AviaDev Insight Africa by Jon Howell

05.20.2024

290. Presenting the airport real estate opportunity. Previewing AviaDev Real Estate with Marcel Langeslag and Nelly Alandou, NACO

In this podcast, I am joined by Marcel Langeslag, Director Aviation Africa and Nelly Alandou, airport planning consultant at Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) to preview the upcoming AviaDev Real Estate event on 19th June 2024 in Windhoek. Building a resilient...

05.16.2024

289. AviaDev's May 2024 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant and Dr James Pearson, Analyst, Simple Flying

Welcome to the eighth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant,...

05.15.2024

288. The future of travel catering and retailing is already here with Nomusa Khumalo, Chief Customer Officer at Tourvest Retail Services

In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, Nomusa joins Jon to discuss Tourvest's involvement in revolutionizing the African travel landscape and their support for airlines and airports in developing their retail and catering solutions. Specifically, we explore how Tourvest has...

05.07.2024

287. Engaging tourism stakeholders in air route development with Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa's Eden

In this episode, we sit down with Jillian Blackbeard, the founder of Africa's Eden. Together, we discuss the mission of Africa's Eden, the importance of airlift to the organization's success, and practical steps to develop air access in the region....

04.29.2024

286. Hunting in packs. Previewing the AviaDev Air Route Development Masterclass for Tourism Stakeholders with Natalia Rosa, Tourism Project Lead at the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance

In this episode, I am joined by Natalia Rosa to elaborate on the partnership between AviaDev and SADC Business Council and preview the Air Route Development Masterclass which will be held during AviaDev Africa 2024. Together, we discuss: Natalia's background,...

04.25.2024

285. A new airline for Africa. A deep dive into Norse Atlantic Airways' new Cape Town Route, with Philip Allport, Senior Vice President of Communications

On the 18th April 2024, Norse Atlantic announced the launch of a 3 weekly service from London Gatwick to Cape Town International starting at the end of October. In this podcast, I am joined by Philip Allport, Senior Vice President...

04.24.2024

284. Protecting the passenger and generating ancillary revenue for African Airlines, with Nick Ashton and Andrew Ridgway, Protect Group

In this episode, we discuss the role and importance of ancillary revenue for African airlines. Today, it is not just a case of upselling, but personalising an offer that the passenger will benefit from. Protect is the world leader in...

04.15.2024

283. AviaDev's April 2024 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant and Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant

Welcome to the seventh edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant,...

03.28.2024

282. Aviation as a force for good. The story of relocating 2 rescued lions to Africa with Will Travers OBE, Founder and Executive President of the Born Free Foundation

Aviation can be much maligned as an industry and we are all conscious of the challenges we face, but we must not lose sight of the fact that aviation has a unique way of solving unique problems. In this episode,...

03.16.2024

281. AviaDev's March 2024 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant and Tatenda Karuwa, Journalist, Simple Flying

Welcome to the sixth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are Sean Mendis, aviation consultant,...

03.14.2024

280. An introduction to Aviation Week Africa 2024 with Hellen Mwamba

In this episode, Helen Mwamba joins me to discuss the Aviation Week Africa Summit Exhibition and Air Show, taking place 22-26 April in Lusaka, Zambia. Together, we discuss: ...

03.04.2024

279. The Wild Africa Fund. How aviation stakeholders can harness the power of media and influencers to drive awareness of wildlife conservation and attract a new generation of passengers with Peter Kn

In this episode, I speak to Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa Fund. https://wildafricafund.org/ Together, we discuss the organization's mission to popularize conservation across Africa and engage local communities through...

02.23.2024

278. Previewing 2024's BARSA summit with George Mothema, CEO

In this episode, we hear from George Mothema, head of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA). The theme of the upcoming summit is: "Moving forward: Embracing accountability for a better future." ...

02.13.2024

277. The February AviaDev Insight Connectivity Update. A deep dive into air route developments on the African continent, with Sean Mendis, independent aviation consultant and Behramjee Ghadially, Avia

Welcome to the fifth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, a podcast that offers insights into new route developments in Africa. Hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, this podcast covers new route developments and...

02.12.2024

276. Kenya Airways' updated connectivity strategy with Martin Gitonga, Head of Network Planning and Alliances

This episode is something a little bit different and hugely exciting. Those avid listeners know that each month we are now delivering a connectivity update where we summarise and analyse the route changes to, from, and within Africa...

01.24.2024

275. Improving accessibility and communication for differently able travellers in Africa with Victo Nalule, Founder, Tunaweza Foundation

In this episode, Jon and Victo discuss the need for better accessibility and communication for differently able travelers in Africa, as well as the importance of creating uniform global standards. They also explore the role of airlines and customers in...

01.18.2024

274. The impact of aeropolitics on air connectivity in Africa with Dr. Namhla Tshetu, Executive Manager for Corporate Services at Airlink

In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell interviews Dr. Namhla Tshetu, the Executive Manager for Corporate Services at Airlink, Africa's largest private carrier. Together, they discuss Namhla's role in aeropolitical affairs and her aviation journey. They also...

01.12.2024

273. The January AviaDev Insight Connectivity Update. A deep dive into air route developments on the African continent, with Sean Mendis, independent aviation consultant and James Pearson, Aviation an

Welcome to the fourth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa’s Connectivity update, a podcast that offers insights into new route developments in Africa. Hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa, this podcast covers new route developments and expansions...

12.11.2023

272. Reinventing fuel with Zero. A huge opportunity for Africa with Kwame Bekoe, Commercial Director

This episode was recorded on location in London at the Headquarters of Zero on 30th November 2023. Zero, https://www.zero.co/ is a pioneer in the field of sustainable aviation fuel and I visited Kwame Bekoe, an industry colleagues and a personal...

12.06.2023

271. The African aircraft market. Identifying trends for 2024 and beyond with Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial

This episode was recorded on location in Kampala, Uganda where I attended the 55th African Airlines Association AGA, hosted by our friends at Uganda Airlines, During the 3 days, I took the opportunity to sit down with Raphael Haddad, President...

12.04.2023

270. The December AviaDev Insight Connectivity Update. A deep dive into air route developments on the African continent, with Sean Mendis, independent aviation consultant and Behramjee Ghadially, Avia

This episode is the third of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. My guests for this podcast are:...

11.14.2023

269. Understanding Namibia's connectivity ambitions with Bisey Uirab, CEO, Namibia Airports Company

This episode was recorded 7th November 2023 on location in Windhoek, Namibia I spoke with Bisey Uirab, the CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, who is responsible for the operation and development of the country's airports. Bisey himself has a...

11.12.2023

268. Announcing 3 new regional routes for FlyNamibia with Andre Compion, Managing Director

This episode was recorded on 7th November on location in Windhoek, Namibia, where AviaDev Africa 2024 will take place June 19-21. Today’s guest is at the helm of one of the most important stakeholders, FlyNamibia, who will be heavily involved...

11.03.2023

267. Sustainability in the air. Understanding the African opportunity with Dirk Singer, Head of Sustainability

In this episode, we dive into a topic that has been dominating conversations over the last couple of years, specifically aviation’s role in supporting the drive towards net zero and a more sustainable industry. To do this I am joined...

10.25.2023

266. The October AviaDev Insight Connectivity Update. A deep dive into air route developments on the African continent, with Sean Mendis, independent aviation consultant and Tatenda Karuwa, Simple Fly

This episode is the second of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. My guests for this podcast are:...

10.19.2023

265. A focus on fifth freedom opportunities, rules of engagement and new intra-African routes with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General, African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC)

This podcast was recorded on 18th October in Dakar, Senegal, where I was attending the ACI Africa Annual General Assembly. Senegal is also the home base of the African Civil Aviation Commission or AFCAC who have been very visible and...

10.13.2023

264. "Strides to Transform Aviation for Development" Previewing the AFRAA AGA with Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary General, AFRAA

This episode is an opportunity to understand what we can expect from the upcoming AFRAA AGA taking place in Kampala, Uganda in November 2023. Together we discuss: The African aviation recovery AFRAA’s current priorities Preview of sessions, speakers and topics...

09.26.2023

263. discover airlines' African dream, with Helmut Woelfel, Chief Commercial Officer

In this episode, we are heading to Germany to meet the CCO of discover airlines an airline delivering a huge number of international tourists to the African continent. In this episode, we discover... The origin story of the airline The...

09.25.2023

262. Previewing FlySafair's regional expansion with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer

In this episode, we welcome back a previous guest, Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, a low-cost South African airline that is about to embark on a regional expansion launching new routes to Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Together we...

09.19.2023

261. flydubai adds Mombasa and outlines ambitious African growth plans, with Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, flydubai

In this episode, I am joined by flydubai, a very important international airline serving multiple points in Africa, which has just announced a brand new route, taking its African network to 11 destinations in 10 countries. The airline has announced...

09.18.2023

260. The AviaDev Insight Connectivity Update. A deep dive into air route developments on the African continent, with Sean Mendis, independent aviation consultant

This episode is the first of a new format that focuses on sub-Saharan African air route development, with a specific focus on routes that are due to start or cease in the next quarter. We also have a rumour mill section...

09.07.2023

259. A new airport for Africa. Previewing the New Luanda Airport investor presentation with Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu Minister of Transport, The Republic of Angola

In this episode, we travel to the Republic of Angola, in southern Africa where the new Luanda International Airport will soon come online with the ambition to become a major hub for Africa. Ahead of the inauguration, the Ministry of...

07.04.2023

258. Rodger Foster receives the 2023 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award

This episode was recorded on June 16th 2023. Mr Foster has been instrumental in the growth of Airlink since its inception in 1992. Airlink operates over 50 commercial jetliners operating to more than 45 destinations in 14 African countries and...

07.03.2023

257. AviaDev Africa 2023 Route Development Panel. Designing a Sustainable Route Development Plan: How to attract and Retain Airlines in Africa

This podcast is a recording of a panel session from June 16th 2023. Together, we discuss what are airlines looking for and how airports can work with their stakeholders to deliver innovative approaches that will ultimately create sustainable route networks. ...

06.30.2023

256. AviaDev Africa 2023 OEM panel. How Original Equipment Manufacturers have helped airlines adapt their strategies to deliver new routes and revenue streams during and after the pandemic

This podcast is a recording of a panel session from June 15th 2023. Join us as we discuss how the OEMs have supported their customers to adapt their strategy to open new routes and deliver new revenue streams during and...

06.29.2023

255. AviaDev Africa 2023 CEO panel. Profit before planet? Navigating investment in environmental solutions amidst financial challenges

This episode is a recording from June 15th. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing African airline CEOs as they work to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Can African airlines prioritize sustainability over profit in the...

06.26.2023

254. Panel Session 3, AviaDev Africa. Innovating for Success. How technology is driving efficiency, building resilience and improving profitability across the African Aviation Industry

This is a recording of the AviaDev Africa panel session from June 15th focused on How the latest technological innovations enable the African aviation industry to operate more efficiently and sustainably. MODERATOR: Habba Hadijah Kamwesiga, Head of Marketing & Communications ,...

06.21.2023

253: AviaDev Real Estate: Creating a Winning Formula for Airport Hotels in Africa: Understanding the Requirements for Success

This is a recording of the session entitled "Creating a winning formula for airport hotels in Africa: Understanding the requirements for success" ...

05.31.2023

252. Understanding the benefits of implementing a comprehensive MRO system for your airline with Brett Preston, and Esenthren Govender, Executives at Technodyn International

In just over 2 weeks, the African aviation industry will convene in Nairobi, Kenya for AviaDev Africa. We have a panel dedicated to discussing new technologies at the event. Post Covid, digitisation is one of the hottest topics in the...

05.25.2023

251. Simplifying payments and preventing fraud for African airlines with Judy Waruiru, Managing Director, DPO Pay

In this episode, we meet the leader of a true African success story. Since its inception in 2006, DPO Pay has played a vital role in changing the payments landscape across Africa. Together, we discover how DPO supports its airline...

05.18.2023

250. How Kiu System Solutions is supporting African airlines to widen their distribution whilst lowering their costs with Rodger Whittle, Commercial Director for Africa at Kiu

This podcast was recorded 10th May on-site at the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention in Addis Ababa, where I was joined by Rodger Whittle, The commercial director for Africa at Kiu, a company with a global footprint that offers an innovative...

05.12.2023

249. Developing Africa's human capital with Kassie Yimam,President, Ethiopian Aviation University

This podcast was recorded May 10th in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the AFRAA aviation stakeholders convention which was hosted by Ethiopian Airlines. One of the secrets of Ethiopian airlines' success is their drive to constantly innovate and develop. The aviation...

05.07.2023

248. Outlining Lufthansa's expansion in Africa with Kevin Markette, General Manager East Africa at the Lufthansa Group

For this episode, I am joined by Kevin Markette, General Manager, East Africa at the Lufthansa Group. On 2nd May 2023, the group announced a capacity/ schedule increase for Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, and Brussels airlines in the region. Together, we...

04.25.2023

247. Exploring Kenya's connectivity with Jacob Bwana, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Kenya Airports Authority

For this episode, we find ourselves in Nairobi Kenya, where the AviaDev Africa conference will take place in June. Our Host partners for the event are the Kenya Airports Authority, an autonomous body charged with the responsibility of managing all...

04.17.2023

246. Delivering operational and technological innovations to build business resilience with Javed Malik, INK Innovation

In this episode, we take a glimpse into the future of how we may travel and how airports and airlines can incorporate innovation to build resilience into their businesses. I am joined by Javed Malik, Chair of the Advisory Board...

04.13.2023

245. "Changing the African Aviation Narrative" Talking all things Ethiopian Airlines and Previewing the AFRAA Stakeholders Convention with Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines and Mr

In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the current priorities of Ethiopian Airlines, the hosts of the upcoming 11th AFRAA Aviation Stakeholders Convention, scheduled to take place 7-9th May in Addis Ababa. Together we discuss: How...

03.27.2023

244. SAATM's role in driving intra-African connectivity with Madame Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General, AFCAC

In this episode, we head to Dakar, Senegal to pay a visit to the Headquarters of The African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), a specialist agency of the African Union. AFCAC is the executing agency of SAATM, the Single Africa Air Transport...

03.20.2023

243. Understanding the opportunity of the growing ACMI market in Africa with Dainius Staniulis, the Vice President of Commercial and Business Development, Avion Express

In this episode, we explore a solution that is growing in importance in Africa, namely ACMI, an acronym meaning Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance, a form of leasing. Our guest is Dainius Staniulis, the Vice President of Commercial and Business...

03.15.2023

242. Flysafair takes flight to the spice Island of Zanzibar. With Kirby Gordon, CMO

This episode is an exclusive interview with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, a low-cost airline based in South Africa. Bookings were opened for a new flight to Zanzibar in the week of 13th March 2023 and in this...

03.13.2023

241. Diversifying revenue. Building Resilience. Previewing AviaDev Real Estate with Marcel Langeslag, Director Aviation Africa, Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO)

In this episode, we preview the upcoming inaugural AviaDev Real Estate event, taking place alongside AviaDev Africa in Nairobi on 14th June 2023. The podcast provides more background on how real estate development could act as a catalyst for the...

What's AviaDev Insight Africa about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

AviaDev Insight Africa episodes: