Uganda is hosting the 55th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) general assembly in Kampala, under the theme “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development.” The objective is to address common challenges affecting the industry on the continent.
The assembly was inaugurated by Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, who emphasized the critical nature of the meeting for continental aviation. She stressed the need for the industry to make crucial decisions to position itself in Africa’s socioeconomic transformation.
Alupo highlighted the significance of aviation due to inadequate coverage of interstate movement by rail and road infrastructure, as Africa pursues the goal of continental integration.
Abderahmane Berthe, secretary general of AFRAA, emphasized the importance of aviation as a crucial driver for socioeconomic development on the continent. He stressed that cooperation, collaboration, and joint industry actions are essential in this process.
Berthe also noted that in 2022, African airlines carried 67 million passengers, signifying a 55.8 percent annual growth. He emphasized AFRAA’s intention to play a pivotal role in navigating African airlines by charting a sustainable path through specific support measures to rejuvenate the continent’s aviation industry.
