African air travel is booming — but the airlines themselves aren’t.

Loading player...
GUEST – Phuthego Mojapele – Aviation Analyst

Despite passenger numbers rising faster than the global average, African carriers are still trapped in a low-profit, high-cost cycle that threatens the sector’s future. Why is the continent experiencing growth without gain?

In this episode, we unpack the paradox with aviation analyst, who helps us make sense of why Africa earns just $1.30 profit per passenger while the global industry makes nearly $8 and why Africa has the highest operating costs in the world.

From soaring fuel prices and heavy taxes, to limited route networks, aging fleets, blocked airline funds, weak connectivity, and policy barriers, we explore the real structural issues constraining African aviation.
11 Dec 2025 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Premier Bakes H1’2026 Operating Profit Surge Of 52.5%

Premier FMCG reported a strong set of interim results, with earnings growth, expanding margins and early benefits emerging from its acquisition of RFG Holdings. CEO Kobus Gertenbach discusses integration progress, consumer spending trends, commodity price dynamics and how Premier plans to sustain growth as it scales into a larger and…
10 Nov 12PM 16 min

South Africa’s Construction Capacity Question

South Africa is betting heavily on infrastructure to drive economic growth, yet concerns remain about project delays, contractor failures, skills shortages and shrinking industry capacity. We speak to Tshidiso Lekgetho, Acting Registrar of the SACPCMP, about the real state of the construction sector, the importance of professionalisation and accountability, and…
10 Nov 11AM 18 min

Vodacom HY Heps Surges 25.7% on Safaricom’s Transformational Impact

Vodacom delivered one of its strongest sets of interim results in recent years, boosted by the consolidation of Safaricom, rapid growth in financial services and expanding digital revenues. CEO Shameel Joosub joins us to discuss the future of African fintech, the evolution of Vodacom beyond traditional telecoms, and whether the…
10 Nov 12PM 11 min

South Africa's R1.16 Trillion Logistics Problem

South Africa's logistics bill is projected to reach a record R1.16 trillion in 2026, equivalent to 14.6% of GDP and the highest logistics cost burden recorded in more than two decades. The latest State of Logistics 2026 for South Africa report paints a picture of a freight system under pressure…
9 Nov 1PM 13 min

Your Vote, Your Wealth: Why Politics Shapes Property Prices

For most South Africans, their home is their largest financial asset. So, what happens when poor governance starts eroding property values? Herschel Jawitz, CEO of Jawitz Properties, joins us to discuss the powerful relationship between local government performance, infrastructure, service delivery and household wealth.
9 Nov 12PM 19 min