PUBLISHER’S NOTE

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

The global aviation industry has continued its persistent, even frantic, push to ensure the industry achieves its decarbonization target by 2050. At the International Air Transport Association – IATA World Sustainability Symposium in Miami, United States of America in September 2024, IATA reaffirmed its belief that decarbonization of air transport by 2050 is possible. Equally important is the recognition by IATA that decarbonization “policies must ensure that all countries can participate in the future global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market.”

We call for a unified and coordinated approach for Africa to participate in the new clean energy markets, both as producers and users. The cost and challenges associated with the energy transition impose on Africa the need for collaboration, without which the continent risks being left behind.

In November 2024, the Single African Air Transport Market Pilot Implementation Project (SAATM-PIP) will be two years. The SAATM-PIP has ushered in a period of energetic advocacy and stakeholder engagements, capacity building, measurement, and has giving considerable fillip to awareness of SAATM and the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD).

We salute the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and other stakeholders for their commitment and tenacity in driving SAATM implementation across Africa. Air Transport is an enabler, therefore, a liberalized and efficient air transport industry in Africa is a sine qua non for increased trade, tourism and economic growth of the continent.

As the global air transport industry pushes for increased female inclusion, this edition of the Aviation & Allied Business (Africa) Journal celebrates African women, who are leading the charge in various sectors of the industry, from airlines to civil aviation authorities and to airports, amongst others. The series will continue in subsequent editions of the magazine. While recognizing these leading lights, we hasten to remind all that a lot needs to be done to engender more female inclusion in the aviation industry in Africa.

This edition also features an incisive interview with a veteran of the African air transport industry, Mr. Fansu Bojang, Director General, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and Head of the Banjul Accord Group Secretariat. We also bring to you an article from the CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines, Mr. Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, who shares the airline’s perspective on SAATM, amongst other must-read materials.

Finally, we congratulate the venerable Mr. Prosper Zo’o Minto’o on his election as Director General of ASECNA, the Agency for the Safety of Air Navigation in Africa and Madagascar. We equally extend our hearty congratulations to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku on her appointment as Regional Advisor for Africa on Airports Council International World Governing Board. We assure these new appointees of our support.

We thank you for your support and wish you a happy reading.

Thank you.

Capt. Edward Boyo