All is set for the 55th African Airlines Association Annual General Assembly, to be hosted by Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of the East African country.
According to Chimpreports, the event, which will take place at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo between November 19-21, 2023, is expected to attract over 500 high-profile delegates from the aviation industry in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
“The AFRAA Annual General Assembly is the biggest aviation summit in Africa and will be attended by chairmen and CEOs from African airlines, ICAO, IATA, AFCAC, civil aviation authorities, airport companies, air Navigation service providers, as well as aircraft and engine manufacturers, component suppliers, among others,” said Works Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala on Tuesday in Kampala.
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He said this was a vote of confidence in the country and an indication that the revival of the national carrier was not in vain. “I wish to therefore congratulate the leadership of Uganda Airlines on this achievement in such a short time despite the bumpy start that was aggravated by COVID-19,” said Katumba, “For the airline to host such an event in just 3 years of operationalization, shows firm and visionary leadership.”
AFRAA is headed by Jeniffer Bamuturaki, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines. Katumba said that with the airline hosting the 55th AFRAA Annual General Assembly, Uganda is set to be marketed on a global stage. “The delegates will enjoy the beauty of nature by visiting our game parks and trekking gorillas and immersing themselves in our culture, food, hospitality, and warmth that Uganda is known for,” said Katumba.
“The event also brings to life optimism in the aviation sector and justification to nurture the next generation of aviators to grow the industry,” the Minister emphasised, adding, “The Government is committed to supporting the airline to ensure unimpeded preparations and alignment of all concerned sectors to ensure that the event is a success.”
Bamuturaki said when she took over leadership of AFRAA, she promised to cut the bureaucracy and red tape of regulatory regimes that impede intra-Africa connectivity and create pathways for increased partnerships and collaboration within the continent to reduce the fragility of start-up airlines. She also committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable operations of airlines on the continent by taking bold steps to invest in research and advocate for open skies through fully operationalizing the Yamoussoukro declarations.
“I believe that this year’s Annual General Assembly will embark on a journey to address these issues and fragility points that the industry grapples with,” said Katumba. “I also look forward to plenaries that will discuss industry action-based topics dear to my heart, like increasing safe spaces for women to thrive in aviation, creating optimism for the youth in the industry, and beyond sustainability.” The event will also bring together cross-industry players in tourism, regulation, and taxation that impact the industry.
