Anthony A Juma

Aircraft do operate under different technical speeds which are determined by the manufacturers and the manufacturers manual acts as a guidance for the aircraft maintenance engineers and pilots to ensure the speeds are operated as indicated in the manufacturers manual.These speeds have to be maintained and in-case of variation the pilot has to inform the maintenance personnel who if in doubt will request the manufacturer for further directions.

World air news round up gives the latest development of new airlines,new private charter companies, opening new routes, fleet expansion by airlines and introduction of light business executive jet aircraft.Through air news passengers will be able to know if there is new developments in airfares whereby when new airlines venture into the market the competition becomes stiffer and thus need for airfares being reduced with introductory airfares and other benefits for travelers.

With the rapid growth of aviation industry in Africa, it has been established besides the pilots training courses there is need to introduce courses in aviation management such as diplomas in flight operations & dispatch, aircraft engineering,air traffic controllers, aviation safety & security courses,bachelor degrees and masters degree in aviation management to be able to meet the needed skills in aviation industry.

It is through air shows,exhibitions and aviation conferences where all stakeholders come together and discuss on problems faced by airlines operators,aircraft operators .It is in this forum that engineers,manufacturers,pilots and management personnel interact on the way to ensure there is safe operations executed and ensuring the skies are safe.Various types of aircraft are displayed and operators due share the market demand and the best way to operate profitably.

Helicopters have become on high demand for search and rescue mission,air ambulance,scenic flights,filming flights,aerial survey & photography flights, and even for air drops in areas with poor road infrastructure.With this high demand the manufacturers will have to ensure they produce larger helicopters which can transport up to 3o people and above and cargo of 2.5 tonnes especially for rescue from flooded areas and in remote areas.

There is need for joining synergies through partnerships, bi-lateral agreements and even purchase fuel, oils, spare-parts as one entity to be able to benefit with special prices based on volume purchase. The African Airlines Association is trying to organize one shop stop for all airlines in Africa for fuel, oils, and spare-parts to enable airlines to be able to operate on profitability and save on costs other than purchasing as individuals but through synergy strategy.

Through aviation association air operators are able to lodge complains against increment in services by civil aviation authority,airport authorities and the Ministry of transport in imposing huge taxes on facilities that are not to the standard.Aircraft operators should ensure they have associations which should be championing for their rights and also ensuring what they pay match the services provided.

It is through such events as air shows,exhibitions ,workshop and seminars that different personalities in aviation industry meet,pilots,engineers,aviation managers,aircraft manufacturers and air operators who deliberate on the best practices to make the skies safe.The pilots will explain to the engineers on problems they face in the air to enable them implement and find solutions.The aircraft operators will interact with the aircraft manufacturers on how best they can improve on aircraft perfo

It has been that only flying is the key highly earning job in aviation industry without forgetting aviation management and engineering careers that are will paying and on high demand as airliners do expand and with introduction of modern jumbo jets and airliners. Aviation management jobs in Administration, flight ground operations, aircraft dispatch, air controller jobs, apron operations, reservations and flight bookings, commercial and customer care among many others.

Airline companies in Africa as they plan to expand also need to also look at the skills of the top management staff by evaluating them and proving further training or replacing those who can not meet the required skills to be able to balance growth and profit .These will enable airlines to remain profitable as the personnel do have the required skills to ensure they remain afloat in the market. With the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dream liner there is a lot of investment involved .