Three women transforming African aviation

Three of Africa’s national airlines are headed by women, who are indeed driving growth and transforming African aviation.

These national airlines are not small insignificant carriers. Each of the carriers is in fact undergoing significant expansion.    

WOMEN IN AVIATION

In aviation, women are typically seen in roles such as check-in, customer services and cabin crew.  

However, the three women-led national airlines speaks to the fact that the African continent is seeing changes in its aviation sector.

NATIONAL AIRLINES

A national carrier is an important entity for most states.

National airlines are key to growing economies, furthering business and trade links as well as facilitating tourism flows.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

For most companies, achieving diversity and inclusion targets is mandated and regulated by the state.

That said, not all companies make significant efforts in this regard, but instead keep things as they always have.

WOMEN DRIVING AFRICAN AVIATION

Three of the continent’s airlines are currently headed by women. Lulu Rasebotsa, Jennifer Batumuraki and Yvonne Makolo are driving change in aviation.

This shows that transformation is taking place in aviation. Moreover, in the aviation sector on the African continent.

RWANDAIR

Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir is led by Yvonne Makolo.

With a Bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a commercial background gained in the ICT and telecommunication sector in Rwanda and Canada, Makolo has indeed been instrumental in taking RwandAir forward.

The Kigali-based airline is growing its fleet and route network. It expects to double the number of aircraft in its fleet within the next five years.

RwandAir will expand its presence in Africa by opening several new routes on the continent. The airline will deploy specific aircraft types for each market segment it serves.

– QATAR CONNECTION

RwandAir is in the process of cementing a partnership agreement with Qatar Airways.  The airlines already work together through a codeshare agreement.

Makolo said Qatar Airways is expected to finalize its purchase of a 49% stake in the Kigali-based carrier in July. 

Furthermore, Qatar Airways is also a major shareholder in Kigali’s new airport. It has a 60% stake in Bugesera International Airport, a billion-dollar project.  The airport is expected to be completed by 2027 or 2028.

UGANDA AIRLINES

Uganda’s national airline, Uganda Airlines, is run by Jennifer Batumuraki.

With an MBA from Makerere University and a wealth of experience in the tourism and aviation sectors, Batumuraki is growing Uganda Airlines.

The Entebbe-based airline has just announced the start of flights to three new destinations in Africa.

The expansion comes ahead of the launch of scheduled services to London Gatwick Airport towards the end of the year.

– GREENER AVIATION

Uganda Airlines is taking steps towards more sustainable flying. The airline took delivery of two next-generation widebody aircraft last year.

The Airbus A330-800neo aircraft are being used for long-haul flights to Dubai and Mumbai. However, these aircraft are also used to operate several flights to Lagos in Nigeria.

Uganda Airlines has another four next-generation aircraft on order. It has placed an order for four Airbus A320neos.

Significantly, Ugandan is building its presence on the African continent while also repositioning itself as a regional carrier. 

AIR BOTSWANA

Botswana’s national airline, Air Botswana, is headed by Lulu Rasebotsa.

With a BSc from the University of Kent and experience in the finance and insurance sectors, Rasebotsa is raising Air Botswana to new heights.  

The Gaborone-based airline is taking delivery of three new aircraft. The aircraft are in fact all Embraer jets. Effectively, this will double the size of Air Botswana’s fleet.

Rasebotsa said that the acquisition of new aircraft is indeed part of a broader strategy to transform Botswana’s national carrier.

– MAJOR ROUTE EXPANSION

The airline will markedly grow its route network by adding various new destinations. In addition, Air Botswana will reinstate services on certain routes.

This is key to growing Botswana’s aviation landscape which is seeing foreign-owned airlines coming in and offering air services.

WOMEN IN AFRICAN AVIATION

South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority will host a summit in Durban next month.

In particular, there will be a focus on gender in the aviation sector. Moreover, the event will specifically look at women in the aviation space.