Improving air connectivity is a key driver of economic growth between member states, a Brics Summit working group meeting has heard in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The meeting comprised several working streams aimed at addressing specific dimensions of aviation collaboration.
Airports Company South Africa CEO, Mpumi Mpofu, chaired the aviation work stream that focused on initiatives to enhance air connectivity between the respective regions of Brics countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Mpofu said there was a need for airlift as a base for cooperation within Brics markets, mainly because of the vast distances between member nations, while pointing to the African Continental Free Trade Area to facilitate trade and boost economic growth.
She said tourism also fostered socio-economic development across Brics economies.
Mpofu said it was essential to further develop aviation infrastructure that promotes alignment of member states.
Some of the major projects the working group focuses on include:
- Strengthening airport infrastructure: A cornerstone of seamless air connectivity is robust airport infrastructure. The working group is dedicated to promoting investments in airport facilities, which include modernising terminals, expanding runways and deploying advanced technologies to enhance passenger experience and efficiency.
- Advancing aircraft manufacturing cooperation: Acknowledging the potential of collaboration in aircraft manufacturing, the working group aims to harness the capabilities of Brics to develop aircraft and components.
- Elevating aircraft servicing and maintenance: Efficient servicing and maintenance of aircraft is critical for safety and reliability. The working group endeavours to create platforms for sharing best practices, technical expertise, and resources to optimise aircraft maintenance procedures.
- Enabling technical training programs: Developing a skilled workforce is vital for the aviation industry's sustainable growth. The working group is dedicated to establishing training programs that meet the sector’s needs, fostering the development of skilled aviation professionals.
- Fostering supporting industries: Beyond core aviation components, the working group recognises the importance of nurturing ancillary industries. Collaborative efforts will be directed towards areas such as aviation technology innovation, research into sustainable aviation fuels and advancements in air traffic management.
South Africa's deputy transport minister, Lisa Mangcu, said aviation was critical to fostering cooperation between Africa and Brics member states. He added that it was important to improve connectivity across the bloc.
