329. From Mobile Money to AI. The future of airline payments with Network International
Release Date: 05/28/2025
347. AviaDev's September 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
AviaDev Insight Africa
Welcome to the September edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. Topics covered this month: Ethiopian Airlines reporting a $1.05 Billion profit on $7.6 Billion revenue ADD-ABV going 10 weekly from 28OCT25 12th weekly TNR, reducing NOS from Jan-Mar, SEZ reduction Jan-Mar. 4th daily EBB Group CEO Mesfin Tasew to retire in 2026 Rwandair report a $93m half-year loss KGL MBA ZNZ 3x...
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346. Dressed for Success: ACMI explained through The Tuxedo Framework with Andrew Lester, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering
AviaDev Insight Africa
In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Lester, ACMI and Leasing Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at Chapman Freeborn Airchartering. Together, we delve into the intricacies of ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance and Insurance) leasing, comparing it to renting a tuxedo for event season, and discuss its strategic advantages for African airlines facing unique market challenges. The conversation covers the benefits, common misconceptions, and regulatory hurdles of ACMI leasing, while highlighting African success stories such as Lift and Uganda Airlines. Andrew emphasizes the...
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345. AviaDev's July 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
AviaDev Insight Africa
Welcome to the July edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. Topics covered this month: The latest in the FlySafair pilot strike saga Virgin increasing capacity on LHR-LOS from 26 October, deploying the 397 seater A350-1000. A good move or short term strategy? Qatar Airways reducing Nigeria frequencies in W25. Why? South African Airways' new route CPT-MRU and the fallout from the restated...
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344. Slow and Steady Wins the Skies: The ASKY Airlines' Journey with Martial Date Tevi-Benissan, Commercial Director
AviaDev Insight Africa
In this episode, Date and I delve into the airline's growth and future ambitions. ASKY Airlines, now operating profitably for 15 years, boasts a fleet of 14 aircraft, connecting nearly 30 destinations across Africa. Date discusses recent network expansions, the airline's strategic focus on increasing flight frequencies, and the challenges and opportunities in African connectivity. The conversation also covers the transition to a uniform fleet, the high cost of operations in West and Central Africa, prospects of long-haul expansion, and potential infrastructure developments. The episode...
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343. Dreams Delivered: Flightlink's recent regional expansion with Munawer Dhirani, Managing Director
AviaDev Insight Africa
In this wide-ranging episode, we speak to Munawer Dhirani after the inauguration of Flighlink's new Zanzibar-Nairobi daily service, exploring why now is the right time to open the route. Additionally, we discuss fleet and network expansion objectives, Munawer's origin story, and the whole concept behind Flightlink as an airline. An inspirational story of resilience, enterprise, flexibility, and ultimately success. Find out more about Flightlink To watch the sessions from AviaDev Africa, visit
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342. (Re)-Introducing The Fighter Pilot and CEO podcast
AviaDev Insight Africa
In this episode, I share the first episode of a podcast series I hosted and recorded back in 2021, entitled "The Fighter Pilot and the CEO" The focus of this particular episode is a conversation about whether leaders are born or made and the role of culture and education in forming effective leaders. If you enjoyed it, you can listen to the full series on the podcast platform of your choice by searching "Fighter pilot and the CEO" or head here Representing the C-suite was Peter Davies, someone who brings over 40 years of boardroom and airline experience, having served as CEO...
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341. Introducing FlySafair's latest innovation, Lindi, and talking all things fleet and network with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer
AviaDev Insight Africa
In this episode of Aviadev Insight Africa, I spoke with Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer of FlySafair, about the airline's innovative use of AI, particularly their new AI agent named Lindi. Together, we discuss the implications of AI in customer service, the incentives for customers to use Lindi, and the feedback received since its launch. The conversation also features a deep dive into the fleet standardisation challenges and the airline's regional expansion plans.
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340. AviaDev's June 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially
AviaDev Insight Africa
Welcome to the June edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. Topics covered this month: The impact of the Trump travel ban on Africa's airlines, with a deep dive into Ethiopian Airlines' next moves in the market Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways announcement on 1st July and what it could mean, plus a brief discussion on the fleet and growth plan (more to come next month) Airlink's...
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339. AviaDev Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum 25 Panel session: Moving the needle: Driving policy change to improve air access
AviaDev Insight Africa
This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. In this session, industry leaders discuss the critical aspects of tourism and aviation policy integration within the African context. The panel reviews the vital role of private sector and government collaboration, and the importance of regional connectivity. Key points address the economic impact of improved air access, the challenges posed by protectionist policies, and the necessity for a data-driven approach. The discourse emphasizes actionable steps like fostering deeper cooperation between tourism bodies and aviation authorities and...
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338. AviaDev Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum 25 Panel session: The power of partnership: How airports, destinations and airlines collaborate to grow connectivity
AviaDev Insight Africa
This session was recorded 11th June in Zanzibar. This engaging session features real-life examples from Namibia, Madagascar, and Zambia. Moderated by Francis Doku, the discussion dives into how airlines, airports, and tourism boards can work together to overcome barriers such as high costs, regulatory challenges, and the lack of data-driven strategies. The panelists, representing different sectors, emphasize the need for shared data, trust, government support, and innovative marketing to create successful partnerships. They also highlight the significant impact of external support in...
info_outlineIn this episode, we welcome back Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director - East Africa, Network International.
AI is influencing all aspects of the aviation business, and payments are no exception.
Together, we discuss:
Has the momentum towards payment digitisation from passengers continued?
How is this reducing cost and complexity for airlines?
Is the new "buy now, pay later" concept supporting airlines in acquiring new customers?
What can be done with the data Network International collects?
How can airlines prevent fraud, which continues to be an issue impacting the industry?