Carin Smith
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Articles by Carin Smith
High costs and slow reforms threaten Africa’s aviation growth
Africa’s aviation industry can no longer afford the divide between strategy and action, said Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) CEO Aaron Munetsi. Munetsi has called on governments, regulators and stakeholders to stop debating, take ownership and deliver decisive, measurable progress across the continent.
United Airlines celebrates five years of South African routes
From having no footprint in Africa in 2019, United Airlines says it is excited about what it has since achieved with its biggest investment on the continent, namely in South Africa.
Iata warns undeclared dangerous goods pose growing air-cargo risk
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) is putting the role of existing aviation security screening processes as a key line of defence in the spotlight by calling for stronger, more collaborative action across the air cargo supply chain. In a new white paper, Safety & Security in the Cargo Supply Chain: Prevention, Detection, Management and Resolution of Risks with Dangerous Goods, Iata says security screening is an important layer of protection but not a primary solution.
Aviation’s high costs and safety gaps hamper African integration
Africa still records the world’s highest aviation accident rate, while intracontinental air connectivity remains far below its potential and aviation operating costs are among the highest globally.
African airlines’ profit to shrink amid Iran crisis
Story audio is generated using AI The profit African airlines can expect to make in 2026 is a meagre $0.40 (about R6.54) per passenger, down from $2.10 (R34.31) per passenger in 2025, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata). The region’s profitability is expected to weaken as a result of cost-related vulnerabilities, particularly regarding the supply and price of fuel.
South Africa could miss revenue benefit from aviation energy transition Original
Story audio is generated using AI South Africa is one of the countries that could benefit from a new initiative intended to help combat the shortage of Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) within the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia) programme aimed at neutralising international flight emissions. Corsia EEUs are carbon credits approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Airlines bear the brunt of fuel price shock, says industry leader Original
Story audio is generated using AI Airlines are bearing the brunt of the fuel price shock created by the war in the Middle East, and South African carriers are not immune to the impact. Despite having to increase air fares in response, airlines are still absorbing part of the fuel price hike in their own bottom lines, according to Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
SAA acting CEO on ‘speed dating’ mission to partner and lift the airline
The acting CEO of SAA, Matshela Seshibe, is using his time at the AGM of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) in Rio de Janeiro to look for suitable partnerships and ways of taking the flag carrier forward in a sustainable manner. “Going forward alliances will be a critical enabler to provide SAA’s customers with frictionless travel and seamless connections.
SAA acting CEO on ‘speed dating’ mission to partner and lift the airline
The acting CEO of SAA, Matshela Seshibe, is using his time at the AGM of the International Air Transport Association (Iata) in Rio de Janeiro to look for suitable partnerships and ways of taking the flag carrier forward in a sustainable manner. “Going forward alliances will be a critical enabler to provide SAA’s customers with frictionless travel and seamless connections.
Sadc region selected to launch aviation logistics safety drive
The Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA) is co-operating with the International Air Transport Association (Iata) to try to standardise the approach to aviation safety in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region. Kamil Alawadhi, Iata’s regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East, said Iata has singled out the Sadc region to launch a safety initiative for aviation logistics on the continent.
Africa has highest aviation accident rate for commercial flights, SA has none
At seven accidents, Africa recorded the highest commercial aviation accident rate in the world last year, according to the 2025 Safety Report released by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) on Monday. The vast majority of global onboard fatalities, however, occurred on just two flights: one in India and the other in the US. The report examines accidents and incidents involving commercial airline flights.
SA airlines navigate IFP suspensions amid staff shortages
Ongoing challenges with suspended instrument flight procedures (IFPs) plus staff shortages at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) continue to plague airlines, which are incurring additional fuel costs as a result. In July 2024, ATNS suspended 326 IFPs. Some have been reinstated, but, in the meantime, others had to be suspended because they could not be revalidated before they expired. On February 8, 209 IFPs reflected as suspended, including at SA’s largest airports.
Airlines earns less per passenger than Apple makes on an iPhone cover, industry body claims
Apple probably earns more selling an iPhone cover than airlines will make transporting the average passenger. With this comparison, the International Air Transport Association (Iata) announced its latest financial outlook for the airline industry on Tuesday. The outlook indicates that the airline industry collectively does not generate earnings that cover its cost of capital; this remains an important issue to resolve.
Spectroscopic Investigation of Emetine–DNA Binding
Cite Jump to ExpandCollapse ArticleNovember 23, 2025 Spectroscopic Investigation of Emetine–DNA Binding Click to copy article linkArticle link copied! Uche Udeochu* Uche Udeochu Chemistry Program, Division of Science and Mathematics, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, United States *Email: [email protected] Carin Smith Carin Smith Chemistry Program, Division of Science and Mathematics, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, United States Srey...
Airlines warn of ‘economic disaster’ as flight procedures remain suspended across SA
The Airline Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has raised concerns about operational inefficiencies and safety failures in SA, citing the continuing suspension of more than 200 instrument flight procedures by the country’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) at airports across the country.
Emirates looks to recruit IT boffins in SA
Emirates Group, the state-owned, Dubai-based international aviation holding company, is hoping to recruit more than 200 IT professionals in SA for “future-focused” tech roles. The group is hosting two recruitment information roadshows, the first in Joburg on September 18 and the second in Cape Town the following day. The local roadshows form part of the group’s global drive to recruit 17,300 IT professionals during the current financial year for 350 types of roles.
Boeing highlights job opportunities in Africa aviation sector
Islamic movement says it will not lay down arms but would release hostages if Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza
Sustainable aviation fuel in Africa is a chicken-and-egg conundrum
While the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Africa is still at an early stage, the challenge is ensuring markets on the continent are not left behind as global SAF production scales, according to Haldane Dodd, executive director of the Geneva-based Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) that fosters collaboration on issues of concern for aviation and society. “Around 45 countries are now developing or implementing policies to speed up the uptake of SAF but so far, none in Africa.
Adverse childhood experiences increase the long-term accumulation of morbidity in women - Communications Medicine
Abstract The impact of early-life traumatic experiences on late-life morbidity, or chronic conditions, remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that traumatic adverse childhood experiences, such as physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse, experienced during childhood or early adulthood are associated with a higher rate of morbidity later in life in women.
Global airlines shell out $5bn to trace lost luggage
MARKET WRAP Business Day TV speaks to Shaun Dendere from Trive Investments
Airlink says fleet expansion will create fuel savings Original
If the party does not recover its support, it stands to be the biggest loser in the next local government polls
Open skies in Africa: why the ideal is failing to launch
Reaping the economic benefits of open skies in Africa is an ideal that has so far basically failed to launch, despite almost 40 African States (including SA) having signed the AU’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) agreement, since 2018. SAATM’s goal is to reduce restrictions on air service agreements so that airlines can operate more freely across the continent. SAATM is regarded as one of the keys to successfully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)...
Landing gear issues among top causes of aviation accidents in Africa Original
In Africa the most common type of aviation accident in 2025 happened when the aircraft was still on the runway followed by accidents related to landing gear, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its recent AGM and summit in Delhi, India. The aviation accident rate in Africa is by far the highest among all regions of the world.
African airlines fail to capitalise on sustained demand
STOCK WATCH Business Day TV speaks to Devin Shutte from The Robert Group and Grant Nader from Benguela Global Fund Managers
SAA wants to increase airline’s fleet and reach
Against a backdrop of global headwinds and challenges such as value chain constraints, including aircraft delivery and leasing options, SA Airways (SAA) has stressed the importance of partnerships during this financial year, says group CEO John Lamola. “We are battling to find the right aircraft that we need from the leasing market. That has spurred us into elevating the importance of partnerships.
Failed African Open Skies – A Perspective from IATA AGM |
It is not yet time to call the ideal of open skies in Africa a mere pipe dream; what is needed is education and creating more awareness about its benefits, according to Kamil AlAwadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The airline association’s 81st Annual General Meeting and Summit took place in Delhi, India, from June 1 to 3. “I don’t think [the African open skies issue] was handled correctly. IATA did a full study.
Blocked funds and other issues hinder aviation in Sadc region
Blocked airline funds are one of the six main challenges at play in the Sadc region, according to the International Air Transport Association (Iata). Six of the top-10 countries whose governments are blocking the most airline funds from being repatriated are in Africa, and Mozambique tops the list. The blocked funds are from sources such as revenue from ticket sales, Iata said. Mozambique was blocking $205m in airline funds by the end of April.
Airline association official slams high cost of starting an airline in Africa
We should not view public-private partnerships as a threat to municipal control, but as enablers African airlines pay up to 17% more for fuel, taxes are 12%-15% higher and navigation costs up to 10% more EFF has approached the Western Cape High Court to interdict the hike Agriculture gains likely to be offset by contractions in mining, manufacturing, construction and trade sectors We should not view public-private partnerships as a threat to municipal control, but as enablers Daring Ukrainian...
African airlines hit by drop in demand for cargo
HEALTHCARE As aid from the US dries up, SA turns to one of the world’s largest HIV/Aids, TB and malaria funders
African airlines hit by drop in demand for cargo
NEW MODELS The film stars Brad Pitt as a former driver who returns to Formula One, alongside Damson Idris as his teammate
South African Airways 5-year corporate plan needs government approval
State-owned airline South African Airways (SAA) has submitted a 5-year corporate plan for approval by the government, involving obtaining an investment facility, looking for a potential strategic equity partner, and restructuring the group into three purpose-specific entities. We got this update from the airlines last year.
SAA plans to go to market to raise R2.25bn
National airline SAA has submitted a five year, two-phase corporate turnaround plan to the government that could see it going to the market for a R2.25bn investment facility and seeking a strategic equity partner.
Centralised ground services hurting airlines, says outgoing Airlink boss
NEWS LEADER Business Day TV speaks to Marion de Carte, senior client relationship manager at Boston MFO
African airline crash rate worsens
Local Launch If you thought the Japanese SUV with premium amenities needed to toughen up, your car is here
African airlines set passenger load factor record but air cargo capacity underused
The diversified healthcare Reit is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a secondary listing on the JSE
EXPLAINER: FlySafair’s foreign ownership conundrum
FlySafair has grabbed headlines recently because of both the Air Services Licensing Council and the International Air Services Council ruling that the low-cost airline is in breach of the voting rights and control requirements of SA air licensing laws. The Air Services Licensing Act established the Air Service Licensing Council to handle the licensing and control of domestic air services.
FlySafair wants consumer commission to widen probe on overbooking
PMI remains in contractionary territory, reflecting the challenging environment manufacturers faced at the end of last year
Africa must unlock its potential to produce sustainable jet fuel
Africa has a huge potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but the continent is not rising to its potential in this area, according to Preeti Jain, head of net-zero transition programmes at the International Air Transport Association (Iata). At Iata’s Global Media Day in Geneva on Tuesday, she called on governments, energy companies and other role players in Africa to unlock the potential for SAF production.
African airlines battling high costs and low profits
African airlines battling high costs and low profits 11 December 2024 - 09:06 By Carin Smith African airlines are struggling against high operational costs and a low propensity for air travel expenditure in many of their home markets...
African airlines battling high costs and low profits
The Sri Lankan writer talks about how cricket and the politics of Sri Lanka compare and collide
IATA Media Day SAF briefing – only 1.3Bn liters in 2024 |
The air transport industry is committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, and while regulation is necessary, over-regulation to address every issue makes things complex, according to Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA’s latest estimates for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production indicate that in 2024, volumes reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters) – double that of 2023.
South African Airways’ new outward focus
South African Airways (SAA) has no immediate plans to increase its domestic routes or frequencies. Its current focus is on where it can have a comparative advantage and competitive edge with the right aircraft, namely on profitable regional intra-African routes and certain intercontinental routes. Such routes are more profitable for SAA than domestic routes. This is according to the state-owned airline’s interim chair, Derek Hanekom, who spoke to AirInsight on Sunday.
Sacca plans march on SAA to get recognition
The biggest contributor in September was a 6.7% increase in platinum group metals output
FlySafair faces turbulence with compliance issue over its shares
FlySafair faces turbulence with compliance issue over its shares International Air Services Council mulls sanction that could hit airline’s ability to operate 04 November 2024 - 14:46 By CARIN SMITH South Africa’s International Air Services Council (IASC) has ruled that the shareholding structure of low-cost airline FlySafair is not compliant with the law — a decision that could end in a sanction that affects the airline’s ability to operate...
Flysafair faces compliance issue over its shares
Vice-president and former president neck-and-neck in the seven states that are likely to determine the outcome, a poll shows
BREAKING NEWS: SAA optimistic it can resolve impasse after Zimbabwe attaches assets
Zimbabwe’s environment ministry plans to attach SAA’s assets in that country for allegedly owing $2.4m in unpaid fees even as the Zimbabwean government owes the airline $59m in non-interest bearing blocked funds. About $62m in revenue that SAA earned in Zimbabwe has been blocked since 2016 due to foreign exchange repatriation challenges in Zimbabwe at that time.
Airlines face challenges ahead of peak season
Airlines face challenges ahead of peak season Flight delays, cancellations caused by navigational software issues dog aviation industry 21 October 2024 - 09:00 By Carin Smith The local airline industry is heading into the peak summer season with flight delays and cancellations, disruptions stemming from national air traffic controllers turning off in-flight navigation tools for updating to meet the latest safety standards...
Airlines face challenges ahead of SA peak season
The local airline industry is heading into the peak summer season with flight delays and cancellations, disruption stemming from national air traffic controllers turning off in-flight navigation tools for updating to meet the latest safety standards. The Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) suspended hundreds of navigation tools at several airports in July to comply with the updates and complete related paperwork.
SAA could leverage assets including real estate to get funding
SAA could leverage assets including real estate to get funding The airline is investigating financing options to fund further expansion and ‘the elevation of our customer service’, the CEO says 12 September 2024 - 11:14 By CARIN SMITH SAA is implementing a business plan that, if successful, will enable the state-owned flag carrier to be sustainable based on revenues generated from its operations...
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