[adinserter block="4"]International Air Travel to and from the US is BoomingUnited States-International air passenger traffic in June 2023 was up 19 percent compared to June 2022 traffic. Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that US-international air traffic passenger enplanements totaled 22.719 million in June 2023 – up 19.0% compared to June 2022, with enplanements reaching 95.4% of pre-pandemic June 2019 volume. Originating Non-Stop Air Travel in June 2023• Non-U.S. citizen air passenger arrivals to the United States from foreign countries totaled:o 4.227 million in June 2023, up 19.7% compared to June 2022.o This represents 80.2% of pre-pandemic June 2019 volume. World Region Highlights in June 2023 (APIS/I-92 arrivals + departures)• Total air passenger travel (arrivals and departures) between the United States and other countries were led by Mexico (3.336 million), Canada (2.647 million), the United Kingdom (2.060 million), Germany (1.054 million), and the Dominican Republic (998,000). • Top U.S. ports serving international locations were New York (JFK) 3.126 million, Los Angeles (LAX) 2.040 million, Miami (MIA) 1.899 million, Newark (EWR) 1.423 million and San Francisco (SFO) 1.378 million.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it has recorded a total revenue of N191.43 billion in the first half of 2023. Of the amount, the NPA had in the same period remitted N55.71 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation. The NPA disclosed this in a half-year 2023 performance report released by the NPA Managing Director/CEO, Mr Mohammed Bello Koko and given to Persecondnews. “The operationalization of Lekki Deep Seaport, expected restoration of the service boat management contract, digitalization and intensified tightening of collections mechanisms buoys our confidence at meeting and indeed exceeding the revenue projections,’’ the NPA boss said. “This is an improvement and we have put measures in place to surpass in the second half of 2023.

Ethiopia is allowing people to access Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and YouTube for the first time in more than five months. The blackout was imposed on 9 February this year after tensions between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the government. Only those with access to virtual private network (VPN) software could get on to the social media platforms - something that cost them additional data. According to the Internet Society, the outage has cost Ethiopia $42m (£32m) because of the knock-on effect on businesses. Some areas of the northern region of Tigray, where a brutal two-year conflict came to an end last November, remain without access to the internet.

The owner of the formerly kosher restaurant and cafe Konjo Eatery has taken to social media to express his disappointment with Kosher Australia’s handling of his business’ kosher certification. Ashu Tale, an Ethiopian Jewish restaurateur who personally observes kashrut and keeps Shabbat, alleged that the treatment he received from Kosher Australia was “really racist”. According to Tale, Adass explained that they were hesitant to grant certification due to concerns that working with Konjo Eatery might jeopardise their existing collaborations with Kosher Australia. Due to what Kosher Australia deemed “issues of Kashrus”, Konjo Eatery had its kosher certification and supervision terminated early last month, and according to Tale it was without warning. The AJN reached out to Kosher Australia for comment, but they did not respond.

The Ethio-Djibouti railway has seen a significant increase in revenue in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, earning Birr 3.3 billion. The railway transported 2.1 million tonnes of cargo and 124,000 passengers during the year. Aminu Juhar, the chief corporate strategy officer at Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company, attributed the increase in revenue to the transportation of new goods, such as vehicles. The company was established in 2017 with an initial capital of USD 500 million, based on the bilateral investment agreement between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Source: Fana BCAdditional source: 2Merkato ArchivesImage source: Ministry of Transport and Logistics

“We are witnessing a substantial rise in the spread of these diseases, among others,” says Dr Chris van Straten, Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance, at International SOS. In South Africa, there was a significant increase recently in malaria cases within its endemic Northern provinces and Gauteng. Dr van Straten notes that increasing epidemic-prone diseases can have significant implications for communities, businesses operating in the region, and the overall African economy. In 2021, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WANAW, an Ethiopian sports equipment manufacturer, has named Ethiopian national team captain Shimeles Bekele as its brand ambassador. Shimeles, currently playing for ENPPI Football Club in Egypt, signed a three-year renewable contract with WANAW. At a press conference on Tuesday, WANAW’s general manager Habteslase Geberkiristos said the partnership will support Shimeles’ football career going forward. Shimeles has had a fruitful football career, starting with Hawassa City B team and playing for St. George FC. After success in the Ethiopian Premier League, he played in Libya and Sudan before joining Egyptian clubs.

This remarkable achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of Lexicon IHM towards shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management is a leading hospitality institute known for its commitment to producing competent professionals in the field. With a strong focus on practical training and experiential learning, Lexicon IHM prepares students to excel in the competitive hospitality industry. The recognition from Outlook I-Care reaffirms Lexicon IHM’s unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in education and producing industry-ready professionals. With this recognition as the #1 Institution with Potential for Excellence, Lexicon IHM establishes a new benchmark for quality education and industry relevance.

Wylie East’s offense had two explosive runners last season and will have to replace that production in 2023. With running back Tristan Lee and athlete Terrell Washington Jr. graduating and moving on, they leave a void in the Raiders’ backfield. The duo combined for 1,624 yards (84 percent of the Wylie East rushing yards last season) and 21 of the team’s 23 rushing touchdowns in 2022. Despite his inexperience at the high school level on offense, the Raiders feel confident both players can handle the pressure of carrying the football on offense. “In the modern game, you have to be able to block and catch the ball out of the backfield,” Gold said.

The Wylie Pirates have felt confident in their lead running backs the last few seasons, but are looking at multiple options in 2023. Chapman finished the season with over 700 yards and eight touchdowns, but now once again leaves a void to fill at running back for the third straight season. Luckily for the Pirates and head coach Jimmy Carter, the team has been in this position before and likes the options heading into 2023. “All of these guys have been in our system and know what we want from them in the backfield,” Carter said. “If you have two or three good running backs, you can run the football really well,” Carter said.

Emirates takes the first steps in an innovative initiative of meal preordering, whereby customers will be able to preselect their hot main meal between 14 days and 24 hours in advance of their flight. This will ensure that they get their preferred meal choice every time, as well as helping to reduce food wastage, according to a press statement from Emirates. Emirates plans to expand the meal preorder initiative to more routes and classes in the near future and is closely monitoring customer feedback from the initial roll out phase. The preordering meal service innovation is another addition to the convenience of digitally enabled journeys that Emirates passengers enjoy. As well as website check-in and app check-in, the option of digital boarding passes and itinerary management, passengers can also access digital menus in advance.

What was supposed to be a class for Jewish mothers visiting Israel, transformed into an emotional reunion for 30 mothers of lone soldiers in Jerusalem on Friday. These mothers were part of the Jewish women’s movement Momentum’s Year-Long Journey, which kicks off with an immersive eight-day trip to Israel. Instead, they were surprised by the arrival of their children who are serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The emotional reunion of the mothers with their children in uniform was a collaborative effort between Momentum and the FIDF - Nefesh B’Nefesh Lone Soldiers program. I'm so proud of her and I'm grateful to Nefesh B’Nefesh and Momentum for facilitating such a beautiful moment for mothers and soldiers."

Social media restriction was introduced after Ethiopian Church protested government intervention in internal affairsborkenaThe Ethiopian government reportedly lifted restrictions on social media platforms and internet coverage across the country this week. For over five months now, social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and Youtube were not fully accessible in all parts of Ethiopia. However, she indicated that the issue was beyond the capacity of EthioTelecom and the relevant government authority was contacted regarding the problem. It was introduced sometime in February soon after the Ethiopian Church introduced a range of resistance measures including peaceful demonstration to protest government intervention in the affairs of the Church. A report released last week indicated that Ethiopia has lost billions of birr due to restriction in internet.

Addis Abeba — An online media news outlet, Ethiopia Insider, managed under Haq Media and Communication, fell victim to a robbery last night. Haq Media and Communication issued a statement today, suggesting that the theft may be related to the significant pressure the media outlet has been facing due to daily reports. The statement provided details of the incident, explaining that Ethiopia Insider staff members had worked until 4:00 p.m. the previous day and securely locked the premises before leaving. Ethiopia Insider has reported the incident to the Bole Sub-City police station, where some staff members have provided statements. Tesfalem stated that Haq Media and Communication will closely monitor the police investigation and provide updates regarding any outcomes.

This segment contributes to the air cargo uplift volumes, especially to destinations in Europe and North America. Talking about its cargo milestones, Abel Alemu, MD of Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, Ethiopian Airlines told the publication, “Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics is one of the major global cargo carriers and we are currently operating nine B777-200Fs, two B767-300Fs, and four B737-800F aircraft. Alemu added, “Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services is fully automated with one of the latest aviation cargo IT systems. Ethiopia, with its strategic location and strong air cargo capabilities, is well-positioned to benefit from the AfCFTA. With the construction of a new eCommerce warehouse, Ethiopian Airlines is building substantial potential for eCommerce in Ethiopia.