The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has published its January 2024 update, highlighting that since November 2023, traffic carried by African airlines has exceeded 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels. In January 2023, African airlines’ revenue passenger kilometres were 2.06% above January 2019 levels, with available seat kilometres up by 7.1%.
AFRAA predicts than African airlines will carry around 98 million passengers in 2024, while the full year 2023 will see an increase in airline revenues and the narrowing of revenue gaps compared to 2022. The full year 2023 revenue shortfall is anticipated to be around $300m or less (whereas the 2022 full year passenger’s revenue gap was $3.5bn for all African airlines combined).
Additionally, the transition of Somalia’s airspace from Class G to Class A (following Somalia’s resumption of control of its airspace management from Nairobi) marks a ‘significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector,’ notes AFRAA, adding that Somalia will now provide Air Traffic Control services.
Zambia has adopted the use of electronic cargo manifests in a move intended to ‘expedite cargo handling processes, foster smoother operations, and support the objectives of the trade facilitation agreements’. A similar digitisation strategy has seen Cameroon adopt the ‘Customs Cmr’ or ‘Douane Cmr’ passenger processing mobile app, resulting in additional efficiency and convenience for both passengers and customs authorities.
However, Tunisia’s additional tax on air passengers – intended to enhance revenue generation – was implemented without consultation with industry stakeholders and could negatively impact tourist arrivals, warns AFRAA.
AFRAA: African airlines back to pre-pandemic traffic volumes
