Air transport leaders, decision makers and stakeholders, gathered at the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 53rd Annual General Assembly and Summit to set a roadmap for transformation and the economic development of air transport in Africa.
This year’s event was hosted by TAAG Angola Airlines in virtual format with the theme “Flightpath to Africa’s resilient travel ecosystem.”
The Assembly brought together over 400 delegates from 51 nationalities across the globe. Participants also included international and regional air transport associations and regional institutions like the African Union, International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA).
The Chief Guest, Honorable Ricardo de Abreu, Transport Minister of the Republic of Angola remarks: “This AGA is the perfect occasion to address the future of African Aviation and enhance stakeholders’ commitment to enable the multitude of benefits to be experienced across all sectors of our economies. Failure is not an option, together we will succeed.” He highlights various ongoing measures and initiatives by the Angolan Government to improve the aviation sector and develop Luanda into an efficient hub.
Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary General, states: “This year’s Assembly provides an opportunity to rethink our industry and develop a resilient and sustainable perspective for the airline industry. AFRAA will keep by our mission to promote and serve African airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry – Better Skies for Africa – remains the pillar of all our actions.”
Mr. Berthé highlighted the ingredients for successful restart which includes safe travel measures, removal of travel restrictions, financial support to airlines, technology to shape the ‘new normal’, reinvention and redefinition of airline business models, cooperation among African airlines and passenger confidence.
Mr. Rui Carreira, AFRAA 2021 President, says: “This AGA presents a unique forum for airlines and stakeholders to discuss, share ideas and explore solutions that can be implemented to rapidly restore the airline industry. African airlines should utilize this opportunity to emerge stronger and more resilient out of the crisis to face the challenges of the industry.” He emphasises that cooperation and collaboration among African airlines through initiatives such as network coordination and joint cost containment are among the initiatives that will enable airlines rapidly overcome the impacts of the pandemic.
A Positive Trend Into Recovery
The Assembly notes that African airlines have reopened 81.3% of their international routes in October 2021 and recovery in Africa & Middle East has been smoother and steadier than in Europe and Asia, although, the sub-regional growth in Africa is varied and driven by different market dynamics.
African airlines have been growing regional fleet since 2020, allowing a deeper market penetration and a better feed. African cargo capacity grew by 33% since 2019 and cargo load factors improved by 9% from pre-pandemic levels, stating that the dawn of recovery is critical to redefining strategic plans for the next five years.
Industry Resolutions
The Assembly proffers three industry resolutions to advance the cause of Africa’s aviation industry. These resolutions include recognizing that safe reopening of borders in a harmonized manner is critical for the efficient restart of African aviation.
The Assembly urges African governments to remove border restrictions and open their markets to restart the industry with support from Industry Restart Plan Standards and guidance documentation. The Assembly further calls upon African governments to accelerate the rapid roll out of vaccines across the continent and embrace the use of digital technology health platforms to facilitate the restart of economies and air transport.