Phungela, AeroCloud Partnership to Drive Digital Transformation of African Airports

African digital transformation firm Phungela has entered into a strategic partnership with global airport operations technology provider AeroCloud in a move aimed at modernising airport operations across the continent.

The collaboration combines Phungela’s regional delivery capability and market expertise with AeroCloud’s cloud-native airport operations platform, which supports more than 80 airports globally and is used by over 78 airlines, collectively handling about 360 million passengers annually.

The partnership will enable African airports to transition from legacy operational systems to more agile, data-driven and predictive models. This is expected to improve efficiency, enhance passenger throughput, strengthen operational resilience and unlock additional capacity without the need for major capital investment in new infrastructure.

Under the agreement, Phungela will lead local market engagement, implementation, service delivery and ongoing support for airport operators across Africa. AeroCloud will provide its cloud-based software and hardware solutions designed to optimise core airport functions, including gate and stand management, passenger flow optimisation and real-time operational decision-making.

Phungela Chief Executive Officer Nkululeko Mhlaba said the partnership positions the company as a strategic technology partner within Africa’s aviation ecosystem. “Airports are critical economic gateways, and efficient, scalable operations are now a business imperative. This collaboration enables airport operators to modernise in a practical, commercially sustainable and future-ready manner,” he said.

AeroCloud CEO and Co-Founder George Richardson said the alliance supports the company’s global expansion strategy while addressing the operational realities of African airports. “Airport operators require innovative technology delivered by trusted local partners. Phungela brings deep regional insight and strong execution capability, making them an ideal partner as we expand across Africa,” he said.

The partnership reflects a shared focus on long-term investment in local capability, improved operational performance and the continued growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation sector.

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