By Guest Writer | 2025-03-12

The aviation industry, particularly in Africa and Southern Africa, faces numerous challenges.
National airlines are crucial for economic growth, regional integration and international connectivity, but they must navigate financial constraints, operational difficulties and fierce competition.
Success in this sector requires a combination of strategic investments, government support and innovation to enhance service, reduce costs and maintain sustainable operations in an increasingly volatile market.

A Rising Star in Aviation
Eswatini Air, a relatively new player in the industry, has quickly become a source of national pride. The airline commenced scheduled operations on March 26, 2023, as an all-economy full-service carrier. Within its first year, it achieved an impressive 95 per cent on-time performance and 98 per cent schedule integrity. Despite global and regional economic hurdles, Eswatini Air has emerged as a resilient competitor, demonstrating its potential to thrive.
While Eswatini Air faces the same challenges as other national carriers, its leadership remains optimistic. Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC) CEO Captain Qiniso Dhlamini acknowledges the difficulties, emphasising that an airline's profitability depends on factors such as operational scale and efficiency.
Access to aircraft components, training facilities and skilled aviation professionals also impacts the airline's bottom line. Additionally, fuel costs remain a significant concern, particularly in landlocked nations like Eswatini, where reliance on distant seaports drives up expenses.

Regional Challenges
Southern African national airlines operate in a challenging economic environment. Countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe struggle with high inflation, currency depreciation and national debt, which reduce air travel demand. For instance, South African Airways (SAA) has received multiple government bailouts, illustrating the financial strain on national carriers.
Many state-owned airlines depend on government subsidies to remain operational, but political interference and inefficiencies can hinder their growth.
Competition from established foreign carriers further complicates the landscape. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines dominate Southern African routes with stronger financial backing and extensive global networks. Additionally, economic instability and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly affected tourism-dependant airlines, revealing the necessity of national carriers during emergencies.
Dhlamini highlights that during the pandemic, nations without national airlines depended entirely on foreign carriers for repatriations and medical supply deliveries, reinforcing the strategic importance of a national airline, especially for landlocked countries like Eswatini.
Infrastructure and labour challenges also impact the aviation sector. Many airports in Southern Africa require upgrades to improve efficiency and accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
Additionally, labour strikes related to wages, working conditions or political issues disrupt flight operations, adding financial strain to airlines.
Despite these challenges, several African national airlines have flourished through strategic management, investments and partnerships. Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Kenya Airways and Air Mauritius have leveraged geographic advantages, formed strong alliances and modernised their fleets to compete on regional and international levels. Their success underscores the importance of strong leadership, infrastructure investment and operational efficiency.

Eswatini Air’s Notable Achievements
Eswatini Air has already made significant strides in its inaugural year. It was awarded the Airline of the Year for Best Improved Intra-Africa Connectivity by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in 2023.
In his Speech from the Throne, His Majesty King Mswati III emphasised the need for national and government support to help the airline achieve self-sufficiency. In another development, Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg echoed this sentiment, highlighting the airline’s role in enhancing regional connectivity and driving trade and tourism. In 2024, Eswatini signed four Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) to facilitate potential new routes and collaborations.
Eswatini Air Board Chairman Mndeni Mazibuko stressed the importance of connectivity in his AFRAA award acceptance speech, recognising its role in economic transformation.

About Eswatini Air
Eswatini Air is the national airline of Eswatini and operates as a strategic business unit under the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC). It is headquartered at King Mswati III International Airport, its main operational hub.
Eswatini Air has demonstrated remarkable resilience and promise within its first year of operation. While challenges remain, the airline's commitment to growth, connectivity and operational excellence positions it as a key player in the region. With continued government support, strategic partnerships and investment in efficiency, Eswatini Air is well on its way to cementing its place as a leading regional carrier.

Key Facts:
- Operates under RENAC as a scheduled carrier.
- Received its Air Operator’s Certificate in December 2022.
- Launched operations on March 26, 2023.
- Serves four routes: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban (South Africa) and Harare (Zimbabwe).
- Employs 103 staff members.
- Operates two aircrafts.
- Awarded Best Improved Intra-Africa Connectivity (2023) by AFRAA.
- Recorded 56 per cent year-on-year revenue growth.
- Achieved 31 per cent year-on-year traffic increase.
- Falls under the jurisdiction of the ministry of public works transport.

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