22 April 2021: The African Airline Association (AFRAA) and Airports Council International Africa (ACI Africa) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to materialise their cooperation. Under the framework of the MoU, AFRAA and ACI Africa will mutually support the development of the air transport industry in Africa through collaborative actions to address safe, secure, seamless, environmentally-friendly and affordable air travel, among others.
The MoU was signed by Abderahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary General and Mr Ali Tounsi, ACI Africa’s Secretary General. Under the MoU, AFRAA and ACI Africa will align their actions and work jointly on the following main areas:
- Promotion and sharing of best practices to foster constructive engagement between airport operators and air carriers.
- Safety enhancement initiatives in line with the Abuja Safety targets.
- Promotion and implementation of new technologies in air travel
- Data and intelligence sharing.
- Affordable airfares in Africa using a holistic approach for the reduction of the cost of air travel.
- Focused Think Tank group, led by AFRAA and ACI Africa and comprising subject-matter experts in airports and airlines, to exchange views, steer constructive dialogues and address matters of prime importance and interest for the air transport industry on Africa.
- Joint events (webinars, trainings, workshops, etc.) on how to render air travel more affordable in Africa.
AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé stated: “The high cost of airline operations in Africa negatively impacts the viability of African airlines and hinders the sustainable growth of air transport industry in the Continent. One of the constituents of these high costs is the high aviation-related taxes in the region. Through concerted efforts under the framework of this MoU, AFRAA and ACI Africa will foster regular constructive dialogues with the respective members of our organisations on aviation taxes which will lay the foundation for joint actions and advocacy.”
“This MoU, which comes at a time most needed when the industry is navigating turbulent times, will commit both our organizations to a stronger working relationship for the development of air transport in Africa,” added Mr. Berthé.
ACI Africa’s Secretary General, Mr. Ali Tounsi said: “The development of a safe, secure, and financially viable and sustainable air transport industry in Africa cannot be undertaken without a strong and enhanced collaboration between airports and airlines. The MoU signed between ACI Africa and AFRAA was long overdue. I am delighted that the collaboration between our two organizations is being brought to an altogether new level, paving the way for a constructive stakeholder engagement based on mutual trust and respect. This MoU will indeed facilitate the concrete and tangible delivery of services by both our organizations and the implementation of joint actions to advance the air transport industry on the continent.”
About AFRAA
The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.
AFRAA membership of 46 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
About ACI Africa
ACI Africa is the international association of African airports and is self-governing under its own Statutes and internal procedures. ACI Africa, the Voice of African Airports, has as prime objective to advance the interests of African airports and to promote professional excellence in airport management and operations on the African continent.
ACI Africa is composed of 70 regular members from 53 African countries, managing more than 260 airports, and of 40 Business Partners.