African Aviation Research Articles

Predictive Analytics for Pilot Training in Southern Africa

This paper aims to enhance aviation safety by identifying and addressing pilot performance weaknesses through data-driven techniques, focusing on the strategic adoption of predictive analytics in pilot training across Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. The main objective is to utilize advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to analyze aviation incident reports and identify patterns of pilot errors and operational risks. The study's results highlight vital insights, which pave the way for tailored training programs designed to mitigate risks. The achievements of the study include filling a non-empirical gap by applying the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) framework to examine the adoption of predictive analytics alongside recommendations for standardized reporting, specialized training modules, and the integration of weather analytics. These outcomes demonstrate the transformative potential of predictive analytics in improving pilot training and enhancing safety in the Southern African aviation sector.

Competition in the African air transport market

The air transport market in Africa is regulated and viable for designated carriers. Although there are some sub-regional liberalizations, airlines primarily compete based on the specifications of bilateral air service agreements. However, this competitive landscape has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examines market concentration in the African aviation industry and explores its impact on the output of African airlines. The competition was measured at the airport level using the Herfindahl-Hirschman index. Panel data were drawn from 54 countries, 339 airports, and 221 airline groups for the period 2015–2019. Kernel density estimation shows that the region’s market for air transport services is fragmented, with many small airlines. Strong competition is more prevalent at larger hub airports, airports near tourist destinations, and major airports far from larger African hubs, while markets tend to be concentrated where dominant and protected flag carriers operate. Competition is also low or limited at smaller airports offering limited flights. The results of panel regression analysis reveal a nonlinear relationship between market concentration and airline output, as strong competition may limit airlines’ output, and high concentration may promote a dominant airline or alliance that may hinder other airlines from entering or remaining in the market.

The role of African airlines in air transport liberalisation

Background: The African aviation liberalisation process began in 1988, following the liberalisation processes in Europe and the United States (US). However, by 2023, Intra-Africa air services are still reliant on the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) by which international traffic rights are exchanged in terms of the 1944 Chicago Convention, a multilateral treaty. These impose restrictions on intra-African connectivity and are obstacles to liberalisation. African multilateral initiatives, such as the Yamoussoukro Declaration, have varying levels of implementation by African states. While liberalisation efforts have major impacts on airlines, thus far these have been led by government structures.Objective: The main objectives of the study are to determine the involvement of airlines in African liberalisation development and the likely impact of the liberalisation initiatives on airline operations.Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 intra-Africa airline executives from four Regional Economic Communities (REC), which would be impacted by liberalisation.Results: The study finds that airlines do not fully participate in the development of liberalisation initiatives. Although sometimes consulted, their associations are usually only granted observer status at deliberations and negotiations. The likely impacts of the initiatives to airlines include direct connectivity, and harmonised African air transport access.Conclusion: The lack of airline participation may be a key reason for the slow progress towards liberalisation and full deregulation in Africa.Contribution: This study contributes to the body of knowledge, by being the first study to consider the role of airlines in the development of liberalisation initiatives.

Liberalisation and spatio- temporal patterns of air traffic flow from Nigeria to West Africa

Abstract The liberalisation of aviation policies across Africa has had a significant impact on air traffic flow within the region. This study aims to examine the effects of this policy, with a specific focus on Nigeria’s regional connectivity to other West African countries. By analyzing data from the pre and post-liberalisation eras, the study aims to determine the changes in passenger and aircraft movement and evaluate the significance of the policy on Nigeria’s sub-region. The study utilizes a longitudinal data set covering the period between 1988 and 2018. This data is divided into two eras: the pre-liberalisation era (1988-2000) and the post-liberalisation era (2001-2018). To assess the impact of liberalisation, a t-test is conducted on the data, comparing the air traffic flow patterns before and after the implementation of liberalisation policies.The findings reveal a substantial improvement in the air traffic flow of passengers and aircraft from Nigeria to other West African countries since the introduction of liberalisation policies. The growth patterns observed in the post-liberalisation era exhibit a linear trend, indicating sustained progress. However, uncertainties arising from hazards in air transport operations can influence the growth patterns.The study underscores the positive impact of African aviation liberalisation policy on air traffic flow, particularly in the regional context of Nigeria’s connectivity with other West African countries. The results demonstrate significant improvements in passenger and aircraft movement. However, to fully capitalize on the benefits of liberalisation, regional efforts and an improved framework need to be intensified. This will ensure sustained growth and maximize the advantages of liberalisation in the aviation sector.

A qualitative approach to investigate governance challenges facing South African airlines in the fourth industrial revolution technologies era

PurposeDynamic governance practices are key in the administration of 21st-century airlines. Knowledge transfer via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is germane in governance practices. Studies have proven that the 4IR technologies could enhance airline governance and improve safety measures and productivity. The 4IR role in improving airline governance is yet to receive in-depth studies in South Africa. Thus, this study aims to investigate the governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a qualitative research method. The main data were collected via 56 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The research achieved saturation. A thematic technique was used to analyse the collected data.FindingsFindings reveal 12 challenges and are grouped into six governance barriers facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Also, findings suggest measures to mitigate governance barriers and promote 4IR technologies usage in the airline sector.Originality/valueThe study assesses critical governance challenges facing South African airlines in the era of 4IR. Understanding the importance of vital governance challenges can assist critical stakeholders in promoting innovative policies and regulations tailored towards digitalised aerospace. Thus, the study contributes strategies to improve digital innovation and reduce airline risks in South Africa. Also, it contributes to the paucity of academic literature on developing countries’ airline governance in the 4IR era and the South African aviation sector.

Effect of Taxation on Financial Performance of the African Aviation Industry

The African Airline Association recently reported that high airport charges and taxes are responsible for suppressing the evolution, development and growth of the African aviation industry. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine whether taxation metrics – tax planning, tax burden and after-tax earnings impact the financial performance of the African aviation industry, using the regression of various financial performance measures – profitability, liquidity, and going concerned. The panel data methodological approach was applied in this study. Descriptive statistics, correlation techniques, Hausman test, regression analysis and Granger Causality test result were presented. The study shows a positive relationship between tax planning and profitability, a positive relationship between tax burden and liquidity, and a positive relationship between tax charge and tax profits. This study concludes that taxation affects firms' financial performance in the African aviation industry.

The relationship between resilience and organisational control systems in the South African aviation industry

Background: Organisational control systems, such as quality assurance and corporate governance, configure an organisation’s internal environment to manage the velocity of change and pro-actively stabilise disturbances. Resilience in a socio-technical system is a multi-disciplinary approach to instil a system’s transformability and adaptive capacity to achieve desirable outcomes and continuous improvement. This study confirms theoretical postulations that detachment between the disciplines of quality assurance and corporate governance reduces resilience in a socio-technical system. Coherence between these disciplines in a complex socio-technical system is achieved through four components of organisational resilience: strategic management and company culture, monitoring and awareness, exposure management and responsive adaptation.Objectives: This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions of the relationship between the components of organisational resilience and organisational control systems in the South African aviation industry.Method: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 203 stakeholders in the South African aviation industry. The data set was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.Results: A strong positive linear relationship exists between organisational control systems and organisational resilience and its four components: Strategic management and company culture, Monitoring and awareness, Exposure management and Responsive adaptation.Conclusion: This study revealed that a harmonised application of organisational control systems, such as quality assurance and corporate governance, stimulates organisational resilience in a socio-technical system through the autonomous advancement of four components of organisational resilience. Furthermore, the robustness of organisational control systems activates an organisation’s capacity to adapt sustainably, whilst maintaining stakeholder value within complex socio-technical systems, such as the aviation industry.

Effects of African aviation liberalisation on economic freedom, air connectivity and related economic consequences

This article investigates the effects of air transport liberalisation on economic freedom and air connectivity, and the extended effects on economic development. A PLS path modelling estimator, applied to annual data for 52 countries over the period 2011–2019, shows that aviation liberalisation promotes economic freedom and improves air connectivity. The results also reveal that the economic contribution of air transport liberalisation varies across African countries and regions, relative to their levels of economic freedom and air connectivity. It is concluded that removing barriers to trade using air transport, combined with institutions that support economic freedom and the quality of air connectivity, may foster countries’ economic development.

Russian aircrews in Africa (eyewitness narrative accounts)

The last decade of the 20th century saw another boom in the supply of Soviet-made civil aircraft to the countries of Africa. Hundreds of highly qualified aviation specialists from all post-Soviet states were involved in its operation and maintenance. Market relations, new for many of them, the aggressive way of doing business on the part of entrepreneurs, as well as the complicated military and political situation in some regions, have led to the formation of a certain type of business and personal relationships. Lessons learned over the thirty years of work in special economic and socio-cultural conditions are still actual. Nevertheless, this aspect of Russia-Africa relations remains one of the least studied. Analysis of the narratives of the eyewitnesses - pilots, flight engineers, translators - is still the only way to know more about some hallmarks of the African aviation market, which still has a significant shadow segment. For this study the narratives of a Russian flight engineer who has worked as a flight crew member in various African countries for more than ten years were collected. The recollections presented relate to the first organized trip to South Africa and Mozambique in 1992, and to the later period of private contract work in Angola and Rwanda, and are interesting because they trace the formation of psychological and ethnocultural aspects of business and personal contacts with the employers, local residents and co-workers.

Stakeholders’ views regarding macro-environment impacts on commercial flight operations in South Africa

Background: Worldwide, the aviation industry facilitates the efficient movement of passengers and goods across borders to support economic access to various local, regional and international markets. As an indirect stimulus for other economies, the aviation industry is known for distinct economic competitiveness, low profit margins and vulnerability to macro-environment fluctuations. Although many studies have focused specifically on scheduled airline’s operations, this study of commercial flight operations in South Africa encompasses both airline operations and charter/on-demand operations.Objectives: The key research objective was to critically review stakeholders’ perceptions on the macro-environment’s influences on the flight operations subsector of South African aviation industry.Method: As research methodology to explore manifest and latent meaning in dialogue, qualitative content analysis was employed in this study. Data were collected through interviews with the stakeholders of South African aviation industry and analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results: This study revealed stakeholders’ views on the effects of political, economic, sociocultural, technological, legal and ecological (PESTLE) framework embedded in the macro-environment of commercial flight operations in South Africa.Conclusion: Although the macro-environment is uncontrollable by the industry, each of the PESTLE framework’s dimensions presents challenges as well as growth opportunities. Continuous monitoring and a comprehensive understanding of the probable impacts of the macro-environment are necessary to remain competitive.

Embedded Resilience Properties Identified in Quality Assurance and Corporate Governance in the South African Aviation Industry

This study aimed to identify embedded drivers of organisational resilience through examination of stakeholders’ perceptions of the interaction between quality assurance and corporate governance in the South African aviation industry. The study followed the methodological principles of qualitative content analysis to collect and analyse data from semi-structured interviews conducted among a convenience sample of 26 stakeholders to the South African aviation industry. A fragmented relationship between quality assurance and corporate governance in the South African aviation industry was identified. Dissonance between quality assurance and corporate governance reduces an organisation’s ability to remain resilient. Principles and practices associated with quality assurance and corporate governance stimulate underlying resilience. The study provided a framework promoting organisational resilience derived from participants’ perceptions on quality assurance and corporate governance principles in the South African aviation industry. This contribution harmonised multiple disciplines of existing management systems into a practical and synergised unit to simultaneously overcome fragmented cooperation between quality assurance and corporate governance and stimulate resilience. As the aviation industry provides a service to the public and serves as a platform for economic development of other industries, the insight associated with this study transcends the aviation industry itself.

African Civil Aviation Commission Boost for Single African Air Transport Market

African Civil Aviation Commission Boost for Single African Air Transport Market

Embedded Resilience Properties Identified in Quality Assurance and Corporate Governance in the South African Aviation Industry

Embedded Resilience Properties Identified in Quality Assurance and Corporate Governance in the South African Aviation Industry

The Role of Peer Support and Its Contribution as an Effective Response to Addressing the Emotional Well-Being of Pilots

Abstract. The provision of pilot peer support in commercial aviation is a recent recommendation following the Germanwings pilot suicide–murder crash in 2015. Conducted in a South African aviation context, this study explored the phenomenon of peer support and its role and contribution as an effective response to addressing the emotional well-being of pilots. A qualitative phenomenological research design was followed using Rubin and Rubin’s in-depth, semi-structured interview technique to understand lived experiences of peer support. Nine interviews were held, six with airline pilots – a combination of peers and flight operations managers – and three with mental health professionals (MHPs). Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (TA) method elicited themes in relation to peer support and the mental health and well-being of pilots. Four themes emerged relating to (a) the conceptualization of peer support, the role of the peer, and the principles on which the process is founded; (b) pilots’ experience of their workplace as emotionally “unsafe” and deficient in acknowledging the nature of different emotional stressors; (c) the well-being of pilots and medical certification of fitness for duty; and (d) the multidimensional contribution of peer support and factors critical to integrating successful and sustainable peer support. This study underscores the importance of developing a more integrated definition of safety in aviation that incorporates supporting the mental health and well-being of pilots. This paper addresses the role and contribution of peer support and considers some of the challenges to its integration as a safety initiative.

Airline regulation and common markets in Sub-Saharan Africa

We examine the effects of institutional reforms on both the demand and supply of air transportation in Sub-Saharan Africa. We specifically consider changes in air transportation regulations and the development of general Common Markets for trade in goods and services on African aviation. This is at a time when aviation is becoming more important in the development of tourism, the export of perishables such as flowers, and in linking emergent clusters of manufacturing and service industries. In examining the implications of economic changes affecting passenger airlines we also provides some weak-replication of previous studies of demand elasticities in the region.

China and aviation in Africa: context, thrust, novelty

ABSTRACTMainland China’s involvement in African aviation is qualitatively and quantitatively different to participation by European, American and Persian Gulf countries. This paper contextualizes and outlines the Chinese emphasis on airport finance, design and construction on the continent; Chinese airline service is secondary (and Africa-dominated), and joint operational ventures are in their infancy. The prominence of one foreign country in airport provision in Africa, the recency of Chinese involvement, its pace, its price-tag, its conditionality, and minimal concurrent Chinese airline route building to and from Africa, fix the novelty and perhaps significance of Chinese involvement in African aviation.

Climate change and the aviation sector: A focus on the Victoria Falls tourism route

This study examined the environmental impacts of the aviation industry on the Victoria Falls tourism route and sustainability measures being put in place to deal with aviation’s impact on climate change. Primary data that includes an online survey of 370 tourists and secondary data from IATA Schedule Reference Analyzer among other sources were used in establishing the carbon footprint of the sector and an assessment of measures being undertaken to cut back on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in this case study. The study revealed that there is a correlation between the aviation industry and climate change. Despite efforts to cut back on carbon emissions, such efforts are not sufficient to result in meaningful cutbacks in GHG emissions owing to the inadequate regulatory framework and capacity challenges. Currently, the tourism sector on the Victoria Falls route outpaces technological gains aimed at achieving carbon-neutral growth. It is in African aviation’s best interests to cut back on carbon emissions, which can be done through public and private partnerships by taking advantage of available research. In such efforts, transparency and accountability will assist in steering the aviation industry towards the green path. Further research is recommended on how Africa can tap into alternative aviation fuels as a measure of achieving sustainable development goals.

The multi-airline p-hub median problem applied to the African aviation market

Despite growth in research on air transport in Africa in recent years, little is known about the adequacy of the infrastructure to sustain potential future air traffic expansion. The continent has experienced growth in domestic, intra- and inter-continental air traffic services over the past two decades that we project will continue over the medium term. Applying a gravity model in which corruption, conflict, common language and land-locked indices contribute to the demand estimation, we forecast annual intra-African growth of 8.1% up to 2030. As witnessed in established markets, deregulation will likely result in hub-spoke network designs in order to accommodate demand efficiently if mobility and access is to be encouraged. In this research, we modify the p-hub median problem in order to identify multiple, economically viable, hub-spoke networks that would adequately serve the intra- and inter-continental demand for air transport. Aside from current hubs, namely Cairo (Egypt), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Johannesburg (South Africa), future hubs could include airports in the North that serve European-African flows, such as Algiers, and Nigeria in the West due to its relatively large population and wealth. By 2030, we also find that demand is sufficient to justify an additional hub in central Sub-Saharan Africa, such as Lusaka (Zambia). However, this would be dependent on the implementation of liberalisation policies as set out in the Yamoussoukro Decision.

Managing in the East African Aviation Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Drive Toward a Regional Airspace

Managing in the East African Aviation Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Drive Toward a Regional Airspace

Talent Management and Leadership Reciprocity: The case of the South African Aviation Industry

The talent mindset of an organisation is a critical success factor which can enhance its capability in driving its strategic objectives. The main objective of this research was to explore employee perceptions of leadership reciprocity in the application of talent management practices in the aviation industry. An adapted version of the Talent Mindset Index was administered among a convenience sample of employees in the South African Aviation Industry (N=150). The results showed that in general that leaders lack a talent mindset and reciprocity towards talent strategies, talent acquisition practices and talent retention practices. In addition, the leadership commitment towards talent management practices was low. This research highlighted the importance of effectively applying talent management practices in an industry where talented employees are scarce. Therefore leaders need to be equipped with the necessary business acumen to make talent management both a strategic and operation priority in the South African aviation industry. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n9p11