The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the representative body of the global airline industry, and the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia signed a cooperation agreement on Monday. This would serve to formalise and deepen their cooperation, in order to strengthen aviation’s socioeconomic benefits to the country. The agreement was signed by Somali Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal and IATA regional VP Africa and the Middle East Kamil Alawadhi.

“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia’s development plans,” affirmed Egal. “The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country.”

The agreement would also allow IATA to expand its activities in Somalia, in line with the association’s African aviation mission. That was to create an air transport sector that was safe, economical, efficient and sustainable, that would stimulate growth and so create jobs, as well as facilitating international trade and tourism.

Further, aviation in Africa would provide essential support to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). It would do so by increasing connectivity between countries.

“Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s [SDGs], so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous,” highlighted Alawadhi. “This agreement aims to realise that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. HE Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions.”