The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has confirmed the
lineup for its 2016 Aviation Day Africa which will be holding in Nigeria’s
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja from May 23-24. The theme of the conference is
“Driving African Economies through the Power of Aviation.”
According to IATA, “Senior IATA officials will be joined by the Director
General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Captain Muhtar S. Usman,
Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of State Senator Hadi Sirika, The Deputy Regional
Director of ICAO, Mr. Gaoussou Konate, the Secretary General of the African
Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Ms. Iyabo Sosina, along with key regional
stakeholders to address current issues affecting aviation in Africa including
public-private partnerships, aviation
and tourism convergence, funding, safety and security, the proliferation of
taxes and charges, next generation airports and market connectivity.”
The confirmed provides a platform for Africa’s key stakeholders to
debate the industry’s most pressing issues and align actions to address the challenges.
IATA has repeatedly called on African Governments and organizations to focus
not only on national issues but also on the strategic development of
pan-African aviation in order for the continent to reach its full economic
potential.
Aviation in Africa carries over 70 million passengers a year, supports
more than 6.9 million jobs on the continent and generates over $80 billion in
GDP. Over the next five years the African economy is forecast to grow at a
strong 4.7% per year, well above the global average rate. For the continent to realize its full
economic potential, aviation – particularly commercial air transport - must be
prioritized.
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