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Ethiopian Airlines Expands Flights To Korea With Airbus A350-900
Aviation

Ethiopian Airlines Expands Flights To Korea With Airbus A350-900

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced its plan to increase the number of weekly passenger flights to Seoul, Republic of Korea, to six starting from October 28, 2023 with the latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this route.

This increase in flight frequency is a result of constructive discussions between the aviation authorities of Korea and Ethiopia. It reflects the deepening socio-economic ties and the growing partnership between Korea and the entire African continent.

Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, stated that the additional flights will play a crucial role in promoting economic, cultural, and social interactions while offering travellers more diverse and convenient connectivity options.

As a pan-African airline, we are delighted to provide additional flight choices between Addis Ababa, the diplomatic capital of Africa, and Seoul, the emerging hub of East Asia. We are particularly excited to serve our valued passengers with the latest Airbus A350-900 modern aircraft. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea for their support in enhancing our flight frequencies.

This enhancement in flight services coincides with Ethiopian Airlines’ 10th anniversary of serving Seoul, and it is part of the airline’s celebration of this special milestone.

Seoul was the 73rd destination that Ethiopian Airlines added to its network a decade ago, and since then, the airline has nearly doubled its reach, servicing over 130 destinations across five continents.

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748 Air Services
AviationEnvironment

748 Air Services Champions for Carbon Neutrality

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Renowned airline, 748 Air Services has affirmed its commitment to the achievement of carbon neutrality as it embarks on tree planting to compensate for its carbon emissions. This comes amidst initiatives that are pushing for lower carbon footprints.

According to 748 Air Services Managing Director, Moses Mwangi said the airline is set to boldly and aggressively seek proactive ways of playing in the front row of addressing climate change in the country.

“We recognized in aviation we are burning a lot of fuel, so our footprint is heavy, and felt that it’s our duty to come back to the community and make sure we have a way that we can offset carbon. We need to reduce it, we have no question about it,” said Mwangi.

748 Air Services is among the first airlines to pilot a United Nations scheme that tests how much carbon airlines release during flights and comes up with profiles that reduce the burning of fuel. This is on how you fly,  taxiing -a movement of an aircraft on the ground, under its own power, among other things to reduce the carbon footprint.

“ We are very proud because this was later adopted worldwide, from it we can see a reduction, especially from our company where we are able to save 10% and 15% of the fuel burn, which amounts to tens of tonnes of carbon per year,” said Mwangi.

Mwangi spoke during the annual tree planting exercise organized by the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation and follows its 2022  plans to begin offsetting its carbon emissions in 2023 to compensate for an equal amount of tonnes of CO2 its aircraft are emitting.

 “If we can now plant these trees to maturity  we will see them take up more carbon from the atmosphere.”

748 Air Services Environment Manager, George Oduor said while Humanitarian aviation has been exempted from carbon offsetting, the airline is committed to sustainable development goals.

“As a policy from top management 748 air services is a responsible corporate firm,” said Oduor.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), has set 2026 as the deadline for countries to start mandatory compliance with carbon emission reduction requirements for international aviation.

International Energy Agency data shows aviation accounted for over 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2021, saying airline emissions have grown faster in recent decades than road, rail, or shipping.

“We have voluntarily gone into this to ensure that we come up with programs that will take back carbon emissions from our operations. Kakamega is just but the start, there are many other projects that are in line including our internal operations to ensure we either minimize, reduce, or where possible offset,” said 748 Air Services Head of Quality, Safety, and Environment, Maurice Juma.

This year indigenous trees covering 7 acres were planted at Kakamega Forest in sustained efforts to reduce carbon footprint and restore the forest. The Foundation has so far planted over 29,000 seedlings since 2018 to rehabilitate Kakamega Forest.

“We have managed to cover 62 acres so far and we are calling upon other individuals, institutions, corporates, and community-based organizations to support initiatives that green our country,” said Kakamega Heritage Member, Hannington Kimathi.

Kenya’s current tree cover now stands at 12.13% out of the target of 30% by 2032, meaning the country needs to plant 15 billion trees over the next ten years or 1.5 billion trees annually to hit the target.

Prime Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, called on sustained tree planting and community sensitization and mobilization efforts across the country to counter man-made forest destructions and the resulting impacts of climate change.

“Though we appear to have met the constitutional 10% forest cover, my hunch is we should do better than that. We are moving two steps forward and one step backward. This is because our effort at increasing forest cover is checkmated by persistent environmental destruction of trees for charcoal burning, and instances of unlawful Shamba System,” Said Mudavadi.

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Kenya airways
AviationBusiness

Kenya Airways Leads Africa in Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

Kenya Airways ‘the pride of Africa’ this Happy African Day became the first African airline to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as the world strides toward achieving decarbonization to reduce carbon emissions. The sustainable aviation fuel was provided by Italian Multinational energy company Eni for a long-haul flight.

SAF is a biofuel that reduces the life cycle of greenhouse gases in comparison with conventional jet fuel containing similar properties as conventional fuel even though has a smaller carbon footprint. The first flight on SAF was from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Amsterdam Schiphol.

According to a statement by Eni Sustainable Mobility, this flight by KQ is the first that’s actualizing the use of sustainable aviation fuel. In that JetA1 fuel was mixed with Eni Bio jet that’s a product of Eni’s Livorno refinery acquired by distillation of the bio components produced from the Gela biorefinery.

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, said that the move is highly eligible considering the recent push towards dealing with the climate crisis at hand. Adding that the collaboration with Eni Sustainable Mobility in piloting the use of sustainable aviation fuel has placed KQ in the first pathway of showcasing the possibility of SAF usage.

Further, the CEO lauded the government’s initiatives towards addressing climate change that has incessantly been a menace to the world at large, KQ is therefore committing to using 2% of SAF for fuel to reduce carbon footprint. Stressing that as the 15 billion trees campaign is championed, it’s high time the aviation industry reduced their emissions in efforts to solve this crisis.

“The data and insights from the pilot flight here will be essential in informing policy decisions, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices related to SAF onwards. Indeed, this is such a significant milestone for Kenya Airways as well as a presentation of a great example for the vast African Aviation industry,” said CEO Kilavuka.

As the global stage calls for low carbon emissions in targeting the achievement of net zero by 2050, the International Air Transport Association boss highlighted that through an embrace of SAF, there would be a possible 65% reduction of emissions in the aviation sector. He emphasized that this would be a critical step towards ensuring that the aviation industry reaches net zero in 2050 as targeted.

Based on the invention by Eni Sustainable Mobility, CEO Stefano Ballista commended the emphasis put on solving climate change through suitable actions in response. He pointed out that the supply of Eni Bio jet to Nairobi Airport is vital not only for aviation but also for the company as it’s an evident sign of how the company can support the airlines in achieving decarbonization.

KQ in conjunction with SkyTeam is set to participate in the second edition of the Sustainable flight challenge that’s an initiative by SkyTeam encouraging space for healthy competition amongst the SkyTeam member airlines.

The Sustainable Flight Challenge seeks to increase innovations placing an emphasis on environmental sustainability within the aviation space as it seeks to increase knowledge sharing in the industry. Through these peer exchanges, there will be an eased ability for planes to embark on the use of SAF fully as it pointed out that by 2025, all aircraft departing from European airports will fully be using a proportion of the SAF.

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AFRAA
Aviation

African Airlines Sign MoU with KAAO

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) to provide mutual support to the sustainable development of the airline industry in Kenya as the country is represented by the two Associations.

Abdérahmane Berthé signed the MoU in conjunction with AFRAA’s Secretary General and Liz Aluvanze, KAAO’s Chief Executive Officer at a ceremony at the Aero Club of East Africa in Wilson Airport, Nairobi – Kenya.

Under the framework of the collaboration, AFRAA and KAAO will work closely on the following areas of action for the mutual benefit of their membership and industry:

i. Engagement of local authorities and stakeholders on air transport matters;

ii. Joint advocacy efforts on issues challenging the airline industry such as taxes and charges, aviation policy, market restrictions, infrastructure, and capacity building;

iii. Implementation of the roadmap of the African Air Transport Sustainability Steering Committee (ATSSC);

iv. Data and intelligence;

v. Training: Subsidized training courses through AFRAA’s ATO partnership framework;

vi. Initiatives on People with Disabilities;

vii. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and events.

“There are some country-specific opportunities and challenges of the airline industry in Africa that vary from country to country. AFRAA is excited to forge a close working relationship with KAAO as this will enhance the level of support by AFRAA to the airline industry in Kenya. This approach is a building block to AFRAA’s mission for a sustainable, interconnected, and affordable air transport industry in Africa where African airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development,” said AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé.

Better Skies for Africa is the main aim of KAAO as it will enable Africa to grow much more in the aviation industry.

“As part of KAAOs strategy, we aim to develop strong partnerships for advocacy and mutual benefit and this is the first step. We are keen to leverage learnings from AFRAA as they have a pan-African view of the opportunities and challenges faced by the air transport industry in Africa of which Kenya’s robust and
dynamic aviation sector forms a significant part of this eco-system” KAAO Chairman Mbuvi Ngunze added.

The MoU will synergize the efforts of both Associations. AFRAA and KAAO will align periodically to review the implementation of the annual Action Plan and explore areas for further collaboration.

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Kenya Airways
AfricaAviation

Kenya Airways CEO Calls for Airline consolidation

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben

In a new episode of Connecting Africa, CNN International’s Eleni Giokos visits the continent’s first Aerospace Forum in Casablanca, Morocco, meeting some of the aviation leaders who are making intra-African air connectivity a reality.

Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of Kenya Airways elaborated more about the role that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement could play in boosting passenger and freight traffic on the continent.

“There’s not enough traffic moving from south to north and north to south, and not enough goods being traded between Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa. But I believe this is about to change because of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which now, first of all, will give access to goods, and also allow for more freedom of movement for people from both sides,” said Allan Kilavuka, the CEO of Kenya Airways.

According to the Secretary General of the African Airlines Association, Abderahmane Berthe, in many parts of Africa, the aviation sector is still in its infancy, with poor infrastructure and a fragmented network of routes.

Further stating that even getting to the Aerospace African Forum posed a challenge for many as it’s evident as a factor.

 “I live in Nairobi, in Kenya. I had to fly Nairobi via Addis to go to Bamako in Mali, and then to connect on another airline from Bamako to Casablanca,” said Berthe who is part of the group working to liberalize air transport in Africa in areas such as traffic rights, market access, and airline capacity.

Albeit Kilavuka and other aviation leaders are arguing for the liberalization of the market in Africa, the CEO of Kenya’s national air carrier expresses the conviction that this could be done in stages to help with the enormity of the task.

“What we have said is, even when it comes to the liberalization of aviation, we could start with pockets, East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, and see how that works. And then before we blow it out, because I know it’s big, we have 55 countries, a very large continent, 1.2 million people, so it’s a large thing, it’s a large project to implement all at once. So, if you implement it in pockets and then roll it out, then that makes much more sense,” added Mr. Kilavuka.

Using the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the continent is aiming to increase economic integration, promote social integration, and boost intra-African trade and tourism. SAATM was launched in 2018, but so far only 35 of the 55 African countries have signed up for its membership.

Kilavuka argues that African airlines must consolidate if the continent is to improve its aviation prospects expressing concern about the rise in the number of airlines whereas the workload continuously becoming minimal at every juncture.

“The African aviation market is very fragmented. I mean, 55 countries, we have so many airlines on the continent. Most of them are not viable, that truth be told. The solution to that is to consolidate. Just like that has happened in Europe, it happened in the US, it happened in Asia. We need to consolidate so that you create bigger entities that are more economical from a scale perspective and can respond to high costs. They can together talk to suppliers and get more bargains when it comes to purchases, so bring down the unit cost of operation,” argued the CEO of Kenya Airways.

Giokos also speaks to Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, about the country’s plans for a new $2 billion airport in Kigali, with ambitions for it to become a major hub for travel and trade on the continent.

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AviationBusiness

KAAO Calls For Embracing of KCAA, Stakeholders Forums

by Kwabe Ben
written by Kwabe Ben
The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has commended the proposed enhanced industry engagement rule-making process between the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and stakeholders in the industry. This is with the aim to enable relevant and open engagements for both the aviators and stakeholders in the space to ease the way business is handled.
KAAO which has for years been calling for an inclusive engagement process between the different industry stakeholders termed the first Aviation Thought Leaders Forum, since the creation of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, as a step in the right direction and one that will improve synergies between the regulator and the operators.
KAAO emphasized that this inclusive engagement will lead to extra benefits for the air transport industry including increased collaboration in the rule-making process as well as a reduction in bureaucracy and red tape that continues to inhibit transparency and accountability.
“This engagement is a progressive move that will allow better engagement between KCAA and stakeholders, reducing the friction that has existed for years. The outcome of the process should reduce surprises in regulations and amendments and simplify oversight by the regulator,” said Mbuvi Ngunze – Chairman, of the Kenya Association of Air Operators.
At the meeting, KAAO members pointed out the red tape was rife in the KCAA processes (Certificate of Airworthiness renewal, AOC/AMO/ATO certificate renewal, and aircraft inclusion).
KAAO members also took the government to task over the continued dilapidated infrastructure calling for increased investment in the sector and further urging the government to reinvest revenue collected from the sector to develop, improve and maintain the existing infrastructure.
“Governments around the globe have become more innovative in funding large aviation infrastructure projects through different financing mechanisms. The government should focus on investment in infrastructure that is both strategic and revenue-generating” Liz Aluvanze – CEO Kenya Association of Air Operators commented.

PS State Department of Transport Mohamed Daghar engages stakeholders during the 1st Aviation Thought Leaders Forum

KAAO Chairman Mbuvi Ngunze also applauded the regulator saying it was refreshing to see a focus on a risk-based approach towards aviation medicine after a presentation by KCAA Chief Medical Assessor Dr. Festus Ilako.
The industry noted with appreciation the move towards automation of the KCAA processes, a move that will increase efficiency and transparency.
“The government has prioritized the delivery of services to all Kenyans including the aviation sector and as a Ministry, we promise improved and efficient services going forward. We have heard your concerns, but as witnessed by this important forum, we are willing to come in as partners with the stakeholders as aviation is one of the biggest contributors to GDP and without which other areas such as tourism and trade cannot flourish,” Mohamed Daghar – PS Transport.

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AviationBusinessTravel

Kenya Airways To Begin Four Direct Flights From Mombasa-Dubai

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Kenya Airways will commence operating four direct flights from Mombasa to Dubai, United Arab Emirates beginning December 15, 2022.

The flights on the new route were scheduled to start at the beginning of December but were affected by the just concluded pilot’s strike.

According to KQ, the introduction of the Mombasa-Dubai route has been necessitated by rising ticket demand; the commencement of flights is expected to boost the Kenyan coastal region tourism industry through direct access to and from the Middle East.

“The introduction of this route is key and strategic as it will open up the Kenya coastal region, boost the tourism and hospitality industry as well as stimulate trade to the coastal city. This launch is part of Kenya Airways network expansion strategy and commitment towards supporting the recovery of the tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya,” said Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer.

Thairu noted that the route will give tourists from the Middle East, Russia, Northern Europe and Australia direct access to the coast region tourism and hospitality industry.

The Mombasa- Dubai route is further expected to attract travelers to the Middle East for holiday and religious trips.

“The region’s traders of electronics, clothes and other consumer goods will also benefit from the belly cargo capacity that will be available on the flight.”

Additionally, the flights offer increased capacity for direct exports of seafood and fresh produce directly to the Middle East.

Mombasa to Dubai flights will depart from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and make a stop in Mombasa’s Moi International Airport to pick up additional passengers.

The four flights will increase KQ frequencies to Dubai to 14 times per week from the current 10.

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AviationCovid-19

Fly 748 Calls For Collaboration To Enhance Air Safety Standards Post-COVID

by Brian Yatich
written by Brian Yatich

Fly 748 has called for closer collaboration to enhance safety standards as airlines across the industry are on a recovery path post-COVID.

According to Moses Mwangi, the airline’s Managing Director he says there is still a huge opportunity for local airlines to partner in including oversight in areas of reporting and investigations and safety data information sharing.

“We need to adopt a more aggressive approach to manage recurrent operational risks, and learn from each other while incorporating international best practices if we are to uphold and rise even higher in bolstering our safety standards,” said Mwangi.

Mwangi spoke ahead of a three-day conference on air safety in Mombasa. The 33rd International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations (IFATCA), the regional meeting brought together over 200 air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals from across Africa and the Middle East.

Kenya Air Traffic Control Association President, Joshua Ngere has reaffirmed their commitment to air safety to manage a growing number of travellers taking it to the sky.

“We need to re-strategise air traffic control as it increases post-COVID. we have working papers that will help us deal with the growing numbers,” said Ngere.

Ngere called on all stakeholders to maintain high standards of training and strict adherence to rules and regulations as well as standards set either by the industry at the international or at the operator level.

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Emile Nguza said the only way to work together to bolster the industry is through collaborations from the operator’s, regulator and service provider’s side.

“Each one of us should learn to exchange different experiences that we encounter so we may give a certain level of exposure to stakeholders who may not necessarily realise that a particular challenge in the field is an urgent concern,” said Nguza.

Fly 748 was among the airlines, air operators, equipment suppliers, and aviation training schools that showcased their products and service offering at the conference.

“This is a forum that exposes aviation professionals to critical aeronautical information, their link to aviation safety and track commitments made by operators,” said Mwangi.

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AviationNews

Rising Number Of First-Time Travelers Boosting Airline Industry Recovery

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

Fly 748 has projected positive prospects for the airline industry in 2022 despite the tough operating environment occasioned by the Ukraine war, COVID-19 and incoming general elections.

According to the airline, the pent-up demand for air travel since the government eased COVID-19 restrictions, is helping the sector to manage higher operating costs caused by increased fuel prices, inflation, a higher tax on spare parts and fluctuating foreign exchange rates.

Fly 748 Managing Director Moses Mwangi said more and more people are taking advantage of airfare discounts and bundled travel accommodation packages to fulfill a long-held desire, especially for first-time travelers.

“More people are taking to the sky compared to two years ago when we were at the height of the pandemic. The sector is returning to pre-pandemic levels and operators are cutting losses on their way to full recovery,” said Mwangi.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts net losses in Africa’s Aviation sector to be 0.7 billion dollars in 2022 on rising passenger numbers- Demand (RPKs) is expected to reach 72 percent of pre-crisis (2019) levels, and capacity to reach 75.2 percent.

A sustained efficiency in operations, a track record of safety, reliability and an overall strategy of demystifying flying in Kenya through competitively priced airfares have resonated with Kenyans such that Fly 748 has been nominated as one of the best domestic airlines of the year by the Africa Mashariki Transport Awards (AMT).

Rising Number Of First-Time Travelers Boosting Airline Industry Recovery

“We are impressed by the growing number of first-time travelers and those who are building a strong loyalty to this brand, an affirmation of our efforts to revolutionize air travel in the country,” said Fly 748 Chairman, Ahmed Jibril.

748 Air Services (K) Ltd is a reliable aviation company that provides both air charter services and scheduled services.

It operates daily flights to Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Kisumu from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Terminal 2. Fly 748 also flies daily to the Maasai Mara from Wilson Airport.

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AviationNews

KQ Plane servicing license revoked by the European Union

by Ndungu Brian
written by Ndungu Brian

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has revoked a license it had granted Kenya Airways (KQ) to maintain UK-registered aircraft after it failed a compliance audit.

The national carrier said the agency withdrew the license because, during the certification audit, the agency requested that KQ separates some of its general storage and have a temperature control device in compliance with European standards.

The EASA is a certification and regulatory body that covers airlines that operate in Europe and those that want to do maintenance for European registered carriers.

It conducts certification, regulation, and standardization and also performs investigation and monitoring.

“As you may know we are in the tropics and our manuals do not require us to have temperature controls such as those in Europe where there are extremes,” KQ director for technical Gilbert Bett told the Business Daily on Friday.

Dubai Islamic Bank opens New Branch in Nairobi ‘Banda Street Branch’

“We are, however, working on compliance.”

Kenya Airways had applied for the EASA certification (EASA Part 145 requirements for a Part 145 Maintenance) as part of strategic growth for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) as well as the prospect to service and maintain European registered aircraft.

The EASA is one of the certifying bodies KQ works with. The national carrier’s primary regulator is the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).

KQ has always complied with the EASA and all certification requirements by other regulatory and certifying organizations.

“Compliance is our license to operate. This is why we worked with EASA. It forms part of our MRO to service and maintain European-registered carriers.”

Revocation of the license will deny KQ revenue in plane maintenance for European Union-registered airlines.

The carrier said it did not have any aircraft under maintenance that requires EASA certification.

“There is no revenue loss as there is no aircraft under maintenance that requires EASA certification. We do not have any European-registered aircraft under maintenance,” said Mr. Bett.

The carrier has been diversifying into new revenue streams to shore up its earnings, which stood at Sh70.22 billion in the year ended December, partly lifted by alternative sources such as air charter services.

For instance, in 2021, the national carrier reached a deal with the lessors to only pay when they fly leased aircraft following the grounding of its services on the back of Covid-19, which saw planes remain idle.

The plan saw the carrier save $45 million (Sh4.7 billion) in fees after it changed the lease terms on its aircraft fleet, opting for hourly rates in place of fixed costs.

Planes grounded

However, two lessors in April opposed their new payment terms, a move that saw them ground their planes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

The new arrangement has seen the cost of maintaining its fleet drop from Sh28.5 billion in 2020 to Sh16.6 billion last year.

The carrier narrowed its net loss for the year ended December by 56.58 percent on higher revenue as travel picked up with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

KQ reported a net loss of Sh15.8 billion in the review period compared to a net loss of Sh36.2 billion the year before when travel restrictions hit operations hardest, including grounding its planes for months.

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