FlySafAir - Cheers to the next chapter.
SAA announces more flights to key destinations.
TAAG Angola airlines incorporate the first A220-300 into the fleet.
Renegade Air introduces first ATR -500 in Kenya, leased from Abelo.
Embraer's E-Freighter is certified by the FAA.
Ethiopian Airlines commences passenger service to Port Sudan.
Mandarin Airlines adds further ATR 72-600 to lineup.
Worldwide incidents and accidents.
Bonus Video - Turkish Airliners 2024 Istanbul to Chicago
AIRLINES, AIRPORTS & AIRLINERS NEWS
FLYSAFAIR - CHEERS TO THE NEXT CHAPTER
It's our official birthday week! Wednesday, 16 October, will mark 1 decade of flying high and with heart. And wow, has it been an amazing journey
One that we couldn't have done without you, our valued customers-thank you for choosing us to connect you with the places and faces you love most. And to our 2000 committed staff who, over the years, have helped us grow from having just 2 aircraft and 1 route between Joburg and Cape Town, to now operating 5000 flights a month between 13 destinations, realising our dream to become the largest low-cost carrier in Southern Africa.
SAA ANNOUNCES MORE FLIGHTS TO KEY DESTINATIONS
South African Airways (SAA) has announced a significant increase in its flight frequencies to key African destinations, starting November 2024. SAA will also increase its flights to Mauritius in December and to Perth in January next year.
Starting in November, SAA will operate 12 weekly flights to both Harare and Lusaka, up from the current 10 times a week to Harare and up from 7 to Lusaka. Flights to Lagos and Accra will increase to four times a week, up from three weekly flights.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), SAA will enhance its presence by flying five times a week to Kinshasa.
Domestically, SAA will increase its flights to Gqeberha to three times a day.
SAA's Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, highlighted that after a rapid route expansion since 2021, SAA aims to consolidate its position and strengthen its role in connecting Africa.
“South Africa has seen a promising travel recovery this year, with most visitors coming from other parts of the African continent. Our strategic growth focuses on expanding routes based on demand and feasibility. We are also guided by our unique mandate as a national carrier, to ensure that we help grow South Africa's economy. Air travel plays a key role in building our tourism and trade links across Africa, which benefits both South Africa and the continent as a whole,” Lamola said.
SAA is also poised to increase the frequency of its flights on its successful routes - Mauritius and Perth. The airline will begin flying twice daily to Mauritius from the beginning of December to coincide with peak holiday season. SAA will increase flights to Perth - a very popular destination for South Africans. The first additional frequency will commence in December 2024 and the second will be added from January 2025, taking our frequencies to Perth five times a week.
TAAG ANGOLA AIRLINES INCORPORATE THE FIRST A220-300 INTO THE FLEET
As part of the company growth plan and «multi-brand» fleet strategy, Angola's leading airline and flag carrier, TAAG Angola Airlines, has incorporated the first A220-300 into its fleet. The airline showcased the A220-300, Airbus' most efficient small single-aisle aircraft, to customers, shareholders, partners, government officials, and diplomatic bodies in a symbolic ceremony held at Luanda 4 de Fevereiro International Airport.
The aircraft is on a lease agreement with ALC as part of TAAG´s global order book. TAAG´s A220-300 is set to operate high-demand domestic routes and intra-Africa connections, a further step in the airline modernization and growth path, which includes a more versatile fleet under the company's 2024-2029 expansion plan.
TAAG's A220 will have 137 passengers' total capacity (12 in business class and 125 in economy class). With the widest economy seats of any single-aisle aircraft, large windows, the highest ceilings in its class, and other innovative cabin features, the A220 will contribute to offering a superior flying experience to TAAG passengers and customers on local and regional flights.
The aircraft is a smart, tech-advanced equipment, thus providing 28m³ of usable cargo volume.
The A220 family's advanced aerodynamics, combined with specifically designed turbofan engines, contribute to an aircraft that delivers 25% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation aircraft, with half the noise footprint and decreased emissions, making it a true community-minded jetliner.
From a branding perspective, the aircraft is also the first to feature the new company livery, highlighting the PALANCA (black antelope considered a national symbol in Angola) on the plane's tail and winglets while the colour pattern is inspired by Angola's traditional fabrics.
RENEGADE AIR INTRODUCES FIRST ATR -500 IN KENYA, LEASED FROM ABELO
Kenyan operator Renegade Air, leading turboprop lessor Abelo and world's number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, celebrated the introduction of the first ever ATR -500 aircraft in Kenya, during a ceremony held yesterday at Wilson airport.
This milestone marks a significant advancement in the partners' capabilities to serve the growing demand for efficient and reliable air services in the region. The ATR -500, leased from Abelo, has been converted into a cargo configuration to meet the specific needs of Renegade Air's operations.
With its proven track record for performance and reliability, capacity to operate in hot and high environments, from unpaved runways, and to access the most remote airfields, this ATR aircraft is set to enhance Renegade Air's capacity to transport goods swiftly across domestic and regional routes, supporting various industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.
The largest market for turboprops in Africa, with over 80 aircraft of the type currently flying, Kenya could accommodate many additional ATR -500 and latest generation -600 series aircraft, from both Wilson Airport and JKIA International Airport, to serve regular domestic and international routes.
Tasneem Kaderbhai, Commercial Manager for Renegade Air Limited, said: “Our new ATR -500 cargo aircraft will be a game-changer in our fleet, bolstering our ability to provide timely and efficient air cargo services to our customers. This strategic addition underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market, supported by two ideal partners: Abelo and ATR. This move further solidifies our position as a key player in the air cargo industry in Kenya.”
Mathieu Duquesnoy, Abelo's Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Renegade Air in bringing the first ATR -500 aircraft to Kenya. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing tailored leasing solutions to airlines seeking to enhance their capabilities. The conversion of this ATR aircraft into a dedicated cargo platform is a testament to its versatility, adaptability across different operational requirements, and long-term value as an asset.”
Michael Chassot, Sales Director EMEA at ATR, added: “Renegade Air's selection of the ATR -500 marks both the continuation of a successful partnership with Abelo and ATR's comeback to Kenya - a market ATR has strong ambitions for. ATR aircraft are the ideal candidates to replace ageing fleets, bringing comfort, convenience and affordable connectivity to the Kenyan communities with state-of-the-art, ultra-efficient, low operating cost and versatile aircraft.”
EMBRAER'S E-FREIGHTER IS CERTIFIED BY THE FAA
The E-Freighter, Embraer's E190F has been fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Embraer's passenger-to-freighter conversion and the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, have received the certification by FAA in September 2024.
In July, the E-Freighter was certified by the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC) and EASA certification is due later this year. The aircraft was developed to fill a gap in the air cargo market and to replace older, less efficient models.
The E190F program was launched in May 2022 to meet the changing demands of e-commerce and modern trade, which require fast deliveries and decentralized operations driving the demand for faster delivery of shipments to regional markets. The E-Freighter made its debut flight in April and its first public appearance during the Farnborough Airshow in July.
“FAA certification is an important milestone in our passenger-to-freighter conversion program. We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved in the market to meet the growing demand globally for faster deliveries, not just to metro areas, but to all regions. With our E-Jet footprint across the US and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world”, said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
E-Jets converted to freighters will have over 40% more volume capacity, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrowbodies. If combining capacity under the floor and main deck, the maximum structural payload is 13,500 kg for the E190F.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES COMMENCES PASSENGER SERVICE TO PORT SUDAN
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest network operating carrier in Africa, is pleased to announce the commencement of its new passenger service to Port Sudan, a significant Red Sea port city, in the Republic of the Sudan. The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport today following a colourful ceremony graced by delegates from the Republic of Sudan to Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Airlines' executives.
The commencement of Ethiopian Airlines' new service to Port Sudan further strengthens the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity across the African continent and beyond, fostering regional socio-economic growth and facilitating trade and tourism.
“We keep growing our network in Africa to provide seamless air connectivity while fostering commerce and tourism within the continent and beyond.” Said Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “With the launch of this flight today, we are opening a new chapter of connectivity in East Africa and the entire continent. We are bringing the world closer to The Sudan and creating a stronger economic link to businesses.”
Port Sudan is Ethiopian Airlines second destination in The Sudan following Khartoum. Ethiopian offers daily passenger services to Port Sudan.
The inauguration of this new route emphasizes Ethiopian Airlines' dedication to broadening its presence throughout Africa, while simultaneously enhancing connectivity for both business and leisure travellers. The flights will offer daily connectivity between Port Sudan and Ethiopian Airlines' more than 139 destinations globally.
Port Sudan lies on the Red Sea and is home to the Sudan's main seaport. Port Sudan is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and excellence for scuba diving. Travelers can now book their flights to Port Sudan on Ethiopian Airlines' digital channels or through their preferred travel agent.
MANDARIN AIRLINES ADDS FURTHER ATR 72-600 TO LINEUP
Mandarin Airlines, the regional subsidiary of Taiwan's flag carrier China Airlines, and the world's number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, today announced the signature of a firm order for one ATR 72-600, underscoring the airline's unwavering confidence in ATR as the optimal platform for the island's domestic operations.
This strategic agreement comes swiftly on the heels of the order for six ATR 72-600 placed at last year's Paris Air Show. Delivery of the additional aircraft is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, to meet Mandarin Airlines' peak season demand. Three of the six aircraft from the previous order have been delivered, while deliveries of the next three will take place in the third and fourth quarter of 2025.
The cutting-edge turboprop will complement the airline's existing fleet of 12 ATR 72-600. Operating primarily from its main hub at Taipei Songshan Airport, Mandarin Airlines plays a pivotal role in Taiwan's domestic network, offering essential connections to eight key destinations, including the islands of Kinmen, Penghu and Matsu. Reliable air services ensure consistent access to essential goods, services, and transportation for residents and businesses, in addition to stimulating economic growth and fostering social integration.
Canada, over northern Canada: Turkish Airlines flight TK204, an Airbus A350-941, was en route over northern Canada when the captain suddenly fell ill and died. The diverted to New York-JFK Airport.
India, Tiruchirappalli-Civil Airport (TRZ/VOTR): Air India Express flight IX613 declared emergency immediately after take-off due to a reported hydraulic issue. It spent two and a half hours in the air burning fuel. It landed safely, but the pilots were reportedly considering a belly landing. A Boeing 777-381ER of ANA operating ANA/NH108 from Tokyo/Haneda, Japan to San Francisco, USA suffered an engine failure of the No.2 engine during a take-off roll on the runway 34R of Haneda. The take-off was aborted and the flight was restarted with a replaced aircraft (JA798A) with c. four hours of delay. The runway 34R was closed for three and a half hours to remove the debris. Inspection revealed damage on the turbine blades.
