The African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) has announced that it has made two new senior appointments, namely Dawit Lemma as the association’s VP: International, and Samantha “Sam” Keddle as its manager. In its statement, the AfBAA explained that they had both been appointed in order to drive growth and provide increased support to its members. Their appointments would take effect from Saturday, October 1.

The association was founded in 2012, becoming the Pan-African advocate for business and general aviation. In cooperation with African civil aviation authorities, it has promoted the adoption of unified safety standards across the continent. Further, AfBAA has developed close relations with the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), which is affiliated to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Lemma was already serving on the AfBAA Board of Directors. He was founder and CEO of Ethiopia- and Malta-based aviation services company Krimson Aviation. He was the first African representative on IBAC’s International Standards for Business Aircraft Handlers Board. He also represented his own company in the European Business Aviation Association Ambassadors programme.

“Dawit has been an ardent supporter of AfBAA and we are delighted that he has officially taken on the important position of Vice President, International,” affirmed AfBAA Chairperson and African Aviation Services CEO Nick Fadugba. “His key focus will be to promote AfBAA within Africa and internationally, strengthen ties with government regulators and industry stakeholders, and help the association to achieve its numerous goals.”

Keddle was previously Office Manager for the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa. She had held that post since April 2016 and had accumulated considerable experience in managing that association’s affairs, and organising meetings and events (including conferences).

“We are delighted that Sam has joined the association in the critical position of full-time AfBAA manager,” state Fadugba. “Her key objectives will be to enhance AfBAA’s administration, interface with AfBAA’s leadership team, members, industry stakeholders, supporters and sponsors, and to help to manage AfBAA’s international publicity and events.”