Dubai-based flydubai has announced the addition of Eritrea to its African network with direct flights between Dubai and Asmara
Logistics
New Suez Canal facilitates trial run, to open next month

The new Suez Canal runs a length of 72 km and can accommodate two-way traffic. (Image source: AndrejPol/Shutterstock)
The new Suez Canal has been completed and successful trial runs have been initiated by several vessels, making way for a formal inauguration of the canal on 6 August 2015
Hapag-Lloyd launches express service between West Africa and Europe

The new WAX service provides competitive transit times to and fro key markets. (Image source: Hapag Lloyd)
Global shipping major Hapag-Lloyd will offer an improved service between West Africa and Northern Europe through the Standalone West Africa Express (WAX) Service, starting 10 August 2015
ISCOS develops mobile tool to monitor Non-Tariff Barriers

NTBs come in the way of imports and the m-Ship app will keep operators, shipping lines and service providers well connected. (Image source: Lance Cunningham/Flickr)
Africa’s Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) has developed a mobile phone-based tool to monitor, report and resolve Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)
RwandAir granted US$160mn to buy new aircraft

RwandAir will look at scheduling more flights to Europe, to promote tourism. (Image source: AndrewWSieber/Flickr)
Rwanda’s commercial airline RwandAir has been granted an additional US$160mn facility from the Preferential Trade Area Bank (PTA) for the purchase of new aircraft