Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 17, 2025.

Introduction.

The 73rd ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition is currently underway in Arusha, Tanzania, from April 24 to 30, 2025. Hosted by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), the event brings together over 300 delegates from 53 countries, including aviation leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates. Under the theme “Navigating Towards a Greener Future: Harnessing Sustainable Aviation and Tourism for Economic Prosperity,” the conference focuses on integrating eco-friendly practices in the aviation and tourism sectors to drive economic growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability. A key highlight is the launch of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) training program, jointly organized by EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Airports Council International – ACI Africa, African Civil Aviation Commission AFCAC, and African Airlines Association (AFRAA), aimed at boosting SAF adoption across Africa.

Simultaneously, the Ethiopian Aviation Forum 2025 (EAF 2025) took place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa from April 24 to 25, 2025. This high-profile event gathered global aviation leaders, government officials, aircraft manufacturers, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of aviation in Ethiopia and Africa. The forum serves as a platform to foster networking, innovation, and collaboration, with a focus on advancing Ethiopia‘s aviation industry and driving broader continental development.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

In 2024, RwandAir Ltd experienced a 33% increase in cargo volume, rising from 4,595 tonnes in 2023 to 6,113 tonnes. This growth was driven by strategic moves such as the introduction of two Boeing 737-800SF freighters, which significantly boosted cargo capacity. The airline also expanded its network by adding new cargo destinations, including Dubai and Djibouti, bringing the total number of destinations to seven across Africa and the Middle East. A key partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo further established Kigali as a central air cargo hub in Africa, facilitating greater trade and logistics.