Story ID: 
Krimson Aviation Expands Presence in Africa
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Krimson Aviation, which is now at 38 airports and 20 countries, is eyeing further growth in East Africa in 2022.
Word Count: 288
Krimson Aviation—an Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-based flight support, aircraft charter, and consultancy provider—is anticipating further growth following a record year in 2021. The company, founded in 2015, reported that it has become the largest African flight support company in terms of geographic footprint and airports services with a presence that has grown to 38 airports in 20 countries on the continent.

In tandem with its expansion, Krimson handled 1,143 flight-related operations and 274 ground-related requirements in 2021, the company said, adding the year marked the first time that 50 percent of its business originated outside of Ethiopia.

“The increased customer diversity, airport numbers, and flight movements has been spurred by the associated requirements driven by Covid, increased business activity, and a new set of clients ranging from medevac to military,” said Krimson Aviation CEO and founder Dawit Lemma. “Our growth certainly indicates customer confidence in the Krimson team, and in business aviation in East Africa and beyond.”

Looking forward, Krimson has plans in the works for a series of new FBOs across Eastern Africa, it said. “There are no FBOs in the region, yet demand is high,” Lemma said. “We have proven that our service is strong enough to increase business steadily and we now want to turn that service philosophy into a physical presence through dedicated business aviation FBOs and associated maintenance facilities.”

Further, Lemma is shifting his focus beyond Africa’s boundaries following his selection for the European Business Aviation Association’s Ambassadors program. The initiative brings industry leaders together at dedicated workshops and forums to discuss challenges and opportunities for business aviation in Europe. Lemma sees his participation as a means to highlight best practices and flight management between the two continents.