Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 13, 2025.

Introduction.

Kenya Airports Authority hosted the 4th edition of the Aviation Business Excellence Awards (ABEA) Gala Night on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Eka Hotel in Nairobi. The prestigious event brought together over 350 industry stakeholders to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements in aviation and related sectors. Established in 2018, ABEA evaluates airport stakeholders using a comprehensive business assessment tool focused on key themes, including Customer Focus, Leadership, Marketing, Sustainability, and People Focus. This year’s gala also marked the official launch of the ABEA Summit, an expansion of the awards program. Scheduled as a three-day event later this year.

From March 20-21, 2025, East African Community (EAC) member states gathered in Uganda for a workshop organized by EAC CASSOA, McGill University, the African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, and the EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The workshop aimed to develop a unified aviation legal framework to standardize regulations across the region. This EU-backed initiative supports the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), striving to enhance connectivity and regional integration among the EAC’s eight member states.

AOCs/ASLs/Operations.

The Namibian government has allocated N$20 million for a feasibility study on reviving Air Namibia, with plans to relaunch the airline between June and December 2026. The relaunch will begin with regional flights before expanding to international destinations. An expression of interest for a public-private partnership is expected by August 2025. According to the plan, the revival strategy includes acquiring or leasing aircraft and developing maintenance facilities to support airline operations. Air Namibia was liquidated in 2021 during former President Hage Geingob’s tenure, as his Cabinet deemed the airline a financial burden.