In this episode, we speak to Jacob Rogers, a recent graduate from Coventry University in the UK.  Jacob recently graduated with First Class Honours in BSc Aviation Management. His dissertation topic was fascinating and based on interviews with African Aviation leaders. As a Visiting Professor at the University, we first discussed the topic a year ago, so I'm delighted to bring the topic to the podcast. Together we discussed: Jacob's interest in African aviation The objective of the...

Welcome to the twelfth 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: ✈️ India-Africa Connectivity discussion  ✈️ Airlink launching Kinshasa, DRC from Johannesburg 3 x week from March...

This episode was recorded on 18th October 2024 on location in Paarl, Western Cape during the AASA AGA.  Together, Miguel Carneiro, TAAG CCO and I unpack the following: Miguel's background and experience  How the Airbus A220-300 will be utilised and why it was selected How the 4 new Boeing 787s will be configured, when they will be delivered and how they will be deployed The New Luanda Airport. When will TAAG be relocating and what is the opening process What long haul destinations can we...

This episode was recorded on 19th October 2024 on location in Paarl, Western Cape during the AASA AGA.  Together, Elmar Conradie, FlySafair CEO and I unpack the following: The ever-changing dynamics of South African domestic market The launch of the Cape Town -Windhoek route on 22nd October  Safair's approach to route development and the passenger mix flying with the airline The success of the Cape Town- Kruger route and increased frequencies Additional frequencies being added to Mauritius...

In this episode, we speak to the 2024 Aviadev Ambassadors, uno and Tuli, 3 months on from their AviaDev experience.  Together, we discuss the competitive selection process for becoming ambassadors, their roles in supporting the event, and the invaluable networking opportunities they encountered. Both ambassadors share their aspirations to advance the African aviation sector sustainably and their personal career goals in aviation. They also offer advice to future ambassadors and aspiring...

In the landmark 300th episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, we are joined by Geert Lemaire, Marketing Director of Market Intelligence and Analysis at Airbus, to discuss the collaborative report with AviaDev on unserved air routes to, from, and within Africa. The report was released at AviaDev Africa 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia.  Together we discuss: The motivations behind the report The response from the industry and media Why are aircraft manufacturers involved in network planning and route...

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...

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...

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 ✈️...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...