In 1909 while the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was being founded in the United States of America, Colonial Powers were initiating the story of ‘heavier than air powered’ flights in Africa. The world has since moved on from the Flyer III, the first successful heavier than air manned flight of the Wright brothers in Dayton Ohio USA.
Africa is still primarily wild and free from machinery. Colonial rule in most part, as a result of the Berlin conference of 1884-1885 has seen a heightened partitioning and scramble of Africa and its resources to the fullest. On the other hand, it has facilitated the continent of Africa to be among the global participants of Aviation inauguration as we know it today.
A journey through time. Sluggard but forward moving.
Pioneering Days
South Africa and Egypt were the most active regions on matters of aviation in Africa at this period. Egypt would host Aviation events at Heliopolis in 1910 while South Africa saw attempts of building airplanes as early as 1907.
December 28,1909 Albert Kimmerling, a Frenchman visiting the shores of South Africa flys the Voisin single-seat engine powered pusher bi-plane. He makes the first powered flight in South Africa in East London over the Nahoon Racecourse. He manages to achieve an altitude of about 6 meters and a speed of approximately 30 miles per hour. This goes down in history, largely recognized as the first African heavier than air flight.
At the onset of World War One, East Africa experiences heavier than air flight action on the current Tanzanian and Kenyan territories. The Germans are
occupying the Tanganyika region, then identified as German East Africa. In 1914 a Pfalz built by Otto Pusher flies outside Dar es Salaam in German East Africa, piloted by Bruno Büchner. With the outbreak of the Great War Bruno Büchner’s aircraft is requisitioned by the Schutztruppe, the German Colonial Protection Force to East Africa.The Pfalz Otto Pusher is powered by a 100HP Rapp engine.
On hearing this, the British on the Kenyan territory launch a more serious flying in 1915. Starting October 01st 1915, flights of a Caudron G III occur near Taita Taveta, Maktau region of Kenya. Later BE2C’s join the British squadron launching reconnaissance flights from Maktau against the Germans in Tanzania.
10 years later, West Africa allegedly sees its first aircraft landing on the 1st of November 1925. Three Airco DH.9A of the British 47 squadron stationed at Helwan near Cairo land on Nigerian territory at Maiduguri.
World War II would see an increased air activity on the Northern and Eastern ends of Africa. The North African campaign and the East African campaign (World War II) between 1940 to 1943 would bring about hundreds of flights between mainly the British and the Italian airmen in Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and Libya.
As observed, the story of aviation in Africa begins in the early 20th century, a time marked by the spirit of exploration and the needs of colonial empires. It is dominated by colonial powers using aircraft for military and administrative purposes. During this era, the foundation is laid with the construction of rudimentary airstrips and the introduction of aviation into the infrastructure of several African colonies. Currently Africa boasts of over 470 airports.
Independence and Growth
The mid-20th century brings independence to many African nations, which catalyzes the development of national airlines. South African Airlines is officially founded in 1934. It began operations after the South African government took over the assets and liabilities of Union Airways, which was a private company founded in 1929. Egypt Air is formed in May of 1932 bringing it among the top ten earliest airlines worldwide. Ethiopian Airlines – 1945, Air Algérie in 1953, Kenya Airways in 1977. These became symbols of national pride and crucial tools for nation-building and economic development.
It goes without mentioning that colonial powers conglomerate nations forming multinational airlines such as the Central African Airways (CAA) which was founded in 1946 covering the current day Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi all under the British. Central African Airways ceased operations in 1967 after Zambia Airways, Air Malawi and Air Rhodesia decided to be independent of each. Another British colonial supranational airline was the East African Airways (EAA). Jointly run by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda which were all under the British. Founded in 1946 and dissolved in 1977 leading to the birth of Kenya Airways. In West Africa the British formed the West African Airways corporations (WAAC) which covered Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. WAAC was founded in 1946 and ceased operations in 1958. Exceptionally, British Colonial power chose to set up these independent airlines while the other colonial powers resolved to expand their aviation influence through their national carriers. Most of the West and Central African French colonies pooled together creating Air Afrique. A Pan-African Airline. Launched in 1961 and operated up to 2002 with a peak membership of 14 countries in the 1970’s.
Regardless of all the new airlines that were born especially for national pride, African Airways were still largely served by European Operators. Notably British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), Pan Am, Air France and Sabena Belgian Airlines would account for over 50% of African civilian air operations.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these advancements, the African aviation sector is yet to realize its full potential due to numerous challenges. In accordance with the world economic forum, 2.5% of global air travelers are Africans yet Africa accounts for over 12% of the world population.
Key obstacles to be overcome include Infrastructure limitations, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and political instability which hinder growth. Additionally, high operational costs, partly due to the price of aviation fuel and maintenance, have made air travel in Africa among the most expensive in the world. Safety has also been a major issue, with several African airlines historically facing bans from European and American airspace.
Liberalization and Integration
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw efforts to liberalize and integrate aviation markets across the continent. The Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988 and later 1999 aimed to deregulate air services and promote regional air markets as part of broader economic integration strategies. More recently, the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in 2018 promised further liberalization, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Looking Ahead
As Africa continues to grow economically, the importance of a robust aviation sector becomes ever more critical. The ongoing challenges of infrastructure development, regulatory harmonization, and safety improvements remain high on the agenda. However, the potential for growth is immense, with aviation being a key driver of economic integration and development across the continent.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has predicted an annual 5% growth rate for Africa’s air industry. Africa is set to have one of the fastest-growing aviation sectors in the world within the next two decades, thanks to its young population and economic growth potential.
Conclusion
The story of aviation in Africa is one of resilience and ambition. From its early days as a tool of colonial administration to its role today in fostering economic growth and regional integration, aviation has played a pivotal role in the continent’s history. As Africa’s skies continue to open, the potential for further transformation and connectivity is boundless, promising a new chapter in the vibrant story of African aviation.