The past week was a rollercoaster ride for African aviation! While Ethiopian Airlines celebrated a momentous achievement, Air Peace found itself navigating hazy new skies. From allegations of sabotage to exciting fleet additions and new route announcements, there’s plenty to unpack. Dive in and discover the latest developments in African aviation!
Introduction.
Ethiopian Airlines celebrated 78 years of pioneering aviation last week. Founded on December 21, 1945, the airline made its debut with a historic flight to Nairobi, Kenya, carrying an East African currency shipment worth US $3.7 million in February 1946. Just two months later, on April 8, 1946, Ethiopian Airlines launched its first revenue scheduled service to Cairo via Asmara, Eritrea then part of Ethiopia, using one of its five Douglas C-47 Skytrain aircraft acquired from the US government. Since then, the airline has navigated the skies’ withering the storms to emerge as Africa’s largest, most profitable, and award-winning aviation group.
In a first for the continent, Ryanair – Europe’s Favourite Airline, an Irish ultra-low-cost carrier, has secured full cabotage rights (ninth freedom right) to operate within Morocco, marking a significant milestone as the first and only foreign owned carrier to conduct full cabotage domestic flights not just in Morocco but across Africa. The inaugural domestic flight in Morocco took place on March 31, 2024, from Marrakech Menara Airport to Oudja Angads Airport under flight number FR6741. Despite its operations limited to Morocco, Ryanair also leads as the foremost foreign carrier for international flights to and from Africa.
African Aviation: Projections And Statistics.
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