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| Tarek Ragheb, Founding Chairman, AfBAA addressing delegates at AFBAC 2016 |
AfBAA welcomed more than 160 delegates from over 60
international and African companies, to the first ever African Business
Aviation Conference held in Cape Town, November 17 – 18. The latest event in
AfBAA’s growing portfolio was the largest yet, and will become an annual Cape
Town fixture on the aviation conference circuit.
Innovation was the conference theme and leading by
example AfBAA launched the continent’s first forum dedicated to RPAS (Remotely
Piloted Aircraft Systems) technology. Over forty delegates learned about the
possibilities for RPAS use in Africa. The highlight of the forum was a
presentation about ZipLine, a company using RPAS technology, in association
with the Rwandan government, to deliver urgently needed medical supplies across
the difficult terrain of the country.
Underpinning AfBAA’s commitment to innovation CEO Rady
Fahmy used the conference as a platform to announce an expanded AfBAA
collection of events. The AfBAA Regional Symposium 2017 will take place in
Nigeria where West African Business Aviation will be the theme, as it runs for
the first time in collaboration with the annual Nigerian Business Aviation
Conference. The newly established Country Round Tables, which have already spawned
the Ethiopian Chapter of AfBAA, will provide an option for specific nations to
discuss the themes and topics affecting their business aviation industry as
Kenya and Nigeria were announced as the next locations. Access Africa, will
complement attendance at international events. Designed for companies eager to
grow their business in Africa the sessions will include presentations from
leading African organisations that will impart local know-how and expertise.
EBACE 2017 will be the venue for Access Africa’s first outing.
Fahmy also announced that Sascha Neusser of Jeppesen will
be leading a new professional development programme for flight and ground
operations through AfBAA’s Safety and Training Committee. It is being formed in
conjunction with the Association of African Aviation Training Organisations. In
addition, the Aviation Security Committee was launched with a vision to collate
the best practices and resources to vet the risks of flying in Africa, and
explore how they can be mitigated. Training is now available for operators
flying over conflict zones and can be deemed essential on a continent where at
any one time conflict, hostility or emergency situations may emerge. Supporting
these new events and committees is a renewed Board of Directors who were
introduced at the AGM preceding the conference. “Brimming with experience,
knowledge and energy directors from twelve international and African companies,
representing a full range of business aviation sectors, will now take AfBAA to
the next level,” said Tarek Ragheb, Founding Chairman of the Association.
The AfBAC conference delivered on its innovation promise
with a first-of-a-kind line up of speakers covering new topics particularly
pertinent to the African market. Ex-US Navy Seal Tom Rothrauff talked about how
to manage landing in conflict areas and the psychological considerations;
Pierre Lucas of the World Food Programme discussed operational challenges for
emergency deliveries; whilst Jimmy Cho, a Boeing Digital Aviation specialist,
explained how big data collected by omnipresent chips will affect the future of
aviation; he also demonstrated how the Microsoft HoloLens technology may change
the future of training through the use of augmented and virtual reality; whilst
Investec economist Chris Becker explored how digital technology can advance
African business, through the use of cryptocurrency, 3D printing and Apps.
Operators, technology suppliers, maintenance providers,
engine manufacturers and regulatory bodies also spoke. Nuno Pereira CEO of Bestfly
of Angola, and Segun Demuren, CEO of Nigeria’s EAN Aviation, argued that in the
current African climate business grows organically, “We are growing directly in
response to market demand,” said Pereira.
He also encouraged competition arguing it prevents complacency. Demuren
was concerned that African CAAs think about security above all else when it
comes to Business Aviation, a consequence of years of conflict, “enterprise
tends to come second,” he lamented, “all our achievements in Africa are in spite
of the government red tape.”
Khader Mattar VP of Sales for Bombardier in Africa
confirmed that market demand for aircraft has reduced from a few years ago but
argues that it is up to the OEMs and jet brokers to manage the demand, in order
to satisfy the needs. The OEM panel acknowledged that Africa is no longer the
dumping ground for old aircraft. “The market is much more savvy and won’t just
respond to new models any more,” he said highlighting the need to think smart
about sales activity. “It recognizes the value of modernizing pre-owned
aircraft with a good heritage. A complete overhaul and upgrade can offer an
owner great value for money explained Jonathan Deutsch of JSSI. Satcom Direct’s Brian Roos stated that with
the right equipment installation owners can create an office in the sky to
support their business for reasonable costs.
Some new business models that may have shocked twelve
months ago, such as the JetSmarter membership club concept, are also providing
access through democratization of private aviation on the continent. Although
cultural differences, challenging regulations, permit challenges and few
operators currently make this more of an idea than a reality. Atedo Peterside
of ANAP Jets is pushing the fractional ownership model with Embraer Phenom 300
aircraft based in Nigeria, but acknowledged it will take time to change the
perception of business jet usage even though it is a smart way to fly. “Are we
selling a dream or a business tool?” asked one delegate.
Lack of operators is preventing development of the air
ambulance market argued Volker Lemke of medevac specialists FAI. Whilst
regional demand exists the lack of equipped aircraft, the challenge of
acquiring permits and the lack of medical experts on the continent means there
is a long way to go before Africa can maximize this business opportunity.
Flying over hostile zones, emergency areas and conflict areas continues to be a
challenge but Stanley Joseph of Universal Weather and Aviation Inc. argued that
being prepared, with good local partners, information and communications, would
support operations into and out of these challenging areas.
Innovation is key in supporting the market too. Pratt and
Whitney Canada made its AfBAA event debut announcing the implementation of four
mobile support teams strategically located to assist clients across the
continent. “If we want to flourish in Africa we have to invest in support,’
said Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam VP Commercial Services for P&WC. With 2165
engines currently operating on the continent it is this kind of support that is
welcomed by the industry. “The PT6 is the backbone of Africa, and we’re
delighted to hear about PWC’s further commitment to the continent,” said Tarek
Ragheb, AfBAA’s Founding Chairman.
In closing the event Chair Alan Peaford said that “AfBAA
is not just a talking shop about ideas, the association is beginning to make
moves as reflected in this conference. We have touched on areas that haven’t
been touched before. AfBAA has made great steps.”
Another high point of the conference was the appointment
of Board of Directors and advisors with tenure spanning 2017-2020. The new
appointees into the board are: Tarek Ragheb, Founding Chairman, AfBAA; Rady Fahmy,
Executive Director, AfBAA; Nuno Pereira, Vice-Chairman AfBAA, CEO of Bestfly;
Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN; Marc Strange, Regional Sales Director, Embraer
Executive Jets; Gavin Kiggen, Director of Aviation, Africa, ExecuJet; Stephen
Card, Director of Business Aviation and Client Management, Jeppesen; Jonathan
Deutsch, Sales Director, Jet Support Services, In.; Issa Zuriqi, Regional
Director, Asia, Africa and Australia, Hadid International Services; Craig
Middleton, Operations Director, Universal Weather and Aviation Inc.
Advisors: Katy Glynn, Director at Trident Group; Dawit
Lemma, CEO of Krimson
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