Aviation Africa Draws to a Successful Close

The 8th Aviation AFRICA Summit and Exhibition 2024, with the theme Bridging Skies and Leveraging Growth, surpassed all expectations with the attendance of 34 African countries, more than 1200 delegates, participation of 92 airlines/operators, and over 100 exhibitors and sponsors.

Alan Peaford, the conference chairman began proceedings with an introduction and remembering the late Nick Fadugba (former chair of AfBAA and secretary general of AFRAA) and his role in promoting aviation development throughout Africa.

The Summit was officially opened by the Hon Minister of Transport, Republic of South Africa, Barbara Creecy. Her opening address marked her first aviation engagement since being appointed to the role on the 3rd of July 2024 in the new Government of National Unity of South Africa.

Creecy said “I am pleased to see that air transport is almost at pre-pandemic levels economically” and acknowledged the reports that point to a recovery in global passenger and cargo numbers.

Poppy Khoza, director of South African Civil Aviation Authority welcomed delegates, exhibitors and ministers highlighting the importance of events such as Aviation Africa and its role in bringing the various stakeholders together to foster collaboration and build and strengthen the industry.

Aviation AFRICA 2024, in its first co-location partnership with AfBAA (African Business Aviation Association), along with SACAA as the host sponsor, brought industry leaders from regional airlines, regulators, airports, OEM’s and companies large and small together to collaborate and engage in aviation industry-specific conversation.

Another innovative first for Aviation AFRICA 2024, was the inclusion of an Insight Theatre which ran concurrently in the exhibition hall and encouraged robust debate and discourse on aviation topics.

South African Airways (SAA) and Airlink CEOs shared their strategic plans with an audience of delegates from more than 70 countries worldwide.

Aviation AFRICA 2024, also platformed important industry announcements; ATNS and GANS signed a strategic agreement to collaborate in various areas of Air Traffic Management.

In closing, Alan Peaford officially handed the flag to Hon Olivier Kabera, Minister of State Infrastructure, Republic Rwanda. Rwanda is the new host country for Aviation AFRICA 2025.