Yemisi Izuora
Airlines and aviation stakeholders will meet in Johannesburg from 28 – 30 April 2015 at the 4th Annual Aviation Stakeholders Convention.
The Convention is organised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) with the aim to create a comprehensive forum in Africa that brings together users and providers of aviation products, solutions and services all under one roof.
This year’s Aviation Stakeholders Convention is expected to bring together over 350 delegates across the globe from airlines, airports, civil aviation organisations, air traffic navigation service providers, aircraft/engine manufacturers, component suppliers, IT, catering, fuel, training and other service providers to the aviation industry.
The theme of this year’s convention according to the statement from association is “Building and Sustaining Strong Partnerships”, and its being held under the patronage of the Department of Transport of the Republic of South Africa.
The convention will be officially opened by Honourable Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Transport and the keynote speakers were selected from the industry ranging from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Regional Director for the Eastern & Southern African Office, South Africa Civil Aviation Authority Director General of Civil Aviation, South Africa Airways, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, to the vice president for Africa of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Secretary General.
According to the Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr. Elijah Chingosho, “This is an initiative by AFRAA to create a platform for users and suppliers of aviation products, solutions and services to convene and discuss industry trends, network and forge beneficial partnerships with the view to ultimately improve the aviation support base in the continent.” The event provides an outstanding brand visibility and business opportunity for industry partners and suppliers of equipment, components, solutions and services.
Africa has huge growth opportunities for the aviation industry. This is being spurred by strong growth of African economies, a widening middle income class and the influx of foreign investments. “Our objective is to facilitate the exploitation of these opportunities by the various stakeholders including: regulators, operators, suppliers and other stakeholders in the continent through forging of win-win business relationships,” Dr. Chingosho added.