The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the African Union (AU) Commission to expand strategic cooperation and further the continent’s economic and social development, through the benefits of safe, efficient and sustainable air transport in Africa.
The MoU was signed by Iata CEO and director-general Tony Tyler and AU Commission commissioner for infrastructure and energy Dr Elham Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim.
The agreement focused on the exchange of information, expertise and capabilities to enhance safety and security through intelligence-driven, risk-based measures; reduce accident rates in line with global levels of performance; promote connectivity; and facilitate collaborative decision-making in air traffic management.
It also aimed to improve the passenger experience through the deployment of Iata’s Fast Travel Programme, a suite of projects designed to give passengers more control over their journey through a range of self-service options.
"Africa is set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation regions with 5% annual growth forecast over the next 20 years. Achieving this potential will not happen by chance – strong partnerships are key,” said Tyler, adding that the MoU would help ensure that global standards and best practice formed the backbone of Africa’s growth.
“[It will] also help position the continent’s 54 nations to promote economic and social development by unleashing the full power of aviation. I congratulate Dr Ibrahim for her leadership, vision and foresight in driving aviation development in Africa," he added.
Ibrahim highlighted Iata as a strategic partner in the growth of African aviation. “This MoU will commit our two organisations to even closer cooperation on the priorities for African aviation. In particular, we count on Iata to partner with us by providing the requisite technical support in the establishment of the Single African Air Transport Market as part of our long-term vision in the context of the AU Agenda 2063,” she said, reiterating the AU’s dedication to global best practice as fundamental for sustained growth in African aviation.
The parties agreed that the MoU would pave the way for further development in African aviation, which already supported 6.8-million jobs and generated $72.5-billion of economic activity on the continent.