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 News & Analysis 

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12 Jun. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / AVIADEV AFRICA 2026 / 10 - 12 JUNE 2026

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, receives the AviaDev Africa 2026 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award

AviaDev YouTube channel

Gaborone, Botswana. Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, received the AviaDev Africa 2026 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation. ^ Watch the award ceremony on the AviaDev YouTube channel…​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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8 Jun. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / IATA 82nd AGM & WORLD TRANSPORT SUMMIT / 6 - 8 JUNE 2026

Airlines bear the brunt of fuel price shock, says industry leader

Airlines are bearing the brunt of the fuel price shock created by the war in the Middle East, and South African carriers are not immune to the impact. ^ Read more...

"We are not likely to see aviation come to a standstill in South Africa. AASA’s co-ordination with the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, is open and accessible. Airlines’ schedule integrity depends on the security of fuel supply. So, if governments suspect there might be a glitch, they need to inform us as soon as possible so that we can inform our Airline Members.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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20 May. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / SATA & SADC FORUM  / AFRICA TRAVEL INDABA 2026 / 11–14 MAY 2026

SADC UniVisa take significant steps towards adoption and implementation as SADC and partners host side event at Travel Indaba

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, was a panelist at the SATA Forum (convened alongside Africa’s Travel Indaba). The Forum theme was: Unlocking regional connectivity: rethinking how Southern Africa moves its visitors - a two-hour strategic dialogue in partnership with the SADC Secretariat. ^ Read more...

"Taxes, fees and charges on air transport across Africa are on average 49% higher than the global benchmark - AASA calls for the alignment of aviation policy, taxation and pilot licensing across all 16 SADC member states.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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18 May. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / AFRICAN PILOT MAGAZINE / SACAA NAC / 6 - 7 MAY 2026

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] Southern Africa’s airlines navigate survival, recovery and growth

Southern Africa’s airlines are navigating survival, recovery and growth, but several pressures are constraining momentum. Aaron Munetsi raised concerns for airlines: geopolitics, fuel security and costs; and fragmented regulation, policy and administration remain constraints on the sector.  ^ Watch...

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27 Apr. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / CHANNEL AFRICA

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] AASA calls for clarity from SADC region aviation stakeholders on jet fuel supply

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has raised concerns over a possible jet fuel shortage and is calling for urgent transparency from fuel suppliers, airports, depots, and governments across the SADC region regarding jet fuel availability and contingency plans.. ^ Watch...

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26 Apr. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / SABC TV

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] Jet Fuel: supply, costs, service impact and ticket prices

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created uncertainty around future jet fuel supply. The association is warning of potential jet fuel supply constraints beyond next month. ^ Watch...

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24 Apr.  AASA MEDIA STATEMENT  Jet fuel supplies for Southern Africa

"The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) notes with grave concern the lack of clarity around the availability of jet fuel across the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region, beyond next month (May 2026). Air transport, which is a crucial pillar for the SADC members’ economies, is particularly susceptible to disrupted fuel supplies because it depends almost entirely on imported crude oil and refined Jet-A1 kerosene. Airlines require certainty on the security of jet fuel supplies beyond a six-week horizon if they are to maintain their schedules and fulfil their obligations to customers. While we hope the situation in the Gulf will be resolved sooner so fuel shipments can resume, we must safeguard aviation in case the impasse continues. With this in mind, AASA pleads with the region’s fuel suppliers, depots (including airports) and all the SADC member governments to urgently share their contingency fuel allocation and distribution plans with the aviation industry.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO. ^ Download the full media statement...

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22 Apr. AASA NEWS / AESATA CONFERENCE / 28 JUNE - 1 JULY 2026

2026 AESATA Travel Agents' Conference

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, is confirmed as a speaker at the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA) Conference being held from 28 June – 1 July 2026 at the Livingstone Resort in Zambia. Mr. Munetsi will speak to the Conference theme Africa in Motion

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20 Apr. AASA IN THE NEWS / SACAA NATIONAL AVIATION CONFERENCE / 6 - 7 MAY 2026

2026 SACAA National Aviation Conference

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, is confirmed as a speaker at the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA) National Aviation Conference, being held from 6 - 7 May 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a panelist on the Sustainable Skies: Policy and Practice: Strengthening Collaborations between the government and industry to promote sustainable practices in aviation forum. 

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17 Apr. SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT / GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE

GG54520 Notice 3893 of 2026 / Updated National Airports Development Plan

The Department of Transport (DoT) have published an update to the National Airports Development Plan (NADP). The NADP is a national planning framework developed by the DoT to guide the coordinated development, expansion, and long-term sustainability of South Africa’s airport network. It provides a strategic, system-wide approach to airport infrastructure planning, ensuring alignment with national transport, economic, and spatial development priorities. ^ Download GG54520...

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16 Apr. AASA MEMBER NEWS

AASA welcomes new Associate Member: Bowmans

We extend a warm AASA welcome to Bowmans (formerly Bowman Gilfillan). Bowmans is a leading Pan-African law firm with over 650 specialist lawyers and offices in six African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zambia, and Namibia. Bowmans offers comprehensive legal services across numerous jurisdictions on corporate, finance, competition, taxation, employment, technology, and dispute resolution matters, serving clients across Africa and internationally. 

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15 Apr. AASA MEMBER NEWS

AASA welcomes new Associate Member: Naulum Solutions

We extend a warm AASA welcome to Naulum Solutions. Naulum Solutions is a French deep-tech startup based in Versailles that develops AI-driven software to optimise air freight logistics. The company focuses on reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint by maximising the use of underutilised cargo space ("belly-cargo") in passenger aircraft. Naulum offers an innovative solution to reduce the carbon footprint of freight transport by optimizing the use of underutilized spaces in aircraft. By maximizing cargo space, Naulum reduces the number of empty flights, which decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

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14 Apr. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / BUSINESS DAY TV

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] Fuel crisis deepens strain on aviation sector

As the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt the global economy and supply chains, local airline operators move to offset rising costs. Watch the Business Day TV interview with Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, as he unpacks the effects on South Africa’s aviation sector. ^ Watch...

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14 Apr. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / CNBC AFRICA

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] Local jet fuel supply stable

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has reassured the aviation industry that South Africa has sufficient jet A-1 fuel for now. Watch the CNBC Africa interview with Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, addressing the current state of jet fuel at major airports, the impact of the Middle East conflict on the global aviation industry, and constricted jet fuel supply. ^ Watch...

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3 Apr. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / NIGERIAN AIRCRAFT ACQUISITION & INVESTMENT SUMMIT / 1 - 2 APRIL 2026

‘Africa’s 52 airlines struggle with 1,000 aircraft’

The Guardian - Nigeria

Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, has raised concerns over the slow pace of aircraft acquisition and the fragile state of airline operations across Africa. Munetsi, who spoke on the second day of the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition & Investment Summit (NAAIS) in Lagos, painted a troubling picture of the continent’s aviation landscape. He lamented that Africa had been unable to leverage its vast population and geographic size to build a viable, competitive aviation sector. ^ Read more...

"Africa’s aviation contribution is disproportionately low despite its demographic advantage. With a population of about 1.4 billion people, the continent contributes just 2% to global aviation. That is not commensurate with our size or potential.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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24 Mar. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / AVIADEV AFRICA 2026 / 10 - 12 JUNE 2026

AviaDev 2026 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award: Aaron Munetsi

AviaDev News

The AASA team wishes to congratulate our CEO, Aaron Munetsi, for this prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation. 
"After a rigorous nomination and voting process from the AviaDev Advisory Board, I am delighted to announce that Aaron Munetsi CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) will be the recipient of the AviaDev 2026 Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to route development and African aviation." Jon Howell, Founder & CEO of AviaDev Africa 
^ Read the full release...​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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15 Mar. AASA CEO IN THE NEWS / ABTA NIGERIA CORPORATE TRAVEL WEBINAR / 12 MARCH 2026

African bilaterals stall SAATM progress

Restrictive bilateral air service agreements, high taxes and visa barriers continue to slow the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). During the recent African Business Travel Association’s (ABTA) Nigeria Corporate Travel Webinar on ‘The Missing Links: Africa’s under-serviced air routes and business impact’, Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO, highlighted the policy barriers that continue to limit air connectivity across the continent. ^ Read more...

"African governments still have work to do to enable airlines to operate more freely across borders, improving access for travellers and supporting tourism and trade. The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) made a very bold statement, saying that they were going to do away with or reduce their taxes, fees and charges to enable the stimulation of traffic. This made everyone happy. But then, two of those countries, Ghana and Nigeria, suddenly introduced new taxes of $100 (R1 700) each?” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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22 Feb. AASA IN THE NEWS / CEO INTERVIEW / CGTN AFRICA NEWS

[WATCH: AASA CEO Interview] What's holding back Africa's aviation industry?

Africa is one of the fastest-growing air travel markets in the world, yet continues to generate the lowest returns per passenger globally. What’s holding back Africa’s aviation industry and how do we unlock its true potential? Talk Africa interviewed Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO. ^ Watch on YouTube...

"Firstly, when there is growth in a nations GDP the number of people travelling by air increases as there is more disposable income – this is the most important challenge we face on the African continent – our economies are not performing well. Secondly, the cost of air travel on the African continent is substantially higher than anywhere else (39% / IATA). Thirdly, our existing infrastructure cannot cope with the demand, making it difficult to achieve growth.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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17 Feb. ACSA & ATNS NEWS

Industry cautiously backs ACSA infrastructure overhaul

Southern Africa’s Travel News

Airlines and industry associations have welcomed ACSA’s expanded infrastructure and maintenance programme, but caution that success will depend on consistent execution and sustained investment after years of under-maintenance. ^ Read more...

"The envisaged infrastructure and equipment upgrades are the outcome of a thorough consultation process between ACSA and key industry stakeholders, comprising AASA's member airlines and other entities. Airlines provided critical input during these engagements, and they rank the major projects based on their potential to deliver efficient service at affordable cost, drive long-term growth, and ensure sustainability of South Africa's aviation ecosystem.” Aaron Munetsi, AASA CEO

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10 Feb. ACSA & ATNS NEWS

ACSA and ATNS up fees

Southern Africa’s Travel News

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) will increase their fees this year, by 6,16% and 9,87% respectively. After a permission process that had seen rigorous consultations with aviation industry stakeholders, the Airports Company Act: Publication of Airport Charges was published in January 2026. ^ Read more...

Airline Member Routes & Industry News

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18 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

TAAG Angola Airlines strengthens sustainability commitment by joining the IATA Co2 Connect platform

TAAG News

TAAG Angola Airlines has taken a strategic step in strengthening its sustainability footprint while aligning with international aviation best practices by joining the IATA CO2 Connect initiative. ^ Read more...

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17Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

LIFT appoints AirlinePros as UK GSA

Travel Daily News

LIFT Airline has expanded its partnership with AirlinePros International, appointing the company as its General Sales Agent in the UK and four additional international markets. ^ Read more...

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15 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Airlink launches one of the world’s longest Embraer E195-E2 routes with new Mauritius flights

Aerospace Global News

Airlink is launching one of the world’s longest Embraer E195-E2 flights to Mauritius from October 2026. ^ Read more...

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14 Jun. IATA 82nd AGM / AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Global airline execs believe in SAA – with a few caveats

Daily Maverick

A trip to IATA’s AGM in Rio de Janeiro reveals that South African Airways (SAA) still gets a lot of love in the global aviation community, but the government’s policies, not so much. ^ Read more...

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9 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

SAA to launch midday Gaborone flights

Southern Africa’s Travel News

South African Airways (SAA) is set to launch a new midday service between Johannesburg and Gaborone from 24 June. ^ Read more...

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9 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Air Zimbabwe to resume London route via A330 ACM

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Air Zimbabwe is making a long-awaited return to London on 1 July 2026 after signing a 13-month lease agreement with Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas to operate its flights from Harare International. ^ Read more...

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8 Jun. IATA 82nd AGM / AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

SAA acting CEO on ‘speed dating’ mission to partner and lift the airline

Business Day

The acting CEO of South African Airways (SAA), Matshela Seshibe, is using his time at the IATA AGM to look for suitable partnerships and ways of taking the flag carrier forward in a sustainable manner. ^ Read more...

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5 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

TAAG to launch Guangzhou service on 23 June

Travel Daily News

TAAG Angola Airlines will begin flights between Luanda and Guangzhou on 23 June 2026, strengthening connectivity between Angola and China and supporting trade, business and tourism flows. ^ Read more...

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3 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Airlink launches direct flights between Zanzibar and Johannesburg

Tanzania Insight

Airlink has commenced operations to Zanzibar, marking a significant expansion of air connectivity between the East African island destination and Johannesburg.  
^ Read more...

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1 Jun. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Air Mauritius – 59 years connecting Mauritius to the World

Press Reader / Islander

“This year, Air Mauritius cel­eb­rates its 59th anniversary. Fly­ing the national flag across our inter­na­tional net­work, we are proud to serve as Ambas­sad­ors of the Repub­lic of Maur­i­tius. Through our ser­vice, our val­ues, and our ded­ic­a­tion, we strive to bring the spirit of Maur­i­tius to the world...” Andre Vil­joen, Air Mauritius CEO. ^ Read more...

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29 May. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Federal Airlines unveils new luxury baobab lounge at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport

ATTA Travel News

Federal Airlines (FedAir) has celebrated the official opening of its new Baobab Lounge at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, marking a new chapter in elevated regional air travel and guest experience in the Lowveld. ^ Read more...

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26 May. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

LAM and TAAG expand codeshare

Southern Africa’s Travel News

LAM Mozambique Airlines have expanded its codeshare with TAAG Angola Airlines, giving passengers access to a wider range of international connections via Luanda. ^ Read more...

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19 May. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS  

Airlink: Direct Cape Town-Zanzibar flights take off this October

TimeOut Cape Town

Trade the Mother City for the soft sands of Matemwe beach! Airlink is launching the first-ever direct flights from Cape Town to the ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar. 
^ Read more...

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18 May. AASA AIRLINE MEMBER NEWS 

Eswatini Air: Eswatini records 99,884 visitor arrivals - April 2026 Tourism climbs 10.1%

Eswatini Positive News

According to the Eswatini Tourism Authority the country has recorded 99,884 international visitor arrivals in April 2026, marking a 10.1% increase compared to April 2025. The launch of the Lusaka-Zambia route by Eswatini Air tops the numbers, growing by 65.9%. ^ Read more...

Market Analysis, Reports & News: IATA & ICAO

 IATA Economic Reports & News â€‹

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6 - 8 Jun. IATA 82nd AGM & WATS / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Aviation: A powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity

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The IATA 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) takes place from 6 - 8 June 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted by LATAM Airlines Group. The IATA AGM and WATS gathers top leadership from airlines, the aviation value chain, and governments as the airline industry faces complex and dynamic operating, business, and geopolitical environments. The core focus of this year’s summit is the industry's transition "from ambition to execution", specifically highlighting the potential of aviation as a powerful strategic force driving social and economic prosperity. The 2026 agenda includes: sustainability and net zero emissions, technological disruption, and operational and geopolitical complexity.

​29 May. IATA APRIL AIR PASSENGER REPORT 

Passenger traffic falls

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Passenger traffic for African airlines increased by 2.8% year-on-year (YoY). Capacity expanded by 2.0% YoY, slightly below demand growth, lifting PLF up by 0.6 percentage points to 77.7%. African airlines also saw a sharp deceleration in international traffic growth, easing to 2.2% YoY following a 20.2% surge in March. Capacity rose by 1.2% YoY, lifting the PLF to 77.9%, still below the industry average.

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“The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating cost” Willie Walsh, IATA DG. 
^ Read more...

​29 May. IATA APRIL AIR CARGO REPORT 

Air Cargo volumes grow

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African airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year (YoY) increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity decreased by -9.4% YoY. African carriers reflected buoyant activity on Asia-linked networks with an increase of 12.8% YoY (the 10th consecutive month of growth). Load factors rose across five of six regions, encompassing nearly all global volume. The tightening was most severe in Africa and the Middle East, where operational disruptions drastically suppressed available lift..

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“Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions.” Willie Walsh, IATA DG. 
^ Read more...

 ICAO Reports & News â€‹

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16 Jun. ICAO 2025 ANNUAL REVIEW

New report offers key insights into long-term transformation of global air transport

ICAO has published its 2025 Annual Report that details actions taken to address safety and security risk reduction, including the endorsement of updated global safety and navigation plans, the adoption of concrete targets aimed at preventing accidents, and strengthened oversight of risk management, accident investigation, and aviation security. ^ Download the report...

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2 Jun. ICAO AVIATION CLIMATE WEEK 2026 / 2 - 4 JUNE 2026

Aviation leaders gather in Montréal to accelerate climate action

Montréal, Canada. Stronger and faster efforts to decarbonize air transport are the focus of multilateral discussions at the ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026, centered around the theme One Global Path: Advancing Net-Zero Aviation^ Read more...

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27 Apr. ICAO JOINT PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

ICAO, AfDB commit to enhancing air connectivity through joint projects

The development of air transport across Africa is set to accelerate as ICAO and the African Development Bank (AfDB) commit to identifying concrete opportunities for joint action. ^ Read more...

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23 Apr. ICAO URGENT CALL TO GLOBAL ACTION: PROTECTING AVIATION PERSONNEL IN CONFLICT ZONES

Drones, missiles, and jamming: UN aviation chief calls for urgent action to protect civil aircraft operating near or over conflict zones

ICAO is calling for stronger measures to protect civilian aircraft from military threats, revealing the risk of weapons targeting civilian planes is growing. At the 2026 World Overflight Risk Conference ICAO SG, Juan Salazar, informed delegates that military technologies pose risks to civilian aviation. ^ Read more...

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Apr. ICAO GUIDANCE: SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF PERSONNEL IN CONFLICT ZONES

ICAO urges mitigating aviation risk in conflict zones by supporting the mental health of personnel

Significant mental stress experienced by aviation personnel operating in or near conflict zones will be reduced thanks to urgent additional guidance from ICAO, aimed at mitigating risk and maintaining the safety of aviation operations in these areas. ^ Read more...

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27 Mar. ICAO GLOBAL STANDARDS: ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS & CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

ICAO strengthens framework for accident investigations, addresses conflicts of interest

New global standards will ensure aircraft accident investigations are not halted or compromised by conflicts of interest, following today’s landmark decision by ICAO. ^ Read more...

Publications & Research 

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16 Jun. IATA 2026 AGM ANALYSIS / CAPA PERSPECTIVE

IATA AGM: Global airlines - record demand meets a profitability shock 

Twelve months ago, at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 2025 AGM in Delhi, the narrative surrounding global aviation was one of cautious optimism yet unmistakably positive. The IATA global outlook presented in Rio de Janeiro in June 2026 could hardly be more different. Read the The Centre for Aviation (CAPA) analysis of IATA's 2026 AGM: ^ Download...

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5 May. ACI WORLD POLICY AGENDA 2030

ACI World launches Policy Agenda 2030 for aviation reform

Airports Council International (ACI) World has released its Policy Agenda 2030, outlining priorities to modernise aviation regulation, and support airport capacity, connectivity, safety and growth. ^ Download...

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21 Apr. WTM AFRICA: AFRICA TRAVEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY 2026

WTM Africa Releases 2026 Africa Travel & Tourism: State of the Industry Report

WTM Africa, part of Africa Travel Week built by RX Africa, has released its annual 2026 State of the Industry Report, examining the forces shaping travel and tourism across the African continent. ^ Download...

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30 Mar. CAPA OUTLOOK FOR 2026

Navigating fragmentation, realignment, and the new growth paradigm 

The Centre for Aviation (CAPA) has released its official CAPA Outlook for 2026 titled Aviation in 2026 - The CAPA Perspective^ Download...

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5 Feb. GLOBAL CEO SURVEY

PwC's 29th Global CEO Survey: Africa perspective

PwC have published the 29th Global CEO Survey: Africa perspective: Navigating disruption through reinvention. Africa's business leaders demonstrate striking optimism forged through years of navigating currency fluctuations, political uncertainty, and infrastructure challenges. ^ Download...

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​23 Jan. AIRLINE ECONOMICS RESEARCH

KPMG Aviation Leaders Report 2026: Evolution & Opportunity

The Aviation Leaders Report 2026 captures the views of industry leaders across the leasing, airline and banking markets and includes input from analysts covering the sector. ^ Download...

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GLOBAL INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

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UNITED FOR WILDLIFE

The Buckingham Palace Declaration and Southern African Transport Taskforce

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In November 2016, AASA signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration (BPD) with the aim of joining a worldwide campaign to combat international wildlife trafficking. The signatories of the United for Wildlife (UFW) Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration on the transportation of illegal wildlife products agreed to commit to combat the trade of illegal wildlife.    

​    AASA has committed to help where possible to bring an end to the illegal trade in wildlife by signing this Declaration, creating an awareness amongst its members, and supporting implementation of the commitments. On 6 February 2020, AASA offered to serve as a convening vehicle to support the establishment of the Southern African Transport Taskforce, emphasising the potential impact the Taskforce can have on all types of trafficking. 

    As a BPD signatory, AASA is ready to take their effort to the next level. Ian Cruickshank was appointed by United for Wildlife as Transport Taskforce Manager based in Southern Africa and will work with all stakeholders to set up the Southern African Task Force, with opportunities to become involved further afield.

     AASA also has other environmental priority issues that impact the airlines in the Southern African region. These include Carbon Taxes for South African domestic aviation, and CORSIA, which deals with the climate change program for international aviation, as well as other climate change programs. Due to the significance of the work that lies ahead, UFW have agreed that Ian, as their Transport Task Force Manager, works with AASA and the aviation sector as an Environmental and Wildlife Specialist to provide valuable expertise, and assistance to the sector, to achieve the goals and mandate of ensuring airlines in the SADC region are aware of illegal wildlife trafficking practices and implement preventative actions, and ensure environmental compliance with the statutory requirements.

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USAID ROUTES

Combating the illegal trade of wildlife â€‹O

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Transportation is the backbone of global trade, and traffickers of wild animals and wildlife products rely heavily on the efficiency of air travel and cargo carriers to smuggle illicit goods. Companies from the transportation and logistics sector can play a critical role in identifying and strengthening key risk points in the supply chains, thereby helping to prevent wildlife trafficking.
    Although the duty for capturing and prosecuting criminals rests with national enforcement authorities, aviation staff can provide an important source of additional intelligence. Associations like International Air Transport Association (IATA)Airports Council International (ACI), and AASA, together with organizations like United for Wildlife (UfW), are working with many other aviation stakeholders to support the work of enforcement agencies in combating the illegal trade in wildlife. ​​​​

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12 Jun. INAUGURAL FIASA FUELS INDUSTRY IMBIZO 2026

Bio-jet fuel prospects may offer PetroSA’s refinery a new future

Johannesburg, South Africa. PetroSA’s long-idled Mossel Bay refinery could find an unlikely second act in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with the government studying whether sugar can be converted into jet fuel at the facility. ^ Read more...

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2 - 4 Jun. ICAO AVIATION CLIMATE WEEK 2026

One Global Path: Advancing Net-Zero Aviation

Montréal, Canada. The ICAO Aviation Climate Week 2026, centered around the theme One Global Path: Advancing Net-Zero Aviation, will build on the momentum of the first edition held in June 2025, establishing this initiative as ICAO’s annual global platform to advance aviation’s environmental and climate agenda. ^ Read more...

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15 May. ICAO NET-ZERO EMISSIONS

Aviation’s Net-Zero Journey: Time for hard choices and bold commitment Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General, ICAO

For decades, civil aviation has been an engine of globalization, prosperity, and human connection. Yet it continues to face a defining test: whether it can decarbonize quickly enough to remain viable and valued in a climate-constrained economy. ^ Read more...

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23 Apr. AFRICAN RENEWABLE ENERGY

South Africa’s Sasol aims for green jet fuel exports to EU

South African petrochemical company Sasol has received certification from a German agency for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), paving the way for it to start exports to the European Union. ^ Read more...

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13 Apr. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) AND COâ‚‚ REPORTING

ESG reporting a major gap for TMCs

While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and COâ‚‚ reporting is gradually improving, it remains complex and inconsistent across the industry, with corporates often relying on Travel Management Companies (TMCs) for guidance to simplify data and better understand and reduce travel-related emissions. ^ Read more...

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10 Apr. SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUND FOR AFRICA (SEFA)

AfDB launches call for proposals under SEFA Green Hydrogen Programme to boost clean energy projects in Africa

The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has launched a Call for Proposals under its newly established Green Hydrogen Programme, inviting the private sector to develop green hydrogen and derivative projects across Africa. ^ Read more...

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2 Apr. GREEN JET FUEL

Phelan Green selects Honeywell process technology for flagship South African eSAF facility

Phelan Green, through its clean fuels subsidiary Phelan eFuels, today announced it has selected Honeywell’s renewable fuel process technology for its planned electro‑sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. ^ Read more...

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31 Mar - 1 Apr. ICAO ACT-SAF PROGRAMME: NAMIBIA SAF FEASIBILITY STUDY

Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) hosts Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study on Namibia's potential

Namibia will host the official launch and in‑country workshop on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study from 31 March to 1 April 2026 in Windhoek. This milestone initiative supports global efforts led by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to advance sustainable aviation and reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

    Aligned with the ICAO “No Country Left Behind” initiative and Assembly Resolution A41-21, the project is made possible through financial contributions from Switzerland to the ICAO Environment Fund under the ICAO ACT-SAF programme. ^ Read more...

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19 Mar. EUROPEAN UNION EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEM (EU ETS) 

IATA calls EU to review EU ETS to support competitiveness as aviation decarbonizes

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) calls for the review of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to enhance European air connectivity and economic resilience by improving the competitiveness of Europe’s air transport industry. 
“European aviation policy must bolster competitiveness as it advances decarbonization. Reviewing the EU ETS offers a critical opportunity to refocus efforts on cost-effective emission reductions.

   The priority must be the full implementation of CORSIA, the reinvestment of EU ETS revenues into SAF and other credible decarbonization solutions, and the elimination of overlapping measures that add cost and complexity without environmental gain. By doing so, we will protect European air connectivity — a vital strategic asset foundational to EU integration, trade, and commerce.

    Amid global economic strain and geopolitical volatility, the EU ETS review must deliver a harmonized climate policy framework that balances the sector’s competitiveness with its climate ambitions.” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. ^ Read more...

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10 Mar. EUROPEAN BIOFUELS PRODUCERS

Despite energy uncertainty, optimism persists in European biofuels

After several challenging years marked by tight margins and high feedstock costs, European biofuels producers are beginning to see signs of recovery.

    Recent developments in Iran have cast broader uncertainty in global energy markets. Despite these challenges, many companies in the sector are operating with renewed optimism. ^ Read more...

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Mar. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) HISTORIC FLIGHT

Kenya Airways makes history with half sustainable fuel intra-Africa flight

In a major step for the aviation sector, Kenya Airways has completed its first intra-African flight from Nairobi to Cape Town using a 50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in line with international standards set by IATA and its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) initiative. ^ Read more...

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Mar. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) PRODUCTION IN QUANTITY

Bleriot sees Kenyan SAF production starting in 2027

Kenyan startup Bleriot Group is gearing up its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production operation this year with a view to manufacturing SAF in commercial quantities in the East African nation in 2027. ^ Read more...

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Mar. NET-ZERO CLIMATE ACTION

SACAA outlines priorities as global aviation pushes for Net-Zero action

The global aviation industry renewed its call for coordinated climate action at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, as IATA and several governments urged States to reaffirm the leadership of the ICAO in addressing aviation emissions.

    SACAA outlined its 2026 climate priorities, including a national SAF roadmap, CORSIA oversight and South Africa’s aviation net-zero 2050 strategy. ^ Read more...

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26 Feb. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL  (SAF)

Ghana takes step toward sustainable aviation with SAF feasibility workshop

Ghana has marked a significant milestone in the green transition of its aviation sector, as the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) launched a pivotal workshop exploring the feasibility of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). ^ Read more...

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25 Feb. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL CERTIFICATES (SAFc) REGISTRY

SAFc Registry passes milestone with over 500,000 tonnes of CO2 abated

The SAFc Registry has now surpassed 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) abated through SAF certificates issued on the platform. As of February 2026, SAF certificates have been issued representing more than 164,000 tonnes of neat sustainable aviation fuel.^ Read more...
 

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12 Dec. ICAO CORSIA: GLOBAL CLIMATE AGREEMENT

Airlines set to receive first carbon offsetting requirements under ICAO’s global climate agreement

Governments will soon inform airlines of their first ever requirements under ICAO'S Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), following ICAO's publication of a new calculation announced today. ^ Read more...

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18 Sep. #ICAOA42: IATA JOINT STATEMENT

Joint Statement at the 42nd ICAO Assembly: Urgent call for host country action to enable CORSIA compliance

IATA issued a joint statement before the 42nd ICAO Assembly held in Montréal:

"The signatories (including AASA) urge all governments to take immediate and decisive action to facilitate the issuance of Host Country Letters of Authorization (LoAs).

   The prompt issuance of LoAs from more countries is essential to enable the robust implementation of CORSIA. Let’s also remember: for airlines, the cancellation of CORSIA EEUs is a legal obligation, not a preference^ Download the full statement...

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