Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 38, 2025.

Introduction.

Global air cargo rates held steady at $2.42/kg in early September, down from $2.56 in August, signaling market stabilization after pandemic-era volatility. Africa led capacity growth with a 7% increase over five weeks, while North America contracted by 4% and saw a 2% rate decline. Asia Pacific recorded 3% capacity growth with flat volumes, Europe achieved a 5% year-on-year rate increase, and Central/South America remained stable. Middle East and South Asia faced an 18% drop in chargeable weight. The stability, based on over 500,000 weekly shipments, highlights normalization and selective regional growth, especially Africa’s strong emerging market potential.

AOCs/ASLs/Regulations.

In a major development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted 3 Horizons Limited an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in September 17 2025, officially authorizing the airline to commence domestic commercial operations. The certification confirms that 3 Horizons meets NCAA standards for safety, operational excellence, and financial capacity, enabling it to provide reliable air transport services and expand travel options across Nigeria. The airline’s entry is expected to positively impact Nigeria’s tourism and travel sectors by enhancing connectivity between urban hubs, remote areas, and key tourist destinations.

Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited has received official UAV and RPAS certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), authorizing the company to operate unmanned aircraft across Nigeria. The certification represents a major regulatory milestone, enabling Flybird to expand beyond traditional aircraft management into sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, energy, infrastructure inspection, aerial mapping, environmental monitoring, and security.The certification positions Flybird at the forefront of unmanned aviation solutions in Africa, aligning with its strategy to provide technologically advanced, precise, and safe aviation services across the continent.