The African Airline Association and the Airports Council International Africa have announced that they will sign a memorandum of understanding that will benefit Africa’s aviation industry by addressing safe, secure, seamless, and affordable air travel among others.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Abderahmane Berthé, AFRAA’s Secretary-General, and Ali Tounsi, ACI Africa’s Secretary-General.
African Airline Association and ACI Africa will align their actions and work together on the promotion and sharing of new guidelines to foster more productive engagement between airport operators and air carriers.
AFRAA’s Secretary-General noted that the high cost of airline operations on the continent adversely affects the viability of African airlines and hampers the growth of the aviation industry, citing the high taxes on the continent.
They will also carry out safety initiatives in agreement with the Abuja Safety targets while promoting new technologies in air travel.
Kenya has established a multi-sectoral committee to strengthen the efficiency and security of its international air services as it positions itself as a regional hub.
The country’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is a major hub for passengers connecting to Europe, the United States, and even the Middle East.
Refurbishment of terminals 1B and C at JKIA are ongoing to enhance the check-in activity and enhance the passenger lounge experience for travelers.
The deal will also see the formation of a focused think tank group led by the African Airlines Association and Airports Council International Africa comprising of experts in airports and airlines, to exchange views, drive constructive dialogues and address matters of major importance and interest for the air transport industry on Africa.
They will also host joint events on how to render air travel more affordable in Africa.
According to the Airports Council International Africa’s Secretary-General, Ali Tounsi: “the development of a safe, secure, and financially viable and sustainable air transport industry in Africa cannot be undertaken without a strong and enhanced collaboration between airports and airlines.”
The IATA also added that the aviation industry in Africa provides jobs for over six million people with over twenty-three million people who depend on the travel and tourism industry.