Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 37, 2024 Highlights.

Introduction.

Nigeria has taken a significant leap in modernizing its border security by officially enrolling in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Public Key Directory (PKD) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The announcement, made by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Montreal, signals the country’s commitment to enhancing the security of its e-passports and travel documents. By joining the PKD, Nigeria can now seamlessly share authentic travel documents with other member states, ensuring smooth, secure travel and bolstering confidence at international borders.

Meanwhile, Cameroon has made its own strides in international aviation diplomacy. During the 14th Air Navigation Conference at ICAO’s headquarters in Montreal, Cameroon deposited its instruments of accession to two critical amendments of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. This move reflects Cameroon’s efforts to strengthen its involvement in global aviation governance, as the amendments—related to Articles 50(a) and 56—reinforce the nation’s role in ICAO’s decision-making processes.

Cape Verde has launched Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde, a new state-owned airline dedicated to inter-island flights. The creation of this airline comes in response to operational challenges and high costs in Cape Verde’s air transport sector. With BESTFLY, a former concessionaire, pulling out earlier this year and TACV (Cabo Verde Airlines) leasing off it’s plane, Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde marks a fresh start. This move not only fulfills the government’s promise to stabilize domestic air transport but also aims to improve air connectivity for both passengers and cargo, addressing a long-standing gap in the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.