Airlines in the continent Africa have doubled their orders in 2008 (from 2007). The fuel savings, safety concerns, increasing passenger load factors, stricter environmental controls and categorical demands by governments at international destinations seem to have pushed the leading airlines in the region to order newer jets.
From The Tide News -
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) said that “member airlines on the African continent during 2007 ordered over 150 aircrafts, an increase from only six new aircrafts ordered in 2006.”
Nigeria airlines such as Arik, Virgin Nigeria, Aero contractors and Bellview are also on the list of those leading in Africa in terms of order for new aircraft.
South African and Egypt Air are now flying with Star Alliance, while Kenya Airways in 2007 joined the Air France Klm-led “Sky Team’, which will leave smaller airlines without International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit Certification and operating with internationally shunned old aircraft, trailing in their wake.
