In just a few weeks, the Sandton Convention Center in Gauteng, South Africa will become the epicenter of the global aviation industry as it hosts the 8th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition. Taking place on the 16th and 17th of September 2024, this highly anticipated event will bring together top executives, officials and industry leaders from across the airline and air transport world, making it the continent’s premier gathering for the sector.
According to Alan Peaford, chairman of the Aviation Africa Summit, “once again the 8th Aviation Africa Summit drew a fantastic response from speakers from across the continent and beyond to address the issues and challenges that the continent undoubtedly faces, debate to realize its full potential. “
Hosted by the Government of South Africa and the Ministry of Transport, with leadership from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Aviation Africa 2024 is more than just an event; it is a crucial platform to address the critical challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s aviation industry. The summit is a beacon of hope and ambition for an industry that has faced its share of turmoil but is now charting a course for recovery and growth.
The summit will begin with a welcome speech from Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The event, hosted by the Government of South Africa and the Ministry of Transport, and led by SACAA, highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening its aviation industry and promoting international cooperation.
The event boasts an impressive array of keynote speakers and will see industry leaders share their insights on the current state and future of aviation in Africa. Abdérahmane Berthé, Secretary General of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), will provide his perspective on the industry’s challenges and opportunities, while Alcinda Pereira, Chair of the African Business Aircraft Association (AfBAA), on the role of business aviation on the continent . Kamil Al-Alwadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East at IATA, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, will also deliver keynote addresses and their views on the wider air transport landscape and the steps needed to ensure sustainable growth. offer.
A series of high-profile panel discussions will take place over the two-day summit, featuring key figures from both the airline and airport sectors. Among the notable participants is Rodger Foster, CEO of Airlink, one of South Africa’s leading regional airlines, who will join Lulu Rasebotsa, CEO of Air Botswana, on the airline’s CEO panel. Their discussion will focus on navigating the challenges of the African market, including the operational, regulatory and financial obstacles facing carriers in the region.
The airport leadership panel will feature Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and Mwamba Patience Nakambale, managing director of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Zambia. These leaders will examine the critical role that infrastructure development and modernization play in improving connectivity and supporting economic growth across Africa.
The event’s closing panel, titled “Putting it all together: Where Does Africa Go from Here,” promises to be a highlight of the summit. It will bring together experts such as Kevin Storie, CEO of the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA); Dawit Lemma, CEO of Krimson Aviation; Aaron Munetsi, CEO of Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA); and Henok Teferra Shawl, managing director Africa at Boeing Global. Their discussion will focus on the future of African aviation, addressing the urgent need for collaboration, innovation and investment to unlock the continent’s full potential.
One of the highlights of the summit will be the airline’s CEO panel, featuring industry heavyweights such as Rodger Foster, CEO of South African airline Airlink, and Lulu Rasebotsa, CEO of Air Botswana. This panel will explore strategies for navigating the complexities of operating in the African market and improving connectivity within the continent.
The airport leadership panel promises to be equally engaging, with Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and Mwamba Patience Nakambale, managing director of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Zambia, leading the conversation. Their insights will focus on the critical role of airports in promoting economic growth and improving the passenger experience in Africa.
The summit will culminate with a forward-looking panel titled “Putting it all together: Where goes Africa go from here?” This discussion, with Kevin Storie, CEO of the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA); Dawit Lemma, CEO of Krimson Aviation; Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA); and Henok Teferra Shawl, Managing Director Africa at Boeing Global, will delve into the future trajectory of African aviation.
