International Air Transport Association CEO and director-general, Alexandre de Juniac, has called for the liberalisation of intra-Africa access to markets. “The high barriers that African states have erected between their neighbours are evident in trade levels. Less than 20% of African trade is within the continent. That compares poorly with Europe at 70% and Asia at 60%.” Commenting on gender diversity in the industry, he said with women at the helm of four African airlines the continent had much better gender representation than many other regions of the world. De Juniac called on airlines to continue on this path and commit to increasing female participation – moving towards the ultimate goal of a 50-50 representation.