► SUDAN: South Supreme Airlines launches flights between Juba and Khartoum.

Juba-based startup, South Supreme Airlines, has officially launched operations with its maiden flight between the South Sudanese capital and Khartoum on Sunday, September 7. Speaking on arrival at Khartoum International Airport, airline boss and South Sudanese tycoon, Ayii Duang Ayii, said the flight was a sign of improved relations between the two countries, and that it will further enhance cooperation ties for the benefit of their people.

South Supreme delegation in Khartoum (SUNA)

SUNA reports that Mr Ayii was accompanied by a number of the fellow board members, the Chairman and members of the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce and a delegation from the Trade Industry and Agricultural Chamber. 

The chairman of the Sudanese Chamber of Commerce, Saud Al-Birair, was on hand to meet the flight on its arrival in Khartoum.

The launch of flights marks the first fruits of talks last week between the Sudanese leader Omer Al-Bashir and his South Sudan counterpart, Salva Kiir, aimed at normalising relations between the two ex-foes.

South Supreme Airlines, which is partnered with International Charter Services of the United Arab Emirates, intends to operate three weekly flights between Khartoum, Wau and Juba. According to the ch-aviation database, the carrier is leasing a B737-300, (MSN 27452 | 4L-AJY), from Georgian ACMI specialists, Vista Georgia (AJD) with plans to add two more. The aircraft had previously seen service with another South Sudanese operator, Feeder Airlines.

While South Supreme is the only known South Sudanese operator on the Juba - Khartoum route, Sudan's Marsland Aviation (M7), Nova Airways (O9), Sudan Airways (SD) and Tarco Air (3T) all currently fly between the two capitals.