By Mohamed Attia
Under the patronage of Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Cairo hosted the 56th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRA), bringing together over 500 prominent figures in the aviation industry. Participants included representatives from international organisations, civil aviation authorities, African airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and suppliers, who convened over three days to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing air transport across Africa.
During the opening ceremony, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, emphasised the importance of hosting this significant event as a testament to Egypt’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations. He underlined the pivotal role of the aviation sector in connecting cultures and economies across the continent, describing it as “the main artery” driving trade and development.
Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, highlighted the resilience of African airlines in the face of global economic shifts, the pandemic, and rising fuel costs. “What distinguishes Africa is its immense potential, diverse cultures, and vast landscapes,” Zakaria said, emphasising aviation’s ability to connect people and stimulate economic growth. He also noted Egypt’s investment in infrastructure, including airport modernisation and air traffic management systems, pointing out that Cairo International Airport saw a 31% increase in passenger traffic in 2023.
AFRA Secretary-General Abderahmane Berthé praised African airlines for achieving significant growth in 2024, with several surpassing pre-pandemic operational levels despite global disruptions. He stressed the importance of initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to enhance connectivity across the continent.
Berthé also highlighted the industry’s focus on sustainability, including steps to reduce carbon emissions through the use of fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels, and optimised flight operations. He called for continued collaboration and innovation to ensure African aviation plays a central role in the global sustainability agenda.
Willie Walsh, Secretary-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), noted that Africa accounts for 18% of the world’s population but only 3% of global GDP. He reaffirmed IATA’s commitment to supporting African airlines in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, adding that the association aims to contribute 60% of Africa’s carbon reduction goals.
The event, supported by EgyptAir and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, concluded with a call for collective efforts to ensure aviation remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development.
Key attendees included Egyptian ministers, regional aviation leaders, and representatives from global and Arab aviation organisations, underscoring the importance of the assembly in shaping the future of air transport across Africa.
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