Best SimpliFlying Podcasts (2025)

1
325. Sustainability in the air. Volume Two with Dirk Singer, Author, SimpliFlying 28:41

28d ago28:41

28:41

In this episode, I interview Dirk Singer, co-author of "Sustainability in the Air," Volume two. The first edition is one of my favourite publications and highlights specific companies and case studies relating to sustainability 18 months after the first volume was published, we discuss the following: Is the desire and requirement to focus on sustai…

1
Aviation Financing in Africa: How African Airlines Are Transforming Fleet Financing with Tristan Brouard, ACC Aviation 25:14

1d ago25:14

25:14

Access to finance is a perennial challenge for many African and Global airlines and it starts with identifying the right solution for your business model. For this episode, I am joined by Tristan Brouard, Vice President of Asset Management at ACC Aviation, a global leader in aircraft leasing that offers transaction and consultancy services. Tristan…

1
AviaDev's May 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially 1:05:50

4d ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Welcome to the April edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Topics covered this month: Air Côte d'Ivoire's incoming A330-9…

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Why JetZero believes blended wing body aircraft are essential for net-zero aviation 52:24

8d ago52:24

52:24

In this episode, we speak with Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero, which is developing the world's first commercial blended wing body (BWB) aircraft that promises to revolutionise aviation efficiency and passenger experience. JetZero is one of the visionary companies featured in our new book Sustainability in the Air: Volume Two. You can le…

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329. From Mobile Money to AI. The future of airline payments with Network International 24:56

6d ago24:56

24:56

In this episode, we welcome back Judy Waruiru, Regional Managing Director - East Africa, Network International. AI is influencing all aspects of the aviation business, and payments are no exception. Together, we discuss: Has the momentum towards payment digitisation from passengers continued? How is this reducing cost and complexity for airlines? I…

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328. From Risk to Resilience. The Insurance and Safety Nexus with AI12 39:27

14d ago39:27

39:27

In this episode, we welcome Denis Kulikov, Deputy CEO at AI12 and Michael Jonga, Director Africa to explore how safety culture and its direct impact on insurance premiums, which can be a substantial expense for African airlines. Together, we discuss: The different types of insurance required to operate The link between safety and premiums and how t…

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327. Transforming Somalia's Skies and Revenues with Navpass 31:59

20d ago31:59

31:59

We welcome the Director General of the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, Ahmed Hassan Moalim and Tom Perkins, CEO of Navpass to tell the story of how Somalia's airspace has been reinvented over the last 7 years. We chart the course from when Somalia took back control of the Sovereign Airspace from ICAO and how Navpass supported them to collect all …

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How Edmonton International Airport is becoming a “sustainability engine” for Canada 48:20

20d ago48:20

48:20

In this episode, we speak with Marion N Chivot-Legris, Director of ESG & Sustainability Strategy at Edmonton International Airport (YEG), who shares how the Canadian airport is leveraging its unique position to drive sustainability innovation across the region. Chivot-Legris discusses: YEG’s transformation into a “sustainability engine” for the ent…

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326. Driving non-aeronautical revenues and customer satisfaction at African Airports with NACO 27:14

21d ago27:14

27:14

In this episode, I speak to Jody Appolis, airport engineer who heads NACO’s business development unit in sub-Saharan Africa and Adam Ekman Pedersen who is Airport Commerce and customer experience lead. Supported by the infographic below, we are focused on African airports and the hot topic of non-aeronautical revenues. We look at how Africa compare…

1
Charting the next phase of sustainable aviation: Sustainability in the Air, Vol. II 50:23

1M ago50:23

50:23

In this special episode, SimpliFlying’s CEO Shashank Nigam and Head of Sustainability Dirk Singer sit down with senior leaders from three companies featured in their upcoming book, Sustainability in the Air, Vol. II. Joining the conversation are Jonathon Counsell (Group Head of Sustainability, IAG), Diana Birkett Rakow (SVP of Public Affairs and Su…

1
324. AviaDev's April 2025 Africa Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially 1:16:16

1M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Welcome to the April edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Topics covered this month: Ethiopian Airlines to launch to Sha…

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How KLM is working towards a zero-emission future in aviation 40:18

1M ago40:18

40:18

In this episode, we speak with Jolanda Stevens, Program Manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, who shares how the airline is preparing for a more sustainable future of aviation through innovative technologies and strategic investment in emerging solutions. Stevens discusses: KLM’s unique approach to innovation with a dedicated team focused on t…

1
323. Unlocking efficiency: Ensuring African airports are future ready with Selim Bouri, SITA 42:11

1M ago42:11

42:11

In this episode, I sit down with Selim Bouri, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at SITA to interpret the findings of a recent SITA survey focused on air transport IT. Selim shares his insights on the below questions: Has momentum towards digitalization and IT investment in African airports broadly continued post-Covid? Why was passenger pr…

1
How a pilot-turned-CEO transformed air travel in the Baltics 39:46

2M ago39:46

39:46

In this episode, we speak with Martin Gauss, former CEO of airBaltic, who transformed the Latvian flag carrier into one of Europe’s most innovative airlines while connecting the entire Baltic region. Gauss discusses: The benefits of operating a single-fleet airline with the highly efficient Airbus A220-300, resulting in 30% lower fuel consumption t…

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322. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel revolution with AfriSAF's Kwame Bekoe 26:27

2M ago26:27

26:27

In this episode, I sit down with Kwame Bekoe, Co-Founder and CEO of AfriSAF, https://afrisaf.com/ After 20 years working in the aviation industry for companies such as Airbus, GECAS, Zero and now proudly owning an MBA, Entrepreneur Kwame Bekoe is embarking on his biggest mission yet- to unlock Africa's sustainable energy potential. In the episode, …

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How Expliseat helps airlines cut carbon without compromising on comfort 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

In this episode, we speak with Amaury Barberot, CEO of Expliseat, about how the company's innovative lightweight seating technology is delivering immediate sustainability benefits for airlines while improving their bottom line. Barberot discusses: Expliseat's revolutionary aircraft seat design made from carbon fibre and titanium that is 30% lighter…

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321. African Skies and Beyond: Introducing the New Deutsche Aircraft D328eco. 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

In this episode, I am joined by Anastasija Visnakova, Vice President Sales and Marketing at Deutsche Aircraft, a re-established OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The D328eco is a modern turboprop aircraft boasting state-of-the-art technology and exceptional performance. Together, we discuss: The history of the airframe and how we got here The …

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Why Swedavia sees fossil-free flying as a ‘license to operate’ 40:43

2M ago40:43

40:43

In this episode, we speak with Lena Wennberg, Chief Sustainable Development Officer, and Therese Forsström, Head of Environmental Department at Swedavia, which owns and operates 10 airports across Sweden, connecting the country both internally and with the rest of the world. Wennberg and Forsström discuss: Swedavia’s achievement of fossil-free oper…

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320. AviaDev's March 2025 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially 1:45:55

2M ago1:45:55

1:45:55

Welcome to the March edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Topics this month include: Recap and feedback on Uganda Airlin…

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How Contrails.org aims to turn contrail research into practical climate action 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

In this episode, we speak with Matteo Mirolo, Director of Strategy & External Relations at Contrails.org, a science-led nonprofit initiative aimed at transforming contrail research into practical climate action. Mirolo discusses: The substantial climate impact of contrails, which are responsible for 1-2% of human-caused global warming and have roug…

1
How Alaska Star Ventures is funding the future of sustainable aviation 47:48

3M ago47:48

47:48

In this episode, we speak with Pasha Saleh, Head of Corporate Development at Alaska Airlines, who leads Alaska Star Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture capital arm focused on sustainable aviation technologies. Saleh shares insights about the airline’s approach to sustainability investments and their vision for decarbonising the industry. Sale…

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319. Rodger Foster's farewell speech. BARSA Conference, 14 March 2025 39:44

3M ago39:44

39:44

In this episode, we hear Rodger Foster's farewell speech to the industry ahead of his retirement. Rodger is CEO and Managing Director of Airlink, and the speech reflects on his career and the evolution of Airlink since its founding in 1992. He reflects on the journey through significant political and economic changes in South Africa, detailing the …

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How Finnair celebrated its centenary with 100 sustainability initiatives 41:57

3M ago41:57

41:57

In this episode, we speak with Eveliina Huurre, Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Finnair, who shares insights about the airline’s approach to sustainability and their ambitious targets to reduce emissions. Huurre discusses: The employee engagement initiative that yielded 300 sustainability ideas, with 100 selected for implementation during …

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318. AviaDev's February 2025 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially 1:14:59

3M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

Welcome to the February edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE Topics this month include: Air Peace canceled Johannesburg,…

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Is demand management in aviation a myth or reality? 56:22

3M ago56:22

56:22

In this special episode, we bring together Patrick Edmond, Managing Director of Altair Advisory, and Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying, to discuss whether aviation demand management is a myth or a necessary component of climate action. Moderated by Dirk Singer, SimpliFlying’s Head of Sustainability, the discussion stems from a heated LinkedIn exc…

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317. Discover Airlines: Milestones reached and future plans for Africa's skies 25:06

3M ago25:06

25:06

In this episode, I am joined by Marco Goetz, Chief Commercial Officer, and Rupert Kraus, Director Network Development and Airport Relations at Discover Airlines. The airline turns 4 in 2025 and continues to develop its African network. In the episode, we discuss: The African network and fleet in 2025. The Zanzibar route performance and continued ex…

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How InfluenceMap’s data-driven approach tracks aviation climate advocacy 33:51

3M ago33:51

33:51

In this episode, we speak with Lucca Ewbank, Program Manager, Transport at InfluenceMap, who shares how the non-profit think tank uses data-driven analysis to assess corporate engagement with climate policies, and holds the corporate and financial sectors accountable for their role in climate change. Ewbank discusses: The significant disparity betw…

1
316. Previewing the Tourism and Aviation Connectivity Forum (New for AviaDev 2025) 39:06

3M ago39:06

39:06

In this episode, I am joined by our 3 partners to preview the inaugural AviaDev tourism and connectivity forum, a platform offering practical advice and showcasing best practices to inform and assist Africa's tourism authorities to shape their destination's connectivity. Our partners are: Natalia Rosa, Tourism Project Lead, SADC Tourism Business Co…

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315. Previewing the BARSA (Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa) Aviation Summit 2025 with George Mothema, CEO 30:53

3M ago30:53

30:53

In this episode, we sit down with George Mothema, CEO of BARSA, the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa, who represents the interests of international, regional, and local member airlines and ground handlers to government, airport operators, and stakeholders in the airline industry. We cover: South Africa's recovery to date in terms of…

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314. Navigating Aviation Insurance in Africa: Insights and Best Practices with Solus Insurance Brokers 38:45

4M ago38:45

38:45

In this episode, recorded live on location in Dubai, we are joined by Timur Shumarov, Co-Founder, and Tatenda Karuwa, Account Executive, from Solus Insurance Brokers to discuss the critical topic of aviation insurance for African airlines. In the episode, we cover: The typical insurance an airline will need to be able to operate How is the insuranc…

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Why Zaffra is betting big on sustainable aviation fuel production 41:29

3M ago41:29

41:29

In this episode, we speak with Jan Toschka, CEO of Zaffra, a joint venture between Topsoe and Sasol. Toschka shares insights about scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and why he believes the aviation industry must take responsibility for its own decarbonisation rather than relying on other sectors. Toschka discusses: The unique posit…

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Why Cathay believes in a “greener together” approach to sustainability 54:17

4M ago54:17

54:17

In this episode, we speak with Grace Cheung, General Manager, Sustainability at Cathay, who shares insights about industry collaboration, and why she believes making aviation “greener together” requires participation from every stakeholder in the value chain. Cheung discusses: Her journey from marketing communications to sustainability and how her …

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313. Financing Africa's Skies: Challenges and Solutions with Raphael Haddad, President, Jetcraft Commercial 31:59

4M ago31:59

31:59

We welcome back Raphael Haddad, President of Jetcraft Commerical, for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing African airlines regarding aircraft procurement and financing. Topics discussed: An overview of current market trends and sentiment Is aircraft acquisition and financing becoming more difficult and what options are open to …

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Why Mission Possible Partnership believes cross-sector collaboration can accelerate aviation’s path to net-zero 50:21

4M ago50:21

50:21

In this episode, we speak with Dick Benschop, Chair of the Board at Mission Possible Partnership (MPP), an alliance of climate leaders focused on supercharging efforts to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. Benschop discusses: The challenge of decarbonising aviation amid rapid growth with focus on both efficiency and sustainable fuels. How blending …

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312. AviaDev's January 2025 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially, 1:25:15

4M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

Welcome to the first edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update for 2025, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE In this bumper episode, we cover the following stories: ✈️ Eth…

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Why ClimateWorks Foundation believes strategic philanthropy is essential for the net zero transition 47:17

4M ago47:17

47:17

In this episode, we speak with Anna Stratton, Associate Director, Aviation at ClimateWorks Foundation, a global platform for philanthropy that has granted over $2 billion to climate solutions across 50 countries. Stratton shares insights into how philanthropic funding can drive aviation’s transition to net zero while ensuring emerging markets aren’…

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How Heathrow’s SAF incentive aims to tackle critical barriers to adoption 48:56

4M ago48:56

48:56

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Gorman, Director of Carbon Strategy and Sustainability at Heathrow Airport. With 16 years at the helm of Heathrow's sustainability initiatives, Gorman shares how one of the world’s busiest airports is tackling aviation’s climate impact while maintaining its crucial role in global connectivity. Gorman discusses…

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311. From Black Box to Glass Box: How AI is set to revolutionize airline revenue management with RTS (Revenue Technology Services) 36:30

5M ago36:30

36:30

In our first podcast of 2025, we examine how AI is revolutionizing airline revenue management and how this can improve airline profitability in Africa and across the globe. To discuss this topic, I am joined by 3 revenue management experts: the President and CEO of RTS, Raja Kasilingam; Passenger Airline Senior Vice President, Bharat Kumar and Seni…

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How Travalyst is transforming tourism through data-driven collaboration 50:12

5M ago50:12

50:12

In this episode, we speak with Sally Davey, CEO of Travalyst. Founded in 2019 by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, Travalyst is a not-for-profit coalition that brings together leading companies from the travel and technology sectors. Davey shares insights into Travalyst’s mission and its impact on making tourism more sustainable through collaborati…

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How Climeworks is making Direct Air Capture a viable decarbonisation pathway 50:20

5M ago50:20

50:20

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Christoph Gebald, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, one of the world’s leading direct air capture (DAC) companies. Gebald shares insights into Climeworks’ journey and vision for the future, and the crucial role of carbon removal in achieving sustainable aviation. He discusses: How their direct air capture techn…

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Best of 2024: How aviation executives are charting the course to net zero 26:39

5M ago26:39

26:39

In this special holiday episode, we re-visit conversations with six aviation industry executives about their approaches to sustainability and decarbonisation. Scandinavian Airlines CEO Anko van der Werff shares how regional environmental consciousness shapes their strategy, combining SAF adoption with electric and hydrogen partnerships. Their first…

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Best of 2024: Decoding the future of sustainable aviation fuel 24:27

5M ago24:27

24:27

In this special holiday episode, we explore conversations with five industry leaders developing innovative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production technologies. INERATEC CEO Tim Boeltken explains their modular e-fuel technology that converts green hydrogen and CO2 into carbon-neutral liquid fuels. They aim to transform 1 gigawatt of renewable en…

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How engine innovation is powering aviation sustainability 56:08

6M ago56:08

56:08

In this episode, we speak with Valérie Guénon, Vice President of Product Environment Policies at Safran Aircraft Engines. She shares insights into how the company aims to tackle its environmental challenges through innovative engine design and sustainable fuel integration. Guénon discusses Safran’s comprehensive approach to aviation sustainability,…

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How business aviation can be the perfect testbed for sustainable aviation solutions 41:06

6M ago41:06

41:06

In this episode, we talk to Kennedy Ricci, President of 4AIR, who shares insights into how business aviation can accelerate sustainability initiatives that could benefit the entire industry. 4AIR helps private aviation stakeholders implement impactful sustainability programs, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and industry commitmen…

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310. The 2024 AviaDev Connectivity Update Awards with Sean Mendis and Behramjee Ghadially 1:10:54

6M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

This is the fourteenth and end-of-year edition of the AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT …

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309. Book Release "Strategies for Sustainable Air Service Development" with Editors Chrystal Zhang, Associate Professor, RMIT University and Dr Kareem Yarde, Air transport and tourism consultant 19:42

6M ago19:42

19:42

In this episode, we speak with the Editors of a new publication dedicated to Air Service Development. This is particularly poignant for your host, as Jon Howell contributed both the Preface and a chapter to the book. In the episode, we explore whether the book is theoretical or practical, who will derive value from the publication, and get some ins…

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308. Zanzibar's new horizons. Outlining the vision with Arif Abbas, Executive Secretary, Zanzibar Commission for Tourism 23:16

6M ago23:16

23:16

In this episode, Arif Abbas, the Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, outlines the island's tourism strategy. We discuss why ZCT chose to partner with the Zanzibar Airports Authority to host AviaDev in June 2025, the importance of tourism to the Island's economy, and why growth in volume is not the only metric of success. Lea…

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Why airports should become energy innovation hubs, not just transport hubs 45:46

6M ago45:46

45:46

In this episode, we speak with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), who shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub. Cassotis discusses Pittsburgh’s unique position and innovative approach to aviation sustainability. She highlights several key initiatives: PIT has achieved a…

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Why Cambridge’s Aviation Impact Accelerator believes the path to net-zero must be defined by 2030 55:11

6M ago55:11

55:11

In this episode, we talk to Professor Robert Miller, Director of the Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, who shares why 2030 targets are crucial for the aviation industry’s transition towards net zero. Miller is also the head of the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), a collaboration between the Whittle Laboratory and the Cambridge In…

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307. AviaDev's November 2024 Connectivity Update with Sean Mendis, Behramjee Ghadially, and special guest Joao Po Jorge 1:32:10

6M ago1:32:10

1:32:10

This is the thirteenth edition of AviaDev Insight Africa Connectivity update, the podcast offering insight into the new route developments in Africa, hosted by Jon Howell, CEO and Founder of AviaDev Africa. This month's guests are: Sean Mendis, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH SEAN Behramjee Ghadially, Aviation Consultant. CONNECT WITH BEHRAMJEE J…

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