The International Air Transport Association (IATA), has said that aviation in Africa supported more than 6.9 million jobs on the continent and generated over 80 billion dollars in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In a statement by its Corporate Communication Unit on Wednesday in Abuja, IATA stated that the continent’s aviation sector also carried over 70 million passengers a year.
According to the statement, over the next five years, the African economy is predicted to grow at a strong 4.7 per cent per year, well above the global average rate.
The association, however, stated that for the continent to realise its full economic potential, aviation, particularly commercial air transport, must be prioritised.
The statement quoted Mr Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President Africa, IATA, as saying that governments and organisations needed to focus not only on national issues but also on the strategic development of pan-African aviation.
“Policies that promote investment in air transport infrastructure, improve safety and enhance air connectivity must be implemented.
“Aviation has the potential to make a much more significant contribution to economic growth and development within the continent if its power is unleashed,” Kuuchi said.
The association also announced that the 2016 Aviation Day Africa with “Driving African Economies through the Power of Aviation” as theme would take place in Abuja on May 23 and 24.
“The conference will bring together regional stakeholders to address current issues affecting aviation in Africa, including the proliferation of taxes and charges, public-private partnerships, aviation, safety, security, next generation airports and market connectivity.
“The conference is a great opportunity for Africa’s key stakeholders to debate the industry’s most pressing issues and align actions to address the challenges,’’ it stated.
According to the statement, the Africa Day Conference speaker line-up reflects a broad spectrum of aviation stakeholders from governments, policy makers, regulators, airlines and manufactures.
