AFRAA to host aviation stakeholders’ summit in Kigali

Africa’s aviation stakeholders would converge in Kigali, Rwanda to foster dialogue, building sustainable networks in supply chain management and creating a competitive environment for aviation business in the continent. The summit takes place between May 7 and May 9, 2016.

 

RwandAir CEO, AFRAA Secretary Genearl and RCAA Advisor to the DG at the press conference RwandAir CEO and AFRAA Secretary Genearl at RwandAir headquarters

The conference is being organised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) in partnership with RwandAir, convened under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Rwanda, this important industry event in Africa has been endorsed by Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and Rwanda Development Board and is expected to bring together about 400 participants consisting mainly of airlines, Civil Aviation Authorities, airports, Air Navigation Service Providers, ground handlers, regulators, aircraft/engine manufacturers, component suppliers, service providers in the aviation industry and other aviation stakeholders.

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According to International Air Transport Association (IATA) 20-year passenger forecast, Africa is set for strong expansion in air connectivity with passenger growth expected to average 4.4 per cent.

This growth in both passenger and cargo is spurred by huge economic growth and investments in many African countries.

Aviation supports 6.9 million jobs and $80 billion in GDP in Africa and its important role in the continent cannot be understated. Building partnerships for the mutual benefit of the aviation industry is necessary in order to exploit the opportunities in Africa and overcome the huge challenges that abound in the continent.

AFRAA Secretary General, Dr. Elijah Chingosho said AFRAA aims to bring together the suppliers of the whole range of aviation products and services and the potential customers of these products and services at one venue annually for purposes of networking, knowledge exchange, business negotiations and forging of win-win business relationships.”

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He added that the forum is a platform that facilitates the exploitation of opportunities in the continent by the various stakeholders with the view to ultimately improve the aviation support base in the continent. He paid tribute to RwandAir noting the airline’s important role in connecting the country to the African continent and indeed to the rest of the world.

RwandAir Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Mirenge thanked the Association for choosing Remarkable Rwanda as the venue for the Convention.

He said, “RwandAir is an important player in the aviation industry in the region. Staging the Convention at RwandAir’s home base and hub will be a great opportunity to further strengthen Rwanda’s place as an aviation country in the region.”

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He added that hosting the convention in Kigali is a great opportunity to showcase the country’s infrastructure and natural attractions for business, tourism, personal travel as well as a preferred destination for conference tourism.

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onvened under the theme “Winning Together through Innovation and Collaboration”, the conference is structured to incorporate presentations and panel discussions on trendy subjects in aviation on one hand and on the other, the event shall allow for networking opportunities, one-to-one appointments and masterclasses facilitated by industry experts.

Wole Shadare