Good morning, it’s Monday, 09 November. Welcome to Aviation Africa Weekly, your roundup of the African and global aviation news shaping airlines, airports, policy and connectivity.
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The Week in 60 Seconds
Morocco moves closer to producing sustainable aviation fuel. Shell has signed a long-term agreement for fuel from a proposed US$239 million facility at Nador West Med.
Qantas will connect Sydney and Cape Town nonstop. Announced on 6 November, the seasonal Boeing 787 service is scheduled to begin on 19 October 2027, adding a new direct link between Australia and South Africa.
Cape Verde receives another ATR 72-600. CVsky presented its new aircraft in Praia on 6 November. The delivery could improve inter-island reliability, although the aircraft still needs clearance to enter service.
Uganda investigates alleged sabotage at Entebbe Airport. Authorities announced arrests in connection with suspected damage to critical airport infrastructure, with reported losses of about US$6.1 million.
Africa's scheduled airline capacity rises by 6.3%. OAG's November schedules show 25.2 million seats, but growth varies sharply between markets. Nigeria is expanding rapidly while South Africa's scheduled capacity has declined.
Namibia introduces a state-owned air ambulance. Namibia inaugurated a Learjet 31A on 4 November to support medical transport from remote communities to specialist facilities.
Airbus reports 621 aircraft deliveries through October. Deliveries rose 6.2% year on year, but the manufacturer still faces a demanding final two months to reach its annual target
One Big Headline
Shell signs agreement for proposed US$239 million aviation fuel plant in Morocco
Announced on 2 November, the agreement with Green Sky Manara gives Shell exclusive purchasing rights to approximately 150,000 tonnes annually of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), or an equivalent quantity of hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable diesel product.
The facility, being developed by Green Sky Capital, is scheduled to begin production in October 2028.
According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the project is expected to cost US$239 million, with a proposed financing package of up to US$135 million under consideration.
The proposed industrial facility has a design capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes annually. It anticipates local employment, technical training and opportunities for businesses involved in collecting waste-based feedstocks.
The agreement comes as airlines face growing pressure to reduce their carbon emissions and secure supplies of alternative aviation fuel.
Shell has also signed an agreement involving another Green Sky Capital project in Egypt, where production is expected to begin in 2027.
Read more: Shell agreement, 2 November · EBRD project documentation
People Opening Africa’s Skies
Meet Edmund Makona, SAATM Ambassador for Southern Africa
Edmund Makona, Air Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer & SAATM Ambassador for the Southern Region, working with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
Edmund Makona is a Zimbabwean aeronautical engineer, aviation executive and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Ambassador for Southern Africa under the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).
He is also Chief Executive Officer of Air Zimbabwe, a position he assumed on a substantive basis in November 2023.
Makona has more than four decades of aviation experience spanning airline management, aircraft engineering, aviation safety, regulation and training.
He previously served as President of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and has undertaken aviation consulting work for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and AFRAA.
His career also includes aircraft maintenance engineering, aviation quality and safety management, and technical training for pilots and aircraft engineers.
As SAATM Ambassador for Southern Africa, Makona advocates the implementation of continental air transport liberalisation, including reforms intended to improve airline market access and connectivity.
His work places him among the aviation professionals advancing efforts to connect African markets through more open skies.
Across Africa
Harith secures approval to acquire FlySafair
South Africa's Competition Tribunal approved Harith Aviation Consortium's acquisition of 100% of FlySafair on 27 October, subject to conditions.
The deal, reportedly valued at R7 billion, will transfer the country's largest domestic airline to South African ownership, ending its existing ownership arrangement involving Ireland's ASL Aviation Holdings.
The approval includes safeguards addressing Harith's approximately 37% interest in Lanseria International Airport. These restrict its involvement in airport decisions affecting competing airlines and prohibit merger-related retrenchments for three years, subject to specified exceptions.
FlySafair will retain its brand, management team and low-cost operating model.
The acquisition is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, subject to outstanding regulatory and contractual requirements.
United Nigeria Airlines raises ₦22 billion through commercial paper
United Nigeria Airlines announced on 3 November that it had raised ₦22 billion through the first issuance under its ₦100 billion commercial paper programme.
The airline initially targeted ₦20 billion but accepted an additional 10% following oversubscription.
The debt instruments mature in 270 and 364 days. The airline says the proceeds will support fleet expansion and operations.
Meristem Capital, the lead issuing house, described the transaction as Nigeria's first commercial paper issuance by an airline.
Airlink becomes first E195-E2 operator to use ETOPS 120
Airlink has become the first airline to operate the Embraer E195-E2 under ETOPS 120 conditions, allowing more direct flights across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius.
Embraer highlighted the operation on 4 November, confirming that the approval enables Airlink to optimise flight times and reduce fuel consumption.
ETOPS 120 permits twin-engine aircraft to operate on routes up to 120 minutes' flying time from a suitable diversion airport under specified conditions, compared with the previous 60-minute limit.
The certification was granted to Embraer's E2 family in March 2024.
Airlink launched its twice-weekly Cape Town–Mauritius service on 2 October 2026, using its 124-seat E195-E2.
The development demonstrates how aircraft certification can improve route efficiency and expand operational possibilities for smaller jets serving African markets.
CVsky receives another ATR 72-600 for inter-island flights
Cape Verdean airline CVsky welcomed an ATR 72-600 at Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia on 6 November.
The aircraft, manufacturer's serial number 1829, was delivered to the airline in France on 7 October before being repainted and transferred to Cape Verde.
It is intended to strengthen domestic services between the country's islands and improve operational reliability.
The aircraft was undergoing final certification procedures before its inclusion in CVsky's operating specifications.
Once integrated, it will expand the airline's operating fleet to three aircraft, with a fourth planned for early 2027.
Namibia introduces state-owned air ambulance service
Namibia inaugurated a public air ambulance service at Eros Airport in Windhoek on 4 November.
The programme uses a converted Learjet 31A, registration V5-NAG, equipped to transport critically ill and injured patients.
Government Air Transport Services will coordinate operations with the health authorities.
The service is intended to improve emergency medical transport from remote communities to specialist healthcare facilities, particularly where long road journeys delay treatment.
Uganda investigates alleged damage to Entebbe Airport installations
Ugandan authorities arrested 11 people following a 5 November inspection of infrastructure at Entebbe International Airport.
The arrests include technical and security personnel suspected of involvement in the damage or negligent protection of airport installations.
Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama identified damage involving electrical, communication and security infrastructure.
According to Daily Monitor, initially identified damage was estimated at 3.7 billion Ugandan shillings, while full restoration could cost approximately 23 billion shillings.
Investigations are continuing. No criminal responsibility has been established.
Cape Verde increases airport security charges
Cape Verde introduced revised airport security charges under Decree-Law 49/2026, published on 3 November.
The domestic passenger charge increased from 150 to 200 Cape Verdean escudos, while the international charge rose from 3,400 to 4,400 escudos.
The government allocated 20% of the revenue to civil protection and firefighting services for equipment, emergency response, training and related operations.
The legislation also extends international-fee exemptions for Cape Verdeans and qualifying family members and updates digital visa application procedures.
The changes took effect on 4 November.
Mauritius prepares to separate airline and airport businesses
Mauritius is restructuring state-owned Airport Holdings Ltd into separate aviation and airport operating groups.
The cabinet decision was taken on 30 October, with additional details reported on 4 November.
Air Mauritius will lead the aviation group, covering airline operations and related services, while Airports of Mauritius will oversee airport infrastructure and operations.
The restructuring is intended to separate the management of airline businesses from airport assets.
ACI Africa opens regional office in Cairo
Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa) inaugurated a new regional office in Cairo on 1 November 2026, hosted by Egypt's Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The office was opened by Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny, ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci, ACI Africa Secretary General Ali Tounsi and Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation Chairman Ayman Arab.
The facility will provide technical assistance, professional training and closer coordination among African airport operators, particularly in airport management, technology and sustainability.
The opening comes ahead of Egypt hosting the ACI World Annual General Assembly in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2027.
African airline capacity rises 6.3% in November
Africa has 25.2 million scheduled airline seats in November 2026, according to OAG, an increase of 6.3% compared with November 2025.
Domestic capacity increased by 8.6%, while international capacity grew by 5.6%.
Nigeria recorded the strongest growth among the continent's ten largest country markets, up 25.3% to approximately 1.30 million seats.
Egypt remained the largest market with 3.18 million seats, followed by South Africa with 2.36 million and Morocco with 2.05 million.
South Africa's capacity declined by 2%, while Tunisia recorded a 0.4% reduction.
Mont Gabaon prepares nine-city cargo network
Mont Gabaon Airlines is pursuing a fleet of three Boeing 737-400 freighters to establish domestic cargo services across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The proposed network includes Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Kindu, Kananga, Mbuji-Mayi, Kalemie, Isiro and Bunia.
Air cargo is particularly relevant in a country where distances and limited surface transport infrastructure complicate the movement of goods. However, the airline has not disclosed operating frequencies or a launch timetable.
Air Zimbabwe reviews its 2027 operating priorities
Air Zimbabwe has been engaging industry stakeholders as it develops its strategy for 2027.
Chief Executive Edmund Makona has emphasised the need to assess the airline's operating performance, commercial partnerships and opportunities for improving services.
The consultations follow the airline's September presentation of a Performance Improvement Plan to its board.
The plan focuses on stabilising operations, improving finances, attracting passengers and cargo, and restoring market confidence.
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New Routes & Connectivity
Airline | Route | Change and status | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
Qantas | Sydney–Cape Town | Announced, three weekly Boeing 787-9 flights | 19 October 2027 |
TAAG Angola Airlines | Luanda–Praia | Bookings opened, two weekly Airbus A220-300 flights | 12 December 2026 |
Omni-Blu / Enugu Air | Lagos–London Gatwick | UK operating permit issued, four weekly flights planned | Planned 10 December 2026 |
Read more: Qantas official announcement · TAAG route details
Numbers of the Week
25.2 million
Africa's scheduled airline capacity grows
OAG recorded 25.2 million scheduled seats across Africa for November 2026, up 6.3% from November 2025.
29.1%
Nigeria's domestic airline capacity increases
Scheduled domestic seats in Nigeria rose 29.1% to approximately 978,000 in November 2026.
22.9%
Royal Air Maroc records strong capacity growth
The Moroccan carrier increased scheduled capacity to 792,378 seats in November 2026, the fastest growth rate among Africa's ten largest airlines.
14.8%
Central and Western Africa lead regional growth
OAG's global November data show scheduled capacity in Central and Western Africa increasing 14.8% to approximately 3.5 million seats.
Africa’s Airports
Cape Town International Airport, South Africa
Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT), sometimes abbreviated to CTIA. Photo by Olga Ernst, Wikimedia Commons, April 2024.
11.33m
Passengers, FY 2025/26
74,888
Tonnes of air freight, 2024
3,201 m
Existing main runway
R10.14bn
Planned airport expansion
Opened in 1954 to replace Wingfield Aerodrome, Cape Town International Airport has grown from a domestic airport into South Africa's second-busiest airport and one of Africa's principal international gateways.
Originally known as Bellville Airport before being renamed after former South African Prime Minister D. F. Malan, it acquired its present name following the end of apartheid.
Located approximately 20 kilometres from central Cape Town, the airport is owned and operated by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
Its infrastructure includes two asphalt runways measuring 3,201 and 1,701 metres, alongside domestic and international terminals connected by a central terminal building.
The central terminal, completed in 2010 ahead of the FIFA World Cup, introduced consolidated check-in facilities and improved passenger circulation.
Passenger traffic reached 11,333,736 during the 2025/26 financial year, an 8% increase from the previous year.
The airport is also an important cargo gateway. In 2024, it handled 74,888 tonnes of international air freight, up nearly 25% from 2023. Exports accounted for 61% of that volume, with fresh food among its leading commodities.
For the 2026/27 peak travel season, ACSA projects 26 international airlines serving 33 destinations across 38 routes, with approximately 255 international flights weekly.
The airport's expanding network includes connections across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.
In October 2026, Airlink introduced new connections to Mauritius and Zanzibar. Qantas has also announced plans to launch nonstop Sydney–Cape Town flights in October 2027.
In March 2026, Cape Town International was named Africa's Best Airport for the 11th consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It also won the awards for Best Airport Staff and Cleanest Airport in Africa.
ACSA has announced a R10.14 billion infrastructure programme, including a R6.39 billion project to replace the existing main runway with a new 3,500-metre runway, realigned by 11.5 degrees.
Other planned developments include a new domestic arrivals terminal, expanded departure facilities, additional aircraft parking positions and international terminal improvements.
Contractor appointment for the runway is planned for December 2026, with major terminal construction scheduled to begin in April 2027.
The expansion is intended to increase airport capacity as Cape Town strengthens its position as an international destination for tourism, business and trade.
Airlines Connecting Africa
EgyptAir, Egypt
EgyptAir aircraft. Photo reference: Egypt's State Information Service.
1932
Year established
11.4m
Passengers carried in 2025
896,226
Scheduled seats, November 2026
34
A350 and 737 MAX aircraft ordered or contracted for lease
Established by royal decree on 7 May 1932, EgyptAir is Africa's oldest airline and was the first established in Africa and the Middle East.
Its first commercial services began in 1933, connecting Cairo and Alexandria.
Originally established as Misr Airwork, the airline underwent several name changes, including MisrAir and United Arab Airlines, following its merger with Syrian Airlines in 1960. It adopted the EgyptAir name in 1971.
In 1960, United Arab Airlines introduced the de Havilland Comet 4C, becoming the first airline in the Middle East to operate the jet.
EgyptAir became a holding company in 2002, with businesses spanning passenger transport, cargo, aircraft maintenance, ground handling and aviation training. It joined Star Alliance in 2008.
In 2025, EgyptAir transported approximately 11.4 million passengers, according to Chairman Ahmed Adel, compared with 10.29 million in 2024.
The Arab Air Carriers' Organisation recorded 28,013 employees in 2024.
According to OAG, EgyptAir has 896,226 scheduled seats in November 2026, an increase of 8.7% year on year, making it Africa's third-largest airline by scheduled capacity.
The airline is undergoing a major fleet renewal programme involving 16 Airbus A350-900s on order and 18 leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
In February 2026, EgyptAir became North Africa's first operator to receive an Airbus A350-900. It received its first Boeing 737 MAX in May.
The new A350 aircraft have already enabled longer nonstop services, including Cairo–Los Angeles, launched on 23 May 2026, and Cairo–Chicago, launched on 21 June.
The airline's modernisation programme is expected to continue through the end of the decade, with further aircraft deliveries planned.
Beyond Africa
Emirates Group profit falls 66% amid regional disruption
The Emirates Group reported an after-tax profit of AED3.6 billion for the six months ending 30 September 2026, down 66% year on year.
Results released on 5 November show revenue declining 12% to AED66.2 billion.
The group attributed the weaker performance to disruption associated with regional conflict and higher fuel costs.
Emirates operates an extensive African network through Dubai, making the stability of Gulf aviation important for African international connections.
Airbus delivers 74 aircraft in October
Airbus delivered 74 commercial aircraft to 45 customers in October 2026.
The manufacturer's latest figures bring deliveries for January to October to 621 aircraft supplied to 91 customers.
Airbus also recorded 202 gross orders during October.
Aircraft production and delivery performance remain important to airlines awaiting new aircraft for fleet replacement and network expansion.
Avolon announces US$1.4 billion aircraft leasing platform
Aircraft lessor Avolon announced on 2 November an agreement with I Squared Capital and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to establish Constellation Aviation.
The proposed platform will initially acquire 22 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion from Avolon.
The aircraft are leased to 17 airlines across 15 countries.
The transaction remains subject to completion.
Airbus expands digital flight training through Skywise
Airbus announced on 2 November that its digital business Skywise would bring several pilot-training products under one platform.
The portfolio includes the MATe training suite, Virtual Procedure Trainer and flight e-learning services.
The tools support aircraft systems familiarisation, cockpit procedure training and recurrent learning.
The services cover Airbus A320, A330 and A350 aircraft families.
Global airline capacity grows less than 1% in November
Airlines worldwide have scheduled 484.4 million seats for November 2026, up 0.9% compared with November 2025, according to OAG.
The Middle East recorded a 13.2% decline, equivalent to approximately 3.1 million fewer seats.
Central and Western Africa recorded the fastest regional growth rate at 14.8%.
The figures reflect scheduled capacity rather than passengers carried.
People & The Profession
Nigeria | Air Peace promotes two pilots to captain on Embraer E195-E2
Air Peace has promoted senior first officers Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji to captain on its Embraer 195-E2 fleet.
The airline confirmed the promotions during a ceremony at its Lagos headquarters, reported on 6 November.
Adeniji began his professional flying career through an Air Peace-sponsored training programme, while Adebambo previously worked for Aero Contractors.
Both completed the flight experience, training and assessments required to assume command of the aircraft.
The promotions were confirmed by Air Peace on its official LinkedIn page.
South Africa | Air traffic controller shortage exposes recruitment challenges
South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) lost 28 air traffic controllers within eight months, according to a Reuters investigation published on 4 November.
The agency is recruiting internationally but limits the number of controllers it seeks from individual countries to avoid worsening shortages elsewhere.
ATNS Chief Operating Officer Josia Manyakoana said the organisation was conscious of the consequences of transferring experienced personnel between countries.
The challenge extends beyond South Africa.
A 2025 forecast by aviation training company CAE estimates that 71,000 new air traffic controllers will be required worldwide by 2034.
Training replacements can take years, while established controllers are increasingly being recruited internationally for better pay and working conditions.
Tunisia | Airbus selects Monastir academy to train Indian pilots
Airbus and Indian aviation training company Blue Angels Air announced a partnership on 5 November to train aspiring Indian airline pilots in Tunisia.
The first cadets are scheduled to begin training in 2027 at The Aviator Institute in Monastir, an Airbus Flight Academy partner.
Training will follow Airbus's ab initio programme, with qualifications aligned to European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards before conversion to Indian licences.
The Aviator Institute became Airbus Flight Academy's first partner in Africa and the Middle East in November 2025.
The new agreement positions Tunisia as an international provider of commercial pilot training.
Zimbabwe | Anderson Shonhiwa appointed Director of Air Navigation Services
Zimbabwe's Civil Aviation Authority appointed Anderson Shonhiwa as Director of Air Navigation and Technical Services, effective 1 November 2026.
Shonhiwa is a licensed air traffic controller with more than 22 years of aviation experience.
He previously served the authority between 2004 and 2024, rising to Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, before joining an air navigation services development project in the United Arab Emirates.
His experience includes performance-based navigation, aviation safety management and air traffic services.
He also represents Zimbabwe on a professional and technical committee of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations for Africa and the Middle East.
Zimbabwe | Daphne Kavu earns flying wings and two awards
Daphne Kunashe Kavu, 25, became the only woman among ten newly qualified Air Force of Zimbabwe pilots commissioned on 4 November at Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base in Gweru.
Kavu completed the five-year Number 70 Pilot Training Course, which combined military instruction, university studies and practical flying.
She received the Pink Skies Award for outstanding performance by a female cadet, alongside a second award recognising her performance during training.
The programme began in November 2021 with 12 cadets, including Kavu as its only female trainee.
Raised in Mufakose, Harare, Kavu entered military aviation after responding to a recruitment advertisement in 2021.
Opportunities & The Week Ahead
Kenya | Human Factors in Aviation training
IATA and the Kenya Airways Pride Centre will run a Human Factors in Aviation course in Nairobi from 9–13 November 2026.
The course is intended for aviation professionals, with regional pricing available to eligible participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Registration arrangements are handled through the Kenya Airways Pride Centre.
Tanzania | Aviation security instructor certification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority has scheduled a national aviation security instructor certification and recertification exercise for 9–13 November 2026 at its headquarters.
The process assesses the professional competence of personnel delivering approved aviation security training.
Gabon | AFRAA opens registration for its annual assembly
The African Airlines Association will hold its 58th Annual General Assembly and Summit in Libreville from 22–24 November 2026.
Hosted by FlyGabon, the event will bring together airline executives, regulators, manufacturers, financiers and aviation service providers.
The Week Ahead | 9–15 November
9–13 November: IATA Human Factors in Aviation training takes place at the Kenya Airways Pride Centre in Nairobi.
9–13 November: Tanzania's Civil Aviation Authority conducts its national aviation security instructor certification exercise.
15 November: The ICAO–ACI Global Aviation Infrastructure Investor Forum takes place in Montréal, focusing on aviation infrastructure financing and investment.
Editor’s Perspective
Does every African country still need a state-owned airline?
For decades, we have treated national airlines as symbols of sovereignty. Having our flag on an aircraft's tail was a matter of national pride.
But does a country still need to own an airline to protect its aviation interests?
Ghana is making another attempt to establish a national carrier. This past week, President John Mahama met Boeing officials to advance plans for the airline, although financing, aircraft and operating partners are still to be secured.
Meanwhile, across Europe, a different model is taking shape.
Belgium's Brussels Airlines is wholly owned by Germany's Lufthansa Group, which also owns SWISS and Austrian Airlines.
On 3 November, Portugal signed an agreement to sell 44.9% of TAP Air Portugal to Lufthansa, subject to regulatory approval, while retaining majority state ownership.
Closer to home, Air Zimbabwe has resumed flights to London after 14 years, although its network remains relatively limited.
This raises a question I believe African governments should seriously consider.
Is owning a national airline still a strategic necessity, or should our priority be ensuring that our countries are well connected, regardless of who owns the aircraft?
National airlines can serve important economic and strategic interests.
But perhaps we should measure sovereignty in aviation less by ownership and more by the connectivity, jobs and economic value an airline delivers.
Tawanda
Editor
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Until next time,
AVIATION AFRICA
