PUBLISHER’S NOTE
In line with the objectives of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to drive digital innovations and improve facilitation across the global air transport industry, a regional Facilitation forum was held in Yaounde, Cameroon in March 2025. The notable outcomes of the forum amongst others include Africa’s commitment to prioritise “the implementation of ICAO’s digitalization initiatives and the emergence of stronger regional networks” and “prioritization of improved support for aircraft accident victims and the expansion of civil aviation accessibility for persons with disabilities”.
Whilst we note gratefully the various efforts across Africa to improve passenger facilitation including improvement in airports infrastructure, adoption of machine-readable travel documents, and others, Africa’s goal must be to increasingly and continuously improve passenger facilitation across our major international gateways using technology. Passengers and visitors to the continent need to be assured of convenient, smooth and smart transit through our airports. For smaller airports, cognizant of the cost of digitalization and the need to optimize such investments, the industry is to strike a balance between technology, costs and passenger throughput.
Further, and of great significance, is the involvement of a broad spectrum of stakeholders including customs, immigration, law enforcement and public health authorities in the deliberations. These are critical players and components in the overall facilitation value-chain and their inclusion is significant and apt.
It is equally heartwarming that these deliberations will be furthered at the Global Facilitation Symposium in April and at the 42nd ICAO Annual General Assembly in Montreal, Canada in September. Therefore, as the world prepares for the 42nd ICAO Assembly, it is pertinent that Africa presents a unified voice at the global forum, especially on specific regional issues that bear on African aviation including Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Cybersecurity, Safety and Security, amongst others.
From May 13 to 14, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) will convene stakeholders for its 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention and 2nd edition of the African Aviation Safety and Operations Summit with focus on sustainability, collaboration and innovation. We expect that the outcomes of the deliberations will impact African aviation safety and the economic sustainability of African airlines, in particular.
In this edition of your industry journal, Aviation & Allied Business Journal, we review the activities of the Honourable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development of Nigeria, Barrister Festus Keyamo, who is invested in improving the state of the industry in the country. Barrister Keyamo has etched his footprint on the various sectors of the industry in Nigeria from airline to infrastructure to policy and financing.
In line with the main focus of the edition, we feature an article on Aircraft Manufacturers and the Future of MRO Services in Africa and an interview with Mr. Vince Goncalves who serves as Regional Vice President for Africa at Execujet MRO Services South Africa.
To commemorate the international women month of March, Dina Abd Elghany, a leading female air traffic controller in North Africa shares her experience and those of other women in Egypt shattering the ‘glass ceiling’ in their careers to encourage other women to pursue their dreams.
Enjoy your reading, while we wish you a happy Easter season.
Edward Boyo (Capt.)
Publisher