African airlines recorded an improved performance in March with the airline’s capacity reaching 67.3% exhibiting a steady recovery after most countries removed travel restrictions put in place to control the spread of Covid-19.
According to the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the domestic market was hopeful with the biggest share for both capacity and actual passenger carried.
“Domestic demand at 46.5 per cent outperformed intra-Africa and intercontinental which remained subdued at 31.3 and 22.3 per cent respectively,” AFRAA.
However, despite the improved performance, AFRAA noted that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has triggered jet fuel price increases globally and this has the potential to slow down the travel recovery.
S&P Global Platts estimates that the total impact of the price increases on the overall jet fuel bill will reach $86.3 billion based on an estimated average price of $115 per barrel.
Recently, Kenya Airways (KQ) and South African Airways (SAA) announced they are in search of a West African partner airline to join its two-member pact.
“The intention is to invite a West African airline at some point in the future to also join. We will have a three-hub strategy of Nairobi, Johannesburg, and the West African hub to create better opportunities and services for our customers,” The Nation quotes KQ Board chairman Michael Joseph.
AFRAA further noted that states should not impose mandatory vaccination as a pre-entry and exit requirement for travel until satisfactory access to vaccines and reasonable vaccination coverage is attained.
