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AviaDev Insight Africa

Author: Jon Howell

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Since its creation in 2018, AviaDev Insight Africa has established itself as the premier podcast dedicated to African Aviation.

We bring prominent industry voices to the table to establish the "ground truth" informally and candidly.

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
299 Episodes
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In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell is joined by Air Botswana's CEO, Lulu Rasebotsa. Together, they discuss: Lulu's background and career journey Air Botswana's recent fleet expansions- why choose Embraer? Network expansion featuring a selection of reinstated and brand new routes The selection criteria for these routes and type of passenger they cater for How the airline combats seasonality How Botswana is performing in terms of visa access in the region and further afield Reflections on Lulu's first AviaDev experience  Connect/ Follow Lulu here
In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, recorded live in Johannesburg, South Africa, we explore the digital transformation in African airports. We discuss the investment in African airport digitalization post-covid and the importance of stakeholder collaboration. Connect with Adonis on LinkedIn Listen to episode 240 here Visit SITA's website Chapters: 00:15 Introducing Adonis Succar and Digitalization 01:40 Momentum of Digitalization in African Airports 04:27 Investment and Challenges in African Airports 07:18 Visa Digitalization and Passenger Experience 12:29 Future of Seamless Intermodal Travel 15:14 Planning for Technological Advancements 17:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Welcome to the eleventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Lorne Philpot, Aviation Journalist CONNECT WITH LORNE Key topics discussed: ✈️ South African Airways to launch Lubumbashi and Dar es Salaam from November ✈️ Fastjet increasing Bulawayo frequencies ✈️ RwandAir ceasing their Cape Town connection ✈️ Ethiopian Airlines to open Monrovia, Liberia, and Port Sudan ✈️ Qantas to up gauge the Sydney-Johannesburg route to an A380 ✈️ Brussels Airlines' fleet expansion and plans for Sub-Saharan Africa ✈️ Virgin Atlantic to launch daily Accra flights from May 2025 If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 
Welcome to the tenth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are:  Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Key topics discussed: ✈️ Qatar's 25% investment into Airlink ✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Lusaka, Abuja and Harare and London rumours ✈️ Air Botswana's regional expansion and fleet expansion to Namibia and South Africa ✈️ Air Senegal's network reduction and management changes ✈️ Kenya Airways reporting a net profit for the first time in over 10 years.  ✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes ✈️ South African Airways increasing Mauritius to double-daily and starting Lubumbashi ✈️ TAAG increasing flights to South Africa and more managerial changes ✈️ Air France suspending Accra ✈️ Etihad re-advertising Nairobi ✈️ Air Tanzania launching Dubai-Zanzibar ✈️ FlyGabon to launch iminently ✈️ Emirates' latest update on restarting Nigeria operations If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening.   
In this episode, we focus on a carrier that has recently announced it will be launching services to mainland Africa for the first time.  Air Asia will launch Kuala Lumpur - Nairobi on 15th November with a 4 weekly service and deploy an Airbus A330-300 comprising 12 business class and 365 economy seats.  I am joined by Paul Carroll, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Air Asia Group and together we cover An introduction to the Air Asia offering and business model Why Nairobi was chosen as the first entry point in Continental Africa and why now? How strong are the commercials on the route? What has the reaction been in the short time since the route was announced and put up for sale? How important is the Chinese market in the route's success? How will Air Asia stimulate the market to support the growth it will need to ensure the route is viable and successful? Why start with 4 frequencies per week? Are there plans for partnerships/ interlines with African carriers? What is the distribution strategy in Africa? Connect/ Follow Paul on LinkedIn here If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast to never miss another episode and share this episode with someone in your network who would benefit from listening. 
Welcome to the ninth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant.  Key topics discussed: ✈️ Air Asia Kuala Lumpur- Nairobi ✈️ JamboJet launch of Mombasa- Zanzibar ✈️ Air France announce Kilimanjaro from November ✈️ FlyNamibia launch of Windhoek-Maun ✈️ The impact of visa policies on route development ✈️ Emirates extending the Seychelles flight to Madagascar ✈️ Ethiopian's Winter expansion and schedule changes ✈️ Air Cote d'Ivoire's expansion from October Rumour mill: ✈️ Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi ✈️ Uganda Airlines to launch Gatwick ✈️ Uganda Airlines rumoured aircraft order ✈️ Singapore Airlines applies for Durban ✈️ Air Canada's potential in West Africa ✈️ Emirates announce a date to restart Lagos Chapters 02:42 AirAsia's New Route to Africa  15:26 JamboJet's New Route: Mombasa to Zanzibar 23:31 Air France's New Route to Kilimanjaro 35:48 Fly Namibia's New Route to Maun 41:43 Impact of Visa Policies on Route Planning  56:47 Emirates' New Route to Madagascar  01:05:51 Ethiopian Airlines' Winter Expansion 01:09:52 Air Côte d'Ivoire's Network Growth 01:18:30 Rumor Mill: Airline Speculations and Announcements 01:19:55 Uganda Airlines' London Ambitions   01:32:31 Air Canada in West Africa   01:40:06 Emirates' Return to Nigeria   01:41:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Jon and Denis discuss the importance of insurance in the African aviation industry. Insurance is a substantial operating cost and many African airlines may be overpaying or have the wrong solution for their needs.  AI12, is a specialist insurance and reinsurance broker and part of the Avia Solutions Group. Together, they highlight the need for African airlines to present themselves properly to the international market and the role of insurance brokers in advocating for their clients. They also discuss the challenges African airlines face in obtaining insurance and how AI12 helps them navigate the market. Key takeaways include the importance of strategic thinking, transparency, trust in insurance negotiations, and the value of partnerships and collaboration in the industry. Find out more about AI12 here Email Denis here
In this episode, Jon and Achma discuss the evolving landscape of airline distribution and the strategies African airlines can use to extend their global reach. Achma shares her inspiring journey in the aviation industry, insights into revenue management, and the importance of a robust distribution strategy. The conversation also touches on the significance of technology, the role of tourism boards, and Achma's future visions for the industry.  Connect with Achma here  Find out more about Airlinepros here 00:00 Introduction to Aviadev Insight Africa  00:54 Meet Achma Azokan: A Journey in Aviation 07:56 The Evolution of Airline Distribution 11:02 Challenges and Strategies in Airline Revenue Management 17:40 Success Stories and Case Studies 22:09 Future Developments and Innovations in Aviation 29:26 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode, Jon and Richard explore the impact and opportunities harnessing technology and AI can have on African aviation, focusing on distribution, interlining, and the role of artificial intelligence.  They discuss the adaptation African airlines require to optimize their distribution channels and the potential of using AI to enhance customer service and reduce operational costs. The Kiu team will attend AviaDev Africa 2024, 19-21 June in Windhoek, Namibia.  Find out more about Kiu here Connect with Rodger Whittle on LinkedIn Connect with Richard Ortega on LinkedIn  
In this podcast, I am joined by Marcel Langeslag, Director Aviation Africa and Nelly Alandou, airport planning consultant at Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to preview the upcoming AviaDev Real Estate event on 19th June 2024 in Windhoek.  Building a resilient business model through diversifying revenues has never been more important. However, this requires careful planning and appreciation of the local investment environment.  In the episode, we discuss the current investment environment for airport real estate in Africa, what airports can do to get started and preview the sessions planned for Windhoek, which will provide a platform for airports to share their experiences and learnings with their peers and hear directly from airport investors.  Connect with Marcel here Connect with Nelly here View the AviaDev Real Estate agenda
Welcome to the eighth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Dr. James Pearson, Analyst at Simple Flying.  Together, we discuss: Norse Atlantic Airways, a new carrier for Africa, is launching a three times a week operation from Gatwick in London to Cape Town International. Jon recently interviewed Norse, so if you want to hear more listen here EasyJet's expansion into Cape Verde. Could this move be the start of a trend of major European low-cost carriers expanding into sub-Saharan markets? Ethiopian Airlines' launch of the Warsaw route using the Boeing 737 MAX indicates their expansion into secondary markets in Europe. This strategy allows them to tap into niche markets and connect with their hub in Addis Ababa. ASKY Airlines has made schedule changes to improve the utility of their aircraft and enhance their economics. They have swapped some of their routing and are focusing on maximizing connectivity through their hub in Lomé, Togo. Etihad's postponed launch to Nairobi was attributed to paperwork issues or delays in obtaining the operating permit. The success of this route remains uncertain, given the competition from other airlines serving the Nairobi market.  The impact of political instability and restricted airspace which continue to pose challenges for airlines operating in Africa. RUMOUR MILL Emirates return to Nigeria (this has since been confirmed) Air Asia's plans for Africa  Uganda Airlines proposed Boeing order and Abu Dhabi route Air Peace looking at Abuja-London Air Canada looking at African markets SA flights to Thailand Subscribe to James' newsletter here  Read James' articles here Connect with James on LinkedIn here Connect with Sean on LinkedIn here  If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.
In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, Nomusa joins Jon to discuss Tourvest's involvement in revolutionizing the African travel landscape and their support for airlines and airports in developing their retail and catering solutions. Specifically, we explore how Tourvest has been working with FlySafair to deliver an improved onboard experience, driving ancillary airline revenues whilst rewarding crew for performance.  We finish by looking to the future and how a shift towards radical personalisation, focusing on flexibility, sustainability, and enhancing the passenger experience will change the passenger experience- all driven by harnessing the power of data.  You can meet Nomusa and the team at AviaDev Africa, June 19-21 in Windhoek, Namibia www.aviadev.com  Find out more about Tourvest here Connect with Nomusa  
In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Blackbeard, the founder of Africa's Eden. Together, we discuss the mission of Africa's Eden, the importance of airlift to the organization's success, and practical steps to develop air access in the region. Africa's Eden was launched in response to a call from the private sector to address challenges in the tourism industry. The organization focuses on creating a collaborative ecosystem and works with various stakeholders, including tourism product owners, tour operators, and travel trade networks.  Find out more: https://africaseden.travel/  Connect with Jillian  
In this episode, I am joined by Natalia Rosa to elaborate on the partnership between AviaDev and SADC Business Council and preview the Air Route Development Masterclass which will be held during AviaDev Africa 2024. Together, we discuss: Natalia's background, role, and mandate Air Access as a policy focus of SADC Are policy-makers listening to the industry? The format and purpose of the workshop and partnership To find out more and register visit www.aviadev.com 
On the 18th April 2024, Norse Atlantic announced the launch of a 3 weekly service from London Gatwick to Cape Town International starting at the end of October.  In this podcast, I am joined by Philip Allport, Senior Vice President of Communications and together we discuss: ✈️ Norse's business model, fleet and network ✈️ Why Cape Town is the first African destination and the role the Cape Town Air Access team played in attracting the route ✈️ Norse's approach to other popular destinations in Africa- will we see them served in the future? ✈️ Why their low-cost, long-haul model can succeed where others have failed ✈️ Their approach to interlining and partnerships ✈️ Their distribution and sales strategy
In this episode, we discuss the role and importance of ancillary revenue for African airlines. Today, it is not just a case of upselling, but personalising an offer that the passenger will benefit from.  Protect is the world leader in refundable booking protection and work with a variety of airlines globally, including Ethiopian Airlines.  I am joined by Nick Ashton, Global Airline Lead,and Andrew Ridgway, Head of Strategic Partnerships and together we discuss: Their aviation industry experience The Protect proposition The current environment in African aviation when it comes to ancillaries and trip protection How to overcome scepticism of the product from both an integration perspective at the airline and from a passenger perspective The involvement of the airline in the refund process The Protect team will be in Windhoek for AviaDev Africa in June.  You can contact them here: Andrew: LinkedIn Email Nick: LinkedIn Email If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.
Welcome to the seventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant, and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. Together, we discuss: Turkish Airlines' continued growth and focus on Africa Qatar Airways announcing 4 x weekly Kinshasa service Access to European markets for African carriers. Is it a level playing field? Uganda Airlines adding an A320 CEO. How and where will it be used? SAA's potential change of leadership and what that means for thier strategy Saudia launching Abuja 3 x weekly Abuja Jeddah nonstop from 11May.  Emirates returning to Nigeria Thanks for joining us today. If you enjoyed the conversation, please share the episode with your network and leave us a review so we can be found by more people.
Aviation can be much maligned as an industry and we are all conscious of the challenges we face, but we must not lose sight of the fact that aviation has a unique way of solving unique problems.  In this episode, I am joined by Will Travers OBE, Founder and Executive President of the Born Free Foundation, to discuss the positive impact of aviation in wildlife conservation. Together, we discuss the story of Tsar and Jamil, two rescued lions, and the challenges of relocating animals. Will emphasizes the importance of lifetime care for rescued animals and the role of aviation in transporting them to safe environments. We also address the dark side of aviation, such as wildlife trafficking, and the efforts of Born Free to prevent it. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between airlines, airports, and conservation organizations to promote responsible travel and protect wildlife.  Support Born Free/ visit the website https://www.bornfree.org.uk/  Connect with Will: will@bornfree.org.uk  Follow The Born Free Foundation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-born-free-foundation/ 
Welcome to the sixth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, aviation consultant, and Tatenda Karuwa, journalist, Simple Flying: Together, we discussed: Air Peace to London Gatwick fastjet increasing the frequency of their Vic Falls - Kruger route ASKY AIRLINES restarting operations in Niger after ECOWAS lifted sanctions. RwandAir's suspension of their Mumbai route CemAir (Pty)Ltd's launch of Mala Mala from Johannesburg Uganda's intention to join SAATM South African Airways' decision to make Port Elizabeth a year-round service Ethiopian Airlines order of 20 x 777Xs The rumour mill... Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:03 Airpeace launch to London Gatwick 12:06 Fastjet increasing Vic Falls Kruger frequency 27:50 ASKY restarts operations in Niger 33:03 RwandAir suspends Mumbai route 38:38 Indigo's Impact on India to East Africa Market 40:22 Cemair Launches Mala Mala from Johannesburg 42:02 Uganda's Intention to Join SAATM 46:44 SAA Makes Port Elizabeth a Year-Round Service 50:30 Ethiopian Airlines Orders 20 777Xs 56:15 Nigerian Government Instructs Foreign Airlines to Reduce Prices 57:12 Emirates' Potential Return to Nigeria 01:00:21 Uganda's Intention to Sign on to SAATM Connect with Tatenda here Connect with Sean here
In this episode, Helen Mwamba joins me to discuss the Aviation Week Africa Summit Exhibition and Air Show, taking place 22-26 April in Lusaka, Zambia.   Together, we discuss:   How and why the event was created and what it aims to achieve Who the event partners are The format of the event Some of the speaker and session highlights     Find out more at https://aviationweekafrica.com/
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