AviaDev Insight Africa
Business & Finance
About
Since its creation in 2018, AviaDev Insight Africa has established itself as the premier podcast dedicated to African Aviation. We bring prominent industry voices to the table to establish the "ground truth" informally and candidly.The podcast was created by Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, Africa's premier event dedicated to developing air connectivity to, from, and within the African continent
Episodes
- 377. AviaDev's Connectivity update for April 2026. Etihad's 6 new Africa routes and key airline moves
In the 30th edition of the AviaDev Africa Connectivity Update, host Jon Howell is joined by usual guests, Aviation Consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially to review the biggest stories impacting African aviation 00:00 Welcome 02:33…
- 376. Air Ghana: Exploring new horizons with Jonathan Appiah, Head of Corporate Affairs
In this episode, Jon Howell hosts Jonathan Appiah of Air Ghana to explain the airline's background, ownership and strategy amid strong interest from attending delegates ahead of AviaDev. Jonathan recounts his move from HR into commercial a…
- 375. Gateway to Opportunities: Botswana's connectivity ambitions with Capt. Thuto Toise, CEO, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB)
In this episode, we host Capt. Thuto Toise, the newly appointed CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, to discuss Botswana's aviation ambitions and its strategic decision to host AviaDev Africa 2026. Capt. Toise explains how impr…
- 374. Focus Africa: IATA's Kamil Al-Awadhi's vision for a brighter aviation future
In this episode, host Jon Howell hosts IATA's Regional VP for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, to discuss why SAATM has seen little progress since its 2018 signing, citing state protectionism, limited collaboration, and slow de…
- 373. AviaDev's March 2026 Connectivity Update with Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis
In the March 2026 AviDev Africa connectivity update, host Jon Howell and consultants Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially discuss how the Iran war and GCC corridor disruption are reshaping Africa-related air travel, creating short-term tran…
- 372. From Reputation to Revenue: Building a strong airline brand with Rahsaan Johnson, brand expert
In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, we speak to Rahsaan Johnson, former Managing Director of Global Communications at Delta, with 13 years at United, about what "brand" means for airlines and why it drives profitability and resilien…
- 371. Live stage session at BARSA: Leadership Dialogue: Reframing Africa's Aviation Narrative with Prof. Bonang Mohale & Hamish Erskine, CEO, Dube Trade Port
This a special podcast episode recorded on 6th March 2026 as part of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa Annual Conference. In the episode, Professor Mohale argues Africa's economic and aviation story is often told by outs…
- 370. ValueJet. Innovating to stay ahead by creating Viki - Their AI concierge powered by Kiu
In this episode, we explore the innovative journey of ValueJet, a Nigerian airline that has recently introduced Viki, the first AI concierge in Africa. Temi Adjijola, the head of business program and IT at Value Jet, discusses the airline'…
- 369. AviaDev's February 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
*Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Clarification…
- 368. Connecting Africa with Embraer. A recap of the top 10 unserved intra sub-Saharan African routes with Theo Wensink, Head of Airline Marketing, Middle East and Africa
In this episode, Host Jon Howell sits down with Theo Wensink, Head of Airline Marketing, Middle East and Africa at Embraer to discuss the "Connecting Africa" report which premiered at AviaDev Africa 2025. Providing commentary and insight i…
- 367. Introducing Mentortude with Chidozie Uzoezie, Founder, African Aviation Group
In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell speaks with Chidozie Uzoezie, founder of the African Aviation Group (AAG), about the impact of the group on aspiring aviators in Africa. They discuss the challenges and opportuniti…
- 366. The Bishoftu Airport Project. The start of Africa's connectivity revolution? With Miretab Tesfaye, Aviation Consultant
In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Jon Howell speaks with aviation consultant Miretab Tesfaye about the ambitious Bishoftu Airport project in Ethiopia. They discuss the airport's projected capacity, the strategic advantages and opp…
- 365. Exploring South Africa's aviation landscape and counting down to BARSA 2026 with George Mothema, CEO
In this episode, we speak with George Mothema, CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), to review the state of South African aviation in 2026 and preview the upcoming BARSA conference in KwaZulu-Natal. George hi…
- 364. From Accra to the World. Outlining Africa World Airlines' Fleet and Route Growth with Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer
In this episode, the focus is on Africa World Airlines (AWA) and its new Chief Operating Officer, Sohail Mahmood Sohail shares his aviation journey so far and what attracted him to join AWA. We then delve into the foundational strengths of…
- 363. January's AviaDev Africa Connectivity update and 2025 Awards announcements
This session was live-streamed on 26th January 2026. To stay up to date with all things AviaDev, sign up at https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated As always, we are joined by our trusted pair — Behramjee Ghadially and Sean Mendis. Chapter…
- 362. Cape Town's Hub Potential : Insights from Katherine Nicholls, MSc Air Transport Management Graduate
Katherine Nicholls is a South African who recently graduated from the University of Surrey with an MSc in Air Transport Management. Her dissertation focused on the potential for Cape Town to evolve from a destination airport into a major a…
- 361. AviaDev Insight Africa Awards 2025
This is an audio recording of the annual AviaDev Insight Africa Awards, which was also live-streamed via the AviaDev YouTube channel and Jon Howell's personal LinkedIn page. Join our monthly podcast guests, Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadia…
- 360. AviaDev's December 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
*Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include…
- 359. Fortifying African Airlines: Pathways to Financial Health with Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial
Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated This episode was recorded Tuesday 2nd December on location in Luanda, Angola, during the 57th AFRAA AG…
- 358. Is AFCAC delivering on its bold aviation ambitions? A conversation with Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General
Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss another episode and stay up to date with event news: https://www.aviadev.com/keep-me-updated In this episode, we feature Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Commissi…
- 357. From Vision to Reality: The Cape Winelands Airport Journey with Mark Wilkinson, Director
In this episode, we feature the exciting development of Cape Winelands Airport in the Western Cape, South Africa. Jon is joined by Mark Wilkinson, Director, and together, they discuss the project's inception, environmental impact assessmen…
- 356. AviaDev's November 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include: SAA's new Johannesburg - Gaborone route and fleet RFP Proflight Zambia's new Maun route via Livingstone Airlink's new Zanzibar route fro…
- 355. Bridging the gap. Reflections on the ICAO NGAP event with 3 AviaDev Ambassadors
In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell speaks with three inspirational AviaDev ambassadors—Mahek Shah, Usman Cisse, and Ellah Wafula about their experiences at the recent ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals e…
- 354. To Gaborone and Beyond: Exploring SAA's New Horizons with Tebogo Tsimane, CCO
In this episode of AviaDev Insight Africa, Jon welcomes SAA's CCO, Tebogo Tsimane. Together, they dive into SAA's upcoming 4th November route launch, Johannesburg to Gaborone, and explore the strategic and operational reasons behind this m…
- 353. Building a better connected and more resilient future for African aviation with SITA
In this episode of Avia Dev Insight Africa, host Jon Howell, CEO and founder of AviaDev Africa, discusses the latest developments in communications and technology in African aviation with Yann Cabaret, CEO of SITA for Aircraft, and Martin…
- 352. From Angola to the World. An update on TAAG's transformation with Miguel Carneiro, CCO
In this episode, host Jon Howell speaks with Miguel Carneiro, the Chief Commercial Officer of TAAG Angola Airlines. The discussion covers TAAG's ambitious transformation over the past year, including the induction of new aircraft, new and…
- 351. Connecting Africa: A new era of regional expansion for Proflight Zambia with Keira Langford-Johnson, Business Development Director
Join Jon Howell, Founder and CEO of AviaDev Africa, as he hosts a special video podcast from Lusaka at the Airlines Association of Southern Africa's Annual General Assembly. to watch the video, head to this link In this episode, Jon speaks…
- 350. AviaDev's October 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially. PART TWO
In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE 1 Min Deep…
- 349. AviaDev's October 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially. PART ONE
In this episode, we cover the latest route and fleet developments in African aviation. Topics include the arrival of Embraer's E2 aircraft in the Airlink fleet and its strategic significance, the burgeoning route developments by Middle Eas…
- 348. From The Gambia to The World with Haddy Faal, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer at The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority
In this episode, we discuss the challenges and objectives of aviation development in The Gambia, focusing on both regional and international connectivity, tourism, infrastructure, and policy developments. Haddy shares insights about The Ga…
- 347. AviaDev's September 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
Welcome to the September edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Gh…
- 346. Dressed for Success: ACMI explained through The Tuxedo Framework with Andrew Lester, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering
In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Lester, ACMI and Leasing Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. Together, we delve into the intricacies of ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) lea…
- 345. AviaDev's July 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
Welcome to the July edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadial…
- 344. Slow and Steady Wins the Skies: The ASKY Airlines' Journey with Martial Date Tevi-Benissan, Commercial Director
In this episode, Date and I delve into the airline's growth and future ambitions. ASKY Airlines, now operating profitably for 15 years, boasts a fleet of 14 aircraft, connecting nearly 30 destinations across Africa. Date discusses recent n…
- 343. Dreams Delivered: Flightlink's recent regional expansion with Munawer Dhirani, Managing Director
In this wide-ranging episode, we speak to Munawer Dhirani after the inauguration of Flighlink's new Zanzibar-Nairobi daily service, exploring why now is the right time to open the route. Additionally, we discuss fleet and network expansion…
- 342. (Re)-Introducing The Fighter Pilot and CEO podcast
In this episode, I share the first episode of a podcast series I hosted and recorded back in 2021, entitled "The Fighter Pilot and the CEO" The focus of this particular episode is a conversation about whether leaders are born or made and t…
- 341. Introducing FlySafair's latest innovation, Lindi, and talking all things fleet and network with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer
In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, I spoke with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, about the airline's innovative use of AI, particularly their new AI agent named Lindi. Together, we discuss the implications of AI…
- 340. AviaDev's June 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
Welcome to the June edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadial…
- 339. AviaDev Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum 25 Panel session: Moving the needle: Driving policy change to improve air access
This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. In this session, industry leaders discuss the critical aspects of tourism and aviation policy integration within the African context. The panel reviews the vital role of private sector and g…
- 338. AviaDev Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum 25 Panel session: The power of partnership: How airports, destinations and airlines collaborate to grow connectivity
This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. This engaging session features real-life examples from Namibia, Madagascar, and Zambia. Moderated by Francis Doku, the discussion dives into how airlines, airports, and tourism boards can wo…
- AviaDev Africa 25 Panel session: Flightpath to growth: Rethinking ownership, market access and unlocking capital for African airlines
This session was recorded on Thursday, 12th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. Key topics include ownership models, market access barriers, regulatory challenges, and strategies to unlock capital and promote growth in the secto…
- AviaDev Africa 25 Panel Session "Maximising non-aeronautical revenue: Balancing revenue growth, efficiency and customer service experience in Africa's airports"
This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. The panel discuss innovative strategies for increasing revenue, enhancing passenger satisfaction, and leveraging real estate development around airpor…
- AviaDev Africa 25 Panel session: Beyond the Headwinds: Navigating rising costs, finance hurdles and supply chain challenges for African airlines
In this discussion, industry experts explore the critical challenges facing African aviation, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and financing hurdles. Topics discussed include the viability of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintena…
- AviaDev Africa 25 Panel Session "AI: Friend or Foe?"
This session was recorded on Thursday, 12th June, at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. The panel discusses the integration of AI in various facets of the aviation industry, such as customer service, operational planning, revenue manage…
- AviaDev Africa 25 Panel session: Sweating the assets: Maximising efficiency in airline network planning
This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. The discussion delves into various challenges and strategies for domestic and regional route development, including market stimulation, aircraft utiliz…
- Celebrating Excellence. Mesfin Tasew Bekele, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines receives the Ato Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award
This session was recorded on Friday, 13th June at the AviaDev Africa event in Zanzibar. Ato Mesfin Tasew Bekele, the Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his remarkable journey from an engineering trainee to leading Africa's largest air…
- Aviation Financing in Africa: How African Airlines Are Transforming Fleet Financing with Tristan Brouard, ACC Aviation
Access to finance is a perennial challenge for many African and Global airlines and it starts with identifying the right solution for your business model. For this episode, I am joined by Tristan Brouard, Vice President of Asset Management…
- AviaDev's May 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
Welcome to the April edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadia…
- 329. From Mobile Money to AI. The future of airline payments with Network International
In this episode, we welcome back Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director - East Africa, Network International. AI is influencing all aspects of the aviation business, and payments are no exception. Together, we discuss: Has the momentum t…
- 328. From Risk to Resilience. The Insurance and Safety Nexus with AI12
In this episode, we welcome Denis Kulikov, Deputy CEO at AI12 and Michael Jonga, Director Africa to explore how safety culture and its direct impact on insurance premiums, which can be a substantial expense for African airlines. Together,…