Lamola has been at the helm at SAA as interim CEO since May 2022.

SAA board interim chairperson, Derek Hanekom said: “The SAA Board is delighted to be able to appoint a solid and dedicated leader well versed in SAA’s fortunes and eager to continue overseeing its take-off into better skies.”

He added: “Professor Lamola can now continue growing SAA with confidence, knowing that he has the full support of the SAA Board and its shareholders. We congratulate him on his appointment and wish him well in his leadership of SAA.”

“Liberalisation of Africa’s air transport industry, as envisioned through the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), is not just an aspirational goal — it is an economic necessity. A unified African sky, underpinned by the Joint Prioritised Action Plan (JPAP), promises to reduce travel costs for passengers, enhance connectivity, and catalyse economic growth and cultural exchange across the continent. The success of this initiative hinges on the active support and collaboration of governments, airlines and aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing.

The need for SAATM stems from longstanding challenges in Africa’s aviation sector: limited intra-African connectivity, high travel costs, fragmented regulations, constrained aircraft financing, and underdeveloped aviation infrastructure. These barriers have confined trade, tourism, economic and social integration for decades.

Aircraft manufacturers have a responsibility to help address these issues through policy engagement, partnerships, capacity building, and technology. We take pride in our role not just as fleet suppliers but critical enablers of the ecosystem and skills that Africa’s aviation industry needs to thrive.

Significant progress has already been achieved; 37 African countries, representing over 80% of the continent’s aviation market, have joined the SAATM initiative. Key regulatory frameworks are in place, including those for fair competition and consumer protection. Capacity-building programs for aviation professionals and improvements in safety standards are now aligned with international benchmarks.

However, to unlock SAATM's full potential, sustained efforts are needed to address lingering challenges such as high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and protectionist policies. Boeing is committed to contribute meaningfully in this regard.

Collaboration is a major lever. Aircraft manufacturers partner with governments and regional bodies to highlight the benefits of a liberalised air transport market. As an example, Boeing is an active participant in the African Aviation Industry Group. The group encourages more countries to commit to SAATM and work towards harmonising regulatory standards, creating a more unified and efficient aviation ecosystem in Africa.

Air safety is one more area of collaboration across the continent. Aircraft manufacturers including Boeing support African countries in achieving the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and help enhance regional air safety working closely with airlines and organisations like African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

Fleet modernisation is another key area where aircraft manufacturers can make a significant impact. Partnering with African airlines helps renew fleets with fuel-efficient and versatile aircraft designed to meet the continent's unique operational requirements. Modernised fleets reduce operational costs and emissions and make air travel more competitive, accessible, and sustainable, a critical factor for the success of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

Capacity building is another essential contribution. Training programs for pilots, engineers, airline management, and other aviation professionals are vital to supporting the sector’s rapid growth and elevating passenger experience. Aircraft manufacturers, with their expertise and resources, are well-positioned to deliver world-class training and share best practices – and we are spearheading these efforts. Additionally, community engagement programs for African youth provide systemic improvement in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education and economic empowerment, directly feeding the talent pipeline. All these initiatives equip Africa’s aviation workforce with the skills needed to ensure a robust, safe and capable industry.

Finally, infrastructure enhancement is another important building block to SAATM. By providing counsel and data-driven analytics, aircraft manufacturers can assist in modernising airports and air traffic management systems. This ensures the infrastructure is prepared to handle the anticipated increase in air traffic, enhancing safety and facilitating smoother, more efficient operations across the continent.

A fully realised SAATM will enable seamless travel and economic growth, fostering unity, and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global aviation industry. The collaborative efforts of the African Union Commission and its implementing agency, the African Civil Aviation Commission, national governments, civil aviation authorities, the African Development Bank, African Airlines Association, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers through the Joint Prioritised Action Plan in support of SAATM are pivotal in achieving this vision.

Working together, we can ensure Africa’s aviation renaissance and the realisation of the African Union vision, Agenda 2063: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”

The appointment follows his previous role as President of Airbus for Africa & Middle East, a position he held since January 2017.

Houari brings over 30 years of global and regional industry expertise, including nearly two decades at Airbus, where his leadership has been pivotal in driving success across key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. In his new role, Houari will oversee Airbus’ operations across all divisions in Qatar, serving as the company’s primary representative to customers and key stakeholders, while supporting the country’s growth ambitions.

iGA Holding, the parent company of iGA Istanbul Airport, has appointed Atalay Gümrah as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Gümrah will officially assume his position on January 15th, 2025.

Dovydenas previously spent 16 years at Chapman Freeborn’s parent company, Avia Solutions Group, in both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commercial Officer roles before joining the charter broker in 2022.

“From 2007 until 2023 Linas played an integral part in almost all of Avia Solutions Group’s group companies’ development and geographical expansion, so he is exceptionally placed to step into the role of President, IMEA, at Chapman Freeborn and turn his attention to accelerating our growth in the region,” said Eric Erbacher, Group CEO, Chapman Freeborn.

Prior to the appointment, which takes immediate effect, Dovydenas was Executive VP, ACMI Leasing, Chapman Freeborn.

“I look forward to working with the IMEA team and driving growth throughout the region,” said Dovydenas.

“Chapman Freeborn is an exceptional company, and it will be a privilege to oversee further expansion at such an exciting time in the industry.”

From December 2024, comedian, actor, and entrepreneur, Hart and other stars will present the airline’s in-flight safety procedures in a short and entertaining film. Directed by renowned Hollywood director Tim Story, the video is created to engage passengers’ attention and focus on the important safety instructions.

Travellers will not want to miss a moment of Hart’s performance, or the star-studded cameo appearances that help him demonstrate the airline’s important safety instructions. Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley assists him to reach new heights – in this instance, the overhead lockers – and Anwar and Amal Jibawi remind him to ensure seatbelts are tightly secured and kept on throughout the flight. Additionally, Khaby Lame supports Kevin Hart doing what he does best, and Adam Waheed demonstrates how to put on an oxygen mask.   

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “At Qatar Airways, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. Our main ambition for this project was to design an in-flight safety video that passengers will not want to miss.”

“As we continue to become more technologically advanced, we are seeing more and more passengers not paying enough attention to the in-flight safety video, instead opting for entertainment content on their other devices. We decided there was no better way to capture their attention than with their favourite celebrities and content creators. Shining a spotlight and amplifying this message, we are proud to welcome Kevin Hart, our latest Global Brand Ambassador, to help spread the word.” 

Qatar Airways Global Brand Ambassador, comedian, actor and entrepreneur, Hart, said: “Buckle Up! This safety video is unlike anything you have seen on-board a luxury airline before. I have loved partnering with Qatar Airways to produce a video that passengers will not only pay attention to but remember for a long time coming, or at least until their next flight.  Qatar Airways represents best-in-class service and attention to detail, and this video brings those elements to your seat-back screen. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!”

Airlink’s current chief financial officer, de Villiers Engelbrecht, will take over from Foster as the company’s new CEO with effect from 1 April 2025.

Foster will remain a shareholder in the airline and will continue serving as a non-executive director.

Foster has served as the CEO and managing director since co-founding the business in June 1992 with Barrie Webb. At that time, South Africa was undergoing a political transition with sanctions and boycotts gradually being lifted and the doors being opened for increased trade, commerce, arts, and tourism. Airlink’s establishment coincided with the deregulation of South Africa’s domestic airline industry, allowing privately-owned airlines to compete with the state-owned national carrier.

“It has been a privilege to have led Airlink through what has been an exciting, at times very challenging, but ultimately a rewarding and fulfilling journey. However, after more than three decades in the post, it is time to hand over the flight controls to my successor and our Chief Financial Officer, de Villiers Engelbrecht,” said Foster.

Engelbrecht has been involved in Airlink for over 20 years, he served as a non executive director for a period, and joined as an executive in February 2011.

“de Villiers is widely respected in the industry and has worked alongside me, helping to steady Airllink, repurpose it and put the airline on a course for sustainable growth in the face of two existential threats to the company. These included Airlink’s separation from SAA due to SAA’s business rescue, followed closely by the COVID-19 travel restrictions which jolted air travel to a standstill. He has had hands-on exposure to all of the key elements that constitute the airline business and has the support of the entire executive team, the broader management as well as all our external stakeholders,” explained Mr Foster.

“Airlink is a flourishing and resilient business. It has a strong balance sheet that has been bolstered by an equity injection from Qatar Airways Group’s acquisition of a 25 percent stake in the company. Since 2020 Airlink has built a constellation of commercial partnerships with many of the world’s leading airlines. None of this would have been possible without the tireless support of the entire dedicated, dilligent and professional Airlink team who it has been my privilege to lead,” he added.

The partnership was unveiled at the Altitude Wellness Centre at Al Maha Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Building, a location symbolic of peak performance and well-being – qualities synonymous with Novak’s legendary career. Paying homage to Novak’s unmatched success on tennis courts across the world, this collaboration celebrates his unparalleled achievements and relentless pursuit of high performance.

Djokovic stands as one of the greatest athletes in history, with 24 Grand Slam titles and a gold medal the 2024 Paris Olympics. From his dominance on Wimbledon’s grass courts to his mastery of Melbourne’s hard courts.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Novak Djokovic to the Qatar Airways family. Novak’s extraordinary career, defined by record-breaking achievements and an unrelenting drive to succeed, mirrors our own commitment to excellence. Our global network will support Novak as he competes at the highest level in tournaments around the world and continues to set new standards in the sport of tennis. Novak truly personifies the ambitious drive for excellence, making the tennis legend the perfect choice as our Global Brand Ambassador and Wellness Advisor."

Djokovic, said: "It is my great pleasure and honour to partner with Qatar Airways, a company I admire for many years not just for its impeccable service to its customers and employees, but also because it recognises the importance of wellbeing and longevity which is a passion of mine. I believe that together we will be able to add more value and quality to the award-winning experience for the customers worldwide. As I continue to travel the world as a professional athlete, with my family and for business, I am grateful to have Qatar Airways as my partner."

He awards were led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.

His Highness commented on the extraordinary efforts and initiatives of the winners of this year’s awards: “The dedication, spirit of collaboration, perseverance and ingenuity of team members being honoured today shows the Emirates Group at its best. Whether its skilfully undertaking the largest known fleet retrofit project, expanding the digital retailing experience, achieving fuel savings across our flight operations, bringing sustainability to the forefront of our dnata Travel business, making the travel experience more inclusive, and showing courage in the face of danger,  these defining moments demonstrate the attitudes and actions that will have a lasting impact on the organisation for years to come.”

One employee being recognised was Raphael Teixeira was working his routine shift  at JFK Airport when he spotted a piece of unattended ground support equipment (GSE) emitting smoke and flames. Instantly recognising the magnitude of the situation, he quickly sprang to action to extinguish the fire and bring it under control before it had the chance to cause further damage or endanger aircraft, and most importantly those onboard.

Teixeira’s story was one of six Najm Chairman’s 2024 Awards that individually and collectively recognise Emirates Group employees in six categories: measurable customer experience improvements, innovation, leading impactful initiatives that contribute to the Group’s ESG efforts and commitment to fostering a safety-first culture.

Dr. Alhinai, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the GCAA, the UAE’s aviation regulator, will be responsible for spearheading the planned launch of Archer’s electric air taxis in the region.

Alhinai will be critical in helping to guide the consortium led by ADIO that Archer announced last week as part of its Q3 '24 results. Through this consortium, Archer has already made significant progress in establishing the regulatory pathway, infrastructure and flight operations plans necessary to enable market entry as early as late next year. Prior to Archer, Alhinai served as Director of Strategy at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, a supervisory body reporting to the Executive Council under the command of the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, where he worked on the emirate’s long-term strategic planning and performance review. 

Alhinai also held roles at McKinsey & Company across several international markets, with experience in high-growth tech, sustainability and advanced air mobility. Alhinai holds a Ph.D. in Aerial Robotics from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of Manchester.