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

This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. 

The panel discuss innovative strategies for increasing revenue, enhancing passenger satisfaction, and leveraging real estate development around airports.

Success stories from Zanzibar and Guinea exemplify effective modernization and operational efficiency while maintaining customer experience.

Additionally, Murat Gun from Emirates Leisure Retail discusses their vision for Zanzibar's airport, focusing on creating an experience in tune with the island's vibe and local culture.

The session concludes with a collaborative discussion on future growth and investments in airport infrastructure. 

Your moderator for this session is Jody Appollis, Aviation Project Manager at NACO Airport Consultants and she was joined by:

Namory Camara, Managing Director, SOGEAC

Murat Gun, Managing Director, ELR UAE and Travel Retail

Seif Juma, Director General, Zanzibar Airports Authority

Oliver Mathwich, Chief Commercial Officer, Dnata

Dr Bao Rasebolai Mosinyi, Chief Executive Officer, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana

In this discussion, industry experts explore the critical challenges facing African aviation, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and financing hurdles.

Topics discussed include the viability of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) solutions, the importance of transparent and strategic business planning for attracting investments, and the impact of government taxes and tariffs on the industry.

The session also touches on practical solutions for managing the supply chain crisis and optimizing fleet management.

Your moderator for this session is Tristan Brouard, ACC aviation and he was joined by:

Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General, African Airlines Association

Miguel Carneiro, Chief Commercial Officer, TAAG Angola Airlines

Linas Dovydenas, President IMEA, Chapman Freeborn 

Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial

Maarten Grift, Sales Manager, TrueNoord

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

The panel discusses the integration of AI in various facets of the aviation industry, such as customer service, operational planning, revenue management, and fraud detection in payments.

Topics addressed include the benefits of AI, such as predictive maintenance, personalized customer experiences, and cost reductions, as well as challenges like AI hallucinations, regulatory compliance, and the need for human oversight. 

Your moderator for this session is Refilwe Ledwaba, and she was joined by

Judy Waruiru, Network International

Hassan Aurag, Hitit

Bharat Kumar, Revenue Technology Services

Martin Gitonga, Kenya Airways

This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. 

The discussion delves into various challenges and strategies for domestic and regional route development, including market stimulation, aircraft utilization, regulatory constraints, and the importance of balance between yield and volume.

Key takeaways emphasize the intricacies of route planning, the importance of domestic market dominance, and the impact of external factors such as slot availability and geopolitical issues on airline operations

Your moderator for this session is Sean Mendis, African aviation expert and he was joined by:

Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, Uganda Airlines

Tebogo Tsimane, Chief Commercial Officer, South African Airways

Keira Langford-Johnson, Business Development Director, Proflight Zambia

Karanja Ndegwa, Managing Director and CEO, JamboJet