Major African airlines are struggling to remain in business amid high fuel costs and fierce competition from foreign carriers.
Despite a growing appetite for air transport in Africa, some regional airlines have had to shut down or be bailed out by the government because of operational hurdles such as lack of air rights.
The worst-hit airlines are in Southern Africa where smaller national carriers face financial turbulence as larger rivals like South African Airways (SAA) grapple with high fuel prices and reduced passengers.
For the financial year ending March 2012 the airline posted operating losses of $137 million (Sh11.6 billion) and is expected to make further losses this financial year despite a government bailout late last year.
Like SAA, Air Namibia and Air Zimbabwe are also relying on the generosity of their respective governments for survival. Air Namibia is set to receive a $120 million (Sh10.2 billion) bailout from government this year to pay outstanding debts, with another $40 million (Sh3.4 billion) planned for next year and $33.5 million (Sh3.1 billion) for 2015.
Air Zimbabwe announced bankruptcy in 2009 and has yet to bounce back.
Across the border Air Malawi was grounded earlier this year
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