In just a few weeks, the Sandton Convention Center in Gauteng, South Africa, will become the center of the global air transport industry as it hosts the 8th Africa Air Summit and Expo. Scheduled to take place on September 16-17, 2024, this highly anticipated event will bring together senior executives, officials and industry leaders from across the world of aviation and air transport, making it the continent’s premier gathering for the sector.
According to Alan Byford, Chair of the African Aviation Summit, “The 8th African Aviation Summit once again received a fantastic response from speakers from across the continent and beyond discussing the issues and challenges the continent undoubtedly faces to realize its full potential.”
Hosted by the South African Government and Department of Transport, and led by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the African Aviation Conference 2024 is more than just a gathering; It is a pivotal platform to address 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 turmoil but is now charting a course for recovery and growth.
The summit will begin with a welcome address from Bobby Khoza, Director of Civil Aviation at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The event, hosted by the South African Government and Department of Transport, and led by SACAA, underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening the aviation industry and enhancing international cooperation.
Featuring an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, the event will see industry leaders sharing their views on the current state and future of aviation in Africa. Abderrahmane Berti, Secretary General of the African Airline Association (AFRAA), will provide his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, while Alcinda Pereira, President of the African Business Aircraft Association (AfBAA), will delve into the role of business aviation in the region. Continent. Kamel El-Wady, Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East at IATA, and Sanjeev Gadia, CEO of Astral Aviation, will deliver keynote speeches, offering their views on the broader air transport landscape and the steps needed to ensure sustainable growth.
A series of high-level panel discussions will be held during the two-day summit, with the participation of key figures from the aviation and airport sectors. Notable participants include Rodger Foster, CEO of Airlink, one of South Africa’s leading regional airlines, who will join Lolo Rasputsa, CEO of Air Botswana, on the airline CEO panel. Their discussions will focus on addressing the challenges of the African market, including the operational, regulatory and financial obstacles faced by airlines in the region.
The Airport Leaders Panel will include Mbumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Corporation of 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 plays in enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth across Africa.
The closing session of the event, titled “Putting It All Together: Where Does Africa Go from Here,” is expected to be one of the highlights of the summit. It will bring together experts such as Kevin Storey, CEO of the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA); Dawit Lima, CEO of Crimson Aviation; Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airline Association of South Africa (AASA); Henoch Tefera Saul, Managing Director, Africa, Boeing Global. Their discussion will focus on the future of African aviation, addressing the urgent need for collaboration, innovation and investment to unleash the continent’s full potential.
A highlight of the summit will be the airline CEO panel, which includes industry heavyweights such as Rodger Foster, CEO of South African Airlink, and Lolo Rasputsa, CEO of Air Botswana. This panel will explore strategies to overcome the complexities of operating in the African market and enhance connectivity within the continent.
The Airport Leaders Panel promises equal participation, with Mbumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Corporation of South Africa (ACSA), and Mwamba Patience Nkambale, Managing Director of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Zambia, leading the discussion. Their vision will focus on the critical role of airports in promoting economic growth and improving the passenger experience in Africa.
The Summit will culminate in a forward-looking session entitled “Putting It All Together: Where Does Africa Go from Here?” This discussion features Kevin Storey, CEO of the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA); Dawit Lima, CEO of Crimson Aviation; Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airline Association of South Africa (AASA); Henoch Tefera Saul, Managing Director, Africa, Boeing Global, will address the future path of African aviation.
