sisulu said that during a visit to Dubai, bilateral agreements were made with the middle-eastern airline to give it access to South Africa’s domestic routes while Emirates promotes South Africa abroad. 
    Sisulu said that government is in a code-sharing agreement with the airline and has since signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to grow the tourism market in South Africa. 
    In the earlier part of August, Sisulu met with the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) following reports relating to shortages of airline seats and the rising cost of flight tickets. She said that the failings of domestic airlines affect the tourism industry directly – and the tourism industry is eager to help. 
    “AASA shared with us that the airline industry is cash intensive, where a lot of investment is made up front. Given that the most important investment airlines have made towards people and skills, the airlines were determined to do whatever is possible to defend the gains they’ve made in people, which investment has ensured that South Africa is ranked among the safest in global aviation,” Sisulu said. Read more...

  L  FedAir signs agreement for new aircraft 
August 25, 2022. Southern & Eastern African Tourism Update.

Federal Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Textron Aviation for six new Cessna Caravans C208B EX aircraft. 
    Commenting on the announcement, Federal Airlines (FedAir) CEO, Mark Hurst, said: “The recovery of aviation and tourism in the southern African region has been significant in the post-pandemic period. Investing in the latest, most modern aircraft with enhanced technology, reliability, performance, and comfort levels is key to us at Federal Airlines to ensure that we grow and deliver our leading shuttle flight and charter services to lodges and key leisure destinations in the region.”
    FedAir has become a leading air service provider flying shuttles out to some of Africa’s luxury safari lodges. It operates out of its own exclusive African-themed terminal departure lounge. Read more...

  L  Cape Town shines as the hub of Africa’s aviation recovery 
July 1, 2022. Simply Flying.

Africa's most southerly international airport is showing strong signs of getting back to business. 

If you had to pick a region that truly represents the notion of aviation potential, Africa would be it. The continent makes up around 12% of the world’s population, but only 2.5% of the passenger traffic. The impact of COVID and, more recently, the drawn-out conflict in Ukraine and its effect on fuel prices, has only further placed roadblocks in the path of this ready-to-flourish region. 
    IATA’s recent industry update highlighted the problems for the region’s recovery. The lower vaccination rate on the continent has dampened the trajectory of aviation resurgence to date, although it also notes that some ‘catching up’ is likely this year. At present, IATA expects demand to reach almost 80% of pre-crisis levels by the end of 2022, while capacity is expected to rise to roughly the same. Read more...

  L  Gauteng Air Access Network take-off as more new flights land at OR Tambo 
June 29, 2022. BizCommunity.

More international and regional flights continue to prefer the OR Tambo International Airport as their gateway into South Africa and the rest of the African continent. 

This bodes well for the visitor economy in Gauteng and the centrality of air services and active route development in increasing tourism, trade, and investment flows into our ailing economy. 
    The good news for the golden province of Gauteng is that Air Cote d’Ivoire will from 29 June 2022 commence its maiden route into Johannesburg. Eswatini Airways will also debut in July 2022 with further announcement by Qantas of the Perth to Joburg route in November, Air Belgium in September and Condor scheduled for November all adding the much-needed airlift capacity to drive economic recovery and sector development especially from our key regional and international source markets. Read more...

  L  Air Austral Strengthening its presence in Madagascar, as it gradually resumes its regional flights 
June 21, 2022. Airspace Africa

Air Austral announced it will be reinforcing its flight program to Antananarivo and Nosy Be, as well as resuming its connections to Tamatave and Diego Suarez.
    Based at Saint Denis-Roland Garros airport, the Reunionese company is gradually resuming service to its regional network after two years marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more...

  L  Remove PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated inbound travellers - TBCSA 
February 16, 2022. BizCommunity.com

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has called on government to remove PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated inbound travellers. Several countries with a strong tourism value proposition have already done so, says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA.
    "Further delays in following suit quickly are detrimental to the country positioning itself as travel-ready and attractive. We have a very small window of opportunity as tourism destinations around the world like Australia reopen and others like the United Kingdom remove the negative PCR testing requirement for all inbound travellers," says Tshivhengwa. Read more...

  L  COVID: EU lifts flight suspension to southern Africa 
January 10, 2022. DW.com

EU members have decided to lift a suspension of air travel from several southern African nations. The restriction was imposed to halt the spread of the omicron strain.

Member states of the European Union on Monday decided to lift the suspension of flights to and from southern Africa after air travel was put on hold due to the omicron variant. Read more...