In just a few weeks, the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng, South Africa, will become the epicentre of the global air transport industry as it hosts the 8th Aviation Africa Summit and exhibition. Set to take 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, chair of the Aviation Africa Summit, “The 8th Aviation Africa Summit has once again drawn a fantastic response from speakers from across the continent and further afield to debate the issues and challenges the continent undoubtedly faces to realise its full potential.”
Platform for progress
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 a gathering; it’s a pivotal platform for addressing 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 turbulence but is now charting a course for recovery and growth.
The Summit will commence with a welcome address from Poppy Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Hosted by the Government of South Africa and the Ministry of Transport, and led by SACAA, the event underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its aviation industry and fostering international collaboration.
Boasting an impressive array of keynote speakers, the event 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), will delve into the role of business aviation on the continent. Kamil Al-Alwadhi, Regional Vice President for Africa & Middle East at IATA, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation, will also deliver keynote addresses, offering their views on the broader air transport landscape and the steps needed to ensure sustainable growth.
Discussing developments
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, in the airline CEO panel. Their discussion will focus on navigating the challenges of the African market, including the operational, regulatory, and financial hurdles faced by carriers in the region.
The airport leaders 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 explore the critical role that infrastructure development and modernization play in enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth across Africa.
The event’s concluding 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 like 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 center on the future of African aviation, addressing the pressing need for collaboration, innovation, and investment to unlock the continent’s full potential.
Leadership panels
One of the summit’s highlights will be the airline CEO panel, featuring industry heavyweights like Rodger Foster, CEO of South African carrier Airlink, and Lulu Rasebotsa, CEO of Air Botswana. This panel will explore strategies to navigate the complexities of operating in the African market and enhancing connectivity within the continent.
The airport leaders 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 discussion. Their insights will focus on the critical role of airports in fostering economic growth and improving the passenger experience in Africa.
The summit will culminate with a forward-looking panel titled “Putting it all together: Where does Africa go from here?” This discussion, featuring 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.
