IATA: Aviation Contributes to Development of Africa

The International Air Transport Association )IATA( announced that the Focus Africa Conference will delve into six priorities under IATA’s Focus Africa initiative to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the continent’s economic and social development and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers. Focus Africa is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 20-21 June 2023, with Ethiopian Airlines as the host airline.

“Over the next 15 years, Africa’s passenger traffic is expected to double. The continent stands out as the region with the greatest potential and opportunity for aviation. But this potential is limited by infrastructure constraints, high costs, lack of connectivity, regulatory impediments, slow adoption of global standards and skills shortages, among other factors. The Focus Africa Conference will bring together the continent’s key stakeholders to address these challenges,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, will deliver an Opening Keynote Address. “We are delighted to host IATA’s Focus Africa Conference and welcome the aviation industry to our home, Addis Ababa. Advancing the air transport industry is critical for Africa’s economic growth. The conference will allow industry leaders to join forces and drive the Focus Africa initiative,” said Tasew.

Nigeria’s Airports Authority Seeks Sustainable Development Of Aviation Sector

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has begun a four-day National Aviation Conference with the theme Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, as part of efforts to boost aviation industry’s contribution to the Nigerian economy.

The Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation Mr. Emmanuel Meribole, said the aviation industry has made remarkable achievements in contributing to the nation’s economy under President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration despite the economy challenges facing the Country

Mr. Meribole added that numerous projects were embarked upon, including several runway Constructions and rehabilitation projects, and the completion of new international terminals, also, the deployment of world class safety and security equipment and facilities procured for airports amongst others.

In his welcome speech, the Managing Director, is Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Captain Rabiu Yadudu said aviation has become a critical business in Nigeria and the world at large, and Nigeria is committed to the sustainability of the sector by transforming it, to meet world standards.

“Our primary aim of creating and institutionalising this conference is to provide unified platform for all industry Stakeholders to come together, with a view to discussing challenges militating against the growth and development of the nation’s aviation industry, as well as proffer viable solutions to such challenges.”

It is our intention to use this forum to highlight available investment opportunities in the industry, in order to attract prospective investors, who are desirous of making great returns on their investment. The Chairperson, Senate committee on Aviation, Senator Biodun Olujimi assured the Stakeholders and investors that the Senate would ensure to make laws that would help grow the aviation sector.

During the opening of the conference, stakeholders in the aviation industry identified some challenges facing the industry such as high cost of ticket, issues of Aviation fuel, frequent strikes by the Aviation Unions and the maintenance of aircraft are among the critical issues expected to be addressed.

Also the conference would continue to serve as an open market, or meeting point for the private sector to tap into a world of opportunities to invest and achieve return on their investments.

Ethiopia’s effective aviation sector offers lessons for Nigeria

In a few days, the eight-year Buhari administration will come to an end, and the Nigerian aviation industry has had both positive and negative experiences. The positive developments include investments in a national carrier )Nigeria Air(, new airport terminals, and new aircraft for the Nigerian Airforce for air defence and air space protection, among others

On the other hand, the industry has experienced setbacks such as travel bans during and after COVID-19, strikes by workers, a rise in aviation fuel prices, difficulties in foreign airlines repatriating funds due to dollar shortages, a significant increase in the cost of pilot training, drop in revenue due to passengers seeking alternatives to pricey tickets and foreign airlines boycotting Nigeria.

Despite these challenges, the incoming administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect, does not have any specific plans to address these issues in the aviation industry.

However, there are opportunities for the new administration to learn from the Ethiopian aviation industry, which has experienced significant growth and success, and implement strategies to improve the sector in Africa’s largest economy.

Insights on the Ethiopian Aviation Industry

Ethiopia’s aviation industry leads Africa, with a modern aircraft fleet serving over 145 destinations worldwide, giving it an advantage in accessing local markets. Ethiopian Airlines has received numerous awards, including Best Airline in Africa for five consecutive years, and has expanded its services to include Arabic and French. Ethiopian Airlines, the country’s national carrier is part of the Star Alliance and has registered average growth of 25% per annum over the past seven years. The airline operates Africa and the Middle East’s largest MRO service, providing world-class services to ensure safe and dependable flights.

Ethiopian Airlines has invested in expanding its fleet with the A350-1000, which has advanced aerodynamics, carbon-fibre construction, and fuel-efficient engines. The airline is also expanding its cargo network to include Xiamen and Shenzhen, with CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighting the role of improved air connectivity in facilitating global trade

“As the largest cargo network operator in Africa and a key air cargo service provider globally, Ethiopian Airlines will continue expanding its services around the world by opening new routes and increasing flight frequencies so as to facilitate global trade and the flow of goods,” Tasew said.

Additionally, the airline has invested $15 million in expanding its in-flight catering capacity to produce 100,000 meals a day and offer a range of world cuisines; Italian, Chinese, Vegan, Indian, etc. Ethiopian Airlines has also established an ultraluxurious five-star hotel, the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, which includes 373 rooms, restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, and a gym.

Partnership

Ethiopian Airlines partners with commercial aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, GE, and Airbus, as well as Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider for the travel industry. Sabre offers retailing, distribution, and fulfilment solutions that connect travel suppliers with buyers worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines also has strategic partnerships with Star Alliance and Codeshare Partners, as well as airlines such as ASKY, Malawi Airlines, and CEIBA Intercontinental Airlines.

These partnerships have opened new markets and connected Ethiopia to the world, boosting the economy and contributing to the country’s employment, tourism, and trade. Ethiopian Airlines is one of Africa’s largest and most profitable airlines.

Infrastructures

Ethiopian Airlines has been expanding its infrastructure to support its growth. The government has built new airports throughout the country, with a goal of increasing the total number to 25 by 2020. Currently, there are 21 airports in Ethiopia and Bole International in Addis Ababa is the biggest; with flights to 109 destinations in 64 countries.

Ethiopian Airlines has also completed a new passenger terminal at its hub Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, with emphasis on BioSecurity and BioSafety measures. The terminal is equipped with sixty check-in counters, thirty self-check-in kiosks, and sixteen central security screening areas. Additionally, the airline has invested $100 million in expanding and upgrading its aviation academy, making it the largest and most advanced in Africa. It has also invested $100 million in a new cargo terminal to increase its cargo-carrying capacity to 1 million tons.

Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision2025 that will see it become the leading airline group in Africa with seven strategic business units.

Etihad Airways plans to use sustainable fuel made from CO2

based airline Etihad Airways has partnered with Twelve, a carbon transformation company, to promote sustainable aviation fuel )SAF( produced from CO2 and renewable energy.

Twelve combines renewable energy and water to convert CO2 into vital chemicals and materials derived from fossil fuels. This innovative formula reduces lifecycle emissions by 90% compared to traditional fossil-based fuels and is compatible with current aircrafts.

Etihad’s sustainable mission

The new partnership aligns with Etihad's sustainability goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and converting waste into fuel, with a target of diverting 75% of waste from landfills by 2025. The collaboration is driven by the growing demand for SAF among various airlines.

In 2019, the airline introduced the Etihad Greenliner Program, which allocated a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to focus on sustainability initiatives. The programme aims to identify and tackle key sustainability challenges through partnerships with Boeing and engine manufacturer GE.

SAF aligns with Etihad's commitment to driving innovation and transforming the aviation industry towards sustainability, and the new partnership reinforces Etihad's mission and sustainability efforts.

“Etihad Airways is working hard on its sustainability strategy and deploying a range of initiatives across the spectrum of sustainability to achieve that,” Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer at Etihad said. “Collaborating with sustainable aviation fuel makers like Twelve to advance products like E-Jet fuel is an important part of that drive.”

A long-term solution for addressing aviation emissions

Twelve has developed a low-carbon jet fuel, E-Jet fuel, produced using carbon transformation technology, which has been tested and verified by the US Air Force. By joining forces, the two businesses aim to plan international demonstration flights to promote SAF in the global market.

Twelve's CEO, Nicholas Flanders, describes the partnership as an “honour” while highlighting the company's progress towards a supply of drop-in jet fuel made from air and not oil.

Flanders continues: “Our E-Jet fuel allows airlines like Etihad to reduce emissions by up to 90% with their existing aircraft fleet, which will be critical to achieving the United Nations’ 2050 net-zero emissions target in aviation.”

Aerospace Valves Market Projected to Expand at CAGR of 4.9% from 2023-2031, as per TMR Research

ncrease in investments in the aerospace sector for satellite launches and space exploration by several countries across the globe is creating immense business opportunities in the global aerospace valves market Wilmington, Delaware, United States, May 16, 2023

)GLOBE NEWSWIRE( -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - According to the aerospace valves market report by TMR, the global industry was worth US$ 3.4 Bn in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 5.2 Bn during the forecast period 2023-2031. Aerospace valves are used in spacecraft, aircraft, and other aerospace applications. Application of these valves is important, as they control the flow of various gases and fluids such as air, and hydraulic fluid throughout the aerospace systems. This helps in minimizing the risks of gas leakage. Aerospace valves are used in various applications such as pneumatic systems, fuel systems, coolant systems, and water & wastewater systems. Wide usage of these valves in various applications due to their efficiency to operate in extreme conditions of high altitude and space has led to significant market development.