African Aviation industry recovery is coming in fits and starts with its growth hindered by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent Omicron COVID-19 variant created an operating environment colored by travel restrictions, border closures and lockdowns that obviously impacted airlines and their suppliers.
But an Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-based flight support, aircraft charter, and consultancy provider Krimson Aviation is anticipating further growth following a record year in 2021.
The company, founded in 2015, reported that it has become the largest African flight support company in terms of geographic footprint and airports services with a presence that has grown to 38 airports in 20 countries within the continent.
In tandem with its expansion, Krimson handled 1,143 flight-related operations and 274 ground-related requirements in 2021, the company said, adding the year marked the first time that 50 percent of its business originated outside of Ethiopia.
“The increased customer diversity, airport numbers, and flight movements has been spurred by the associated requirements driven by Covid, increased business activity, and a new set of clients ranging from medevac to military,” said Krimson Aviation CEO and founder Dawit Lemma.
“Our growth certainly indicates customer confidence in the Krimson team, and in business aviation in East Africa and beyond.”
Looking forward, Krimson has plans in the works for a series of new FBOs across Eastern Africa, eyeing major expansion projects and building on its solid foundations to make reality the plans for a series of new FBOs across Eastern Africa.
“There are no FBOs in the region, yet demand is high,” Lemma said. “We have proven that our service is strong enough to increase business steadily and we now want to turn that service philosophy into a physical presence through dedicated business aviation FBOs and associated maintenance facilities.”
Furthermore, the strength of Krimson, and Lemma’s experience in managing flights between Africa and Europe has been recognized by Lemma’s selection for the European Business Aviation Association’s Ambassadors programme.
The initiative sees industry leaders join dedicated workshops and forums to address the greatest challenges and opportunities for business aviation in Europe. Lemma’s experience managing flight movements between, and within, the two continents will bring valuable insight on best practice and effective flight management linking the two continents.
