News Highlights:
- The 56th AFRAA Annual General Assembly addressed critical challenges such as aircraft financing, sustainability, and innovation in African hubs.
- AFRAA unveiled its Route Intelligence Portal, offering analytical tools for network expansion and underserved market opportunities.
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) successfully concluded its 56th Annual General Assembly (AGA), hosted by EgyptAir under the patronage of the Egyptian government.
Digital TimesNG reports that the event gathered over 600 delegates from 60 countries to deliberate on strategies to transform and develop Africa’s aviation sector.
Held under the theme “Transform and Develop the Airline Industry in Africa”, the Assembly focused on critical issues including aircraft financing, sustainable airline operations, innovation in African hubs, and achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050.
Discussions also highlighted gender diversity, technological advancements, and adapting to global industry shifts.
Eng. Yehia Zakaria, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company and 2024 AFRAA President, underscored the need for collaboration and sustainability, stating, “The challenges we have faced in recent years—whether due to global economic shifts, the impact of the pandemic, or rising fuel costs—have tested our resilience.
“Yet, these challenges have also provided us with unique opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and grow. Strengthening partnerships is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding networks. The aviation industry plays a vital role in addressing climate change. Together, we can set an example for future generations, ensuring that air travel remains viable for years to come.”
AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, praised the industry’s resilience post-pandemic and called for sustained focus on connectivity, infrastructure, and sustainability to build a robust aviation ecosystem.
He stated that the industry has not only recovered from the disruptions caused by the pandemic but has also shown significant growth, with many African airlines surpassing pre-pandemic operating levels, noting that this resilience is evidence of the industry’s strength and adaptability.
“In the coming years, we will need to focus on critical areas such as increasing the efficiency of our operations, developing a more resilient and diversified aviation ecosystem, and continuing our work toward a more sustainable industry.”
“Our vision, leadership, and collaboration will make Africa’s air transport successful. Together, we will overcome challenges and lay a solid foundation for remarkable future achievements.” Mr. Berthé concluded.
While Kenya Airways was elected Chairman of AFRAA’s Executive Committee, with LAM Mozambique and Tunisair as Vice Chairmen, TAAG Angola Airlines will host the 57th AGA in Luanda, Angola, from November 30 to December 2, 2025.
As part of the pre-AGA activities, AFRAA staged the second edition of the AFRAA CEOs retreat on 17 November 2024. The CEOs retreat is an initiative 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 made recommendations for AFRAA’s 2026-2030 Strategic plan for a stronger Association to champion the development of the airline industry in Africa.
AFRAA launched the Route Intelligence Portal to provide member airlines with analytical tools for network expansion and underserved market opportunities. Additionally, annual awards recognized top performers in African aviation, with Ethiopian Airlines named “Airline of the Year – Global Operations.”
On November 20, AFRAA, EgyptAir, and the Ninety-Nines International Women Pilots’ African Section hosted a youth outreach program under the theme “Transforming Skies, Developing Leaders”. The event inspired 50 students with hands-on aviation experiences, including facility tours and simulator sessions.
AFRAA’s 2025 priorities include enhancing safety, connectivity, and sustainability while advancing its long-term strategy. The AGA reinforced a collective vision for an innovative and competitive African aviation industry, charting a transformative path for the continent’s air transport sector.