Tony Tyler
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The African
Union Commission (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
expand strategic cooperation on air transport in Africa.
As seen on THE GUARDIAN
Specifically, the partnership aims to further the continent’s
economic and social development with the benefits of safe, efficient and
sustainable air transport in the region.
The MoU was signed by the IATA’s Director General, Tony Tyler, and
AU’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Elham Mahmoud Ahmed
Ibrahim.The agreement focuses on the exchange of information, expertise
and capabilities in a number of areas including: enhancing security
through intelligence-driven, risk-based measures and enhancing safety.
Other focuses are reducing accident rates in line with global levels of performance; promoting connectivity; facilitating collaborative decision making in air traffic management and improving 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.
Tyler said: “Africa is set to be one of the fastest-growing aviation
regions with five per cent annual growth forecast over the next 20
years. Achieving this potential will not happen by chance; strong
partnerships are key.
“This MoU will help ensure that global standards and best practices
form the backbone of Africa’s growth as well as 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,” said
Tyler.
Ibrahim, on his part said that IATA was a strategic partner in the
growth of African aviation, adding that the MoU would commit the two
organisations to even closer cooperation on the priorities for African
aviation.
He said: “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. We are, indeed, dedicated to global
best practice as a fundamental for sustained growth in aviation in
Africa,” Ibrahim said.
The MoU paves the way for further development in African aviation.
The industry already supports 6.8 million jobs and generates $72.5
billion of economic activity on the continent.
