The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, accompanied by Camair-Co Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ernest Dikoum, met the Minister Deputy Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Mohamadou Moustafa, the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Cameroon, Honourable Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibehe and other government stakeholders in Yaoundé ahead of the 51st AFRAA Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Summit.
The AFRAA AGA is scheduled to take place from 24th to the 26th of November 2019 in Yaoundé. Speaking at a joint press conference, Mr. Berthé expressed appreciation to the government of Cameroon’s support to the development of aviation in the country. He applauded the government’s commitment to the liberalization of African skies noting that Cameroon was the 28th State to sign the solemn commitment for the Single Air Transport Market (SAATM).
“The Airline business cannot grow and thrive without market access – it is one of the critical factors for airlines business to succeed. With the liberalization of African skies for African carriers, the African airspace is poised for greater heights that will bring us closer to our common goal of an integrated and prosperous Africa,” he said. He highlighted various success factors for aviation in Africa to thrive. A major challenge discussed was high taxes and charges in Africa which are among the main factors that have resulted in high cost of operations in the African Aviation industry. “AFRAA urges airports to adhere to ICAO’s principle of user consultation in the determination and fixing of charges and fees to ensure that they are commensurate with the level of service delivered”, he said. The industry can only thrive in an environment where air travel is made affordable and more Africans are able to travel, all actors must ensure the sector is well-positioned for success. Among other factors, the Secretary General encouraged collaboration among African airlines.
He highlighted various forms of collaboration and resource sharing among airlines which AFRAA is addressing. “In line of the new strategic direction of the Association, AFRAA has launched various new Task Forces for its members. Through the new Projects, we seek to several avenues to address pertinent challenges and identify common solutions to pave way for a stronger Association for our members”, he added.
AFRAA will vigorously implement its Action Plan that will transform the industry as well as help fuel positive economic progress across the African continent. He took the opportunity to commend Camair-Co on its recent renewal of IOSA which demonstrates the airline’s adherence to world-class safety standards. 2 Camair-Co is the proud host of the 51st AGA which is the premier gathering of African airline CEOs and senior global aviation executives.
Annually, the AGA brings together aviation leaders and stakeholders to take stock of aviation milestones and plan the future for the development of African aviation. The AGA will discuss issues on the development of air transport in Africa in general and development opportunities for African airlines in particular. Air transport in Africa is an economic bridge – linking people, goods and capital to markets and industries and integrating the vast continent.
The President of AFRAA and CEO of Camair-Co, Mr. Ernest Dikoum on his part thanked AFRAA for the opportunity to host this major aviation event. He stated that hosting the event in Cameroon, and in particular, Yaoundé, presented an excellent opportunity to strengthen aviation in the country and further promotes the tourism sector. “It is a pleasure and an honor to host the 51st AFRAA Annual General Assembly and Summit in Yaoundé. Camair-Co looks forward to welcome airline top executives and other aviation stakeholders to Cameroon.” he said.
In addition to the provision of an excellent platform for brand visibility through sponsorship, the General Assembly and Summit of AFRAA will present exhibition opportunities for aviation companies to showcase their services, equipment, components, supplies and IT solutions.
The 51st AFRAA AGA will be attended by Chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, air navigation services providers as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, component suppliers, and many other service providers. AFRAA and Camair-Co are dedicated to ensure that delegates will experience yet another memorable AGA this year.
Credit: Prof Wolfgang Thome-ATC News
