Rwanda

RwandAir moves to expand its network as new aircraft join the fleet

RwandAir will focus on route and fleet expansion in 2013, launching direct services to Accra, Douala and Juba coinciding with the delivery of new Boeing 737-700 aircraft and the introduction of a revised schedule at its congested Kigali hub.

RwandAir has reportedly recorded strong growth in recent years, including a 67% increase in passenger numbers in 2012 and increasing revenue by 60% compared to 2011 without increasing capacity.

The state-owned carrier’s CEO John Mirenga said in Jan-2013 that he was "hopeful" the airline will be profitable by 2015, at which time Rwanda's Government may consider selling down part of its holding in the carrier to private investors with a view to a possible stock exchange listing by 2020.

Mr Mirenga expects the airline will handle about 600,000 passengers in 2013, a 50% increase on 2012. The carrier does not expect to increase revenue by the same margin due to the pressure on fares.

The airline said in Nov-2012 it plans to expand its fleet from seven to 17 aircraft over the next five years and commence services to Europe and China in 2015.

Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airways compete for Nairobi and Addis hub power as Gulf carriers expand

Kenya Airways is expanding its influence in the African market by aligning itself with smaller carriers as it seeks to build its home base of Nairobi as a continental hub. This includes promoting greater cross-border cooperation and fostering economic development among nations which jealously guard their independence, despite the clear evidence that this has been a fundamental cause of their problems.

Africa’s fourth largest carrier and the continent's only member of the SkyTeam alliance is focusing on airlines in southern Africa, having already brought Air Mozambique, Air Botswana, Air Malawi and TAAG Angola Airlines into the fold.

On 20-Dec-2012 Kenya Airways and RwandAir announced plans to form a strategic partnership and build stronger relations including improved synergies in scheduling, reservation systems and a combined FFP. The partnership will also strengthen the airlines' cargo, maintenance and flight training operations.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airways looks to strengthen its Addis Ababa hub, as the Gulf carriers - now partnering with some global alliance airlines - expand their global networks across Africa.

South African Airways continues push into Central Africa

Alongside the launch last week of non-stop service to Beijing, South African Airways (SAA) has been working on improving its connections in Africa, and has recently launched service to three Central African destinations: Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo, Kigali in Rwanda and Bujumbura in Burundi. This follows expansion last year into Ndola, Zambia.

Natural resources and economic growth draw Turkish Airlines to Africa

Turkish Airlines’ bullish African expansion plans will see the carrier launch service to several destinations in 2012 and upgrade many existing routes to twice daily. The carrier’s focus for 2012 is on expanding in emerging markets, primarily Africa, as further network expansion in the US is on hold and plans for launching service to Australia will likely not materialise until at least 2013.

Turkish currently operates 18 destinations in Africa, including Misrata in Libya which was launched in Dec-2011. Turkish CEO Temel Kotil told CAPA in Dec-2011 that the carrier plans to launch in 2012 Abuja and Kano in Nigeria; Kigali in Rwanda; Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire; and Mogadishu in Somalia.

The carrier has since also announced plans to launch in 2012 Kinshasa in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, which could give Turkish an African network of 24 destinations by the end of this year.