Commentary archive

The achievements of Ethiopian Airlines since its formation in December, 1945, are a source of pride to Ethiopians as well as to many other Africans. The airline has a modern fleet, an extensive route network, a reasonably strong balance sheet, aircraft maintenance and aviation training expertise, very dedicated staff and a priceless reputation for efficiency.

Legend has it that when African states gained their political independence from Western countries they were bequeathed three seemingly essential symbols of sovereignty – a national flag, a national anthem and a national airline.

European airlines currently dwarf African airlines on Europe-Africa routes. In addition, most of them enjoy a higher passenger revenue yield on their African services than on other long-haul operations. African airlines are now examining ways to redress the imbalance.

The past two decades have witnessed a substantial development of air transport services in Africa with the annual growth in passenger and freight traffic on African routes consistently remaining above the world average.

With a string of sales successes in Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Kenya safely under is belt, an increasingly assertive Airbus Industrie has sent a warning shot across the bows of its US rival, Boeing.

Air Afrique is a brave attempt by a number of African states to run a combined airline. It is not commercially successful, and a number of previous African airline consortia have failed. NICK FADUGBA looks at a new study recommending a combined West African airline, and examines the problems which smaller African airlines faced.

Nigeria Airways is undergoing a sweeping administrative and operational reorganisation aimed at putting the airline on a stronger financial footing. The cost-cutting measures include a reduction in staff, a clampdown on malpractices, and the rationalisation of its fleet. Managing Director, Group Captain Bernard Banfa, says that his goal is to improve the carrier’s efficiency and turn it into a viable business concern.

Africa’s multinational airline Air Afrique is counting the cost of severe financial and industrial problems which made 1984 the most trying of its 24 years’ existence.