Radisson Blu has for a second year in a row, secured the leading position as the hotel brand with the most hotels under development and the most hotel deals in its pipeline in Africa, according to the recently published 2019 W Hospitality Pipeline Report.
Radisson Blu, part of the Radisson Hotel Group™ took over as the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa last year and has for a second year claimed the title with the recent release of W Hospitality Pipeline Report 2019, the most authoritative source on the growth of the hotel industry in Africa.
The report has ranked Radisson Blu as the leading individual hotel brand with the highest number of hotel deals and within this pipeline, the largest number of rooms and proportion of its pipeline actually under construction, in Africa.
The Group's upper midscale brand, Park Inn by Radisson, has also entered the same top 10 brand list, securing the fifth position.
We are thrilled to see our flagship brand, Radisson Blu, continuing to lead the way in Africa with the most hotel deals signed and the most hotel rooms under construction, than any of the other 120 hotel brands it was ranked against.
This is a true testament of our agility as a hotel group, as we can move quickly from deal signing to hotel opening. As referenced in the report, we had several hotels which were signed and opened within the same year.
This is aligned with our development strategy, as we expect our future growth to arise from existing hotel take-overs and new build hotels.
With economic headwinds in some African markets, we have identified further opportunities to exploit our vast knowledge and experience in converting unbranded, underperforming hotels, offices or apartment buildings and re-position them to the right brand and market segment within the Radisson Hotel Group brand portfolio, says Andrew Mclachlan, Senior Vice President, Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.
This growth has spiked Radisson Hotel Group's portfolio in Africa to 99 hotels (20,500+ rooms) in operation and under development across 32 countries.
We aim to add a further 12 hotels to our African portfolio this year, which will take us well over the 100 hotel mark by year end and confidently on our way to securing 130 hotels by the end of 2022.
Our five-year development strategy focuses on creating scaled hotel growth in key cities and resort locations across Africa.
With a focus on scaled growth in key locations across Africa, we can offer guests multiple hotels across different brands and market segments, at various price points and improved local hotel performance with strong local procurement and cluster select services in the same city.
Cape Town, Johannesburg and Lagos are our three gateway cities in sub-Saharan Africa where we aim to have scaled growth and an ambition of up to ten hotels within the same city.
Dakar, Abidjan, Douala, Luanda, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa are cities where we aim to have between three and five hotels due to the size of the economy, market, long-term fundamentals and supply and demand opportunities.
In addition, we are not ignoring the smaller cities and larger towns across Africa where we've identified potential to penetrate the market with either our midscale Park Inn by Radisson brand or upscale Radisson, concludes Mclachlan.
Showing posts with label dakar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dakar. Show all posts
Wednesday, 15 May 2019
Monday, 18 June 2018
SENEGAL: Air Senegal Confirms Orders Two Airbus A330neo
Senegal’s national carrier, Air Senegal, signed a firm order for two Airbus A330neo aircraft.
The order follows on from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November at the Dubai Airshow.
Air Senegal’s CEO, Philippe Bohn, said the new re-engined version of the A330 wide-body airliner will contribute to the development of the carrier’s medium and long-haul network.
It is important for us to begin our commercial activities with aircraft that are both reliable and economical while offering our passengers unrivaled comfort.
This order demonstrates our ambitions for this new airline, Philippe Bohn said.
The agreement was signed in Dakar by Bohn and Fouad Attar, Head of Commercial Aircraft Airbus Africa Middle East, in the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to Senegal, and Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal.
We are pleased to count Air Senegal as a new customer.
These A330neos will enable Air Senegal to benefit from unbeatable economics and to offer its passengers an outstanding level of comfort and travel experience in its market, said Fouad Attar Head of Commercial Aircraft Airbus Africa Middle East.
The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent 7000 engines and features a new larger span wing with sharklet wingtip devices. The cabin also has the new Airspace amenities.
Air Senegal was founded in 2016 and was scheduled to start operations in December 2017. However, the flight operations are now scheduled to begin in early 2018.
It previously signed for ATR 72-600 turboprops, and now, with the new addition, Air Senegal will have two Airbus A330.
Air Senegal International was an airline with its head office in Dakar, Senegal. It was a regional carrier operating a scheduled domestic network and regional flights to neighbouring countries.
It also operated charter and air taxi flights. Its main base was Dakar-Yoff-Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport.
On April 24, 2009, the airline suspended all of its operations.
The airline was established on 1 February 1971 as Air Senegal and started operations on 23 February 2001. It was restructured as an international carrier following the acquisition of a majority stake by Royal Air Maroc in 2001.
It was part of Groupe Royal Air Maroc, who owned 51% of the company's shares, with 49% being held by the Senegalese government.
At one time the airline had its head office on the grounds of Dakar-Yoff-Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport in Yoff, Senegal.
In 2006 the airline disclosed losses of $16 million. In 2007, the Senegalese government stated that effective 5 November 2006, it would purchase a further 26% of the airline, raising its stake to 75%.
The Senegalese government stated that support from Royal Air Maroc had shown its limitations, and that the airline needed to be recapitalised.
In late 2009, a new airline was announced to replace Air Senegal International. The new airline is called Senegal Airlines with a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft and 2 Airbus A330 aircraft. Operations commenced in early 2011.
An Air Senegal International Boeing 737-700 at Paris Orly Airport in 2007.
As of 2007, Air Senegal International operated scheduled passenger flights to the following destinations:
Africa
Benin Benin - Cotonou - Cadjehoun Airport
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso -Ouagadougou - Ouagadougou Airport
Cape Verde - Praia - Nelson Mandela International Airport
Ivory Coast Cote d'Ivoire - Abidjan - Port Bouet Airport
The Gambia - Banjul - Banjul International Airport
Guinea-Bissau - Bissau - Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
Guinea Guinea - Conakry - Conakry International Airport
Mali - Bamako - Senou International Airport
Mauritania - Nouakchott - Nouakchott International Airport
Niger - Niamey - Diori Hamani International Airport
Senegal - Cap Skirring - Cap Skirring Airport
Dakar - Dakar-Yoff - Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport
Saint Louis - Saint Louis Airport
Tambacounda - Tambacounda Airport
Ziguinchor - Ziguinchor Airport
Togo Togo - Lome - Tokoin Airport
Europe
France - Marseille - Marseille Provence Airport
Paris - Orly Airport
Italy - Milan - Malpensa Airport
Spain - Gran Canaria - Gran Canaria Airport
Madrid - Barajas Airport
Air Senegal International had codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
- Belgium Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance)
- Spain Iberia Airlines (Oneworld)
- Morocco Royal Air Maroc
- South Africa South African Airways (Star Alliance)
- Cape Verde TACV
Air Senegal International fleet consists of the following aircraft:
Boeing 737-700: 4
Bombardier Dash 8 Q300: 1
Total Number of Aircraft: 5
Tourism Observer
The order follows on from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November at the Dubai Airshow.
Air Senegal’s CEO, Philippe Bohn, said the new re-engined version of the A330 wide-body airliner will contribute to the development of the carrier’s medium and long-haul network.
It is important for us to begin our commercial activities with aircraft that are both reliable and economical while offering our passengers unrivaled comfort.
This order demonstrates our ambitions for this new airline, Philippe Bohn said.
The agreement was signed in Dakar by Bohn and Fouad Attar, Head of Commercial Aircraft Airbus Africa Middle East, in the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to Senegal, and Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal.
We are pleased to count Air Senegal as a new customer.
These A330neos will enable Air Senegal to benefit from unbeatable economics and to offer its passengers an outstanding level of comfort and travel experience in its market, said Fouad Attar Head of Commercial Aircraft Airbus Africa Middle East.
The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s Trent 7000 engines and features a new larger span wing with sharklet wingtip devices. The cabin also has the new Airspace amenities.
Air Senegal was founded in 2016 and was scheduled to start operations in December 2017. However, the flight operations are now scheduled to begin in early 2018.
It previously signed for ATR 72-600 turboprops, and now, with the new addition, Air Senegal will have two Airbus A330.
Air Senegal International was an airline with its head office in Dakar, Senegal. It was a regional carrier operating a scheduled domestic network and regional flights to neighbouring countries.
It also operated charter and air taxi flights. Its main base was Dakar-Yoff-Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport.
On April 24, 2009, the airline suspended all of its operations.
The airline was established on 1 February 1971 as Air Senegal and started operations on 23 February 2001. It was restructured as an international carrier following the acquisition of a majority stake by Royal Air Maroc in 2001.
It was part of Groupe Royal Air Maroc, who owned 51% of the company's shares, with 49% being held by the Senegalese government.
At one time the airline had its head office on the grounds of Dakar-Yoff-Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport in Yoff, Senegal.
In 2006 the airline disclosed losses of $16 million. In 2007, the Senegalese government stated that effective 5 November 2006, it would purchase a further 26% of the airline, raising its stake to 75%.
The Senegalese government stated that support from Royal Air Maroc had shown its limitations, and that the airline needed to be recapitalised.
In late 2009, a new airline was announced to replace Air Senegal International. The new airline is called Senegal Airlines with a fleet of 4 Airbus A320 aircraft and 2 Airbus A330 aircraft. Operations commenced in early 2011.
An Air Senegal International Boeing 737-700 at Paris Orly Airport in 2007.
As of 2007, Air Senegal International operated scheduled passenger flights to the following destinations:
Africa
Benin Benin - Cotonou - Cadjehoun Airport
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso -Ouagadougou - Ouagadougou Airport
Cape Verde - Praia - Nelson Mandela International Airport
Ivory Coast Cote d'Ivoire - Abidjan - Port Bouet Airport
The Gambia - Banjul - Banjul International Airport
Guinea-Bissau - Bissau - Osvaldo Vieira International Airport
Guinea Guinea - Conakry - Conakry International Airport
Mali - Bamako - Senou International Airport
Mauritania - Nouakchott - Nouakchott International Airport
Niger - Niamey - Diori Hamani International Airport
Senegal - Cap Skirring - Cap Skirring Airport
Dakar - Dakar-Yoff - Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport
Saint Louis - Saint Louis Airport
Tambacounda - Tambacounda Airport
Ziguinchor - Ziguinchor Airport
Togo Togo - Lome - Tokoin Airport
Europe
France - Marseille - Marseille Provence Airport
Paris - Orly Airport
Italy - Milan - Malpensa Airport
Spain - Gran Canaria - Gran Canaria Airport
Madrid - Barajas Airport
Air Senegal International had codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
- Belgium Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance)
- Spain Iberia Airlines (Oneworld)
- Morocco Royal Air Maroc
- South Africa South African Airways (Star Alliance)
- Cape Verde TACV
Air Senegal International fleet consists of the following aircraft:
Boeing 737-700: 4
Bombardier Dash 8 Q300: 1
Total Number of Aircraft: 5
Tourism Observer
Saturday, 12 May 2018
AFRICA: New Airports Coming Up In Africa
Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar
In Africa, majority of airports are undergoing expansion in a bid to cater for rapidly growing passenger and cargo traffic volumes.
Four years ago, Africa initiated 40 new airport projects in a bid to expand its airport infrastructure. Angola spent US$2.1 billion on airport construction.
In fast-growing economic and populous regions such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, investments in new airports construction remain strong.
Nigeria on the other hand, is planning to spend US$1.07 billion.
Tripoli has set aside US$2.1 billion for airport construction projects.
Algiers has set aside US$952 million.
Kigali is set to spend US$650 million.
Lusaka is planning to spend US$500 million in airport construction projects.
Tanzania’s new US$300 million terminal is due to open in June 2019 at the country’s main airport to boost government plans to transform the country into a regional transport hub.
The new terminal will handle six million passengers each year.
Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is being developed in two phases and will cost an estimated US$560 million.
It will be able to accommodate up to three million passengers per year in the first phase, while the second phase will increase the site’s capacity to ten million per year.
Rwanda is constructing the US$818 million Bugesera International Airport to handle the rising air traffic in the country, as well as bolster intra-African travel, investment and business.
Slated for completion by December 2018, the first phase of the construction will increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 1.8 million.
Tourism Observer
In Africa, majority of airports are undergoing expansion in a bid to cater for rapidly growing passenger and cargo traffic volumes.
Four years ago, Africa initiated 40 new airport projects in a bid to expand its airport infrastructure. Angola spent US$2.1 billion on airport construction.
In fast-growing economic and populous regions such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, investments in new airports construction remain strong.
Nigeria on the other hand, is planning to spend US$1.07 billion.
Tripoli has set aside US$2.1 billion for airport construction projects.
Algiers has set aside US$952 million.
Kigali is set to spend US$650 million.
Lusaka is planning to spend US$500 million in airport construction projects.
Tanzania’s new US$300 million terminal is due to open in June 2019 at the country’s main airport to boost government plans to transform the country into a regional transport hub.
The new terminal will handle six million passengers each year.
Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is being developed in two phases and will cost an estimated US$560 million.
It will be able to accommodate up to three million passengers per year in the first phase, while the second phase will increase the site’s capacity to ten million per year.
Rwanda is constructing the US$818 million Bugesera International Airport to handle the rising air traffic in the country, as well as bolster intra-African travel, investment and business.
Slated for completion by December 2018, the first phase of the construction will increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 1.8 million.
Tourism Observer
Friday, 27 January 2017
SENEGAL: France Lifts Travel Warning On Casamance
France has scrapped a travel advisory of more than 25 years which urged its citizens not to travel to Senegal's coastal region of Casamance.
The decision has spurred hopes that Casamance's beaches will attract French holiday-makers, giving the tourist industry a boost.
Improved security meant that French citizens could now visit the region, France's embassy in Senegal said.
Casamance had been hit by unrest linked to a separatist group since 1982.
Once home to a thriving tourist industry, Casamance is separated from the capital, Dakar, by The Gambia.
It is home to numerous ethnic groups, including many Christians, while northern areas are dominated by three, largely Muslim communities.
Violence has waned since a 2014 ceasefire agreed between the government and separatist rebels.
There has been a push to clear land mines from the region over the last few years.
The decision has spurred hopes that Casamance's beaches will attract French holiday-makers, giving the tourist industry a boost.
Improved security meant that French citizens could now visit the region, France's embassy in Senegal said.
Casamance had been hit by unrest linked to a separatist group since 1982.
Once home to a thriving tourist industry, Casamance is separated from the capital, Dakar, by The Gambia.
It is home to numerous ethnic groups, including many Christians, while northern areas are dominated by three, largely Muslim communities.
Violence has waned since a 2014 ceasefire agreed between the government and separatist rebels.
There has been a push to clear land mines from the region over the last few years.
NIGERIA: South African Airways Introduces Flights To Abuja
South African Airways (SAA) has introduced a second entry point to Nigeria in its quest to enable trade and unlock mobility, which will considerably add to business travel options in the West African region.
Adding a second gateway in Nigeria to SAA’s existing daily service to Lagos materially strengthens SAA’s position in West Africa. The addition of Abuja to SAA’s network follows closely on the successful introduction of the Accra, Ghana to Washington Dulles, USA route, as a West African platform in August 2015. SAA launched flights between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America.
The introduction of the Accra to Washington route has seen a steady growth in the number of passengers using this route and has performed in line with expectations. This has provided SAA with the confidence to invest further and enhance its footprint in West Africa.
“Nigeria is one of the fastest growing air travel markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and will be well served with our additional services to Abuja. Introducing Abuja as a second entry point in Nigeria will add more travel options, especially for the business community, and will enhance our footprint on the continent,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.
Abuja, built in the 1980s, became Nigeria’s capital in December 1991, and is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa. With Abuja, SAA will be serving eight destinations in Central and West Africa, with flights from its Johannesburg hub to Lagos (Nigeria); Abidjan (Ivory Coast); Cotonou (Benin); Accra (Ghana); Douala (Cameroon), Dakar (Senegal) and Libreville (Gabon) already forming part of the extensive regional route network.
The three weekly flights will operate non-stop between Johannesburg and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard modern Airbus 330-200s, offering SAA Business class comfort and luxury, with the latest in In-flight entertainment.
The first flight is scheduled to depart O.R Tambo International Airport on 26 January 2016. Flights are open for sale on all SAA’s distribution channels.
Adding a second gateway in Nigeria to SAA’s existing daily service to Lagos materially strengthens SAA’s position in West Africa. The addition of Abuja to SAA’s network follows closely on the successful introduction of the Accra, Ghana to Washington Dulles, USA route, as a West African platform in August 2015. SAA launched flights between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America.
The introduction of the Accra to Washington route has seen a steady growth in the number of passengers using this route and has performed in line with expectations. This has provided SAA with the confidence to invest further and enhance its footprint in West Africa.
“Nigeria is one of the fastest growing air travel markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and will be well served with our additional services to Abuja. Introducing Abuja as a second entry point in Nigeria will add more travel options, especially for the business community, and will enhance our footprint on the continent,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA Chief Commercial Officer.
Abuja, built in the 1980s, became Nigeria’s capital in December 1991, and is known for being one of the few purpose-built capital cities in Africa. With Abuja, SAA will be serving eight destinations in Central and West Africa, with flights from its Johannesburg hub to Lagos (Nigeria); Abidjan (Ivory Coast); Cotonou (Benin); Accra (Ghana); Douala (Cameroon), Dakar (Senegal) and Libreville (Gabon) already forming part of the extensive regional route network.
The three weekly flights will operate non-stop between Johannesburg and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard modern Airbus 330-200s, offering SAA Business class comfort and luxury, with the latest in In-flight entertainment.
The first flight is scheduled to depart O.R Tambo International Airport on 26 January 2016. Flights are open for sale on all SAA’s distribution channels.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
NIGERIA: Air Peace Adds Fleet, Promises To Fly International
Air Peace’s plan to cover more local routes and operate international flights has received a huge boost with the delivery of the new aircraft it recently acquired.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the airline,Chief Allen Onyema said in Lagos that the airline embarked on the acquisition of more aircraft to service its local market and the international routes recently approved for it.
“We have been designated to fly into Dakar, Senegal, Accra, Ghana, Niamey, Niger; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Douala, Cameroun, China, Dubai, India, and South Africa.
“One of the new aircraft has the capacity to take 142 passengers, while the other can take 126 passengers. In our fleet, we now have nine Boeing and one Dornier aircraft. Some of the aircraft we will be deployed for the regional routes.
“We have visited the civil aviation and relevant authorities in these countries and plans are at an advanced stage. We will soon announce our commencement dates on these routes, but one thing we want to assure our passengers is that we will put in our cockpit the best of pilots,” Onyema said.
Air Peace, he said, was ready to deepen its investment in the nation’s aviation industry as well as create more jobs for Nigerians.
He, however, regretted that the difficulty in sourcing foreign exchange and aviation fuel was straining the operations of airlines in the country.
Onyema commended the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for working tirelessly to ease the operational challenges of airlines in the country, saying local flight operators needed more public support to survive.
He said “The domestic airline industry is not getting the right support it deserves from the government as they would rather do everything possible to support foreign airlines,”
“We do more for the country than the foreign airlines. If the foreign airlines face the kind of challenges that we face for 72 hours, they will all pack out of Nigeria. The government must rise up and protect local airlines,” he added.
Some of the challenges facing local airlines according to Onyema include forex and fuel scarcity, high premium on insurance, double taxation to regulatory and airport agencies, and Nigerian Customs Services’ failure to comply with government directives on exemption VAT on importation of important aircraft spares.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the airline,Chief Allen Onyema said in Lagos that the airline embarked on the acquisition of more aircraft to service its local market and the international routes recently approved for it.
“We have been designated to fly into Dakar, Senegal, Accra, Ghana, Niamey, Niger; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Douala, Cameroun, China, Dubai, India, and South Africa.
“One of the new aircraft has the capacity to take 142 passengers, while the other can take 126 passengers. In our fleet, we now have nine Boeing and one Dornier aircraft. Some of the aircraft we will be deployed for the regional routes.
“We have visited the civil aviation and relevant authorities in these countries and plans are at an advanced stage. We will soon announce our commencement dates on these routes, but one thing we want to assure our passengers is that we will put in our cockpit the best of pilots,” Onyema said.
Air Peace, he said, was ready to deepen its investment in the nation’s aviation industry as well as create more jobs for Nigerians.
He, however, regretted that the difficulty in sourcing foreign exchange and aviation fuel was straining the operations of airlines in the country.
Onyema commended the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika for working tirelessly to ease the operational challenges of airlines in the country, saying local flight operators needed more public support to survive.
He said “The domestic airline industry is not getting the right support it deserves from the government as they would rather do everything possible to support foreign airlines,”
“We do more for the country than the foreign airlines. If the foreign airlines face the kind of challenges that we face for 72 hours, they will all pack out of Nigeria. The government must rise up and protect local airlines,” he added.
Some of the challenges facing local airlines according to Onyema include forex and fuel scarcity, high premium on insurance, double taxation to regulatory and airport agencies, and Nigerian Customs Services’ failure to comply with government directives on exemption VAT on importation of important aircraft spares.
Sunday, 7 February 2016
MAURITANIA: Mauritania Airlines International To Upgrade Aircrafts
Mauritania Airlines International, airline based in Nouakchott, Mauritania, serving as flag carrier of the country, is looking to replace its two of its three Boeing 737 aircraft with a pair of newer Boeing 737-800 airliners, with delivery later this year.
The carrier currently has two Boeing 737-500, one Boeing 737-700 and one Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft in its fleet of 4 aircraft.
Mauritania Airlines International is also discussing with Embraer an order for more ERJ-145 aircraft.
Mauritania Airlines International was set up in December 2010 in response to the demise of Mauritania Airways.
Mauritania Airlines International operates short- and medium-haul flights from its base at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC).
Mauritania Airlines flies to many destinations including Cotonou, Brazzaville, Abidjan, Conakry, Bamako, Zouerat, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Casablanca, Dakar and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The carrier currently has two Boeing 737-500, one Boeing 737-700 and one Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft in its fleet of 4 aircraft.
Mauritania Airlines International is also discussing with Embraer an order for more ERJ-145 aircraft.
Mauritania Airlines International was set up in December 2010 in response to the demise of Mauritania Airways.
Mauritania Airlines International operates short- and medium-haul flights from its base at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC).
Mauritania Airlines flies to many destinations including Cotonou, Brazzaville, Abidjan, Conakry, Bamako, Zouerat, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Casablanca, Dakar and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
NIGERIA: Arik Air Introduces New Timings, More Baggage On Lagos-Johannesburg Route
Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest carrier has introduced new summer timings on the Lagos- Johannesburg route. Additionally, the baggage allowance on the route has been increased for both Premier and Economy Class passengers.
With the new timings which came into effect on June 15, 2015, outbound daily flights now depart the MurtalaMuhammed International Airport, Lagos at 1:30 pm (local time) and arrive into the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg at 8:40 pm (local time). Inbound flights leave Johannesburg at 11:15 pm (local time) and arrive into Lagos at 4:30 am the next day.
For the new baggage allowance, Premier and Economy class passengers from Lagos to Johannesburg can carry three pieces of luggage each with Premier passengers allowed a maximum weight of 32kg per piece and Economy passengers 23kg per piece.
The advantage of the new timings is that it offers better connections from Arik Air’s regional and domestic points to Johannesburg. Abuja and Port Harcourt passengers have multiple daily connection options via Lagos to and from Johannesburg.
Similarly, the new timings offer Dakar, Banjul and Luanda passengers same day connections in both directions while passengers travelling to Cotonou and Douala via Lagos have same day connection off inbound Johannesburg flight.
The domestic and regional South African markets are also benefiting from the new timings as they can now connect same day to the Johannesburg-Lagos service.
Arik Air Executive Vice President/Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue commented on the new timings and increased baggage allowance:
“Times are changing for passengers flying from West to South Africa. Their request for better connecting times has now been addressed. We are a customer oriented airline and we go the extra mile to ensure that our guests have value for money.”
With the new timings which came into effect on June 15, 2015, outbound daily flights now depart the MurtalaMuhammed International Airport, Lagos at 1:30 pm (local time) and arrive into the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg at 8:40 pm (local time). Inbound flights leave Johannesburg at 11:15 pm (local time) and arrive into Lagos at 4:30 am the next day.
For the new baggage allowance, Premier and Economy class passengers from Lagos to Johannesburg can carry three pieces of luggage each with Premier passengers allowed a maximum weight of 32kg per piece and Economy passengers 23kg per piece.
The advantage of the new timings is that it offers better connections from Arik Air’s regional and domestic points to Johannesburg. Abuja and Port Harcourt passengers have multiple daily connection options via Lagos to and from Johannesburg.
Similarly, the new timings offer Dakar, Banjul and Luanda passengers same day connections in both directions while passengers travelling to Cotonou and Douala via Lagos have same day connection off inbound Johannesburg flight.
The domestic and regional South African markets are also benefiting from the new timings as they can now connect same day to the Johannesburg-Lagos service.
Arik Air Executive Vice President/Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue commented on the new timings and increased baggage allowance:
“Times are changing for passengers flying from West to South Africa. Their request for better connecting times has now been addressed. We are a customer oriented airline and we go the extra mile to ensure that our guests have value for money.”
Monday, 21 September 2015
UNITED KINGDOM: 50,000 Hotel Developments For Africa
Believing that for too long the African tourism narrative has been restricted to a few destinations and safaris, a new online platform aims to present Africa to global travelers like they’ve never seen it before. Hip Africa, a new guide to the best spots to eat, sleep and play in Africa’s most sought after destinations, launched last week with 5 initial key cities: Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Dakar and Johannesburg. Cities scheduled to be added next include: Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Marrakesh and Maputo.
Hip Africa is set transcend the old safari narrative, offering up the continent as a viable place for city breaks, great restaurants, arts and culture and a swathe of boutique and luxury hotels.
Africa has emerged in recent years as one of the fastest growing regions for hotel development, with 50,000 hotels in the pipeline: a topic which will be the subject of panel discussions, networking and deal making at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Addis Ababa 30th September – 1st October.
This activity is reflective of a wider trend: Africa’s emergence as the last tourism frontier, with a growing number of internationals visiting the continent year on year, and the upsurge of intra-Africa travel.
Global travel accounts for almost 10% of global GDP and is an industry that enjoys year on year uninterrupted growth and Africa’s tourism take off is inevitable. Hip Africa speaks to a sophisticated audience from Europe to the US, Asia and most importantly across Africa itself – both business and leisure travelers.
Hip Africa showcases a carefully selected list of hotels and ‘hip spots’ – including restaurants, art galleries, museums, shopping spots and escapes – with high quality photography and editorially independent reviews.
It is London-based, however its content is provided by a team of journalists, photographers, and movers and shakers on the ground across Africa, keeping readers in the know and up to date.
“We aim to inform our readers, and give them the practical tools for visiting and moving around what is arguably the most exciting continent in the world,” says Ruby Audi, the Ghanaian/British founder.
Hip Africa will soon be unveiling a number of new cities, on every corner of the continent and will eventually cover over 30 destinations in 20 countries.
Hip Africa is set transcend the old safari narrative, offering up the continent as a viable place for city breaks, great restaurants, arts and culture and a swathe of boutique and luxury hotels.
Africa has emerged in recent years as one of the fastest growing regions for hotel development, with 50,000 hotels in the pipeline: a topic which will be the subject of panel discussions, networking and deal making at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum taking place in Addis Ababa 30th September – 1st October.
This activity is reflective of a wider trend: Africa’s emergence as the last tourism frontier, with a growing number of internationals visiting the continent year on year, and the upsurge of intra-Africa travel.
Global travel accounts for almost 10% of global GDP and is an industry that enjoys year on year uninterrupted growth and Africa’s tourism take off is inevitable. Hip Africa speaks to a sophisticated audience from Europe to the US, Asia and most importantly across Africa itself – both business and leisure travelers.
Hip Africa showcases a carefully selected list of hotels and ‘hip spots’ – including restaurants, art galleries, museums, shopping spots and escapes – with high quality photography and editorially independent reviews.
It is London-based, however its content is provided by a team of journalists, photographers, and movers and shakers on the ground across Africa, keeping readers in the know and up to date.
“We aim to inform our readers, and give them the practical tools for visiting and moving around what is arguably the most exciting continent in the world,” says Ruby Audi, the Ghanaian/British founder.
Hip Africa will soon be unveiling a number of new cities, on every corner of the continent and will eventually cover over 30 destinations in 20 countries.
Saturday, 19 September 2015
SENEGAL: Saint-Louis, Colonial Shadow
Bridge over Senegal River, with view to the fisherman village on Langue de Barbarie
The town, beautifully located where River Senegal hits the Atlantic beaches, is French and peaceful, yet sparkling African.
Saint-Louis was a city needed to be built. French traders already in 1659 saw the strategic and economic importance of establishing a settlement on the narrow Ndar island in the mouth of River Senegal. It naturally became the non-competed capital of French Senegal from 1673 to 1960.
Saint-Louis is also a city that needs to be preserved. UNESCO recognised the city's unique values and history in 2000, naming it a World Heritage site. Not only the well preserved colonial architecture in the old town of Ndar found UNESCO approval; also the French-African interaction and Saint-Louis' cultural and historic importance for "a large part of West Africa" was given strong weight,
Myself, I discovered Saint-Louis after a colleague, a senior travel journalist, chose to celebrate Christmas in this mainly Muslim city, which he had known from colonial times. So I decided to fit in a four-day purely holiday stay in Saint-Louis on what I knew would be a tough job visit to buzzing Dakar and rather boring Nouakchott.
And it indeed became a relaxing stay - I think it is the most relaxing place I have been to in West Africa. It combined all the things I love - interesting sights; harmonic architecture; nice walks in fresh air; good food; and genuine African culture - but excluding the tourist traps and false facades of more crowded destinations.
I especially appreciated the possibility of wandering around the contrasting parts of the city. Leaving the colonial city on Ndar on the fascinating Faidherbe iron bridge, you get to the new city of Saint-Louis, Sor, on the mainland. Here, architecture is dull but the busy markets and small shops on every corner bring you straight back to contemporary Africa.
Crossing the smaller bridge eastwards from Ndar island, you walk onto the narrow and sandy Langue de Barbarie peninsula, whose low dunes protect Saint-Louis from the Atlantic Ocean.
Again, you arrive another world. Crossing three blocks, the seaside of Saint-Louis suddenly becomes a busy fishing village, with hundreds of small and colourful boats and canoes lying on the beach and marketwomen offering fresh ocean delicacies.
And if that is not enough, continuing your walk southwards on Langue de Barbarie, it does not take long before the seemingly endless beach becomes virtually unpopulated. If you opt for a long walk - or maybe rather a taxi - you can even reach the Langue de Barbarie National Park on the southern tip of the peninsula, hosting a great density of water birds including pink flamingos.
But the main attraction remains the colonial centre. Although the centre's architecture is distinctly French and the city during centuries was a French commune - where even most African inhabitants were able to vote for the Paris parliament - this is by now an African city. Street life, festivals and most food is as Senegalese as you get it elsewhere in the country.
But the distinguished flair of Saint-Louis is not found elsewhere in Senegal, with the minor exception of some busy quarters of Dakar. It is the historically rooted urban feeling, mixed with a pleasant provincial tranquillity.
Indeed, for travellers it was a lucky choice that Dakar was made capital at independence in 1960, as that kept Saint-Louis' development somewhat frozen for decades. For the local population, the decision was dramatic and the economy went into strong recession. But lack of investments kept the historic centre untouched enough for UNESCO's milestone decision in 2000.
At least since that, individual cultural tourism to Saint-Louis has been on the increase. The city's World Heritage centre is slowly being preserved and the range of food and accommodation offers is improving.
Finding accommodation in Saint-Louis should be done in advance if going during one of the many festivals. Low cost options can be found in the old centre, although it takes some investigations. Most hotels try to offer a historic luxury flair, with according prices. If you prefer beach life, there are some resorts on Langue de Barbarie.
Food offers range from the French cuisine in the most tourist oriented places, through Italian, Lebanese, Asian and cheap but tasty Senegalese dishes. If you are unfamiliar with Senegalese cooking, have no fear. It is wonderful! In many places, you will even get a beer or wine along with your food, which is not always normal in Senegal.
Getting to Saint-Louis, which lies in Senegal's north close to the Mauritanian border, is fairly simple through Dakar. Dakar is the region's best connected airport, with direct flights to many European capitals, the US and South Africa. From Dakar, cheap bushtaxis and more expensive single taxies are available to Saint-Louis.
Wanting to combine the trip with other destinations, Dakar is always worth a longer or shorter stay. Also the greener and friendly Casamance province in the south, with charming Ziguinchor and the luxury French beach resorts, are a good choice. Bon voyage!
The town, beautifully located where River Senegal hits the Atlantic beaches, is French and peaceful, yet sparkling African.
Saint-Louis was a city needed to be built. French traders already in 1659 saw the strategic and economic importance of establishing a settlement on the narrow Ndar island in the mouth of River Senegal. It naturally became the non-competed capital of French Senegal from 1673 to 1960.
Saint-Louis is also a city that needs to be preserved. UNESCO recognised the city's unique values and history in 2000, naming it a World Heritage site. Not only the well preserved colonial architecture in the old town of Ndar found UNESCO approval; also the French-African interaction and Saint-Louis' cultural and historic importance for "a large part of West Africa" was given strong weight,
Myself, I discovered Saint-Louis after a colleague, a senior travel journalist, chose to celebrate Christmas in this mainly Muslim city, which he had known from colonial times. So I decided to fit in a four-day purely holiday stay in Saint-Louis on what I knew would be a tough job visit to buzzing Dakar and rather boring Nouakchott.
And it indeed became a relaxing stay - I think it is the most relaxing place I have been to in West Africa. It combined all the things I love - interesting sights; harmonic architecture; nice walks in fresh air; good food; and genuine African culture - but excluding the tourist traps and false facades of more crowded destinations.
I especially appreciated the possibility of wandering around the contrasting parts of the city. Leaving the colonial city on Ndar on the fascinating Faidherbe iron bridge, you get to the new city of Saint-Louis, Sor, on the mainland. Here, architecture is dull but the busy markets and small shops on every corner bring you straight back to contemporary Africa.
Crossing the smaller bridge eastwards from Ndar island, you walk onto the narrow and sandy Langue de Barbarie peninsula, whose low dunes protect Saint-Louis from the Atlantic Ocean.
Again, you arrive another world. Crossing three blocks, the seaside of Saint-Louis suddenly becomes a busy fishing village, with hundreds of small and colourful boats and canoes lying on the beach and marketwomen offering fresh ocean delicacies.
And if that is not enough, continuing your walk southwards on Langue de Barbarie, it does not take long before the seemingly endless beach becomes virtually unpopulated. If you opt for a long walk - or maybe rather a taxi - you can even reach the Langue de Barbarie National Park on the southern tip of the peninsula, hosting a great density of water birds including pink flamingos.
But the main attraction remains the colonial centre. Although the centre's architecture is distinctly French and the city during centuries was a French commune - where even most African inhabitants were able to vote for the Paris parliament - this is by now an African city. Street life, festivals and most food is as Senegalese as you get it elsewhere in the country.
But the distinguished flair of Saint-Louis is not found elsewhere in Senegal, with the minor exception of some busy quarters of Dakar. It is the historically rooted urban feeling, mixed with a pleasant provincial tranquillity.
Indeed, for travellers it was a lucky choice that Dakar was made capital at independence in 1960, as that kept Saint-Louis' development somewhat frozen for decades. For the local population, the decision was dramatic and the economy went into strong recession. But lack of investments kept the historic centre untouched enough for UNESCO's milestone decision in 2000.
At least since that, individual cultural tourism to Saint-Louis has been on the increase. The city's World Heritage centre is slowly being preserved and the range of food and accommodation offers is improving.
Finding accommodation in Saint-Louis should be done in advance if going during one of the many festivals. Low cost options can be found in the old centre, although it takes some investigations. Most hotels try to offer a historic luxury flair, with according prices. If you prefer beach life, there are some resorts on Langue de Barbarie.
Food offers range from the French cuisine in the most tourist oriented places, through Italian, Lebanese, Asian and cheap but tasty Senegalese dishes. If you are unfamiliar with Senegalese cooking, have no fear. It is wonderful! In many places, you will even get a beer or wine along with your food, which is not always normal in Senegal.
Getting to Saint-Louis, which lies in Senegal's north close to the Mauritanian border, is fairly simple through Dakar. Dakar is the region's best connected airport, with direct flights to many European capitals, the US and South Africa. From Dakar, cheap bushtaxis and more expensive single taxies are available to Saint-Louis.
Wanting to combine the trip with other destinations, Dakar is always worth a longer or shorter stay. Also the greener and friendly Casamance province in the south, with charming Ziguinchor and the luxury French beach resorts, are a good choice. Bon voyage!
Wednesday, 9 September 2015
IVORY COAST: Air Côte d’Ivoire Supports Muslim Community
Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national airline of Ivory Coast, has donated assorted items to the National Chief Imam in Accra.
The items were a goodwill gesture to the Muslim community in the country for their support to the airline over the years.
Micheline Yahot, Country Manager of Air Côte d’Ivoire said the airline has always had a special package for Muslim destinations.
“The package is there for Muslim destinations like Dakar, Niger, Conakry, and Bamako. We have a very nice fare with good connection. You can see that the flight is full of people traveling to the places mentioned to be with their families.
For instance, we now have a very competitive fare. We are on the route to support. We are also supporting the Muslim Community by donating these items.”
Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu thanked the company for the gesture. “We express the gratitude of the Muslim community. We pray for the airline and ask God to protect them on the ground and in the air. We hope to continue with this relationship and we hope that this mutually beneficial relationship will continue. We hope to strengthen the relationship between the airline and the Muslim community.”
Air Côte d’Ivoire is the national airline of Ivory Coast, based in Abidjan. It started operations on 12 November 2012.
The Port Bouet Airport based airline re-started its operations in the country in January 2013 with offering to about 13 destinations within the sub-region via Abidjan.
The airline now offers six flights per week out of Accra to Abidjan with on-ward connection to more than 18 destinations. 20 in total with Three (3) domestics flights to San Pedro, Bouake and Korhogo.
The items were a goodwill gesture to the Muslim community in the country for their support to the airline over the years.
Micheline Yahot, Country Manager of Air Côte d’Ivoire said the airline has always had a special package for Muslim destinations.
“The package is there for Muslim destinations like Dakar, Niger, Conakry, and Bamako. We have a very nice fare with good connection. You can see that the flight is full of people traveling to the places mentioned to be with their families.
For instance, we now have a very competitive fare. We are on the route to support. We are also supporting the Muslim Community by donating these items.”
Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu thanked the company for the gesture. “We express the gratitude of the Muslim community. We pray for the airline and ask God to protect them on the ground and in the air. We hope to continue with this relationship and we hope that this mutually beneficial relationship will continue. We hope to strengthen the relationship between the airline and the Muslim community.”
Air Côte d’Ivoire is the national airline of Ivory Coast, based in Abidjan. It started operations on 12 November 2012.
The Port Bouet Airport based airline re-started its operations in the country in January 2013 with offering to about 13 destinations within the sub-region via Abidjan.
The airline now offers six flights per week out of Accra to Abidjan with on-ward connection to more than 18 destinations. 20 in total with Three (3) domestics flights to San Pedro, Bouake and Korhogo.
Wednesday, 2 September 2015
FRANCE: Air Méditerranée Proposes Dakar, Cape Verde And The Canaries
Air Méditerranée launches this winter 2015-2016 new routes to Dakar in Senegal (from Marseille), Boa Vista and Sal in Cape Verde (from Nantes and Paris-Charles de Gaulle) and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.
Air Méditerranée launches this winter the Marseille-Dakar line, it will operate at the same time in regular service since the company holds the traffic rights on Dakar and tourist flights on behalf of its customers tour operators or agencies travel. From December 18, 2015 to May 6, 2015, regular flights posted on its website and operated by Boeing 737-500 configured for 131 passengers, will depart once a week (Friday) at 12:15 pm for an arrival at 16h50 (5h35 flight) The return flights starting again at 17:40 Dakar for an arrival at 0:15 the next day in Marseille.
Other leisure destinations are winter program. Thus, from December 18, 2015 to May 27, 2016, Air Méditerranée settles in Cape Ver t opening on behalf of its major customers two new destinations tower operators to Boa Vista and Sal, every Friday, from Paris-CDG Nantes-Atlantique.
Las Palmas with Air Méditerranée finally strengthens serving the Canary she launched last year, co-charter for eight major French and European tour operators: FRAM, FTI, Karavel, Look Voyages, Thalasso No. 1 Thomas Cook, TUI France and Voyamar. Winter 2015/2016 edition of the Canary program is enriched by destination Las Palmas from Lyon, Nantes and Paris, which adds to Lanzarote from Paris-CDG, Bordeaux Brest, Deauville, Lyon, Marseille, Metz, Nantes, Toulouse and Fuerteventura from Paris-CDG, Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse.
Air Méditerranée launches this winter the Marseille-Dakar line, it will operate at the same time in regular service since the company holds the traffic rights on Dakar and tourist flights on behalf of its customers tour operators or agencies travel. From December 18, 2015 to May 6, 2015, regular flights posted on its website and operated by Boeing 737-500 configured for 131 passengers, will depart once a week (Friday) at 12:15 pm for an arrival at 16h50 (5h35 flight) The return flights starting again at 17:40 Dakar for an arrival at 0:15 the next day in Marseille.
Other leisure destinations are winter program. Thus, from December 18, 2015 to May 27, 2016, Air Méditerranée settles in Cape Ver t opening on behalf of its major customers two new destinations tower operators to Boa Vista and Sal, every Friday, from Paris-CDG Nantes-Atlantique.
Las Palmas with Air Méditerranée finally strengthens serving the Canary she launched last year, co-charter for eight major French and European tour operators: FRAM, FTI, Karavel, Look Voyages, Thalasso No. 1 Thomas Cook, TUI France and Voyamar. Winter 2015/2016 edition of the Canary program is enriched by destination Las Palmas from Lyon, Nantes and Paris, which adds to Lanzarote from Paris-CDG, Bordeaux Brest, Deauville, Lyon, Marseille, Metz, Nantes, Toulouse and Fuerteventura from Paris-CDG, Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse.
Labels:
air méditerranée,
boa vista,
bordeaux brest,
cape verde,
dakar,
deauville,
lanzarote,
Las palmas,
lille,
lyon,
marseille,
metz,
nantes,
paris,
paris-cdg,
sal,
senegal,
toulouse and fuerteventura
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