The problem African Aviation faces
From thunderous waterfalls to lush rolling hills, breathtaking mountainous views to up-close-and-personal wildlife experiences, Africa has some of the most stunning destinations in the world. Yet, touring all 54 African countries by air would be more than double the cost of touring all 50 American states due to the disproportionately higher cost of air travel.
As frustrating as this is for Africans, we choose to use that frustration to fuel our fervent pursuit for solutions to make air travel more accessible to Africans.
What we plan to do about it
Each industry stakeholder will have a crucial role to play in positioning Africa to first match global standards, and later to define global standards. We believe our role is two-fold. Firstly, to provide change makers with the necessary information to deeply understand the challenges Africa faces. Secondly, to expose enthusiasts and experts to daring solutions that could potentially leapfrog Africa’s aviation industry.
We aim to do this through thoughtful data-backed articles, inspired by real case studies and conversations with people in the industry. We will do this in three ways:
Establishing Common Ground
The more people that deeply understand the problem, the more brain power we can access to design powerful solutions. We will achieve this through snack-sized primers on Africa’s aviation industry.
Streamlining Aviation Concepts
Even industry experts concur that the industry can seem convoluted, like a snake eating its own tail. We will help readers think of aviation in a structured easy-to-grasp way through high-level topic maps.
Inspiring Aviation Change Agents
It’s easy to focus on issues, but celebrating the strides made is crucial to encouraging continued efforts. Similarly, bringing new ideas that challenge existing boundaries inspires broader thinking for future action
Our Approach to Posts
Define the Underlying Problem
A problem deeply understood is a problem better solved. We start each article by shedding light on the challenge faced in a particular part of the industry in a way that is relatable and easy to grasp, while communicating knock on effects of that problem
“Only the knife knows what’s inside the coco yam” – African proverb
Understand the Root Causes
A solution is only as strong as how well it addresses root causes. For this reason, we explore the root causes and constraints driving the problem, making sure to adequately shed light on the complexity faced by the industry.
“When roots decay, they send death to the branches” – African proverb
Explore Tangible & Bold Actions
We leverage data-backed thought experiments to explore bold ideas that are inspired by real cases studies, conversations with people in industry and a concerted effort to challenge commonly accepted assumptions and constraints.
“There is no beauty but the beauty of action” – African proverb
Think Through the Execution
Bold solutions must be coupled with sober implementation roadmaps. To ensure a balanced view, we outline what it would practically take to implement that idea and the role of all key stakeholders in implementation.
“A single bracelet does not jingle” – African proverb
Buhle Dlodlo
Africa at Altitude Founder . Blog Article Author . Aviation Enthusiast
My passion for aviation led me to study Aeronautical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand where I graduated top of my class in 2017. In 2018 I started my career as an Engineer in the Aerospace & Defense industry in South Africa. Driven by my curiosity about the bigger picture, I transitioned to Management Consulting in 2020, and I recently earned my MBA from INSEAD in 2025.
These experiences have provided me with a well-rounded perspective on both the technical aspects of the industry and the strategic elements necessary for thriving industries in general. Now my passion for the industry has driven me to apply both of these skill sets to contribute to a stronger African aviation industry.
