AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS AFRICAN CONNECTIVITY


BY Edward HARDY


ONE of the major hurdles in operating across Africa is navigating the diverse regulatory landscape. "There are certainly challenges in dealing with diverse regulations


across the continent," Mohamed Aden Noor, CEO of Safe Air Company, explained. "Each country has its own navigation charges, and there’s no unified system where you can pay all your fees in one place." Despite these complexities, Safe Air leverages its local expertise to navigate these regulatory


landscapes more effectively than


foreign carriers, ensuring smooth operations and timely deliveries. "As a local operator, we have the advantage of knowing the region


intimately," Aden says, highlighting that their regional knowledge helps mitigate the challenges posed by varying regulations and unpredictable logistics.


Delivering where others can’t With this local understanding, Safe Air Company has become a key player in the region, specialising in cargo operations to some of the continent’s most underserved regions. Pointing to the vast potential in Africa’s aviation sector,


particularly when it comes to serving humanitarian aid missions, Aden explained: "Many areas of the continent are underserved by international carriers because of issues like insurance, aircraft size, or restrictions on leases with European or American owners." This gap in service creates a significant opportunity for local


operators like Safe Air, who have the expertise and ability to deliver cargo to challenging destinations such as Goma, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, and Libya—areas that larger


international carriers


often avoid due to instability or logistical challenges. "Our deep knowledge of the region and local connections are key


advantages. It’s a matter of survival really, ensuring that cargo, especially humanitarian aid, reaches the people who need it most," Aden asserted. "We understand the challenges and nuances of the market better than anyone else. For example, when there’s a conflict in Goma or any other area, we can get real-time, accurate information faster than international carriers. Our local knowledge and connections make us more agile in addressing the needs of the region."


Continued opportunity Looking ahead, Aden continues to see significant potential for growth in Africa’s aviation sector, particularly if local carriers are given more support. "African airlines need more financial capacity—particularly in terms of bank guarantees—because purchasing aircraft is an enormous investment," he explained. "Through these partnerships, we can build capacity locally—both


in terms of human resources and machinery," Aden suggested. "Over time, this would lead to more equitable negotiations and better access to global markets."


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www.aircargoweek.com


05 JANUARY 2026 ACW


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