The Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Sameh Ahmed El Hefny, officiated the opening ceremony, setting the stage for a series of robust deliberations aimed at shaping the future of African air transport. The assembly delved into a wide range of topics crucial to the growth and transformation of the industry, focusing on everything from aircraft financing to gender diversity and sustainable practices.

Key Areas of Discussion

Throughout the assembly, several key areas were identified as central to Africa’s aviation evolution:

1. Aircraft Financing in Africa: Tackling the financial challenges that hinder the expansion of African airlines.
2. Defining a Sustainable African Airline: Exploring how to create and sustain airlines that can thrive in the long term.
3. Transforming African Hubs: A focus on investment, innovation, and enhancing connectivity to make African airports more competitive.
4. Revenue Management Trends: Assessing best practices to maximise profits and operational efficiency.
5. Pathway to Net-Zero by 2050: A discussion on how African airlines can contribute to global sustainability goals.
6. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Exploring how to accelerate the adoption of SAF to meet 2050 targets.
7. Gender Diversity: Reviewing the progress and strategies to enhance diversity within the aviation sector.
8. Adapting to Industry Shifts: Addressing the impact of geopolitical changes, technological advancements, and AI on the aviation landscape.

Strengthening the Foundations for a Stronger Industry

In his welcome address, Eng. Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company and AFRAA’s 2024 President, underscored the critical juncture at which the aviation industry stands. Despite challenges like the global economic shifts, rising fuel costs, and the pandemic’s aftermath, Zakaria expressed optimism. “These challenges have provided us with unique opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and grow,” he remarked, emphasising Egypt’s commitment to modernising its aviation infrastructure. In 2023 alone, Cairo International Airport saw a 31% rise in passenger traffic, a clear indicator of the region’s growing demand for air travel.

Zakaria further urged African airlines to embrace collaboration, sharing resources and strategies to drive operational efficiency and reduce costs. He stressed the importance of prioritising sustainability, noting that the aviation industry plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change and must lead by example for future generations.

AFRAA’s Vision for the Future

Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General, reflected on African aviation’s remarkable recovery and growth in 2024. Highlighting AFRAA’s role in enhancing connectivity, promoting sustainability, and developing infrastructure, Berthé outlined the Association’s future priorities. “We must focus on increasing operational efficiency, building a more resilient aviation ecosystem, and advancing sustainability,” he stated, adding that AFRAA’s leadership and collaboration would be key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.

Looking ahead, AFRAA plans to launch its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, which will focus on strengthening the Association’s role in driving Africa’s aviation industry forward.

Leadership and Membership Updates

The assembly also saw the election of new leadership within AFRAA. Kenya Airways was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee, while LAM Mozambique and Tunisair were named first and second Vice Chairmen, respectively. Furthermore, TAAG Angola was appointed as AFRAA’s President and will host the 57th AGA in Luanda in 2025.

The event also welcomed new members and partners, including Z. Boskovic Air Charters Ltd, Berniq Airways, and Skyward Express, as well as full partners such as VISA and Knighthood Global Limited.

Celebrating Excellence in African Aviation

The AFRAA Annual Awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements in African aviation. Ethiopian Airlines was named Airline of the Year – Global Operations for its highest net profit in 2023, while Kenya Airways received the award for the best improvement in profit ratio. Eswatini Air was honoured for the best improvements in intra-Africa connectivity, having launched the most new routes within Africa in 2023.

AFRAA’s Continuing Commitment to Growth

Looking forward to 2025, AFRAA has outlined its key priorities: ensuring safety, enhancing connectivity, focusing on air transport sustainability, and launching its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.

Additionally, AFRAA, in collaboration with Milanamos, unveiled the AFRAA Route Intelligence Portal. This new tool aims to provide members with essential market insights, including traffic demand analysis, revenue forecasts, and partnership opportunities.

Youth Outreach and Aviation Careers

As part of its outreach efforts, AFRAA, alongside EgyptAir and the African Section of the Ninety-Nines International Organisation of Women Pilots, hosted a youth outreach event in Cairo. With the theme “Transforming Skies, Developing Leaders,” the event inspired 50 students to explore careers in aviation, offering them exposure to EgyptAir’s facilities, flight simulators, and first aid training courses.

About AFRAA

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is the leading trade association representing airlines from the African Union. Established in 1968 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote and serve African airlines and advance the continent’s aviation industry. With a membership representing over 85% of Africa’s international air traffic, AFRAA is instrumental in shaping policies that drive economic development across the region.