Ethiopian, AFRAA’s Aviation Convention to Change Narrative of African Airline Industry

Chinedu Eze

Aviation experts in Africa have lamented that the region’s share of the global air transport market is underwhelming when compared to the existing opportunities in the continent.

They remarked that in light of Africa’s vast landmass, its population accounting for 16% of the world population, and its low share of global trade of 2%, the continent is an excellent opportunity to develop air transport. However, as a market, Africa’s share over several decades has remained stagnant at less than 3% of the world market and said that it is time to take action to change this narrative.

Speaking in Addis Ababa on the significance of attainment of sustainability that will change the narrative of Africa’s air transport, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé emphasized the importance of dialogue among stakeholders and collaborative initiatives such as those facilitated by AFRAA: “AFRAA and Ethiopian Airlines are excited to stage this Convention for the travel ecosystem stakeholders to meet, deliberate on strategies to enhance efficiencies, create synergies, develop intra-Africa connectivity, ensure business continuity that will redefine the narrative of Africa air transport industry.”

The Group CEO Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Mesfin Bekele, remarked, “We are delighted to host the 11th Aviation Stakeholders’ Convention of AFRAA which will serve as a forum for stakeholders in the industry to put their heads together and discuss the opportunities and pressing issues in Africa’s aviation sector. The forum will showcase the ‘Africa Rising’ mantra manifested in the growing opportunities for all stakeholders in the continent’s aviation industry.”