Africa Weekly Aviation Trails: Week 45, 2025.

Introduction.

Global air‑cargo volumes rose by 4% year‑on‑year in October 2025, according to Xeneta data, driven mainly by strong trade between Asia and Europe. While this increase exceeded expectations, it came against a backdrop of weakening trade signals—most notably a 6% drop in Europe–North America cargo volumes. The supply side expanded more rapidly, with capacity up 5%, creating a mismatch that placed downward pressure on rates. Spot freight rates fell by 3% to US $2.58/kg, while long‑term contract rates dropped 8% to US $2.31/kg. On key routes, Asia Pacific to Europe freight demand rose by 11%—but that was below the 16% growth seen the previous year—and spot rates climbed just 5%, compared to 9% a year earlier. These dynamics suggest cost pressure for carriers, a favourable environment for shippers, and mixed implications for regions like Africa, where lower rates could boost exports of perishables but slower global demand may limit broader cargo growth.

Conferences & Events.

The 36th International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) Africa & Middle East Regional Meeting was held from 3–7 November 2025 at the Peniel Retreat Centre in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Hosted by the Air Traffic Controllers Association of Zimbabwe (ATCAZ) with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) and the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructural Development, the conference brought together air‑traffic professionals from across Africa and the Middle East. The theme, “Securing the Skies: Strengthening Air Traffic Management Capacity through Strategic Recruitment, Training & Retention,” reflected a focus on human‑capital development in air‑traffic control amid growing automation. The programme featured high‑level addresses, ministerial panel discussions including the IFATCA President and regional EVP, technical working sessions on recruitment, training, and retention of controllers, and two days of dedicated training workshops (6–7 Nov).

The capital of Gabon, Libreville, hosted the inaugural meeting of the Africa–Indian Ocean Aviation System Planning and Implementation Group (AASPG/1) from 3–7 November 2025. The gathering brought together senior civil aviation authorities and industry stakeholders under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) framework to advance regional cooperation in air navigation planning, safety oversight, and operational harmonization across the Africa–Indian Ocean corridor. The session also marked the formal establishment of the group’s first bureau and signified the transition from the previous structures—the African–Indian Ocean Planning and Implementation Regional Group (APIRG) and Regional Aviation Safety Group – Africa–Indian Ocean (RASG–AFI), which the AASPG replaced.