Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Somalia Aviation Market Gains New Regional Player After 4 Year Break
Som Express Airways has made a comeback to the Somali aviation landscape after a four-year absence, re-entering the market with a well-aged 32-year-old EMB120 Brasilia. The return of Som Express is set against a backdrop of change within Somalia’s aviation sector. The operation of an older aircraft like the Brasilia will definitely rise eyebrows and might be something many travelers do not like.
The return of Som Express signifies an increase in the number of options available, which in theory should stimulate competition in the local aviation arena. One can only hope, Som Express takes this as a chance to add much needed innovation to the market.
Som Express Airways' re-emergence after a four-year break represents a noteworthy shift within Somalia’s aviation landscape, particularly given how underserved the nation has been since the unrest of the early 90s. It is logical that this could create more aggressive market competition and a lowering of prices.
The chosen aircraft, the EMB120 Brasilia, while not the newest tech, is fuel efficient and able to operate from more modest runways - this is of immense importance given the fact that Somali regional airport infrastructure often is insufficient.
Interestingly, passenger numbers have increased significantly (about 15% yoy). That’s likely a good sign for the viability of these regional air networks. The market has been dominated by only a small number of companies. These companies now have real competition. This should positively impact service levels.
With Som Express Airways entering the field, we may observe new travel routes, with greater national connection, that previously were constrained because of little access.
The EMB120 Brasilia, even though it’s thirty years old, is considered rather safe, with positive performance. This will be crucial for travel. I look forward to scrutinizing any incident or accident reports for it, though, since, it is of an older vintage.
Given Somalia’s location within the Horn of Africa, we also could anticipate greater amounts of international tourist traffic with direct travel possibilities. It will remain to see what the data bears out.
What else is in this post?
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Somalia Aviation Market Gains New Regional Player After 4 Year Break
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - 30 Seater EMB120 Brasilia Opens Routes Between Mogadishu and Kismayo
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Veteran Aircraft Joins Fleet After Previous Service in Angola and Malawi
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Flytech Aviation Group Steps Up Regional ACMI Leasing in East Africa
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Strategic Return Shows Growing Air Travel Demand in Horn of Africa
- Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - EMB120 Proves Popular Choice for African Regional Airlines Since 1990
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - 30 Seater EMB120 Brasilia Opens Routes Between Mogadishu and Kismayo
Som Express Airways is expanding its services with new routes connecting Mogadishu and Kismayo, utilizing the EMB120 Brasilia, a 30-seater twin-turboprop aircraft initially developed in the 1970s. This launch aims to enhance connectivity between these two significant Somali cities, potentially boosting local tourism and business activities. The specific Brasilia in use, which is now 32 years old and entered service in 1990, was one of the first turboprop aircraft to use an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
Despite its age, the EMB120 Brasilia is known for its efficiency and ability to operate from shorter airstrips, which is essential given the current state of Somalia's airport infrastructure. As the airline re-establishes its presence in the market, the competition it brings *could* lead to improved services and lower fares for travelers in the region. It remains to be seen if this potential benefit comes to fruition. The revival of these routes signifies a step in revitalizing the aviation sector within Somalia, though the deployment of such an aged aircraft is likely to raise concerns about reliability and safety, given the history of this particular model with other operators. A recent incident involving an EMB120 veering off the runway in Mogadishu certainly doesn't help allay those fears, even if there were no casualties.
The re-introduction of the 30-seat EMB120 Brasilia could really boost Somali aviation. The initial design dates back to the early 1980s. This era was significant due to turboprop engines which are highly fuel-efficient and reliable for shorter routes. The roughly 500-kilometer hop between Mogadishu and Kismayo takes about an hour.
Its capacity for 30 passengers facilitates cost-effective operation compared to bigger jets, particularly on routes like Mogadishu to Kismayo that might otherwise be underserved. This matters in an area with a need for affordable travel options. The older EMB120 can also handle shorter runways. This is key, since Somalia has an underdeveloped airport infrastructure that lacks the capacity to properly handle much larger aircraft. The cabins are also pressurized, increasing traveller comfort when covering terrain which has many different variations in terrain and conditions. This is a welcome surprise on an older aircraft.
There has been 15% year-on-year increases for air passengers in Somalia. This increase indicates the potential for growth in the regional aviation industry in the nation. This, in turn, leads to more competition between the companies, which will ultimately improve services and reduce costs.
With Som Express introducing the service, there could be new routes developing that were previously unattainable due to poor access. This increased accessibility could promote tourism in areas like Kismayo, a city recognised for its historical relevance and gorgeous shoreline. The area has enormous potential to promote local economies. With the increased connections within Somalia, economic growth will increase due to new opportunities for business, logistics, and more streamlined traveling.
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Veteran Aircraft Joins Fleet After Previous Service in Angola and Malawi
The EMB120 Brasilia has joined Som Express Airways, bringing with it a storied history of service in Angola and Malawi. This veteran aircraft, now 32 years old, symbolizes a broader trend in regional aviation as older models are refurbished and reintroduced, responding to the growing demand for air travel in Somalia. Its efficient design and ability to operate from shorter runways make it well-suited for the unique challenges of the region’s airport infrastructure. While some travelers may have reservations about flying on an aircraft of this age, the potential for increased connectivity and lower fares could revitalise regional travel and tourism, particularly in lesser-explored destinations. As Somalia's aviation market evolves, the return of such aircraft may signal a new chapter in enhancing local and regional connectivity.
The deployment of the EMB120 Brasilia brings a notable feature to Som Express Airways' operations. This aircraft incorporates an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a device that enables it to generate electrical power on the ground without running its main engines. This is not a new feature and rather dated, though. This should enhance operational efficiency in many smaller regional airports.
Interestingly, the aircraft model seems to possess a rather satisfactory safety track record, and if the reports from FAA are anything to go by, the operational history of these veteran designs reveal that properly managed and maintained, even vintage aircraft can provide acceptable safety margins. A recent incident does cast some doubt about that (see above), so further safety analysis will be welcome.
The Brasilia's design makes it efficient on short runways. This is especially important for Somalia, which lacks developed airport facilities. The speed, and more importantly, the Brasilia’s pressurized cabin enhances passenger comfort by mitigating altitude-related discomfort. Pressurized cabins are a dated and common design. Let's see if the system still functions well after 30 years of active flight time.
The Brasilia has seen operational use in other nations like Angola and Malawi. It has survived tough conditions and shows how adaptable and reliable these models can be. It remains to be seen how it performs in Somalia's unusual and distinct environment, with many variations in terrain.
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Flytech Aviation Group Steps Up Regional ACMI Leasing in East Africa
Flytech Aviation Group is expanding its ACMI leasing operations in East Africa to meet the increasing demand for adaptable air travel options. This push for growth happens within a market that's seeing an influx of new local airlines. This could mean better connections and more competition in a region that often lacks sufficient air service. At the same time, Som Express Airways' decision to bring back the 32-year-old EMB120 Brasilia highlights the changes underway in Somali aviation. While there might be questions about using such an old aircraft, this move could make air travel more accessible and improve service in the region. Travelers will be hoping these developments lead to new routes and more affordable fares.
Flytech Aviation Group's calculated move to ramp up ACMI leasing in East Africa signals an intriguing strategy. The availability of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance packages could present a shortcut for existing regional airlines eager to increase capacity without huge capital expenditure. The demand for flexible capacity is apparently there, but I wonder if the pricing structure for ACMI leases makes financial sense in the long run compared to owning and maintaining one's own fleet.
The return of Som Express and its deployment of the EMB120 Brasilia also bring us back to Flytech's move. Is Som Express a client for these new ACMI leases? What type of companies actually see such business models viable? How exactly is the legal framework for leasing aircraft in Somalia set up? There is something fishy and too easy about the whole situation that needs more digging.
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - Strategic Return Shows Growing Air Travel Demand in Horn of Africa
The resurgence of air travel demand in the Horn of Africa is obvious as Som Express Airways reintroduces its services with the 32-year-old EMB120 Brasilia. Passenger traffic on the continent has markedly increased. As Somalia's aviation market gains momentum, the improved connectivity could be a game changer for local business. The introduction of what most consider 'old iron' for its fleet, though, raises questions about safety for passengers. The growing demand for air travel shows this is a pivotal moment for regional aviation in general. More competition may lead to improvements.
A calculated gamble on fleet revival reveals increasing air travel within the Horn of Africa. With passenger numbers rising yearly by around 15%, it appears underserved communities are now seeking connectivity, however Som Express Airways is also facing issues with the viability and the operation of the thirty year old EMB120 Brasilia which has previously worked in tough conditions within Malawi and Angola. There also continues to be valid security and safety concerns that need to be addressed by travellers as well.
While the Brasilia is an aircraft known for its short regional flights due to its ability to take off and land on less developed airport strips, the move from Som Express Airways will certainly boost competition within the local aviation arena. Som Express should create better travel deals and lower services fees for the local traffic with the local air services now seeing greater accessibility.
Since the civil unrest and downfall in the early 90s, Somalia's aviation industry has faced great challenges, with tourism now showing some signs of increased opportunity with some historical significance and gorgeous coastlines.
Despite concerns relating to the age of the EMB120 and the Auxillary Power Unit (APU), the turboprop engines that are within the design, are known to be fuel efficient.
ACMI Leasing in East Africa also displays airlines can grow operations without needing to buy any new aircraft that may cost additional money. This could be a great and potentially viable option for any local and regional players.
Som Express Airways Returns to Somali Skies with 32-Year-Old EMB120 Brasilia - EMB120 Proves Popular Choice for African Regional Airlines Since 1990
The EMB120 Brasilia's sustained popularity with African regional airlines since 1990 is rooted in its cost-effectiveness and proven reliability. With space for 30 passengers, this twin-engine turboprop excels on short hops, making it suitable for the often-underdeveloped airports in the region. Som Express Airways' recent choice reflects this pragmatic approach, valuing budget-friendly solutions despite the aircraft's age. This trend among African carriers spotlights the delicate balance between safety, accessibility, and affordability.
While the deployment of a 32-year-old EMB120 Brasilia might raise eyebrows, it underscores a trend in African regional aviation since the 1990s: the pragmatic use of existing, well-suited aircraft. This turboprop, originally conceived in the 1970s and refined through the 1980s, has proven surprisingly resilient.
The continued popularity of the EMB120 isn't accidental. It fills a specific niche, namely, short-haul routes requiring operational efficiency. These are of particular interest, especially given the state of smaller regional airfields. Furthermore, the aircraft's ability to operate independently on the ground thanks to its on board Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), reduces operational overhead in less developed infrastructure. This type of dated technology can be rather a plus.