The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has named five priorities that must be addressed for aviation to deliver maximum economic and social benefits in Africa.
They are:
- Enhancing safety efforts
- Enabling airlines to improve intra-Africa connectivity
- Unblocking airline funds
- Avoiding air traffic management re-fragmentation and over-investment
- Ensuring that Africa has the professionals it needs to support the industry’s growth
Aviation currently supports 6.8 million jobs and contributes $72.5 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) to Africa.
"Africa is the region with greatest aviation potential. Over a billion people are spread across this vast continent. Aviation is uniquely placed to link Africa’s economic opportunities internally and beyond. Aviation can help in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of poverty and improving both healthcare and education," said Alexandre de Juniac, Iata director general and CEO, in a keynote address at the 49th African Airline’s Association Annual (Afraa) General Assembly which kicked off yesterday in Kigali, Rwanda.
"Africa also faces great challenges and many airlines struggle to break even. Governments should be aware that Africa is a high-cost place for aviation. Taxes, fuel and infrastructure charges are higher than the global average. Additionally, insufficient safety oversight, failure to follow global standards, and restrictive air service agreements all add to the burden that stands in the way of aviation’s economic and social benefits," said De Juniac.
