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African Countries Contemplate New Multinational Airline

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Seven countries in eastern, central and southern Africa have begun talks aimed at establishing a multinational Pan African Airline. Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, initiated the talks, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Tewolde Gebremariam told AIN on the carrier’s inaugural flight to Windhoek, Namibia, on October 6. (www.ainonline.com) More...

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wietersheim
wietersheim 7
Very great. This might be a further step on Africa growing together. Hopefully, this plan can be realised, and maybe, money can be safed because of the state own flag carriers (of which many are non profitable, for example Air Namibia) will be kept away. I can imagine, that every member-state gives a certain amount of money in a certain period for this pan african Airline (as well as the AU and the EU are financed). So, in the future, if you travel to Namibia, no longer with Air Namibia but with Pan Af (Pan African).
andyc852
Interesting development, particularly if backed by Ethiopian. I recall Air Afrique as a multi national carrier for the former French colonies in West Africa. It never succeeded but it was many years ago. Ethiopian has a large and modern fleet, and also has experience in helping other national airlines wit their technical work.
yr2012
matt jensen 2
I flew Air Afrique many decades ago and found it had competent pilots, but was never on time.
andyc852
Agree. Flew them many times (as well as UTA!) and punctuality was not high on the agenda, but culturally consistent with the markets they served!
TorontoJeff
Jeff Phipps 4
I have flown Ethiopian several times and they were great. Their fleet was younger than my flag carrier AC. The problem with what he is proposing (and I'm sure he knows it all too well) is the incredible amount of graft and corruption in most African countries. It usually sinks their carriers. To get something like this "off the ground" in DRC Congo, Kabilla would have his hand out for a $20M bribe to put it through. I think EA has been a success because they are left alone to run their business without the political interference. Look at the mess SA Airline is in now.
ysfsim
Ant Miraa 1
Easyjet Africa...
pierreguillemot
When I travelled to Gabon by then flag carrier Air Gabon, I went to Paris Champs Elysees Air Gabon office to buy a ticket. But the agent (a Cameroon citizen) did not accept my credit card nor my cheque. Only cash or certified cheque. His explanation : "Vous comprenez, avec la clientèle que nous avons." (You know, with such customers we have.) It was 30 years ago. I hope the reason why Air Afrique folded has since disappeared.

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