As Africa’s commercial airline operations enter a phase of rapid growth, Slovakia-based airline AirExplore is positioning itself to tap into the continent’s potential. According to Boeing forecasts, African air traffic is set to grow by 7.4% annually, surpassing the global average of 6.1%. In response to this demand, airlines are increasingly relying on aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) services to handle fluctuating seasonal traffic.
AirExplore CEO, Martin Stulajter, recently announced the airline’s latest move into Africa: “We have signed a contract with a Nigerian airline to provide them with four of our 737-800 aircraft from November 2024 through March 2025. This collaboration will not only benefit the client’s customers but also strengthen our presence in the African market while sustaining revenue during the challenging winter period.”
The deal represents a major step, with four 737-800s—nearly a quarter of AirExplore’s fleet—providing 730 seats to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. With more than 13 million passengers passing through Nigeria’s airports in 2023, this move aligns with the country’s post-COVID aviation growth rate of 43.41%.
Flying in Africa: A Unique Experience
Stulajter highlighted the differences between operating in Africa and Europe: “Africa is a vast continent, so there are differences depending on the region of operation. We have a lot of experience with operations from bases we had in the North, such as Tunisia and Morocco, but also from more challenging destinations like Nigeria or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
Flying in African airspace, he noted, offers less air traffic control (ATC) regulation due to less crowded skies: “The openness of the airspace allows our pilots to employ skills they wouldn’t normally use elsewhere. It’s less stressful than in Europe, and pilots appreciate the freedom and responsibility that comes with navigating less congested skies.”
Adaptation and Infrastructure
Concerns around infrastructure and operational challenges do exist, but AirExplore is confident in its capabilities. “We’ve been operating in Africa for years, so for us, it’s business as usual,” said Stulajter. “Some bases require different procedures to maintain safety, but generally, we are doers, and that’s what every ACMI airline must be to survive and be profitable.”
Though infrastructure can vary across airports, Stulajter emphasized the thorough planning that goes into each operation: “We only fly to airports that meet our minimum requirements, and each is scrutinized before we plan our operations there. Maintenance bases are typically established and operated by our in-house staff, ensuring consistent performance.”
As Africa’s aviation market continues to expand, AirExplore’s experience in ACMI services will play a crucial role in supporting regional growth. The airline is ready to contribute to the development of air transport across the continent, offering airlines the ability to scale operations and improve profitability.