Market Intelligence: Africa

IATA: Global Air Travel Demand Continued Its Bounce Back in 2023

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the recovery in air travel continued in December 2023 and total 2023 traffic edged even closer to matching pre-pandemic demand.

Total traffic in 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 36.9% compared to 2022. Globally, full year 2023 traffic was at 94.1% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. December 2023 total traffic rose 25.3% compared to December 2022 and reached 97.5% of the December 2019 level. Fourth quarter traffic was at 98.2% of 2019, reflecting the strong recovery towards the end of the year.

International traffic in 2023 climbed 41.6% versus 2022 and reached 88.6% of 2019 levels. December 2023 international traffic climbed 24.2% over December 2022, reaching 94.7% of the level in December 2019. Fourth quarter traffic was at 94.5% of 2019.

Domestic traffic for 2023 rose 30.4% compared to the prior year. 2023 domestic traffic was 3.9% above the full year 2019 level. December 2023 domestic traffic was up 27.0% over the year earlier period and was at 2.3% above December 2019 traffic. Fourth quarter traffic was 4.4% higher than the same quarter in 2019.

“The strong post-pandemic rebound continued in 2023. December traffic stood just 2.5% below 2019 levels, with a strong performance in quarter 4, teeing-up airlines for a return to normal growth patterns in 2024. The recovery in travel is good news. The restoration of connectivity is powering the global economy as people travel to do business, further their educations, take hard-earned vacations and much more. But to maximize the benefits of air travel in the post-pandemic world, governments need to take a strategic approach. That means providing cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to meet our net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, and adopting regulations that deliver a clear cost-benefit. Completing the recovery must not be an excuse for governments to forget the critical role of aviation to increasing the prosperity and well-being of people and businesses the world over,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines posted a 126.1% rise in full year international 2023 traffic compared to 2022, maintaining the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 101.8% and the load factor climbed 9.0 percentage points to 83.1%. December 2023 traffic rose 56.9% compared to December 2022.

European carriers’ full year traffic climbed 22.0% versus 2022. Capacity increased 17.5%, and load factor rose 3.1 percentage points to 83.8%. For December, demand climbed 13.6% compared to the same month in 2022. December traffic was higher than the corresponding month in 2019 for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Middle Eastern airlines saw a 33.3% traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 26.0% and load factor climbed 4.4 percentage points to 80.1%. December demand climbed 16.6% compared to the same month in 2022.

North American carriers reported a 28.3% annual traffic rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Capacity increased 22.4%, and load factor climbed 3.9 percentage points to 84.6%. December 2023 traffic rose 13.5% compared to the year-ago period.

Latin American airlines posted a 28.6% traffic rise in 2023 over full year 2022. Annual capacity climbed 25.4% and load factor increased 2.1 percentage points to 84.7%, the highest among the regions. December demand climbed 26.5% compared to December 2022.

African airlines’ annual traffic rose 38.7% in 2023 versus the prior year. Full year 2023 capacity was up 38.3% and load factor climbed 0.2 percentage points to 71.9%, the lowest among regions. December 2023 traffic for African airlines rose 9.5% over December 2022.

China’s full year domestic traffic rose 138.8% versus 2022, and is now 7.1% above the 2019 level.

Australia (-4.2% compared to 2019) and Japan (-3.2% compared to 2019) are the only major domestic markets yet to recover pre-pandemic traffic demand.

Source: IATA
Photo Credit: IATA

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Regional Aircraft Manufacturer ATR Announces Latest Appointment for Head of Human Resources

ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of regional aircraft, announced the appointment of Maria Teresa Pedra Bruñó as its new Head of Human Resources, effective February 1, 2024. She succeeds Sadika Moussaoui, who takes on new responsibilities within the Airbus Commercial management team.

In this role, Maria Teresa oversees all human resources strategy and operations for ATR worldwide. She is based at the company’s global headquarters in Toulouse, France, and reports directly to the CEO.

Maria Teresa brings over 20 years of human resources experience to ATR, having held various HR roles of increasing responsibility within Airbus Commercial since 2003. Most recently, she served as Head of Talent and Executive Management, where she focused on promoting diversity, inclusion and leadership development.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria Teresa to our executive team,” said ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. “Her deep HR expertise and international experience will be invaluable assets as we continue to strengthen our company culture and embrace all the opportunities of a constantly evolving environment. The way we manage our talents will be decisive in maintaining our leadership and relevance on the regional market. I also want to thank Sadika for her precious contribution over the years to develop our people, foster engagement, leadership, collaboration and inclusivity, and wish her the very best going forward.”

Previously, Maria Teresa served as HR Manager in Germany, supporting employees and activities related to the A400M final assembly line in Seville. In France since 2008, Maria Teresa was Head of Recruitment for Airbus in France, playing a key role in hiring for the A350 programme. She also served different businesses like Technology, Commercial and International as Senior HR Business Partner.

Source: ATR Aircraft
Photo Credit: ATR Aircraft

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Flight Simulator Manufacturer Loft Dynamics Announces Latest Appointment for Chief Service Officer

Loft Dynamics announces that Sabrina Barbera has joined the leadership team as Chief Service Officer to support the company’s rapid growth. Sabrina provides a profound background within the helicopter industry. She will lead the Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO) team consisting of aviation and compliance specialists to offer high standard simulator training services to the aviation industry.

Profound training management and helicopter industry background

Sabrina studied mechanical engineering and has completed a Master Degree of Science in Operational Research. She developed profound competencies working 17 years for Airbus Helicopters at different positions including occupying the positions of the Vice-President Head of Company Development, Strategy M&A and Vice President Head of Training and Flight Operation Services. Before joining Loft Dynamics she lead the team of Blade Europe as Executive Director. “We are pleased to have successfully recruited such a competent individual as Sabrina. This enables us to expand our FSTDO services, ultimately benefiting our customers and advancing flight safety in the industry,” Fabi Riesen, Founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics says.

Developing pilot training in the interests of flight safety

Many aviation experts and pilots have already recognized the potential of Loft Dynamics’ training solutions. Sabrina observed the development of the Loft Dynamics team at an early stage. She remarks: “I noticed the potential of these high-quality products to significantly enhance flight safety at affordable costs years ago. It’s satisfying to now be part of the journey, reinventing pilot training by effectively introducing innovation and new technologies to the aviation industry. We support customers in transforming their training, benefiting from this new technology. I appreciate the efficiency and agility of the Loft Dynamics team.”

“The first time I met the team at Loft Dynamics, I immediately recognized the potential that their technology holds for the aviation industry, especially in terms of its significant impact on training and safety. I am genuinely excited to contribute to the team and be part of the journey in developing flight training,” said Sabrina Barbera, CSO, Loft Dynamics.

Sabrina personally

Sabrina grew up in France and worked several years in Canada, Australia and southern part of France. She has a passion for helicopters in particular and aviation in general. Sabrina loves being in the mountains for climbing and hiking, enjoys going on ski tours, or engaging in sports wherever she is.

Offering strong and comprehensive flight training solutions including services

Loft Dynamics offers not only highly realistic professional flight simulators but also a comprehensive service to customers, including training services. Loft Dynamics provides various services, from planning the installation to qualifying the device under EASA regulations with its own Flight Simulator Training Device Organization (FSTDO). This relieves customers from technical and administrative tasks involved in operating the devices. Overall, Loft Dynamics products reduce training costs and improve flight safety while at the same time scaling down the ecological footprint of the aviation industry.

About Loft Dynamics

Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) specializes in designing, manufacturing and operating VR flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for various aircraft systems. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation by providing best-in-class pilot training that is safe, accessible and affordable. Our immersive simulators, equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform and a full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, are 20 times less expensive and 10 times smaller than traditional flight simulators. As an ISO 9001-certified flight simulation training device operator, we provide continuous and comprehensive customer support, from installation and maintenance to training and regulatory approvals. Leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools and organizations worldwide choose Loft Dynamics simulators — the world’s first and only VR FSTDs with EASA FTD Level 3 regulatory approval. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics

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Simulator Manufacturer Wright Brothers Flight Technology Announces New Order for 2 Flight Simulators from African Partner

Netherlands headquartered flight simulator manufacturer Wright Brothers Flight Technology announced its partnership with the National Institute of Transport in Tanzania. The signing of a contract solidifies the commitment to advancing pilot training on a global scale.

Under the partnership, WBFT is set to deliver C172 and AATD flight simulators, ushering in a transformative era for aviation education in Tanzania. This strategic move not only represents a significant leap for the company but also underscores its unwavering dedication to shaping the future of flight training worldwide.

By contributing simulators to the National Institute of Transport, WBFT aims to play a pivotal role in the development of Tanzania’s aviation sector. The impact of these advanced training tools is anticipated to be profound, enhancing the skills and proficiency of aspiring pilots in the region.

Source: Wright Brothers Flight Technology
Photo Credit: Wright Brothers Flight Technology

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