Uganda’s premium products the Kayoola EVS (fully electric and the Kayoola Diesel Coach Buses were deployed to transport foreign delegates at the global event
Kampala- Egypt Air will host next year ‘s 56th African Airlines Association (AFRAA) AGM in Cairo after Uganda Airlines hosted one of the most successful and well attended and 55th Annual General Assembly (AGA) which has concluded Uganda’s Capital Kampala.
The event was held under the High Patronage of the government of Uganda and officiated by H.E Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda.
While accepting the invitation to host the 56th AFRAA AGA , Ms. Reem Oraby , the VP Alliance and International Relations Egyptair Holding Company , thanked Uganda Airlines for organizing a very successful and well attended AGM and promised to the Cairo one even better . She invited all the delegates present to turn up for next’ s event as the continent pursues strategies to reduce the cost of air travel and open up the air space for free movement of the African people and trade .
Jenifer Bamuturaki outgoing AFRAA President and CEO Uganda Airlines handing over to Ms.Reem Oraby who represented Egyptair who are the new AFRAA President hosts for the 56th AFRAA AGA 2024
The Assembly, which brought together 569 delegates from 49 countries under the theme “Strides to Transform Aviation for Development”,challenged African airlines and air transport stakeholders with new thinking on initiatives and strategies that will drive the sustainability of the air transport sector to realise its potential. Among others, the Assembly recommendations were made on the following key areas: Transformational value of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to African airlines, collaborative and effective attainment of the Aviation Net Zero roadmap, innovation initiatives in Africa for sustainable aviation in the continent, synergies for the development of intra-Africa tourism and air travel and gender diversity and inclusivity actions to shape the future of aviation in Africa .
The Uganda Airlines team was recognized by the AFRAA Secretary General Mr. Abderahmane Berthe, for putting on a good show at the 56th AFRAA AGA in Kampala Uganda -the Pearl Of Africa
Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, AFRAA Secretary General, expressed commitment and determination of AFRAA to overcome the challenges facing the air transport industry, to support the post-COVID resumption and foster a resilient Air Transport system in Africa. “As our industry has almost recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides an opportunity for cooperation and collaboration to develop a sustainable perspective for the airline industry. At AFRAA, we will keep our mission to promote and serve African airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry.” he stated. “Better Skies for Africa remains the pillar of all our actions.” Mr. Berthé concluded.
Appointment of officers The 55th AFRAA AGA elected LAM Mozambique as the Chairman of the Executive Committee while Kenya Airways was elected as first Vice Chairman and Tunisair as second Vice Chairman. The AFRAA Executive Committee has oversight responsibility for the Association.
Host of the 56th AGA The 55th AFRAA AGA elected EgyptAir as the President of the Association. EgyptAir will host the 56th AGA in Egypt from in November 2024.
AFRAA CEOs retreat As part of the pre-AGA activities, AFRAA staged the first-ever AFRAA CEOs retreat on 19 November 2023. The CEOs retreat is an initiative recommended by the AFRAA Executive Committee to bring together member airline leadership teams to brainstorm on the association’s priorities, work plan, projects and specific dynamics of the air transport industry that will enhance the Association to play its critical role in the industry.
The CEOs retreat which will be held on an annual basis, made recommendations for AFRAA on: safety, intra-African connectivity and route development, sustainability of African Airlines and AFRAA joint projects.
New Members and Partners The Association welcomed the following new Members that joined in 2023:
AFRAA’s President Jenifer Bamuturaki and Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé, presented a gift to Uganda’s Vice President Jesca Alupo at the AFRAA opening ceremony . looking on is Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport General Edward Katumba Wamala
Highlights from the Secretary General’s State of the Industry report Airline performance: The average Passenger Load Factor recorded in Africa for 2022 was 71.6%, a 10.6% increase compared to 2021. However, this is 7% less than the global average. The mismatch between capacity and demand and the limited commercial cooperation between local carriers may explain this low performance in terms of load factor in Africa.
In terms of passengers carried, during the 3rd quarter of 2023, African airlines reached the number of RPKs for the same period in 2019. AFRAA estimates the number of passengers in 2023 to be 85 million, 89% of the 95.6 million in 2019. Notably, in 2023, Northern Africa accounts for 39.5% of the total African traffic, followed by Central and West Africa at 21.7%, Southern Africa at 19.4% and Eastern Africa at 19.3.
On cargo, according to World ACD, African Airlines represent an average of 30.6% in terms of cargo market share in 2023.
AFRAA estimates the revenue loss for 2022 at USD 3.5 billion, representing 20% of 2019 revenues. This will narrow down to USD 1 billion in 2023.
Jet fuel prices: Jet fuel prices are rising, reaching $123.46 as at the end of October 2023. This trend of high fuel costs impacts fares and hinders air transport affordability for African citizens.
Safety: Promoting and enhancing safety is one of AFRAA’s priorities through collaboration. AFRAA and industry stakeholders are working towards improving safety standards in our continent. AFRAA is currently running with IATA and AFCAC a 3-year project, which aims to identify eligible airlines, conduct gap analyses, and recommend corrective actions to prepare those airlines for IOSA or ISSA certifications.
AFRAA priorities for 2024:
Safety first
Connectivity and route development
Air Transport sustainability
AFRAA 5-Year Strategic Plan
“The African continent must focus on aviation as a critical socio-economic development driver. Cooperation, Collaboration and joint industry actions are essential in this process. AFRAA intends to play a pivotal role in navigating African airlines by charting a sustainable path in support of rejuvenating the continent’s aviation industry through specific support measures.” Mr. Berthé emphasized.
About AFRAA The African Airlines Association, also known by its acronym AFRAA, is a trade association of airlines from the member states of the African Union (AU). Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development.
AFRAA membership of 54 airlines cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Editor: msserwanga@gmail.com
Ms. Maureen Kahonge,Senior Manager Business Development & Communications – African Airlines Association (AFRAA)
