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AviaDev Insight Africa

Jon Howell

Established in 2018, AviaDev Insight Africa is the premier podcast dedicated to African Aviation.

We bring prominent industry voices to the table to establish the "ground truth" in both an informal and candid fashion.

The podcast was created by Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, Africa's premier event dedicated to developing air connectivity to, from, and within the African continent

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  • 30 episodes
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  • English

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  • S1 · E392
    Today · 1 hr 41 min· Video

    AviaDev Connectivity Update. 5th November 2026 with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    The latest updates impacting sub-Saharan African aviation. Join host, Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, alongside aviation consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially as they round up the latest African aviation news, including airline funding and fleet plans, new routes, partnerships, and network changes across the continent. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to the November update 03:15 - Kenya Airways funding, fleet recovery and route strategy 09:27 - South African Airways: financing, leadership and network outlook 17:47 - FlySafair acquisition approval 26:26 - Airlink's Lanseria expansion and route changes 34:08 - Canada–Côte d'Ivoire air agreement and Air Côte d'Ivoire–Air France codeshare 42:26 - Air Congo's wet-leased 787 from MIAT (featuring a fun musical interlude) and the impact of Ebola-related travel restrictions 52:38 - Enugu Air's to launch Lagos–London service 1:01:02 - Qatar Airways increases Kinshasa - Luanda 1:05:20 - Ethiopian Airlines' African network updates 1:11:21 - Solenta Mozambique launch Maputo to Vilanculos 1:14:00 - Air Zimbabwe's 2024 results 1:17:17 - Proflight Zambia network updates. Windhoek nonstop and more frequencies 1:19:10 - Uganda Airlines route updates. Launched Accra and opening Kigali on 18th November 1:23:34 - Ghana's proposed national airline and Canada route 1:26:39 - Lufthansa Group's Africa expansion 1:33:15 - Hainan's proposed Dar es Salaam flights 1:38:57 - AviaDev awards, next-year plans and closing Sign up to the mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated #AfricanAviation #AviationNews #AirlineRoutes #AirlineIndustry #AviaDev #Airlink #EthiopianAirlines #AfricanAirlines

  • S1 · E391
    October 26 · 35 min· Video

    Do you know the true value of a new or existing Air Route?

    Quantifying the Value of Air Connectivity for destinations. How can destinations make a stronger case for new air routes - and protect the ones they already have? In this episode, host Jon Howell speaks with economist and tourism development advisor Martin Jansen van Vuuren about an independent impact report designed to quantify the value of air connectivity for destinations and stakeholders. They explore why route development is a shared effort among airports, tourism boards, governments, and airlines; how independent data can help align stakeholders; and how to measure routes' economic impact through visitor numbers, visitor spend, jobs, GDP, and government revenue. Chapters: 00:00 Why this route development report exists 03:21 Africa's connectivity gap—and why it matters now 07:41 How bias can shape in-house route cases 11:51 What an economic impact report measures 15:43 Making the case for existing routes 21:27 Cape Town case study: business links and route potential 26:41 Who can commission a report 29:08 Data requirements and typical turnaround 31:58 Transparent methods for comparing routes 34:16 Final thoughts on protecting and growing air connectivity Find out more about the report: CONNECT WITH MARTIN: martin@futureneeradvisors.com or on Linkedin: #Africa #AviaDev #Aviation #RouteDevelopment

  • S1 · E362
    October 5 · 2 hr 7 min· Video

    AviaDev's Connectivity Update. 5th October 2026 with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    The latest updates impacting sub-Saharan African aviation. This episode covers a packed set of route launches, fleet moves, and network restructurings across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Host Jon Howell is joined by Aviation Consultants, Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis to unpack several major airline stories, led by Kenya Airways' operational reset, Jambojet's Entebbe launch, and British Airways' return to Tanzania. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to the AviaDev Connectivity Update 04:35 - Kenya Airways leadership change and restructuring 09:28 - Kenya Airways fleet grounding and reliability challenges. Time to fix the fundamentals? 19:25 - Jambojet launches Entebbe. Can it stimulate a new market? 22:29 - Tanzania taxes and insurance costs impacting connectivity 30:16 - British Airways returns to Tanzania in Summer 2027 with Gatwick-Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar route 40:14 - Qatar Airways to Zanzibar, and the link to RwandAir's A330 plans 51:37 - IndiGo's Africa expansion to Dar es Salaam. A no brainer? 58:29 - Air Tanzania's Moscow service reversal 01:00:32 - Ethiopian Airlines' Durban relaunch and fleet updates 01:17:18 - ASKY's Central and West African network changes and big fleet plans 01:25:22 - Nigeria's domestic flight delays 01:31:55 - Airlink's new routes to Mauritius and Zanzibar and continued fleet growth 01:38:17 - Fastjet Zimbabwe extends its A320 lease 01:40:40 - FlySafair expands into Lusaka from February 2027 01:46:13 - Turkish Airlines suspends African routes. Will they come back? 01:52:10 - Malawi Airlines updates 01:55:14 - Africa World Airlines receives its first E190 01:56:09 – Proflight Zambia's Jetstream arrivals and fleet update 01:58:23 - Air Zimbabwe's Gatwick schedule and 737-200 Sign up to the mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated #AviaDev #AfricanAviation #AirlineNews #AviationNews #Connectivity #Airlink #KenyaAirways #EthiopianAirlines #Jambojet #britishairways #FlySafair #AirPeace #RwandaAir #qatarairways

  • S1 · E389
    September 30 · 33 min· Video

    Previewing AFRAA's 58th AGA: African Aviation 2030: The Industry we need to build

    Previewing the African Airlines Association 58th AGA with Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthe Ahead of the Annual General Assembly in Libreville, Gabon, Jon Howell caught up with the SG and together they cover the pressure points shaping African aviation right now, from fuel shocks and airspace disruption to taxes, blocked funds, financing, fleet development, and market liberalization. Chapters: 01:24 - How the Middle East crisis and fuel shock has impacted African airlines 06:24 - Why fleet development and financing are now a priority for Africa's airlines 08:45 - De-risking aircraft finance through Cape Town Convention adoption and governance 10:42 - Pooling aircraft, spare parts, and engines through collaboration 13:09 - Why ECOWAS tax cuts are still not being implemented 16:24 - Blocked funds and why repatriation is critical for growth 18:18 - From SAATM declarations to real compliance and implementation 21:29 - Visa openness, trade, tourism, and the wider growth equation 23:33 - Fifth freedom rights and the role of non-African airlines 29:11 - What AFRAA wants delegates to take away from Libreville 31:33 - Why in-person aviation events still matter Find out more about the AGA https://web.cvent.com/event/89c46023-862b-4f87-b965-21844dfd32c6/websitePage:cffc9bdf-e8b7-471d-9333-36d6da24d0ab #AFRAA #AfricanAviation #Aviation #AirlineIndustry #Africa #Gabon #AviaDev #Nairobi #libreville #flygabon Sign up to the AviaDev mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated

  • S1 · E388
    September 29 · 28 min· Video

    Jambojet: The Regional Challenger. AviaDev Live from Nairobi

    Jambojet CEO and MD Karanja Ndegwa joins The AviaDev team to discuss the airline's return to regional flying with its Entebbe route, why it suspended flights to Zanzibar, and how it plans to grow its fleet. The conversation also covers Jambojet's relationship with Kenya Airways and the economics shaping airline growth in East Africa. Chapters 01:04 Jambojet's Entebbe route and return to regional flying 03:28 Domestic recovery and Jambojet's market share growth 04:21 Aircraft shortages and expansion challenges 06:13 Why Jambojet suspended its Zanzibar route 09:06 Tourism fees, taxes, and travel demand 10:52 Jambojet and Kenya Airways: partners or competitors? 12:16 Why the Q400 works for regional routes and short runways 17:00 The Q400 fleet's limits and Jambojet's growth plans 19:17 Fuel costs and Jambojet's profitability 21:09 Fleet expansion plans through 2029 22:20 Aircraft options for Jambojet's future fleet 24:22 Jambojet's financial independence within Kenya Airways 27:22 Karanja's aircraft pick #Jambojet #AfricanAviation #Aviation #Connectivity #AirlineIndustry #Africa #Kenya #AviaDev #Nairobi #Uganda Sign up to the AviaDev mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated

  • S1 · E387
    September 29 · 26 min· Video

    KAAO: Navigating turbulence through reinvention. AviaDev live from Nairobi

    Kenya's Aviation sector is under pressure. How is the industry adapting to disruption? In this episode, Engineer Liz Aluvanze, CEO of the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), and Chairperson Mbuvi Ngunze discuss how Kenyan air operators are responding to changes in humanitarian flying, rising aviation taxes, and infrastructure challenges. The conversation explores how operators are pivoting to new business models, why policy certainty matters for investment, and what needs to change at Wilson Airport and across Kenya's airstrip network. Chapters: 00:00 — Kenya's Air Operators and the Changing Aviation Landscape 01:50 — How Operators Are Navigating Disruption 05:18 — Growth and Optimism in Kenyan Aviation 07:10 — Aviation Taxes, Spare Parts, and Policy Certainty 12:06 — Kenya's Aviation Infrastructure Challenge 19:18 — How KAO Represents Kenya's Air Operators 23:34 — Building Stronger Industry Connections #KAAO #AfricanAviation #Aviation #AirlineIndustry #Africa #Kenya #AviaDev #Nairobi Sign up to the AviaDev mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated

  • S1 · E386
    September 29 · 43 min· Video

    Kenya Airways: Fixing the Fundamentals. AviaDev Live from Nairobi

    What will it take for Kenya Airways to turn its business around? In this episode, Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, discusses the airline's priorities: restoring grounded aircraft, improving reliability, rebuilding customer trust, and pursuing profitability. The conversation explores Kenya Airways' growth strategy, Nairobi's role as an African aviation hub, the airline's fleet and cargo ambitions, and how digital transformation and customer data could improve the passenger experience. Julius also explains why getting the fundamentals right, especially punctuality, route relevance, and disruption recovery, is essential to the airline's next chapter. Chapters 00:00 — Kenya Airways' turnaround and 50-year legacy 04:32 — Stabilization, strategy, and the grounded fleet 07:48 — Profitability, growth, and Nairobi as a hub 13:02 — Customer experience and the gap between promise and reality 17:49 — Fleet targets and the cargo opportunity 19:41 — Passenger priorities and reliability challenges 24:03 — Network changes and improving operational reliability 28:14 — Disruption recovery and customer accountability 29:04 — Digital transformation and customer data 33:39 — Growth strategy, investment, and profitability 39:15 — Kenya Airways' key markets and future priorities #KenyaAirways #AfricanAviation #Aviation #CustomerExperience #AirlineIndustry #Africa #Kenya #AviaDev #Nairobi Sign up to the AviaDev mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated

  • S1 · E385
    September 18 · 41 min· Video

    Future-Ready African Airports: The SITA and ACZ Investment Model

    In this episode, host Jon Howell speaks with Selim Bouri, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye, SITA, and Daniel Muchuchuti, ICT Director, Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ). The conversation explores the latest findings from SITA's IT Insights and Baggage reports and how Africa is performing and where there is room for improvement. The conversation then moves to a case study around airport IT Investment, with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, outlining how a collaborative approach to investment in technology upgrades aims to benefit the passenger and airline customer. Chapters: 00:00 — Why airport IT investment matters for Africa 02:14 — Africa's uneven airport technology investment 04:53 — Passenger processing and border management priorities 07:50 — Why coordination matters more than technology 10:18 — Who must collaborate to modernize African borders 14:54 — The high cost of mishandled baggage 15:57 — How baggage tracking works across the industry 16:26 — Why one mishandled bag costs $260 17:23 — Africa's baggage challenge and connecting flights 18:19 — How automation can reduce baggage mishandling 20:25 — Zimbabwe's airport technology transformation 22:40 — Building a standardized, common-use airport platform 25:59 — Convincing airlines to share the investment 30:08 — The case for integrated, future-proof technology 31:34 — Shared payment and shared responsibility 35:32 — A new investment model for growing African airports 38:32 — Advice for airport technology leaders 40:30 — Why long-term IT investment will shape future growth Resources: SITA's baggage insights: https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/sita-baggage-it-insights/ SITA's 2025 Air Transport IT Insights report: https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/air-transport-it-insights-2025/airports/

  • S1 · E384
    September 11 · 48 min· Video

    384. Fastjet Zimbabwe's 10-year playbook: discipline, fleet simplicity, and the next stage of growth

    Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO and Country Head Donahue Cortes joins Host Jon Howell to reflect on more than a decade of airline operations in a volatile market. They discuss how Fastjet Zimbabwe built resilience, why the Embraer 145 became a strategic strength, what the Airbus A320 trial means for the airline's future, and how new partnerships could reshape regional connectivity across Southern Africa. The conversation also explores business class demand, route development, aviation liberalization, and Donahue's view of leadership as stewardship. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Fastjet Zimbabwe's 10-year story 02:42 - What is the key to surviving and growing in African aviation? 07:43 - How fundamental was the initial single-aircraft strategy? 12:43 - Why did Fastjet Zimbabwe introduce the Airbus A320? 19:39 - Did customers create the demand for business class? 23:28 - Where could Fastjet Zimbabwe expand its network? 29:28 - How will the Etihad interline change network planning? 35:55 - Is aviation liberalization delivering its intended results? 41:14 - Where will Fastjet Zimbabwe be in five years? 43:16 - Why does Donahue see leadership as stewardship? 46:13 - Closing thoughts on African aviation connectivity Sign up to the mailing list to stay up to date on all things AviaDev https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated #AviaDev #FastjetZimbabwe #AfricanAviation #AviationLeadership #AirlineIndustry #RouteDevelopment #AirlineStrategy #AviationConnectivity #Zimbabwe #SouthernAfrica #AirbusA320 #Embraer145 #AirlineManagement #AviationPodcast

  • S1 · E383
    September 2 · 2 hr 15 min· Video

    383. September 2026's AviaDev Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    In this episode of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity Podcast, Jon Howell is joined by Sean Mendis and Behramjee for a fast-moving roundup of the biggest aviation stories across Africa and beyond. If you want a sharp, informed take on African aviation strategy, network planning, and the commercial realities behind the headlines, this episode is packed with insight. Subscribe for monthly AviaDev connectivity updates and analysis. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and episode overview 03:18 Airlink flypast in Cape Town 16:09 Airlink's new domestic route, Qatar codeshare, and E2 route updates 28:19 Kenya Airways results and leadership changes 38:34 South African Airways leadership churn and strategy 44:15 FlySafair launches third daily Johannesburg–Harare 53:53 FlySafair acquisition and competition concerns 01:00:18 Malawi Airlines adds more Johannesburg frequencies 01:02:08 Canada–Nigeria bilateral signed and the Air Canada opportunity on Toronto-Lagos 01:17:11 Air Peace's West Coast growth and Lagos–São Paulo on the radar 01:19:59 ValueJet's Boeing 737 additons and potential network expansion 01:24:15 Africa World Airlines relaunches Abidjan 01:26:53 Ethiopian Airlines winter network changes 01:35:22 Mesfin Tasew leadership extension and fleet strategy 01:37:51 Tewolde GebreMariam joins Air India 01:40:33 Air Congo opens Paris via Brussels 01:42:24 RwandAir considers Manchester 01:44:36 Etihad increases Zanzibar to double daily 01:49:17 Zambia Airways new CEO 01:51:23 ProFlight Zambia adds Jetstream 41s 01:52:26 Jambojet launches Nairobi–Entebbe 01:55:17 Uganda Airlines announces Accra and Kigali 02:0212 Air Sierra Leone Gatwick relaunches 02:04:23 TAG Angola adds Dakar–Praia and Latam codeshare 02:1303 Wrap-up and closing remarks #AviaDev #AfricanAviation #AirlineNews #AviationNews #Connectivity #Airlink #KenyaAirways #EthiopianAirlines #SouthAfricanAirways #Safair #AirPeace #RwandaAir #UgandaAirlines

  • S1 · E382
    August 4 · 2 hr 9 min· Video

    382. July/ August's AviaDev Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    Join host Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, joined by Regular Guests and Aviation Consultants, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially as they dive into the latest developments in African aviation. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and live welcome 03:49 Uganda Airlines Boeing order and delivery timeline 07:56 Ethiopian Airlines ready to choose its regional jet? Could it be the Max 7? 17:51 Etihad's Africa partnership signing tour with Africa World Airlines, fastjet and Air Peace and broader interline strategy 26:24 AWA's Abidjan launch and market dynamics 36:57 Emirates cuts new Ghana frequencies after 3 days 41:00 Ethiopian Airlines continued network expansion Mauritius upgraded to 787, Maldives BASA with 5th freedoms, increasing LOS to 3x daily, increasing Chengdu 54:42 China Southern to serve Addis from CAN/CSX 59:26 Turkish Airlines adds JNB/CPT frequencies 01:08:39 Air Zimbabwe launches Gatwick 01:16:53 Fastjet Zimbabwe's A320 wet lease from Global 01:22:11 FlySafair ownership update 01:25:51 Airlink's new 2-class E2 deliveries (first in July, second in Aug), HLA-HRE from December, filed for CPT-NBO/JNB-MRU/JNB-JRO 01:37:26 Namibia Air proposed launch 01:46:55 ASKY's expansion and continued fleet growth 01:52:32 Air Côte d'Ivoire drops Johannesburg before launch 01:53:38 Air Congo's Brussels and Paris strategy 01:56:20 CAA Congo launches Luanda or does it? 01:58:01 Seychelles' x 2 Airbus A321XLR order 02:01:52 IndiGo's route changes and Mumbai-Dar es Salaam plans If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more African aviation insights and network strategy analysis. Topics discussed: * African aviation route development * Airline network strategy * Long-haul and intra-African connectivity * Fleet planning and aircraft deployment * Market demand, yields, and fifth freedom traffic * New route announcements and capacity changes If you follow African aviation news, airline route launches, airport connectivity, and network planning, this episode is for you. #Aviation #AfricaAviation #AirlineNews #RouteDevelopment #AviaDev #Airlines

  • S1 · E381
    June 29 · 1 hr 57 min· Video

    381. June's AviaDev Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    Join host Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, joined by Regular Guests and Aviation Consultants, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially as they dive into the latest developments in African aviation. Sign up to the mailing list https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated TOPICS: 0:00 Introduction and welcome 3:27 Uganda Airlines' Mega Boeing order and fleet rebuild 15:42 London Gatwick to Harare to finally be served? Air Zimbabwe looking to deploy a wet leased aircraft, but when? 28:05 TUI's new Gatwick–Zanzibar route for Winter 2027. 40:17 Emirates to add four additional weekly flights to Accra 48:48 Kenya Airways network cuts. Douala and Abidjan impacted, plus deploying the B777 on a domestic route 57:33 Airlink's exclusive Cape Town–Mauritius announcement from AviaDev, deploying the Embraer E2 01:08:02 TAAG Angola's management changes as they launch Luanda–Guangzhou and receive clearance for the 787-9 from EASA 01:20:30 Air Peace's ambitious intra-Africa growth plans, approvals to launch Brazil and could Manchester be this year's new route of the year? 01:31:57 ASKY's intra-African network adjustments 01:37:41 Air Tanzania's Muscat service and 787 deployment on Cape Town 01:40:49 Discover, Edelweiss, and Condor's Namibia capacity growth Topics discussed: African aviation route development Airline network strategy Long-haul and intra-African connectivity Fleet planning and aircraft deployment Market demand, yields, and fifth freedom traffic New route announcements and capacity changes If you follow African aviation news, airline route launches, airport connectivity, and network planning, this episode is for you. #AfricanAviation #AviaDev #AirlineNews #AviationNews #RouteDevelopment #AirlineStrategy #ConnectivityUpdate #UgandaAirlines #AirZimbabwe #Emirates #KenyaAirways #Airlink #AirPeace #ASKY #AirTanzania #Namibia

  • S1 · E380
    May 27 · 21 min

    380. Washington Dulles International Airport. The natural gateway between Africa and the United States?

    This episode explores how Washington Dulles International Airport is positioning itself as a key gateway between Africa and the United States. Featuring insights from Ariana McKnire, Director of Airline Business Development, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the discussion covers route development, market opportunities, and the strategic importance of Washington's demographic and geographic advantages in African aviation connectivity. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to Washington Dulles as a US-African gateway 01:38 - Demographics and market size in Washington DC 05:09 - Business climate and travel demand 08:31 - Focus on unserved routes and development prospects 12:21 - Connecting unserved African markets 14:52 - South African Airways' re-entry plans 16:46 - AviaDev and strategic partnerships 19:10 - Ariana's approach to route development 20:12 - Airport and airline collaboration for connectivity 21:15 - Final thoughts and upcoming events Resources & Links: Aviadev Africa: www.aviadev.com Airbus Market Analysis Report https://www.airbus.com/en/about-us/our-worldwide-presence/airbus-in-africa-and-the-middle-east/airbus-in-africa Washington Dulles International Airport https://www.mwaa.com/ Connect with Ariana

  • S1 · E388
    May 25 · 26 min

    379. From Runways to Real Estate: Unlocking Airport Investment Opportunities in Africa with NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants)

    In this episode of the AviaDev Insight Africa podcast, we delve into the strategies African airports can adopt to enhance non-aeronautical revenues and attract investment. Save the below infographic for more insights and join us at AviaDev in Botswana for further discussions. Hosted by Jon Howell, this episode features insights from Nelly Alandou, Jody Appollis, and Adam Ekman Pedersen of the NACO team. Discover how African airports can diversify revenue streams and become economic hubs. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 01:21 - Meet the NACO Team 02:42 - Revenue Stream diversification 04:17 - Non-Aeronautical Revenue opportunities for airports 06:18 - Real Estate Opportunities for Airports 08:28 - Economic Feasibility and Investment 11:15 - Network Positioning and Connectivity 14:37 - Land Use Planning Challenges 17:23 - Governance and Economic Infrastructure 22:26 - Upcoming Aviadev Panel Discussion If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread the word about the rising opportunities in African aviation. CONNECT WITH JODY CONNECT WITH ADAM CONNECT WITH NELLY

  • S1 · E378
    May 22 · 1 hr 52 min

    378. The May 2026 AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    Welcome to the May 2026 AviaDev Connectivity Update! Join host Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, joined by Regular Guests and Aviation Consultants, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially as they dive into the latest developments in African aviation. TOPICS: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 01:28 - Virgin Atlantic doubles down on South Africa 04:16 - KLM quietly grows Cape Town capacity 08:43 - South African Airways: new CEO, fresh cuts 16:56 - Airlink launches Cape Town–Zanzibar nonstop 25:27 - Turkish Airlines slashes African routes 35:43 - Qatar Airways' Return to Africa 39.24 - Air Tanzania's big ambitions 51:58 - Uganda Airlines' Operational Challenges 58:43 - Kenya Airways: what's new and next? 66:05 - Jambojet's low-cost regional push 76:16 - Air Botswana's Operational Issues 81:57 - Africa World Airlines eyes Conakry 83:54 - Ethiopian Airlines expands globally/ Air Congo's rapid expansion in the DRC/ Malawi Airlines adds Lubumbashi 93:49 - Air Peace cuts long-haul, buys narrowbodies 103:28 - United Nigeria eyes Johannesburg (exclusive) 106:29 - Air Côte d'Ivoire's Johannesburg Route

  • S1 · E377
    April 23 · 1 hr 42 min

    377. AviaDev's Connectivity update for April 2026. Etihad's 6 new Africa routes and key airline moves

    In the 30th edition of the AviaDev Africa Connectivity Update, host Jon Howell is joined by usual guests, Aviation Consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially to review the biggest stories impacting African aviation 00:00 Welcome 02:33 Africa Market Pulse and impacts of the Iran War 13:12 Etihad's 6 new routes for Africa. Behramjee's take 24:22 Sean's take on Etihad's expansion 42:48 Uganda Airlines fleet and route update 46:28 SalamAir's new routes to Kigali and Mogadishu 52:16 ASKY Hints at a new Route 01:00:01 Turkish Airlines Boosts Mauritius frequencies 01:04:30 Ethiopian Eyes Mauritius 01:07:04 Air Tanzania to Seychelles update and reflections 01:10:46 Ethiopian increases Moscow service and firms aircraft order 01:16:30 Ethiopian's Gulf Recovery 01:18:10 The reality of Air Congo's Expansion 01:24:33 SAA leadership changes amidst audit fallout 01:29:27 Kenya Airways Bailout Rules 01:32:01 Air Peace new routes 01:40:43 Wrap Up and farewell

  • S1 · E376
    April 16 · 34 min

    376. Air Ghana: Exploring new horizons with Jonathan Appiah, Head of Corporate Affairs

    In this episode, Jon Howell hosts Jonathan Appiah of Air Ghana to explain the airline's background, ownership and strategy amid strong interest from attending delegates ahead of AviaDev. Jonathan recounts his move from HR into commercial aviation at Africa World Airlines and his route-development experience. He clarifies Air Ghana is a 100% Ghanaian-owned private company, with global cargo partnerships, a Ghanaian AOC and designation as a national cargo airline, investments in cold-chain/perishables, and leadership in the Ghana Airport Cargo Centre. We dive into Air Ghana's plans to launch domestic passenger services to address capacity and fare issues, targeting late 2026 or early 2027. 00:00 Intro 01:54 Jonathan's Aviation Journey 05:44 What is Air Ghana and what is it not? 10:43 Air Ghana's passenger airline plans 15:20 Why choose a Boeing 737? 18:01 Airport Infrastructure improvements 23:20 The operating environment in Ghana 29:11 Air Ghana's AviaDev Goals 34:17 Closing

  • S1 · E375
    April 7 · 17 min

    375. Gateway to Opportunities: Botswana's connectivity ambitions with Capt. Thuto Toise, CEO, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB)

    In this episode, we host Capt. Thuto Toise, the newly appointed CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, to discuss Botswana's aviation ambitions and its strategic decision to host AviaDev Africa 2026. Capt. Toise explains how improved air connectivity can drive economic growth through tourism, trade, investment, and regional integration, and why bringing airlines and decision-makers to Botswana enables meaningful route-development discussions. He outlines the Botswana Air Access initiative, launched in August 2024, which unites CAAB, tourism and hospitality bodies, travel agencies, investment authorities, and Air Botswana to deliver a coordinated, data-driven approach including incentives, market intelligence, and joint marketing. They explore priorities such as stronger domestic networks, expanded links to Africa, and direct long-haul services, while highlighting Botswana's unique landscapes, culture, and hospitality for visiting delegates. 01:08 Meet Captain Toise 02:24 Why Host AviaDev 2026? 05:05 An introduction to Botswana Air Access 07:00 Botswana's Air Connectivity Priorities 10:10 Botswana's Pitch to Airlines 13:20 The delegate experience in Botswana 16:39 Closing

  • April 2 · 30 min

    374. Focus Africa: IATA's Kamil Al-Awadhi's vision for a brighter aviation future

    In this episode, host Jon Howell hosts IATA's Regional VP for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, to discuss why SAATM has seen little progress since its 2018 signing, citing state protectionism, limited collaboration, and slow decision-making across ministries. They explore the economics of operating airlines in Africa, including fuel accounting for about 30–35% of airline costs and being around 17% higher in Africa, plus rising airport, airspace, and API/PNR charges that can add up to $50 per leg and deter tourism. Al-Awadhi describes IATA's advocacy efforts, claiming about 75% success in reducing or stopping fee increases, and argues that Africa does not have too many airlines, but needs better intra-African connectivity and partnerships. They preview the IATA Focus Africa event in Addis Ababa (29–30 April), highlighting SAATM discussions and two safety initiatives aimed at reducing Africa's higher accident rate. 00:00 Welcome and episode preview 01:05 Meet Kamil Al-Awadhi 02:05 SAATM progress and frustrations 06:12 IATA's role in convincing African governments to open their skies 11:34 The ongoing bilateral grind and headwinds impacting airlines 13:53 High operating costs in Africa: fuel, taxes and fees and where IATA is making progress 19:29 IATA's work to push back on new charges 21:12 Airline partnerships and market fragmentation 26:09 Focus Africa goals and safety push 28:38 Who should attend Focus Africa and closing remarks Find out more about Focus Africa

  • S1 · E373
    March 27 · 1 hr 38 min

    373. AviaDev's March 2026 Connectivity Update with Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis

    In the March 2026 AviDev Africa connectivity update, host Jon Howell and consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially discuss how the Iran war and GCC corridor disruption are reshaping Africa-related air travel, creating short-term transit gains for Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines and Air Peace but driving major fare increases, insurance constraints, and severe jet-fuel supply-chain risks that could lead to rationing and technical stops. They review Ethiopian's schedule changes and debate the Atlanta restart, analyze Kenya Airways' Gatwick increase alongside worsening financial results, and detail Uganda Airlines' operational crisis, leadership changes, and wet-leased Ethiopian 787 operations. The episode also critiques Air Tanzania's planned Seychelles launch, covers Air Seychelles' wet-lease adjustments, notes Air Transat postponing Toronto–Accra, highlights Africa World Airlines' move to Embraer 190s, summarizes Air Peace's West Africa network retiming and Caribbean resumption, and discusses Enugu Air's AOC transition and ambitious fleet-growth claims. 00:00 March Update Kickoff 02:40 The Impact of the Iran war on Africa 05:04 Fuel Supply Crunch and impact 10:00 Fare and Load Factor Shock 20:43 How will Gulf Carriers react? 31:23 Kenya Airways Gatwick Boost 35:06 Kenya Airways Results And Outlook 42:10 Ethiopian Airlines to launch Atlanta Debate 44:24 Uganda Airlines Turmoil 51:58 Air Tanzania Seychelles Route 57:07 Indigo XLR Pivot to Africa 01:04:48 Indigo Strategy and Leadership Shift 01:09:43 Air Seychelles Wet Lease 01:16:25 Air Transat Shelves Toronto - Accra route 01:20:12 Africa World Airlines Adds E190 01:23:55 Air Peace Regional Network Shakeup 01:33:12 Enugu Air Fleet Growth 01:37:47 Wrap Up and Next Episode

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