Azza Air Transport

Azza Transport Company, commonly referred to as Azza Air Transport, was established in Sudan in 1993 and commenced operations in September of that year. The airline was headquartered in Khartoum and used Khartoum International Airport as its main base. Its operating model was centered on cargo charter services rather than a conventional scheduled passenger network. The company served freight markets in Africa and the Middle East and was reported to be considering expansion into Europe. The airline’s reported ownership linked it to Omdurman National Bank, Shaikan Insurances, and Sheikan Insurance. It was also reported to employ approximately 350 people. Its aircraft fleet included cargo-configured Antonov An-12 and An-26 aircraft and Ilyushin Il-76TD heavy freighters. These aircraft types were suited to transporting bulk freight, oversized loads, and cargo to airports with varying levels of infrastructure. Azza’s history became closely associated with Sudan’s conflict in Darfur and the international restrictions imposed in response to that conflict. In May 2007, the United States Department of State placed Azza Transport Company among Sudanese companies subject to economic sanctions. The stated allegation was that the airline had been involved in transferring small arms, ammunition, and artillery to Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militia in Darfur. In May 2009, United Nations observers reported that an Azza aircraft carried more than one hundred Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport in Darfur. The observers considered the movement inconsistent with international sanctions. The company was involved in two recorded fatal accidents. On 21 October 2009, a Boeing 707-330C freighter operating Azza Flight 2241 crashed while taking off from Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. All six crew members died. On 7 October 2012, an Antonov An-12 registered ST-ASA crashed after departing Khartoum while performing a military flight. The aircraft reportedly experienced failure of both engines on its left wing. The available reference material does not establish whether the airline subsequently ceased operations, was formally dissolved, or continued under another structure. Its present status therefore remains uncertain.

1. 2012ST-ASA accident

   An Azza-operated Antonov An-12 crashed after takeoff from Khartoum during a military flight following reported failure of both engines on its left wing.

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2. 2009United Nations observers report Darfur transport activity

   United Nations observers reported an Azza aircraft transporting Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport.

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3. 2009Flight 2241 accident

   An Azza Boeing 707 freighter crashed during takeoff at Sharjah International Airport, killing all six crew members.

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4. 2007Added to United States sanctions list

   The United States Department of State included Azza Transport Company among sanctioned Sudanese firms over alleged transfers of weapons and artillery connected with the Darfur conflict.

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5. 1993Company established

   Azza Transport Company was established in Sudan.

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6. 1993Operations begin

   The airline began operating in September, focusing on cargo charter services.

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A Sudanese air-freight and charter operator focused on cargo transportation across regional African and Middle Eastern markets.

• Cargo charter servicesAir freight1993

  Azza’s core commercial activity was chartered air-freight transportation. The airline operated cargo flights across Africa and the Middle East, using freighter aircraft suited to bulk, heavy, and specialized loads. The available material also states that the company was planning services to Europe, but does not confirm that a European operation was launched.

• Military and government air transportCharter aviation

  The airline’s aircraft were also reported in connection with military transport activity. United Nations observers described an Azza aircraft carrying Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Darfur in 2009. The available sources do not define this activity as a separately marketed product line.

• 2009Reported transport of military personnel and equipment to DarfurControversy

  United Nations observers reported that an Azza aircraft transported more than one hundred Sudan Armed Forces personnel and military equipment to Geneina Airport, an activity they considered contrary to international sanctions.

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• 2007United States sanctions over alleged weapons transfersControversy

  The United States Department of State sanctioned Azza Transport Company in May 2007, alleging that it had transferred small arms, ammunition, and artillery to Sudanese government forces and Janjaweed militia in Darfur.

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• 2012Azza-operated Antonov An-12 crashes after departing Khartoum

  An Antonov An-12 registered ST-ASA crashed shortly after takeoff from Khartoum while operating a military flight. The reported cause involved failure of both engines on the aircraft’s left wing.

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• 2009Azza Flight 2241 crashes during takeoff at Sharjah

  A Boeing 707-330C freighter operating Azza Flight 2241 crashed during takeoff at Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. All six crew members were killed.

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1. Azza Air Transport