9th Aviation Stakeholders Convention
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and Ethiopian Airlines concluded the 9th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention which was held in virtual format. The event was graced by the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mrs. Dagmawit Moges as the guest of honour and was attended by 538 participants from the air transport industry and fraternity in Africa and across the globe.
Held under the theme: “Building Blocks for the Air Transport Industry Recovery”, the Convention will provided an ideal forum for air transport industry stakeholders to dialogue, exchange knowledge and experiences for the sector’s recovery efforts and deliberate on feasible solutions to alleviate the industry challenges.
Event Recommendations and Highlights
Travel ecosystem stakeholders at the Convention deliberated on the various on-going and expected actions in restarting the industry in the context of the African continent. The Convention recommended the following actions for a durable restart and recovery of the travel industry in Africa:
- Priority actions for the industry restart
Financial support to airlines as well as the implementation of harmonized and internationally adopted health and travel protocols were singled out as the top priority focus areas for the industry restart.
- Safe reopening of borders
African States were urged to expedite the vaccine roll-out campaign in Africa, lift prohibitive travel restrictions, adopt globally interoperable digital health pass or certificate and make available universal, accessible and affordable COVID-19 testing facilities to all air travellers.
- Financial support to airlines
A call was made for greater collaboration and acceleration of the collective efforts among stakeholders, States and financial institutions for financial support to the travel industry. Airlines were encouraged to address sustainability of their operations in order to enhance their bankability for better support from financial institutions.
- Sustainable airline operations – actions by airlines
Airlines were encouraged to be flexible, lean, smart, collaborate and have a clear strategic focus and put in place a future-ready business model.
- Sustainable airline operations – actions by industry stakeholders
Stakeholders were urged to address the subject of high taxes, fees and charges that impact the sustainability of the air travel industry and support the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to drive business growth in Africa and intra-Africa connectivity.
- Cargo operations
Operators were urged to treat cargo as core-business and to give it priority in strategy, fleet planning, network development and to be represented at the board-level.
- Safety
With AfDB support, AFCAC, AFRAA and IATA to continue with joint efforts to prepare African airlines for ISSA or IOSA to further improve Africa safety performance. Additionally, AFRAA airlines with FAA or EASA approved MROs were urged to contribute in the enhancement safety through continuous airworthiness and generate new revenues under the framework of the AFRAA-UTD MRO joint initiative.
- Technology
Investment in technology that will enhance the passenger experience, drive cost savings and improve operational efficiencies was recommended. Airlines were urged to leverage on smarter retailing to survive in today’s dynamic market and unlock the incremental revenue streams.
- Fuel
A call was made for the industry to adopt competitive and transparent fuel costs in Africa. Stakeholders in the fuel supply chain were urged to work together to adopt best practices for safe, quality jet fuel, especially after a prolonged period of low level operations.
Presentations
The event had many insightful and informative presentations from industry experts across the globe. Please click on the topics below to open the presentations made during the event:
- Economic Impact of Covid-19 on African Aviation and Analysis of the Market Outlook by AFRAA
- The Future of Airline Business Models for Africa post-covid by Lufthansa Consulting
- Covid-19 – How airlines can come stronger after the pandemic than ever before
- Collaborative Safety Enhancement Initiatives by AFRAA and UTD MRO
- Prioritizing Air Cargo in Airline Strategies. Fleet and Network Development
- Masterclass by Sabre – Powering the future of Travel through Smart Retailing
- Masterclass by IATA – Preparing for the Restart of the Fuel Value Chain in Africa
All the discussions have been uploaded below:
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