Connect with us

Business

VistaJet Continues Expansion Plans in East and South Africa

Published

on

VistaJet

The African Roadshow Reaffirms Commitment Towards the Region’s Economic Development 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 4, 2024/APO Group/ — 

VistaJet (www.VistaJet.com), the world’s first and only global business aviation company, is set to organize its first-ever East and South Africa Static Display Roadshow, showcasing its flagship aircraft, the Bombardier Global 7500. The event will commence in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, followed by a landing in South Africa’s top business centers, Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Nairobi’s positioning as East Africa’s tech and business hub, along with Johannesburg and Cape Town’s role in South Africa’s mature aviation market, have made these cities essential focal points for VistaJet’s growth strategy. The roadshow will engage with prospective and existing clients and the local media, serving as a platform to share VistaJet’s ongoing expansion and dedication to support the region’s economic transformation as set out in the AcFTA agreement. This roadshow follows the monumental success of its West African edition (https://apo-opa.co/3CnKLg3), held earlier in May. 

According to the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), the number of business jets operating in Africa is expected to grow by 8% annually over the next five years. Currently, there are 418 jets on the continent, with South Africa having the largest business aircraft fleet, followed by Kenya and Nigeria. The ongoing growth of private aviation in Africa has also benefited the continent’s employment rates, with air transport contributing significantly to 7.7 million jobs and $63 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).   

Elsewhere, The 2024 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners (https://apo-opa.co/40yhzxc) reveals that the total investable wealth on the African continent stands at US2.5tn and that the millionaire population is expected to increase by 65% over the next ten years, fueled by strong growth in key sectors such as fintech, business process outsourcing, software development, rare metals mining, green tech, media and entertainment, and wealth management. The ‘Big 5’ wealth markets (https://apo-opa.co/40wbGR6) — South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco — collectively account for 56% of Africa’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and over 90% of its billionaires.  

VistaJet offers the world’s most extensive range of business jets and in the past 14 years it has built a strong African network, transforming business aviation in the region. During the East and South Africa Roadshow, VistaJet will showcase the Bombardier Global 7500, the largest and longest-range business jet and offers unbeatable global connectivity, flying up to 17 hours non-stop. Vista has 18 in the fleet – the world’s largest fleet of Global 7500. Precision-engineered wings provide an exceptionally smooth ride in the large cabin, with four separate living spaces, including a permanent stateroom, this jet is perfectly suited for business or a family dynamic. In the first half of 2024, across Africa, Vista’s Global 7500 flight hours increased +33% – this aircraft is becoming increasingly more popular across the continent.  The Global 7500 is popular for connecting African cities, such as Cape Town to Accra and Johannesburg to Cairo and international routes such as Africa and Asia, demonstrating a strong sentiment to increasing investment between the African and Asian continents (https://apo-opa.co/4fcKzPk).   

An impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for 20 years has made Vista the largest provider of on demand business flights in the world. And the trajectory is not changing — over the last 18 months, while the private aviation industry as a whole experienced a leveling out in demand following the post-COVID boom, Vista expanded its global footprint and as of July 2024, has gained an additional 50 basis points of total market share year-over-year, with its share of the market rising to approximately 5% of the total market.  With an addressable market of over 24,000 business jets around the globe, as well as broader spectrum of aspirational fliers, there is also significantly more scope and opportunity for the Group to capture further market share over the next two decades.  

VistaJet’s main expansion plan objective is to enhance Africa’s economic growth by increasing regional investments and facilitating overall growth

In 1H 2024, Vista was once again experiencing exceptional growth – with total flight hours up +14% year-over-year – an incredible result, especially when compared to a global market that contracted by 2% over the same period.  

The VistaJet Program membership has been the biggest contributor to this growth, recording +19% growth in Program hours and a +18% increase in number of Members. The first half of 2024 continued this trajectory, marked by: 

  • Double-Digit Growth in Flight Hours: Vista recorded a significant increase in flight hours compared to 1H 2023, a direct result of Vista’s strategic foresight and market understanding. 
  • Membership Surge: 2024 has seen a substantial Membership growth as clients gravitated towards Vista’s flexible subscription-based model, reinforcing Vista’s client-first approach. 
  • Africa Success: The African continent remains a priority market for Vista with impressive growth in the first half of 2024. Africa reported strong flight activity with a +103% increase in the New Program Hours Sold and a +29% increase in total hours flown year-over-year: East Africa specifically experiencing a +46% increase in total hours flown; and South Africa, a +79% increase in total hours flown. 

With over a decade of operations in East and South Africa, VistaJet continues to play a vital role in supporting development in these sub-regions by facilitating global investments and connecting decision-makers, corporations, and business executives. Vista’s global fleet of iconic silver and red jets means its African clients will never be stranded with guaranteed availability in as little as 24 hours’ notice, no matter where they are going in the world. Global coverage, covering 96% of the globe also means knowing how to operate in over 2,700 airports, making journeys to every destination safe and reliable. VistaJet’s flexibility is unparalleled for its expanding African client base.  

Commenting on the business expansion plans, VistaJet’s President of Europe and Africa, Philippe Scalabrini, stated: “Building on the momentum of the West Africa Roadshow, we are pleased to announce the East and South Africa Roadshow.  VistaJet is committed to offering top rate, exclusive services to its extensive client network in this critical region. In response to the growing demand, we have deployed three dedicated aircraft while upholding our exceptional standards. VistaJet’s main expansion plan objective is to enhance Africa’s economic growth by increasing regional investments and facilitating overall growth.” 

VistaJet was founded 20 years ago and has established itself as the world’s leading global business aviation company. With a client base consisting mainly of corporate leaders and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals, VistaJet aims to simplify air travel by offering privacy, reliability, flexibility, efficiency, anonymity, and safety. The Cabin Hosts, trained by the British Butler Institute and MedAire, deliver the highest service standards.  Flying with VistaJet is a better alternative to ownership – offering a lower cost per hour, and a larger coverage area; as well as preferrable to brokerage – due to higher safety, and unique consistency of service; and often commercial – thanks to scheduling flexibility, and non-stop connections across airports around the world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VistaJet.

Business

Yellow Card Secures Crypto Asset Service Provider Licence in South Africa

Published

on

Yellow Card

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Yellow Card (www.YellowCard.io), Africa’s leading stablecoin-based infrastructure provider, has been issued a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) licence by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.  

Commenting on the FSCA’s decision to issue the licence to Yellow Card Financial South Africa, Chris Maurice, Yellow Card’s co-founder and CEO, said, “The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent.This achievement reflects our dedication to providing secure, compliant and transformative solutions for our customers both in South Africa and across Africa.  

The CASP licence underscores Yellow Card’s commitment to its customers in South Africa and regulatory compliance across the continent

Stablecoin adoption is surging throughout Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest adoption rate in the world at 9.2%. In South Africa alone, where the number of total users of crypto assets is estimated to amount to 5.8 million people, stablecoins have experienced growth of 50% month over month since October 2023, displacing bitcoin as the country’s most popular cryptocurrency.  Yellow Card is excited to play a pivotal role in this financial revolution in South Africa. 

Yellow Card, which launched in South Africa in 2020, has facilitated over US$3 billion in transactions in the last several years and now operates in 20 countries across the continent. The company recently completed a US$33 million Series C financing, led by Blockchain Capital and existing investors, including Polychain Capital, Valar Ventures, Third Prime Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and Block, Inc. (Square/Cash App), reflecting strong investor confidence in its mission.   

As the stablecoin landscape continues to evolve, Yellow Card is committed to leading the charge in making digital assets accessible and secure for businesses across Africa. With the recent licensing and funding, the company plans to expand its B2B offerings by enhancing its stablecoin rails, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing its B2B API and Widget. These efforts will empower businesses with seamless solutions for liquidity management and their general operations. 

To learn more about Yellow Card, visit: https://YellowCard.io/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Yellow Card Financial.

Continue Reading

Business

Telecoming and MTN Partner to Launch cloud gaming in South Africa

Published

on

MTN Cloudplay will allow MTN users in South Africa to access a wide range of cloud-based video games, providing a high-quality gaming experience without the need for downloads or high-end gaming consoles

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ —

  • Both companies extend their collaboration to introduce cloud gaming in South Africa.
  • MTN Cloudplay aims to revolutionize digital entertainment with affordable, high-quality gaming access.

MTN, Africa’s leading telecommunications operator with over 290 million subscribers across the continent, announces the launch of Cloudplay, a revolutionary new cloud gaming service, with Telecoming (www.Telecoming.com), a sportech company specializing in developing and distributing mobile experiences for sports and entertainment. This project marks a new milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.

MTN Cloudplay: A Game Changer

MTN Cloudplay will allow MTN users in South Africa to access a wide range of cloud-based video games, providing a high-quality gaming experience without the need for downloads or high-end gaming consoles. The service will allow customers to stream high-end PC games to their mobile phones, enabling them to play anywhere, anytime.

This service seeks to democratize access to high-quality mobile gaming for the whole family; including various genres which include retro games and exciting popular gaming titles with multi-device gameplay, at an affordable price of only R79 per month.

Jason Probert, General Manager for Digital Services at MTN South Africa shared his thoughts on the collaboration:

Customers can use their existing Steam licenses on the service, and have access to more than 300 games on the service for only R79 per month

“We’re thrilled to launch MTN Cloudplay in South Africa. We’re committed to enabling our customers to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life and the advent of 5G means that it is now possible to stream and play games without the need for a PC or console. Customers can use their existing Steam licenses on the service, and have access to more than 300 games on the service for only R79 per month.”

Alí Karaosman, MEA Director of Telecoming says “It is very exciting for us to extend our collaboration with MTN, bringing our nearly decade-long experience in this market and supporting the operator in this innovative digital entertainment offering, we are convinced that MTN Cloudplay will revolutionize the way users in South Africa enjoy video games. For Telecoming, this partnership with MTN is a strategic step in our mission to bring esports and innovative digital services to Africa. We are committed to continuing to develop technological solutions that enhance digital leisure for people in the region.”

Service Details

MTN Cloudplay is available to all MTN users in South Africa since November 2024. With a vast library of over 340 games from over 50 publishers, this cloud gaming service offers an unmatched gaming experience on any device.

MTN Cloudplay is accessible to MTN subscribers. Users can visit https://Cloudplay.MTN.co.za to explore the platform and enjoy a wide selection of gaming titles.

Highlights

  • Extensive Game Library: Enjoy classics like Contra, PacMan and Mortal Kombat and modern hits like Hogwarts Legacy and Borderlands 3.
  • Bring Your Own License (BYOL): Access games you’ve purchased on Steam, such as Grand Theft Auto V and Fallout 4.
  • Multi-Device Access: Play on any device and switch seamlessly between them.
  • Low Latency: Experience responsive gameplay with minimal lag.
  • Subscription: Available directly on https://Cloudplay.MTN.co.za or via the MTN Play https://Play.MTN.co.za website for R79 per month.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Telecoming.

Continue Reading

Business

rainx Launches the101 Range of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Routers for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

Published

on

rainx

The industry’s smartest and most aesthetically pleasing 5G and Wi-Fi 7 router opens new opportunities for service providers globally

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 20, 2024/APO Group/ — 

rainx, a leader in 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions, has launched the101 range (https://apo-opa.co/40UwYYE), an advanced ecosystem of fixed wireless 5G and Wi-Fi access products designed to meet the high standards of modern Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and their customers.

This lineup includes the101 and the101 Pro 5G smart routers, the101 Xtender smart mesh Wi-Fi extender, and the101 Loop – a new category of product designed for today’s always-connected customer, powered by MediaTek. Together, these solutions redefine 5G FWA, enabling operators to enhance network quality, reduce churn, and drive new revenue streams. The routers also offer a collection of 101 skins to suit the users’ style, creating devices that are designed to be on show.

Targeted to the demands of the modern telco

As demand for 5G-enabled FWA continues to surge, MNOs face complex challenges in scaling network capacity and quality for fixed locations, while managing the concurrent load on mobile networks. Recognising this challenge, rainx has engineered the Customer Edge approach, an integrated ecosystem of products and services designed to empower operators to manage and optimise the customer experience. This begins with the101 range of 5G smart routers, which double as network probes, feeding real-time insights to theStation, a smart managed services platform.

theStation provides operators with deep network insights, enabling accurate, proactive decisions on coverage and capacity expansion. Operators can access detailed data on network performance in the home, including Wi-Fi clients, usage patterns, speed and latency – providing proactive support and direct customer communication through the101’s touch screen. This visibility gives MNOs comprehensive control over the entire FWA ecosystem, helping to streamline network load management, anticipate capacity needs, and deliver high-speed connectivity for both residential and commercial customers.

For end-users, the101 range provides an intuitive, self-service interface that empowers customers to manage their network in real time, minimising support needs and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Key Products in the101 Range include:

the101 Pro 5G smart router

Built for premium, high-demand users, the101 Pro offers advanced 5G capabilities with the new MediaTek (MTK) T830 platform that delivers sub-6Ghz 5G with speeds of up to 7 Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 and 300MHz 4 carrier aggregation. The routers offer a range of customisable skins to suit the users’ aesthetic preferences that bring the Pro’s screen to life. Its powerful hardware ensures optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive applications, including cloud gaming.

Our Customer Edge approach provides operators with the deep insights they need to make informed decisions on their networks

Ripple Messaging™ offers MNOs a direct communication channel to the device’s 2.1” touch screen for real-time support and service notifications. It includes a built-in speed test and a “Tap for Support” feature. Additionally, theStation’s managed services enable proactive device management, optimising performance with real-time updates to ensure continuous service quality and reducing operational costs.

the101 5G Smart Router

rainx’s mid-range offering is powered by an MTK T750 platform with 200MHz two carrier aggregation and AX3600 Wi-Fi 6. With a 1.8” touch screen display, it offers smart features like “Scan to Connect”, direct messaging and a built-in speed test. It’s available with a choice of 101 skins to suit customer tastes. the101 also offers managed services through theStation.

the101 Xtender Smart Mesh Wi-Fi

the101 Xtender broadens 5G coverage, enabling MNOs to deliver high-quality, uniform connectivity throughout larger spaces. As part of the mesh network, Xtenders integrate directly with 101 routers, allowing operators to address Wi-Fi coverage gaps and deliver a consistent, high-speed experience across homes or office spaces.

the101 Loop

A new portable 5G router designed for today’s always-connected consumer. With built-in 5G, a 5.5” LCD touch screen, 25W stereo sound and a cinematic camera, the Loop lets you connect in exciting new ways. MNOs can leverage the Loop’s multimedia capabilities to offer premium services, build customer loyalty and create new ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) opportunities through integrated 5G and Wi-Fi.

“Through smart hardware and services, we’re partnering with MNOs and MVNOs to unlock the potential of 5G,” said Brandon Leigh, Founder and Director of rainx. “Our ecosystem empowers operators to monetise latent 5G capacity, create new revenue streams, and addresses the shift from spiky mobile traffic to high, steady usage at fixed locations. Our Customer Edge approach provides operators with the deep insights they need to make informed decisions on their networks, manage the customer experience and generate ROI from 5G.”

“For customers, the 101range allows them to blend their aesthetic preferences with beautiful customisable skins, alongside high-performance engineering powered by the latest MediaTek CPE technology. the101 range delivers a reliable, high-speed connection that stays robust during periods of spiky traffic. The range also offers intuitive self-service features, allowing customers to easily monitor and control their router, reducing the need for support calls and creating a seamless, hands-on user experience that truly puts the power in their hands,” Leigh concluded. 

Rami Osman, Director of Business Development for MediaTek Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to collaborate with rainx to increase 5G FWA access across Africa, Asia and abroad to bring the benefits of fast, reliable connectivity to consumers and businesses. The MediaTek T830 has a highly integrated and compact design that provides big power savings and reduces development time and costs for customers like rainx.

“The MediaTek T830 chipset platform represents the latest advancements in both 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity and enables our customers to build extremely high-performance multi-gigabit 5G CPE products in the smallest form factors possible. Users can get a super-fast router at home of office that they can self-install and manage, reducing the lengthy installation times for fixed line broadband,” Osman said.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MediaTek Inc..

Continue Reading

Trending