AFRAA to convene its 4th Annual Aviation Stakeholders Convention

Airlines and aviation stakeholders will meet in Johannesburg from 28 – 30 April 2015 at the 4th Annual Aviation Stakeholders Convention.

The Convention is organised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) with the aim to create a comprehensive forum in Africa that brings together users and providers of aviation products, solutions and services all under one roof. This year’s Aviation Stakeholders Convention is expected to bring together over 350 delegates across the globe from airlines, airports, civil aviation organisations, air traffic navigation service providers, aircraft/engine manufacturers, component suppliers, IT, catering, fuel, training and other service providers to the aviation industry.

Convened under the under the theme: “Building and Sustaining Strong Partnerships” the Convention is being held under the patronage of the Department of Transport of the Republic of South Africa and will be officially opened by Honourable Dipuo Peters, the Minister of Transport. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Director for the Eastern & Southern African Office, South Africa Civil Aviation Authority Director General of Civil Aviation, South Africa Airways, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Vice President for Africa and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Secretary General are among the event keynote speakers.

Secretary General of AFRAA, Dr. Elijah Chingosho, said: “This is an initiative by AFRAA to create a platform for users and suppliers of aviation products, solutions and services to convene and discuss industry trends, network and forge beneficial partnerships with the view to ultimately improve the aviation support base in the continent.” The event provides an outstanding brand visibility and business opportunity for industry partners and suppliers of equipment, components, solutions and services.”

He added: “Africa has huge growth opportunities for the aviation industry. This is being spurred by strong growth of African economies, a widening middle income class and the influx of foreign investments. “Our objective is to facilitate the exploitation of these opportunities by the various stakeholders including: regulators, operators, suppliers and other stakeholders in the continent through forging of win-win business relationships.”

In addition to the conference plenary sessions, the programme has been structured to incorporate scheduled one-to-one appointments where delegates can schedule exclusive meetings with airlines, selected airports, CAAs, IATA, ICAO and AFRAA. There will also be master classes where cutting edge ideas, industry best practices, new opportunities and practical solutions will be presented and discussed.