Aviation Minister Contributes to International Dialogue at IATA’s “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” Conference
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN CON FCIarb (UK), delivered a notable address at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference titled “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024.” The conference, held in Johannesburg, gathered key stakeholders in the aviation industry to discuss the future of air transport across the African continent.
In his remarks, the Aviation Minister emphasized the critical importance of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative aimed at liberalizing the African aviation industry to enhance connectivity, improve safety standards, and boost economic growth. He underscored the need for collaborative efforts among African nations to realize the goals of SAATM, highlighting the potential for increased trade, tourism, and investment opportunities that a unified air transport market could bring.
The Minister outlined several key contributions necessary for achieving the SAATM objectives, including:
Policy Harmonization: Advocating for the alignment of aviation policies and regulations across African countries to create a seamless and efficient air transport market.
Infrastructure Development: Emphasizing the need for significant investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation services to support increased air traffic and ensure safety and efficiency.
Capacity Building: Highlighting the importance of training and development programs for aviation professionals to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting a modern and competitive aviation industry.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships between governments and private sector stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and innovation for the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.
The Minister also called for a concerted effort to address the challenges facing the African aviation industry, such as high operational costs, restrictive bilateral agreements, and limited access to financing. He stressed that overcoming these obstacles is essential to unlocking the full potential of SAATM and achieving the broader economic benefits for the continent.
The “Wings of Change Focus Africa 2024” conference served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African aviation leaders, regulators, and industry experts. The Minister’s contributions were well-received, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing the African aviation industry.
(Tunde Moshood, SA Media and Communications to HMA& A)
