AeroTrail

Introduction.

Kenya Airways (KQ) has successfully regained its EASA – European Union Aviation Safety Agency Part 145 certification, three years after voluntarily surrendering the approval. This milestone reaffirms KQ’s capability to maintain and repair foreign aircraft, enhancing its appeal to international airlines seeking high-quality maintenance services in Kenya. The certification strengthens KQ’s position as a key player in Africa’s aviation maintenance sector, opening doors for increased business opportunities.

Meanwhile, aviation operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been disrupted following the takeover of Goma International Airport by the M23 rebel movement last week. The conflict has forced airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet, to suspend flights to the region. Among the seized assets are a Gomair Congo ATR 72 cargo aircraft, previously linked to Falko Regional Aircraft via SPV Aircraft Traders Belgium S.A., along with several military helicopters and other strategic equipment. The escalating situation poses significant challenges to air travel and security in Eastern DRC.

African Aviation: Projections and Statistics.

The ACI World – Airports Council International and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have released a joint Passenger Traffic Report, highlighting significant growth in global air travel. In 2024, passenger traffic surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching 9.5 billion travelers (104% of 2019 levels), while Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) hit 8.8 trillion (101% of 2019 levels). By 2030, passenger numbers are projected to exceed 12 billion, driven by expanding international markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Long-term forecasts suggest global traffic will double to 19.5 billion by 2042, and by 2050, it is expected to reach 244% of 2019 levels, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6%. Meanwhile, RPKs are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.2%, reaching 284% of 2019 levels.

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