► ZIMBABWE: Emirates switches to Boeing 777 on Harare/Lusaka flights from February 2013.

Dubai based carrier Emirates (EK) will, from 1 February 2013, switch from an Airbus A330-200 to a Boeing 777-300ER on its daily Dubai - Lusaka - Harare route. The date is iconic in that it will be the 1 year anniversary of the route's introduction.

Economy Class cabin on-board an Emirates 777-300ER (moaksey)

Emirates: Dubai - Lusaka, Zambia - Harare, Zimbabwe
- Effective 01 February 2013

• EK713 DXB 0925 - 1450 LUN 1620 - 1720 HRE 77W 1234567
• EK714 HRE 1850 - 1950 LUN 2120 - 0640+1 DXB 77W 1234567

Source [Amadeus]

It was expected that the Emirati carrier would decouple the two African destinations from one another at some stage, though this has apparently changed.

► RWANDA: RwandAir announces CRJ900 routes; introduces other additional frequencies.

With the first of its two new Bombardier CRJ900NGs (MSN# 15286| 9XR-WH) due in by the middle of October 2012 and the second due in mid November, so Rwandan national carrier RwandAir (WB) has outlined the future routes they will be used on, in addition to various new frequencies to come into effect from 31 October 2012.

RwandAir CRJ900 '9XR-WH'

RwandAir CRJ900NG Routes

RwandAir: Kigali, Rwanda – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

-Effective 31 October 2012

• WB440 KGL1730 – 2030DAR CR9 | 1234567
• WB441 DAR2100 – 2200KGL CR9 | 1234567

Kigali, Rwanda – Entebbe, Uganda

-Effective 31 October 2012

• WB422 KGL1440 – 1625EBB CR9 | 1234567
• WB423 EBB1655 – 1640KGL CR9 | 1234567

Kigali, Rwanda – Nairobi, Kenya

-Effective 31 October 2012

• WB404 KGL0155 – 0410NBO CR9 | 1234567
• WB406 KGL1455 – 1710NBO CR9 | 1357
• WB402 KGL1455 – 1710NBO CR9 | 246

• WB405 NBO1155 – 1210KGL CR9 | 1234567
• WB407 NBO2125 – 2140KGL CR9 | 1357
• WB407 NBO2125 – 2140KGL CR9 | 246

Source [Airline Route]

Additionally, various new frequencies have been announced:

• Entebbe, Uganda: from 17x to 33x weekly flights.
• Brazzaville, Congo & Libreville, Gabon: 3x to 5x weekly flights.
• Dubai, UAE : from 6x to 13x weekly flights.
• Lagos, Nigeria: from 3x to 7x weekly flights.
• Johannesburg, South Africa : from 8x to 10x weekly flights.

Source [RwandanFlyer]

Kigali, Rwanda – Dubai
-Planned service increase from 6x weekly to daily. The daily service operates nonstop in both directions, replacing 3x weekly nonstop and 1-stop service via Mombasa, Kenya.

• WB300 KGL0045 – 0830DXB 738 | 1234567
• WB301 DXB0950 – 1335KGL 738 | 2467
• WB301 DXB1010 – 1335KGL 738 | 2467

Kigali, Rwanda – Johannesburg, South Africa
-Planned service increase from 8 to 10 weekly

• WB100 KGL0100 – 0500JNB 738 | 123567
• WB100 KGL0100 – 0500JNB 735 | 4
• WB102 KGL1445 – 1845JNB 738 | 356

• WB101 JNB0800 – 1200KGL 738 | 123567
• WB101 JNB0800 – 1200KGL 735 | 4
• WB103 JNB1930 – 2330KGL 738 | 356

Kigali – Lagos, Nigeria
-Planned service increase from 3x weekly to daily

• WB200 KGL1435 – 1745LOS 738 | 1234567
• WB201 LOS1830 – 2340KGL 738 | 1234567

Source [Airline Route]

► GHANA: More woes for CTK CiTylinK as it loses its leased Fokker 100 over unpaid bills.

In a sign that times are getting even tougher for Ghanaian domestic carrier CTK CiTylinK Airlines (CTQ), it has emerged that its Fokker 100 (MSN: 11407 | 9A-BTD), wet leased only recently in May of this year, has been returned to its owner, Croatia's Trade Air, as a result of the airline's inability to pay its leasing fees.

The airline suspended operations nearly 2 weeks ago.

CTK's now ex-Fokker 100 in happier times.

Switzerland's CH-Aviation reports that the aircraft has already been ferried from Accra to Europe where it is currently operating a short term ACMI contract on behalf of a Slovak client.

As competition on Ghana's domestic and regional routes heats up,  and with fares being slashed to as low as GH₵50 (USD25) for a one way flight from Accra to Kumasi - a flight that usually costs GH₵100 (USD50) - it seems increasingly likely that CTK CiTylinK will be the first casualty in the price war.

► SOUTH SUDAN: Government looks for partners in new national airline as China helps build new terminal at Juba International.

Reuters Newswire is reporting that the South Sudanese Government is looking for an "international company" to enter into a potential private/public joint venture for the running of a new South Sudanese national carrier. The government plans to retain a minority 20% stake in the airline, and will sell 31% to the domestic South Sudanese private sector with the remaining  49% being sold to international investors.

► COTE D'IVOIRE: Mali crisis, delayed delivery of aircraft blamed for Air Cote d'Ivoire's late debut.

Originally scheduled to be airborne by late July, the joint venture known as Air Cote d'Ivoire - 65% owned by the State of Ivory Coast, and the remaining 35% by the Strategic Partner made up of Air France Finance (20%) and Aérienne de Participation-Côte d’Ivoire (15%) - is now expected to take to the skies by the latest end of October, according to reports from Abidjan.

► INDIA: Kenya Airways revises planned changes to Delhi route.

Contrary to the reported increase in June, Kenya Airways is to retain its current 3x weekly Nairobi - Delhi, India service. Its planned 4x weekly increase is henceforth rescinded.

The flight is currently operated using a Boeing 767-300ER.

Kenya Airways B767-300ER arriving in Nairobi from Delhi

Kenya Airways: Nairobi, Kenya - Delhi, India
-Effective before and after 22 October 2012.

• KQ220 NBO1350 – 2320DEL 763 x246
• KQ221 DEL0050 – 0530NBO 763 x357

Source [Airline Route]

► SOUTH AFRICA: Financial vultures gather around a defiant 1Time as USD40million debt millstone takes its toll.

Financial news-wires were today abuzz with reports that following an urgent board meeting, 1Time Holdings, parent company to South African LCC 1Time (T6) and Jetworx Aircraft Services, had filed for "Business Rescue" for the two companies (essentially a 3 month long protection period from creditors that may want to file for liquidation while you are turning the business around, more or less equivalent to filing Chapter 11 in the US) as revelations came out that the company has nearly USD40million worth of short term debt to settle with creditors by 31 August, amongst whom are the South African Air Traffic and Navigation Services and various fuel suppliers. Unsurprisingly, by the end of trading today on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 1Time shares had plunged by 50%.

Under South African Law, 1Time should now pass into the hands of The South African Companies Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC) who are responsible for approving a Nominated Business Practitioner who in turn will oversee 1Time's business plan reform process over the coming next three months.  How this will impact the airline's Zimbabwean LCC venture - Fresh Air - only recently launched, is uncertain.

An announcement by the CIPC on whether or not 1Time is eligible for "Business Rescue" will be made on Thursday 23 August.

1Time in Zimbabwe. (Luck Brown)

The filing for "Business Rescue" comes after a very tumultuous first 6 months of the year for the South African carrier in which its previous CEO (Rod James) resigned following a disastrous record USD$18million loss for 2011 blamed on "high fuel prices, fierce competition, weak demand and steep spikes in airport and navigation taxes." In recent weeks, the airlines image has also been damaged as two of its McDonnell Douglas MD83s suffered engine shut downs inflight.

However, despite the bleak outlook, 1Time has managed to retain some prestige as the most punctual airline in South Africa for June and July. CEO Blacky Komani, too, has remained resolute stating:

"It is business as usual and passengers have nothing to fear."

 Source [News24]

This storm of events and their resultant dire consequences for 1Time are in stark contrast to that of Government run SAExpress (SAX), whose inability to produce audited financial results for their 2010/2011 Financial Year and a subsequent USD120million accounting hole, simply resulted in the dismissal of the board with no apparent legal action brought against anyone. Ah, such is life in the world of parastatals.

We here at The Tribune wish 1Time all the best, as this year so far has proven to be lethal for the South African aviation scene in general: LCC VelvetSky bit the dust in February after only 12 months in the air, whilst traditionally strong Comair Holdings (Kulula and BA Comair's parent company) also took heavy losses, and with global fuel prices set to remain above USD100 per barrel it seems we could be in for an even more interesting Q3 and Q4 for 2012.

Lets just hope that the path to financial solvency is conquered with spirit and innovation, not government handouts and mediocrity.

► TANZANIA: Precision Air increases capacity to Arusha and Mwanza; suspends Johannesburg, Kigoma and Mwanza.

Very strong growth in the Tanzanian domestic market has forced Tanzanian carrier Precision Air (PW) to mix, match and in some cases scratch destinations served as demand for aircraft available and profitability on certain routes has stretched the airline to capacity.

► KENYA: Mombasa Air Safari Let410 crashes on take off killing 4 and critically injuring 3.

Another sad day today in African aviation as a Kenyan registered LET 410 (unconfirmed 5Y-UVP) belonging to Mombasa Air Safari (RRV) crashed on take off from Ngerende Airstrip in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya bound for Mombasa, killing the two pilots and two German tourists on-board with another three were critically injured. The other four passengers received injuries of varying degrees, though are in a stable condition.

►► SUDAN: Numerous Sudanese government officials killed as Alfa Air Antonov 26 crash claims 32 lives.

What should have been a day of celebration to mark the end of Ramadan instead turned into a day of national mourning as an Alfa Air Sudan Antonov 26 (MSN: 47302606 | ST-ARL) crashed into a slope in the Nuba mountains south of Talodi, at about 08h00 local time, en route from Khartoum to Talodi, South Kordofan State, killing all 32 (26 passengers and 6 crew) passengers on board.

Alfa Air Sudan An26 (ST-ARL) (UR-SDV)

The Aviation Herald reports that: 

"Local Television reported the aircraft went around on its first attempt to land in Talodi due to weather but did not manage to climb above the terrain during the go-around. Sudan's Civil Aviation Authority reported at the time of the crash, visibility was substantially reduced due to a dust and dirt storm in the area. "

Source [The Aviation Herald]

The Antonov was chartered to take the various officials to Talodi to "congratulate the town's citizens on Eid Al-Fitr."

Wreckage from the An26 "ST-ARL" (Al Shorouk)

Amongst the dead are:

1. Engineer Ghazi Al-Saddiq - the federal Minister of Guidance and Endowments.
2. Mahjoub Abdul-Rahim Tutu - the State Minister at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. 
3. Eissa Daifalla - the State Minister at the Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife. 
4. Ali Al-Jailani - the Minister of Education of Khartoum State. 
5. Mekki Ali Balayel - Leader of the Justice Party. 
6. Mohamed Hassan Al-Jaafari - Commissioner at Headquarters of Khartoum State. 
7. Tariq Mubarak - Commissioner of Khartoum North. 
8. Maj. Gen. Salah Ismail - the Air Forces. 
9. Maj. Gen. Ahmed Musa Ahmed - the Police Forces. 
10. Maj. Gen. Ahmed Al-Tayeb Abu-Guroon, the Security and Intelligence Organ. 
11. Brigadier Lugman Omer - Second Commander of the People's Defence Forces. 
12. Hamid Al-Aghbash - the National Assembly. 
13. Dr. Mohamed Al-Bakhit Al-Bashir - the Islamic Figih Council. 
14. Al-Saddiq Abdul-Majid Al-Makkawi - the People's Defence Forces. 
15. Awadal-Karim Siral-Khatim - Deputy Coordinator of the People's Defence Forces. 
16. Waeez Salaha Omer - Headquarters of the People's Defence Forces. 
17. Omer Mahjoub Ahmed - Deputy Coordinator of the People's Defence Forces. 
18. Salah-Eddin Mustafa - the People's Defence Forces - Jabal Aulia Locality. 
19. Abdul-Azim Hamza - the National Congress - Khartoum State. 
20. Abdul-Atti Ahmed - Correspondent of the National Television. 
21. Al-Sheikh Abdul-Rahim - the media mission. 
22. Bashir Fadl Al-Sid - Khartoum State Media. 
23. Abdul-Hai Al-Rabie - the media mission. 
24. Ismail Abdul-Karim - the media mission. 
25. Captain Saif-Eddin - Director of Office of Maj. Gen. Abu-Guroon. 
26. Al-Sayer Mohamed Al-Sayer - the Ministry of Guidance and Endowments. 

27 /28/ 29/ 30/ 31/ 32 - the crew of the plane.

Source [SUNA Sudan] 

►UPDATE: The authorities revealed that the crew of the ill-fated plane was comprised of four Russian pilots, a Sudanese pilot called Abdel Moniem and two female Sudanese stewards. The head of the Sudanese Civil Aviation Corporation (SCAC), Mohammed Abdel Aziz, has resigned as a result of the crash.

In recent years, Sudan has had numerous aviation accidents and incidents that have severely damaged the country's aviation image. Khartoum has frequently complained that its poor record in air safety is largely due to lack of spare parts for its aircraft caused by US Sanctions.

►► EQUATORIAL GUINEA: CEIBA Intercontinental waves Adios to its 777.

The Boeing 777-200LR (3C-LLS) of Equatorial Guinean carrier CEIBA Intercontinental (C2) (with what had to be one of the coolest liveries ever on a Boeing 777) today left Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for Lisbon, Portugal to be re-registered under White Airways (WI), a Portuguese leisure and charter flight operator out of Lisbon, becoming CS-TQX on the Portuguese registry.

(ex) CEIBA Intercontinental Boeing 777-200LR (sabian404)

It is unclear, however, what purpose the 777 served whilst under the CEIBA name, as the Equato-guinean flag-carrier is on the European Union's Banned Operator's List. In all honesty, it wouldn't be a massive surprise if it turned out that the aircraft had originally been bought for exclusive Presidential/VIP usage given Equatorial-Guinean President Teodoro Obiang's family's penchant for the high life and luxury which of late, has come under increasing scrutiny from the international media.

With the departure of the 777, CEIBA is now left with a fleet of two ATR 72-500s, one ATR 42 - 500, one ATR 42-320 and three Boeing 737-800 on order whilst its network consists of Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), Bata (Equatorial Guinea), Cotonou, Douala, Accra, Abidjan, Lomé, Libreville, Pointe Noire and Brazzaville.

[UPDATE]: SkyLinerAviation informs us that the 777 has now been re-registered as CS-TQX and is to be ferried back to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea as of 21 August 2012. Hopefully the plane will now return to operation for CEIBA and we'll see it in possible international service in the near future. Watch this space for further details!

► CANADA: See Pics of RwandAir's first Bombardier CRJ-900NG Jet just out of the paint shop!

The first pictures out of Montreal's Mirabel Airport, Canada have emerged of Rwandan flag carrier RwandAir's (WB) first of two Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) 900NGs (MSN# 15286| 9XR-WH), due for delivery in October of this year. The value of the two CRJ 900s together is USD$185million.

Said RwandAir CEO John Mirenge on signing the contract in March:

"Based on our experience with the CRJ200 aircraft, the dual-class 75-seat CRJ900 NextGen aircraft was the logical upgrade. CRJ900 NextGen aircraft also provide exceptional reliability and have much in common with other CRJ aircraft. These aircraft will be configured with seven business class seats and 68 economy class seats."

Source [Bombardier]

RwandAir CRJ900 '9XR-WH' in the paintshop.

All done. (RwandAir)

The jets will play a pivotal role in freeing up Rwandair's larger Boeing 737-800s as the carrier seeks to increase its regional footprint in coming months, with much speculation surrounding possible new routes to Lusaka (Zambia), Cape Town (South Africa), and Juba (South Sudan).

► EGYPT: Turkish Airlines to start Hurghada from October.

Turkish Airlines (TK) has continued its push into the Egyptian market by announcing the start of 3x weekly Airbus A319 operated flights between Istanbul and Hurghada, Egypt to start 17 October 2012.

Turkish Airlines Africa Network (Updated)

Turkish Airlines: Istanbul, Turkey - Hurghada, Egypt

-Effective 17 October 2012

• TK702 IST0205 – 0450HRG 319 x567
• TK703 HRG0635 – 0925IST 319 x567

Source [Airline Route]

Turkish Airlines has an extensive network in Egypt, serving Cairo, Alexandria and Sharm el Sheikh.

► SAUDI ARABIA: Saudia increases capacity to Addis Ababa & Casablanca from October.

Saudi Arabian national carrier Saudia (SV) is to increase its capacity on flights between Riyadh and Jeddah to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Jeddah and Casablanca, Morocco with effect from 28 October 2012.

► SOUTH AFRICA: Cathay Pacific introduces Premium Economy Class on Johannesburg route from December.

Hong Kong based carrier Cathay Pacific (CX) will from 3 December 2012, introduce a Premium Economy Class on its Boeing 747-400 service between Hong Kong - Johannesburg, South Africa.

Cathay Pacific 747 in Johannesburg (ascendent)

Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong - Johannesburg, South Africa.

- Introduction of Premium Economy on 747-400 aircraft, operating between 03DEC12 & 31JAN13 Day 13 from HKG, Day 24 from JNB from 01FEB13 to 30MAR13 Daily.

• CX749 HKG 2345 - 0700+1 JNB EQV 1234567
• CX748 JNB 1230 - 0745+1 HKG EQV 1234567

Source [Airline Route]

► MALAYSIA: Ethiopian Airlines launches Kuala Lumpur from late October 2012.

As reported by The African Aviation Tribune in late July, effective 31 October 2012, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is to start a 3x weekly service from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia via Bangkok, Thailand using a Boeing 767-300ER. 

Ethiopian Airlines 767 at Bangkok, Thailand (AJori)

The existing Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Bangkok, Thailand – Hong Kong service is to be reduced from 5x to 4x weekly. Consequently Bangkok will see a daily service once again.

Ethiopian Airlines: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Bangkok, Thailand – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

-Effective 31 October 2012

• ET618 ADD0025 – 1320BKK1430 – 1900KUL 763 357
• ET619 KUL2150 – 0125+1BKK0240+1 – 0750+1ADD 763 357

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Bangkok, Thailand

• ET608 ADD0040 – 1335BKK1435 – 1845HKG 763 x357
• ET609 HKG2150 – 0100+1BKK0210+1 – 0725+1ADD 763 x357

Source [Airline Route]

►► KENYA: Qatar Airways cancels the relaunch of Mombasa slated for late August 2012.

[UPDATED 16 August 2012] After the cancellation of its original launch date of 15 August 2012, Qatari carrier Qatar Airways (QR) will now launch their 3x weekly Doha - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Mombasa, Kenya route with an Airbus A320 starting 30 August 2012.

Qatar Airways in Nairobi (FGottwald)

There is some speculation that the primary cause of the route launch's sudden cancellation in early August was Qatar Airways' annoyance at "the withholding of 5th freedom rights for the Nairobi to Kilimanjaro sector of Qatar Airways' originally planned Doha - Nairobi - Kilimanjaro service, that was subsequently re routed as Doha - Dar es Salaam - Kilimanjaro".

►►[Update] Once again we got screwed folks. Our source informs us that Qatar Airways has again closed bookings for its Mombasa route effectively canning it for the meantime.

► MAURITIUS: British Airways changes departure times from Spring 2013.

British Airways (BA) will, with effect from 31 March 2013, switch its 3x weekly London Gatwick - Mauritius Boeing 777-200 flight to an afternoon departure from its current evening departure. The resultant inbound sector Mauritius - London Gatwick will switch to a daytime flight.

British Airways Boeing 777 in Mauritius (NAS)

British Airways: London Gatwick, UK - Port Louis, Mauritius

- Effective 31 March 2013

• BA2063 LGW1500 – 0545+1MRU 777 246
• BA2062 MRU0805 – 1705LGW 777 357

Source [Airline Route]

► ALGERIA: Air Algérie to start Nigeria & South Africa flights but axes Beijing.

Algerian national carrier Air Algérie (AH) has joined the growing list of carriers, both African and international, that are turning their focus towards the long neglected African market in the hopes that it will provide the stimulus needed for sustainable long term growth.

► UGANDA: Air Uganda to get rid of its last two MD87s.

In a move that will see it left with a fleet of two Bombardier CRJ-200s, Ugandan carrier Air Uganda (U7) has decided to retire its ageing fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD87s "later this year", according to Swiss aviation site CH-Aviation.

An Air Uganda McDonnell Douglas MD-87 at Entebbe

Having started out with three of the ex-Iberia aircraft, Air Uganda has subsequently retired 1 from the fleet leaving two which it uses, in addition to its two CRJ-200s, to focus on its regional network consisting of Bujumbura, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kigali, Juba, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar all served out of its Entebbe hub.