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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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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 3 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • S1 · E383
    September 2 · 2 hr 15 min

    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

    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

    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

  • S1 · E372
    March 16 · 40 min

    372. From Reputation to Revenue: Building a strong airline brand with Rahsaan Johnson, brand expert

    In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, we speak to Rahsaan Johnson, former Managing Director of Global Communications at Delta, with 13 years at United, about what "brand" means for airlines and why it drives profitability and resilience. Johnson defines brand as the emotions and adjectives customers associate with an airline, shaped by reputation and lived experience, and argues the foundation of a strong airline brand is "clean, safe, reliable." He explains how a strong brand increases the willingness to pay among schedule-sensitive travelers, and why African airlines should build brands even on monopoly routes, because competition often arrives with liberalization. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:47 Meet Rahsaan Johnson 01:44 What Brand Means 04:18 Building Strong Brands 06:43 Brand Drives Revenue 09:54 Why Brand Matters Africa 14:43 Common Brand Mistakes 16:01 Boarding Friction Story 19:48 Stress Before Takeoff 20:18 Customer First Decisions 21:05 Gate Anxiety Explained 22:18 United App Reduces Stress 25:43 Feedback and NPS Surveys 27:26 Modern Digital Expectations 29:08 Values and Emotional Connection 30:44 Positioning for Everyone 32:42 Sponsorships Without Polarizing 34:26 Segmenting Products Profitably 37:02 Setting Expectations Over Time 38:42 Wrap Up and Farewell CONNECT WITH RAHSAAN

  • S1 · E371
    March 9 · 37 min

    371. Live stage session at BARSA: Leadership Dialogue: Reframing Africa's Aviation Narrative with Prof. Bonang Mohale & Hamish Erskine, CEO, Dube Trade Port

    This a special podcast episode recorded on 6th March 2026 as part of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa Annual Conference. In the episode, Professor Mohale argues Africa's economic and aviation story is often told by outsiders, calling for Africans to own the narrative and emphasizing leadership defined by vision, courage, and integrity. The discussion contrasts management and leadership, critiques reliance on bureaucracy as a refuge from accountability, and highlights how colonial-era boundaries and continued dependence undermine African prosperity and unity. Erskine frames bureaucracy as a tool of power that can stifle agility, urges regional and continental integration, as evidence of benefits from opening skies and trade. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:29 Meet the Guests 02:39 Live Session Begins 04:48 Who Tells Africas Story? 09:47 Leadership Gap and Reset 14:52 Leadership vs Management 21:13 Bureaucracy and Ownership 25:13 Open Skies Proof Points 27:28 Integration Beyond Borders 33:02 Regional Integration Lessons 36:20 Closing Takeaways

  • S1 · E370
    March 3 · 39 min

    370. ValueJet. Innovating to stay ahead by creating Viki - Their AI concierge powered by Kiu

    In this episode, we explore the innovative journey of ValueJet, a Nigerian airline that has recently introduced Viki, the first AI concierge in Africa. Temi Adjijola, the head of business program and IT at Value Jet, discusses the airline's mission to make flying accessible to more people in Nigeria, where air travel is still underutilized. Joining Temi is Rodger Whittle, Commercial Director and Juan Felipe Restrepo, Chief Product Officer at KIU System Solutions who created Viki and provide over 70 airlines worldwide with a comprehensive, cloud-based, AI-powered suite of IT services for airlines, focusing on Passenger Service Systems (PSS), Departure Control Systems (DCS), and a proprietary Global Distribution System (GDS). The conversation delves into the challenges faced by the airline industry in Nigeria, the adoption of technology to enhance customer experience, and the significant role of AI in streamlining operations and improving service delivery. The guests also share insights on the future of AI in aviation, including potential applications in customer service, operational efficiency, and revenue management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Value Jet and AI Concierge 06:42 Value Jet's Business Model and Market Positioning 12:45 The Role of AI in Enhancing Customer Experience 20:22 Industry Feedback and Adoption of AI Solutions 28:06 Future Applications of AI in Aviation 38:53 Expansion Plans and Strategic Growth for Value Jet CONNECT WITH RODGER CONNECT WITH JUAN CONNECT WITH TEMI

  • S1 · E369
    March 1 · 1 hr 29 min

    369. AviaDev's February 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially

    *Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Clarification on the FlySafair sale Uganda Airlines - management changes, fleet changes, route changes Kenya Airways next steps. Can they secure an investor/ partner? - both Singapore and Qatar have denied interest Ethiopian update (adding a 4th daily Dubai, second daily Bamako - Dakar, cutting Nacala) Air Congo regional expansion - speculation on Europe? Eswatini Air to add Lusaka to their Harare service QR cutting KGL frequencies United Nigeria Airlines - update on fleet and potential routes Air India orders A321XLRs - Africa bound? Connect with Behramjee Connect with Sean

  • S1 · E368
    February 24 · 1 hr 16 min

    368. Connecting Africa with Embraer. A recap of the top 10 unserved intra sub-Saharan African routes with Theo Wensink, Head of Airline Marketing, Middle East and Africa

    In this episode, Host Jon Howell sits down with Theo Wensink, Head of Airline Marketing, Middle East and Africa at Embraer to discuss the "Connecting Africa" report which premiered at AviaDev Africa 2025. Providing commentary and insight into the findings are regular podcast contributors, aviation consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially. Together, they explore why the report was created, the methodology, and then we count down the top unserved routes from 10 to 1, identifying which have the best chance of being served and by whom. Download the report here CONNECT WITH THEO CONNECT WITH SEAN CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Connecting Africa Report 01:23 Embraer's Footprint in Africa 08:44 Methodology Behind the Report 13:21 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Brazzaville to Dakar 23:02 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Douala to Dakar 28:55 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam 36:44 Countdown of Top 10 Routes: Abuja to Nairobi 44:00 Connecting Africa: The Abuja to Nairobi Route 44:24 Bamako to Brazzaville: Humanitarian and Diplomatic Links 53:10 Cotonou to Dakar: Trade and Student Travel 59:00 Cape Town to Lagos: Business and Leisure Dynamics 01:05:54 Dakar to Libreville: Oil and Banking Connections 01:10:46 Lusaka to Cape Town: Mining and Tourism Opportunities 01:20:37 Abidjan to Douala: The Unserved Route Potential

  • S1 · E367
    February 20 · 15 min

    367. Introducing Mentortude with Chidozie Uzoezie, Founder, African Aviation Group

    In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell speaks with Chidozie Uzoezie, founder of the African Aviation Group (AAG), about the impact of the group on aspiring aviators in Africa. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the African aviation industry, the launch of Mentortude, an all-inclusive mentorship platform, and the upcoming Fireside Chat event aimed at empowering the next generation of aviation professionals. Find out more: https://www.mentortude.com/ Chidozie emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and access to information in shaping the future of aviation in Africa. 00:00 Introduction to African Aviation and Chidozie Uzoezie 03:09 The Impact of the African Aviation Group 06:07 Optimism for the Future of African Aviation 08:52 Introducing Mentitude: A New Mentorship Initiative 11:56 The Upcoming Fireside Chat Event 14:41 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

  • S1 · E366
    February 20 · 30 min

    366. The Bishoftu Airport Project. The start of Africa's connectivity revolution? With Miretab Tesfaye, Aviation Consultant

    In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Jon Howell speaks with aviation consultant Miretab Tesfaye about the ambitious Bishoftu Airport project in Ethiopia. They discuss the airport's projected capacity, the strategic advantages and opportunities for Ethiopian Airlines, and the challenges it faces in a competitive Global aviation market. CONNECT WITH MIRETAB Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bishoftu Airport Project 05:03 Miretab's Journey and Experience 09:25 Overview of Bishoftu Airport Details 16:17 Ethiopian Airlines' Competitive Advantage 22:58 Challenges and Opportunities for Ethiopian Airlines 29:51 Future of Bishoftu Airport and Its Impact

  • S1 · E365
    February 17 · 31 min

    365. Exploring South Africa's aviation landscape and counting down to BARSA 2026 with George Mothema, CEO

    In this episode, we speak with George Mothema, CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), to review the state of South African aviation in 2026 and preview the upcoming BARSA conference in KwaZulu-Natal. George highlights positive market developments including shareholding changes at Safair, Qatar's 25% stake in Airlink, and SAA adding new routes as it rebuilds. Key challenges discussed include ATNS's past neglect of instrument and flight procedure redesigns that led to suspended procedures and losses for airlines serving secondary airports, aging CNS equipment requiring manual workarounds, delayed airport maintenance by ACSA with noted improvements at OR Tambo, and border management bottlenecks such as long passport-control queues and delays implementing e-gates due to slow biometric systems and aging platforms. Find out more: https://barsa.co.za/ 00:00 Welcome to AviaDev Insight Africa + Introducing BARSA CEO George Mothema 01:17 South Africa Aviation 2026: The Good News (market shakeups, new investors, SAA routes) 04:21 The Bad News: ATNS flight procedure suspensions & air traffic systems upgrades 06:23 Airport maintenance & border control bottlenecks 08:27 Policy & safety snapshot: civil aviation policy balance 11:39 Regional recovery & why BARSA is heading to KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) 15:43 Conference theme reveal: "Destination Africa" and what it means 16:07 Program deep dive 22:34 Who should attend BARSA 2026 30:48 Wrap-up.

  • S1 · E364
    February 1 · 36 min

    364. From Accra to the World. Outlining Africa World Airlines' Fleet and Route Growth with Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer

    In this episode, the focus is on Africa World Airlines (AWA) and its new Chief Operating Officer, Sohail Mahmood Sohail shares his aviation journey so far and what attracted him to join AWA. We then delve into the foundational strengths of AWA, including its hub and spoke model operating out of Accra, Ghana, and the reasons for its resilience. We then move to fleet and route strategy, where Sohail hints at potential expansion on both fronts in 2026, before wrapping up with a discussion on the strategic importance of partnerships and interline agreements to enhance AWA's route network and market presence.

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