In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Lester, ACMI and Leasing Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. 

Together, we delve into the intricacies of ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) leasing, comparing it to renting a tuxedo for event season, and discuss its strategic advantages for African airlines facing unique market challenges.

The conversation covers the benefits, common misconceptions, and regulatory hurdles of ACMI leasing, while highlighting African success stories such as Lift and Uganda Airlines.

Andrew emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and partnership to maximize profitability and meet seasonal demand, advocating for a broader acceptance and smarter implementation of ACMI as part of a fleet strategy in Africa.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn

Email Andrew: 

Find out more about Chapman Freeborn here  ACMI Leasing & Aircraft Leasing Solutions

Download the brochure:  Chapman Freeborn ACMI Leasing Solutions by Chapman Freeborn

Welcome to the July edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are: 

Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN

Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE 

Topics covered this month:

The latest in the FlySafair pilot strike saga

Virgin increasing capacity on LHR-LOS from 26 October, deploying the 397 seater A350-1000. A good move or short term strategy?

Qatar Airways reducing Nigeria frequencies in W25. Why?

South African Airways' new route CPT-MRU and the fallout from the restated accounts

FastJet Mozambique- the latest developments

FastJet to launch a new domestic route from Vic Falls to Bulawayo from 8th August 4 x week

DEEP DIVE: CDG-Africa route performance of ET vs KQ

TAAG Angola to launch Nairobi 3 x week from 1st Sept. What is the outlook?

Flightlink open a new service to Nairobi from Zanzibar - listen to the recent podcast with Munawer, the CEO here

Air india suspend Nairobi. Will it come back?

ASKY's new service to Nouakchott, Mauritania. Where can they go next? Listen to the recent podcast with Date, the Commercial Director here

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your network or leave us a review. All event sessions from AviaDev Africa 2025 and the vodcast are available on the AviaDev YouTube Channel

In this episode, Date and I delve into the airline's growth and future ambitions.

ASKY Airlines, now operating profitably for 15 years, boasts a fleet of 14 aircraft, connecting nearly 30 destinations across Africa.

Date discusses recent network expansions, the airline's strategic focus on increasing flight frequencies, and the challenges and opportunities in African connectivity.

The conversation also covers the transition to a uniform fleet, the high cost of operations in West and Central Africa, prospects of long-haul expansion, and potential infrastructure developments. The episode underscores ASKY's methodical approach to sustainable growth and market adaptation.

Connect with Date here

Download the AFRAA taxes and charges report here 

In this wide-ranging episode, we speak to Munawer Dhirani after the inauguration of Flighlink's new Zanzibar-Nairobi daily service, exploring why now is the right time to open the route. 

Additionally, we discuss fleet and network expansion objectives, Munawer's origin story, and the whole concept behind Flightlink as an airline. 

An inspirational story of resilience, enterprise, flexibility, and ultimately success. 

Find out more about Flightlink www.flightlink.co.tz 

To watch the sessions from AviaDev Africa, visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7pW7r3IP6ehOTKXB2cPE41eY8X2tBVNr&si=M-8jn4uhmPYsGPZh 

In this episode, I share the first episode of a podcast series I hosted and recorded back in 2021, entitled "The Fighter Pilot and the CEO"

The focus of this particular episode is a conversation about whether leaders are born or made and the role of culture and education in forming effective leaders. 

If you enjoyed it, you can listen to the full series on the podcast platform of your choice by searching "Fighter pilot and the CEO" or head here https://www.fighterpilotandceo.com/podcasts/ 

Representing the C-suite was Peter Davies, someone who brings over 40 years of boardroom and airline experience, having served as CEO of multiple airlines, including Brussels Airlines, Air Malta, and Caribbean Airlines, and now the Founder and CEO of Airline Management Group. Joining Peter on the flight deck was Andy Wright, a retired wing commander from the Royal Air Force. 

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, I spoke with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, about the airline's innovative use of AI, particularly their new AI agent named Lindi.

Together, we discuss the implications of AI in customer service, the incentives for customers to use Lindi, and the feedback received since its launch.

The conversation also features a deep dive into the fleet standardisation challenges and the airline's regional expansion plans.

Welcome to the June edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa.

This month's guests are: 

Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN

Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE 

Topics covered this month:

The impact of the Trump travel ban on Africa's airlines, with a deep dive into Ethiopian Airlines' next moves in the market Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways announcement on 1st July and what it could mean, plus a brief discussion on the fleet and growth plan (more to come next month) Airlink's order of 10 E2-195s, which start to arrive from September. How will they be used now the airline has applied for Cape Town - Lagos and Accra, plus Johannesburg to Mauritius and Zanzibar. Air Cote d'Ivoire suspending routes to Casablanca and Johannesburg The impact of this on SAA who serve Abidjan Air Peace announcing new flights from Abuja to London Heathrow 4 x week from October. Will it work? Zambia Airways launched Lusaka- Harare Africa World Airlines launched Ouagadougou 1 July. What does this mean for the Sahel region and AWA's network? ITA rumours around serving Abidjan and Lagos plus Zanzibar in Northern Hemisphere Winter Air Tanzania's Johannesburg- Zanzibar schedule 

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your network or leave us a review. All event sessions and the vodcast is available on the AviaDev YouTube Channel

This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. 

In this session, industry leaders discuss the critical aspects of tourism and aviation policy integration within the African context.

The panel reviews the vital role of private sector and government collaboration, and the importance of regional connectivity. Key points address the economic impact of improved air access, the challenges posed by protectionist policies, and the necessity for a data-driven approach.

The discourse emphasizes actionable steps like fostering deeper cooperation between tourism bodies and aviation authorities and how better trade and infrastructure can elevate African tourism.

Your moderator is Natalia Rosa, Tourism Project Lead, SADC Business Council

Panellists:

Hafsa H. Mbamba, Tourism Delivery Manager, Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau (ZPDB)

Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director General for Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government

This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. 

This engaging session features real-life examples from Namibia, Madagascar, and Zambia.

Moderated by Francis Doku, the discussion dives into how airlines, airports, and tourism boards can work together to overcome barriers such as high costs, regulatory challenges, and the lack of data-driven strategies.

The panelists, representing different sectors, emphasize the need for shared data, trust, government support, and innovative marketing to create successful partnerships.

They also highlight the significant impact of external support in orchestrating and sustaining these collaborative efforts.

Your moderator is Francis Doku, CEO, Maestro Africa Group

Panellists:

Keira Langford-Johnson, Business Development Director, Proflight Zambia

Charmaine Matheus, Namibia Tourism Board

Minosoa Tatamo Rakotozafy, Head of Aeronautical Activities, Ravinala Airports 

This session was recorded on Thursday, 12th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar.

Key topics include ownership models, market access barriers, regulatory challenges, and strategies to unlock capital and promote growth in the sector.

Panelists share their perspectives on the significance of liberalizing the air transport market through initiatives like SAATM, the importance of risk management, and the critical need for investments in local talent and infrastructure.

Despite diverse views, there is a consensus on the necessity for enhanced regulatory reforms and regional cooperation to foster a more competitive and thriving aviation industry in Africa. 

Your moderator for this session is Hilka Birns and she was joined by:

Helen Brume, Director, Projects & Asset Based Finance, Afreximbank

Munawer Dhirani, CEO, Flightlink

Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines

Peter Ulanga, Managing Director & CEO, Air Tanzania